The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on one of the top hockey strength and conditioning coaches in the world, Matt Nichol.  Matt is based out of Ontario and trains some of the top players in hockey, along with Olympic athletes in many other sports. This was an awesome conversation where we hit on the importance of strength and conditioning, but Matt also brings us into the mind of elite level athletes...and the top athletes in the world.  If you want to know what it takes to be at that level, and how to find a way to get as close to your potential as you can, this episode will be a great one for you. Big thanks to Matt for coming on the podcast, and big thanks to our sponsors GELSTX and TrainHeroic as well. And as always, thank you to our supporters and fans who continue to inspire us to bring the best guests on we can! Matt is at the top of that list, hope you enjoy this episode! *Opening music: Forget the Whale - Take to the Skies (Instrumental)

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on NHL veteran of over 700 games and a former 4th overall draft Bryan Allen! Bryan has some amazing hockey experience and is bringing that as a passionate youth hockey coach now, and we get into some really thought-provoking conversations around the state of youth hockey today.  This is a great episode for all involved in the youth hockey experience! Thanks to Bryan, and thank you to our title sponsor GELSTX, Jeff's training App TrainHeroic, and all of our great listeners in the hockey world! *Opening music: Forget the Whale - Take to the Skies (Instrumental)

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on one of the most inspiring guests we've ever had on in so many different ways, Craig Cunningham. Craig defied the odds to make it to the NHL as an undersized player, but an incident while he was playing in the AHL for the Tucson Roadrunners changed his life forever.  During a game, he suffered cardiac arrest and collapsed on the ice. Miraculously, he was revived due to the incredible work by doctors.  Craig has persevered through that challenge, including losing part of one of his legs in a surgery, to be an inspiration to so many, including those he works with in player development. We touch on his recovery, but this was an AWESOME talk on hockey and hockey development. Craig is as passionate as they come about the game, and you are going to love this episode! Thank you to GELSTX our title sponsor...visit gelstx.com and use the coupon code "THINKTANK" for a discount off a training stick. Thank you to TrainHeroic, Jeff's slick training app that houses all his workouts. And thank you to our listeners for all of your support for our podcast.  This is a special episode, let us know what you think by shooting us a review wherever you get your podcasts today! *Opening music: Forget the Whale - Take to the Skies (Instrumental)

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring back on Patrick O'Sullivan, former NHL player now working in hockey development with youth all the way up to the NHL levels.  Patrick is one of the smartest hockey minds in the game, and we all will get better from listening to this one! We talk: -How to find space on the ice -What it really means to play well defensively -Developing to a role vs. developing the player -Teaching the importance of the players without the puck -MUCH MORE Thanks to GELSTX our title sponsor who has the best training sticks in the game! Thanks to TrainHeroic, the App where you can find Jeff's training regimens. And thank you to our loyal listeners! Shoot us a rating or review wherever you get your podcast today to provide us some feedback as well! *Opening music: Forget the Whale - Take to the Skies (Instrumental)

HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT FROM THE HOCKEY THINK TANK!!! We have made a Hockey Parent Survival Guide for all hockey parents out there looking for some guidance on the craziness that is youth hockey. As a former college recruiter, I've gotten the chance to speak with hundreds of families...and one of the biggest sources of their stress is that they all have trouble navigating their son or daughter's youth hockey journey. So...we made this easy-to-use Survival Guide to help all families put their kids in the best position to achieve their dreams while also helping them to destress and enjoy the process as well! On this podcast, we preview the Hockey Parent Survival Guide by talking about all 12 topics represented in the course. Those topics include: Choosing a Team The Car Ride Home Life Skills Built in Hockey Playing Multiple Sports vs Specialization Parent Culture Parent/Coach Communication Off Ice Insight (w/ Jeff LoVecchio) Breaking Down the Costs of Hockey What's Your Why? Advisors 101 Junior Hockey - Explained Pathway to College Hockey If you'd like to purchase this survival guide, it's only $25 and because we love you if you use the coupon code "HOCKEY" at checkout you can get it for $19.99. 20 bucks for peace of mind on the youth hockey process...that's a deal! Visit: http://thehockeythinktank.teachable.com/p/parent-survival-guide to purchase today!! *Opening music: Forget the Whale - Take to the Skies (Instrumental)

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on Drew Laine...and get educated about the world of hockey equipment.  We live at a time where the cost of equipment is pricing people out of the sport, but Drew and his colleagues created a company to combat the problem and creatively brought the hockey world together in the process.  This was an inspiring conversation in so many ways, and the meaning of service and compassion come full swing.  Thank you for listening! *Opening music: Forget the Whale - Take to the Skies (Instrumental)

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on one of our most inspiring guests, Ben Eaves.  Ben comes from an amazing hockey family and lead an incredible hockey career that included National Championships at the youth level with Shattuck St. Mary's and in college at Boston College. In this episode, we talked to Ben about: -Growing up and having support from a great hockey family. -Using adversity as an opportunity to learn and grow. -Playing through injuries (WHAT A STORY ABOUT SENDING BC TO THE FROZEN FOUR PLAYING ON ONE LEG) -Much, much more.  We got better as hosts from learning from Ben and his enthusiasm on this podcast, and we know our listeners will too. He might be the most well-liked people in the hockey industry, and it will come to no surprise for anyone that listens to this episode. Check it out! *Opening music: Forget the Whale - Take to the Skies (Instrumental)

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on former NHL player and one of Jeff's old teammates Casey Borer! This was an awesome conversation where we talked: -Growing up in MN -Playing at Shattuck St. Mary's with so many future NHL players -Persevering through a possible career ending injury to come back and play in the NHL -Playing professional hockey around the world This was a fun and insightful conversation...enjoy! *Opening music: Forget the Whale - Take to the Skies (Instrumental)

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, Jeff & Topher get in depth on the structures, skills, habits, and principles of effective Offensive and Defensive Zone play.  Another episode of some pure hockey talk...hope you enjoy! *Opening music: Forget the Whale - Take to the Skies (Instrumental)

On this episode of the Hockey Think Tank podcast, we bring on one of my best friends in the business and the most positive person I know, Nick Petraglia.  Trags and I coached together for one year at Miami-Ohio and we've stayed close ever since...going through the many ups, downs, and amazing times together through our journeys coaching college hockey. We talk: -The powerhouse of Shattuck St. Mary's -The transition from playing to coaching -The building championship cultures (we won the CCHA championship and coached Hobey Baker winner Andy Miele our year coaching together) -Transitioning into youth hockey from coaching in college   This is one of my favorite episodes we've done...guaranteed to uplift your spirits!  *Opening music: Forget the Whale - Take to the Skies (Instrumental)