Glass and Out

In episode #285, we welcome Head Coach of the Windsor Spitfires, Greg Walters, someone who has thrived on his ability to be consistent and has never had a losing season. He is currently in his first season with the Spitfires following a year suspension that involved an inappropriate altercation with another Owen Sound employee. In this episode, he shares what he learned from that experience and we believe it’s something that all coaches can benefit from hearing. Following eight seasons as an Assistant Coach with the Sarnia Sting to begin his coaching journey, Walters took over the Georgetown Raiders of the Ontario Jr A league for eight seasons, guiding them to 295 wins, a league championship and earning himself both coach and executive of the year honors. He would then return to the OHL as a Head Coach in Oshawa and Owen Sound, before landing in Windsor following the aforementioned suspension. Listen as he shares what he learned from incident that led to his suspension and the work he's done to overcome it, why good defence starts with breaking out the puck, and creating a culture of quality and self-evaluation.

In episode #284, we're joined by the Manager of Goalie Development for USA Hockey, Steve Thompson. It’s no secret that the US has become a bit of a goaltending factory. For example, last season, of the goalies who played a minimum of 15 games in the NHL, four of the top six, seven of the top 11, and nine of the top 20 in save percentage were American. As Thompson explains it, this surge in goaltending development starts with focusing at  the grassroot levels. The native of Alaska played college hockey at the University of Alaska Fairbanks and immediately jumped into developing the next wave of goalies upon graduation. As you’re about to hear, Thompson's enthusiasm for the position is contagious, and much of what he offers from a development perspective applies to players of all positions. Listen as he shares why retention should be a youth coaches number one measure of success, why every goal against is an opportunity to learn, and the importance of keeping your goalies in mind during practice planning.

For episode #283, we welcome former TCS contributor and current Head Coach of the University of Minnesota-Duluth women's program, Laura Schuler. Schuler has enjoyed a remarkable and diverse career that has seen her be on the forefront of the evolution of the Women's game as both a player and coach,  including leading some of the most talented teams, both internationally and at the NCAA level. That includes being named the Head Coach Canada’s National Team in 2015 and leading the program to a Silver medal at the 2018 Olympics. Make sure to check out her TCS series, Finding the Details with Laura Schuler for a break down of the the key details and habits that are critical to creating consistency in your team’s play. Listen as she shares why hockey is one the best labrotories for life lessons, why coaches should be focusing on tendencies in prescouts, and becoming a threat by creating a predictable structure.

Happy New Years! For episode #282, we thought we’d kick off the second half of the season by going back and looking at our most popular content on The Coaches Site from this past year. And to help us reflect on our biggest year yet, we've recruited our Director of Content, Derek Jory. You know how great teams have “Glue Guys” or teammates that ensure everyone feels important and that the rink is a destination? Well, Derek is that person on our TCS team. He has a unique background in that he spent 13 years with the Vancouver Canucks as their lead content writer for their website and social media channels. He is also is the MC of TCS Live and has become the star of the show with his wardrobe, larger than life hair and dad jokes. Listen as we look back at the top 5 articles, TCS Live presentations, community content, and podcasts of the year. If you want to learn what goes on behind the scenes at The Coaches Site, you’re going to enjoy this episode.

For episode #281, we're joined by a very special guest to help get you all set for this year's World Junior Championships. As a part of TSN's WJC coverage, Ray Ferraro had a front row seat at the tournament for 12 consecutive seasons. During that time, he saw some incredible players and games, and is here to share some of those highlights. Ferraro is of course a former NHL player who suited up for over 1,200 games. He currently works for ESPN and is one of the best analysts in hockey, and more than anything, is as passionate about the game as they come. Listen as he shares standout teams and players during his time broadcasting the tournament, his broadcasting origins, and some incredible travel stories. 

In episode #280, we welcome Todd Nelson, Head Coach of the Hershey Bears and reigning winner of the Louis AR Pieri Memorial Award as the AHL's outstanding coach. Nelson and the Bears are coming off back-to-back Calder Cup championships and looking to add a third consectuvie this season. He is only the third person to capture the trophy as a player, an Assistant Coach and a Head Coach, and overall has been a part of eight championship teams throughout his playing and coaching career. Having already made three stops in the NHL, twice as an Assistant Coach with Atlanta and Dalals and once as a Head Coach with Edmonton, we wouldn't doubt his call up to the top league is coming soon. Listen as he shares why creating a family atmosphere is key to team culture, why you need to have a purpose to every drill, and why winning is the best form of development.

Craig Custance, Head of Creative Development at The Athletic and author of "The Franchise: The Business of Building Winning Teams," shares insights from leading figures in hockey. He delves into essential leadership traits and the significance of team culture. Custance discusses the evolving nature of management in the NHL, emphasizing inclusivity and effective communication. He also highlights emerging leaders like Megan Duggan and reflects on the importance of storytelling in sports leadership, offering inspirational insights for aspiring GMs.

In episode #278, Kim Weiss, Video Coach of the Colorado Eagles, stops by to chat. She is a trail blazer who has relied on one tried and true method to advancing in her coaching career: learning how to make the players better. Previously, she would become the first female to earn a win as a Head Coach in North American junior hockey with the Maryland Black Bears and was also named an Assistant Coach with the mens team at Trinity College, her alma mater, making her the first female to coach at the NCAA level on the male side. In addition, Weiss is a two-time TCS Live presenter, covering Strategy for OT and Shootouts and Incorporating Wall Play into Practice. Listen as she shares advice for aspiring female coaches, why coaching is all about helping players get better and why wall play is an undertaught skill.

In episode #277, we had the pleasure of being joined by Duante' Abercrombie, who will be leading Tennessee State University as Head Coach in their inaugural season as a Div. 1 hockey program next season. In the process, TSU will become the first HBCU(Historically Black College or University) hockey program in history. A glance at Abercrombie's resume leaves no doubt that he is the right person to lead the Tigers. That includes his time as an Assistant Coach with Stevenson University, becoming just the fourth coach of colour at that time in the NCAA. Professionally, he spent the 2022-23 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs organizations and has also been a part of several NHL BIPOC programs, spending time with the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators and Arizona Coyotes. Last year, he was nominated for Willie O’Ree Community Hero Award for his work with the Washington Capitals' Black Hockey Committee and the Rising Stars Academy. Listen as he shares what the new role at TSU means to him, how hockey can be used to connect people of all backgrounds, and the importance of wanting someone else to win more than you do.

In episode #276, we welcome Ottawa Senators Assistant Coach Ben Sexton, who presented at TCS Live 2024 on the fundamentals of the penalty kill. After retiring early from his playing career due to concussions, Sexton fell into the coaching arena when Mike Valluci, his Head Coach with the Wilkes-Barrie Penguins, offered him the opportunity to join the coaching staff while he was recovering from his injuries. The following season he stepped behind the bench full time with the AHL’s Belleville Senators. Three seasons later, he was promoted to the big club, where he and the rest of Travis Green’s staff are looking to lead the Sens to the post season for the first time since 2017. Listen as he shares why today's players are having trouble processing the game, why teams need to believe in their structure and details, and embracing the philosophy of thinking like a player and acting like a coach.