
The Hockey Think Tank Podcast
The Hockey Think Tank Podcast brings incredible stories, interviews, and great perspective from some of the top hockey minds in the game. Hosted by Topher Scott & Jeff LoVecchio, our podcast will educate and inspire all those that love the game! For all the players, coaches, and hockey parents out there...make this your Go-To show on your way to the rink!
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Latest episodes

Feb 21, 2025 • 11min
FRIDAY FACEOFF - DO I NEED TO MOVE MY KID FOR BETTER HOCKEY?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss the controversial topic of moving your kid at a young age in hopes to find “better hockey.” We use Team USA from the Four Nations Faceoff to talk about this topic.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
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Feb 19, 2025 • 11min
SHORT SHIFTS - BREAKAWAYS
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about breakaways and how to score more goals on them.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair
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Feb 17, 2025 • 1h 3min
How to Find the Best Version of Yourself Through Discipline With Guest Craig Ballantyne, Business & Life Coach - EP 352
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Craig Ballantyne, author of the upcoming book The Dark Side of Discipline. Ballantyne turned from coach to entrepreneur and has helped thousands of people find the best version of themselves.
In this episode we talk about:
— Ballantyne’s new book The Dark Side of Discipline
— Trying to avoid chasing things that are good for others, but may not be good for you
— Creating a specific definition for your success and what you want to achieve
— Reframing the way you think and talk about yourself
AND SO MUCH MORE!
Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!
And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

Feb 14, 2025 • 11min
FRIDAY FACEOFF - IS THE NTDP WORTH IT?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to know if USA Hockey should be allocating the resources they currently are to the National Team Development Program. Listen as we discuss both sides of the argument.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
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TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

Feb 12, 2025 • 11min
SHORT SHIFTS - HOW TO DEFEND INCREDIBLE OZONE PUCK MOVEMENT
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how to defend against teams that move the puck fast and really well in their offensive zone.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
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Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 28min
The Rink Shrinks & the HTT Team Up to Take on Youth Hockey - EP 351
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Mike Mottau and Brian Yandle from The Rink Shrinks podcast. We are very excited to announce that they have joined our community to help bring positive change to the hockey world, so be sure to join us at Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com to not miss a moment of our collaboration!
In this episode we talk about:
— What the HTT community is and how to join
— Jeff and Topher’s hockey career and their path to starting the HTT
— How the best players are the best athletes
— How our goal is to make the game fun and make sure players want to come back
AND SO MUCH MORE!
Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!
And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

Feb 7, 2025 • 11min
FRIDAY FACEOFF - TAGE THOMPSON HIT?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the recent hit on Tage Thompson from the Buffalo Sabres. After a brutal hit to the head, there was no response from his teammates. Let’s talk about the importance of sticking up for your teammates.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

Feb 5, 2025 • 11min
SHORT SHIFTS - DOG DAYS OF THE SEASON
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what to do as a coach during the dog days of the hockey season to keep spirits high and break up the monotony of the season.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!
Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 9min
Let's Talk Mental Skills for Coaches, Parents, & Players With Guest David Franco, Mental Performance Coach - EP 350
This week Topher and Jeff talk with David Franco, Mental Performance Coach for the Texas Rangers, where he was part of their '23 World Series Championship. Franco played baseball at the D1 Level for Miami of Ohio University, and has since worked with baseball and hockey players on the mental skills side.
In this episode we talk about:
— How coaches can't help with the mental aspect during the game, so they need to prepare their players for when it matters most
— Encouraging players to make mistakes and try new things
— The importance of establishing your individual goals as a coach, sticking to them, and not letting outside pressure influence you
— “Being a palm tree” and making your routines work for you
AND SO MUCH MORE!
Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!
And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

Jan 31, 2025 • 14min
FRIDAY FACEOFF - IS ANY PLAYER ABOVE THE TEAM STANDARD?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about upholding team standards and rules for every player, no matter their skill. We use a recent event involving Brayden Point from the Tampa Bay Lightning as an example.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank