Glass and Out

In episode #275, we're revisiting one of the highlights of last year's TCS Live conference. International speaker, best-selling author and Founder of the Changing the Game Project John O’Sullivan took to the stage to share how to take your coaching from transactional to transformational. O'Sullivan has dedicated his life to enhancing the experience kids have with youth sports by educating and inspiring the adults in the equation, namely their coaches and parents. He’s been featured on CNN, ESPN and NBC Sports, along with speaking at TEDx, and to the US Olympic Committee, US Soccer, USA Wrestling, USA Swimming, US Ski and Snowboard, Ireland Rugby and Australian Rugby League. And with that in mind, Our team at The Coaches Site are excited to announce that we have collaborated with John on a course focused on the How To’s of Transformational Coaching. You can learn more about the course here. Listen as he shares why great coaches win the relationship game, why we must be outcome aware but driven by process, and why every coach has the ability to change a person's life for the better.

In episode #274, we sat down with Bert Gilling, Head Coach of Mount Royal University, at Hockey Calgary’s Leadership Day. The event brings together hundreds of coaches from across Calgary to kick off the season, break bread over dinner, hear technical presentations, a keynote speaker, and of course the Glass and Out Podcast.  In 2014, Gilling was named the Head Coach of Mount Royal University, a program he has turned into a perennial contender in Canadian University Hockey or USports. Currently, the Cougars are tied for first place in the Canada West Conference and off to a 7-1 start. Listen as he shares how to design an optimal practice environment, building two-way relationships with your players, and the need for more mentorship in youth hockey.

In episode #273, we're honored to welcome Army West Point Head Coach Brian Riley. At the end of this season, Riley, who has been the Head Coach at Army since 2004, and prior to that an Assistant Coach for the program for an additional 12 seasons, is retiring.  Combined with his father, who coached at Army for 36 seasons, and brother Rob, who coached 19 seasons, the Riley family has spent for over 75 consecutive seasons in charge of the Black Knights program. To say that the Riley family is a part of the DNA of the United States Military Academy would be an understatement. Listen as he shares what makes West Point the preeminent leadership insitution in the world, carrying the responsibility of honoring every player's legacy, and why creating the power of of one is the key to overcoming any obstacle.

In episode #272, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Iowa Wild GM Matt Hendricks at the Minnesota High School Hockey Coaches Association’s Fall Clinic for a live interview. Prior to being named the GM, Hendricks spent five seasons as the Wild’s Assistant Director of Player Development. Of course, prior to that he suited up for over 600 NHL games, spending time with the Avalanche, Capitals, Oilers, Jets and Wild. Growing up, he captained Blaine High School to a Minnesota State Championship and if you’ve never spent time in Minnesota, that is a HUGE deal in that part of the world. Listen as he shares what makes hockey in Minnesota so special, why there's no forward button on player development, and why small area games are key, even at the NHL level.

Scott Jones, Player Development Consultant for the Vegas Golden Knights, shares his expertise in hockey skill enhancement. He emphasizes the need to slow down training to master essential skills. Jones discusses how hockey is fundamentally about recognizing patterns, which is crucial for young players. He highlights the current gaps in youth training, urging a tailored approach that focuses on core skills. Additionally, he advocates for effective coaching strategies that encourage learning through manageable drills and foster a deeper understanding of the game.

Cail MacLean, the Assistant Coach for the Calgary Flames, has journeyed from the ECHL to the NHL while emphasizing principles over rigid systems. He delves into the significance of creating game-like practices that enhance player skills and understanding. Cail also discusses the importance of mentorship, camaraderie among alumni, and how outside influences, from music to tech culture, can inspire coaching philosophies. His innovative approach prioritizes team identity and balances structure with creativity, fostering a positive and engaging environment for players.

In episode #269, we're excited to have Rachel Flanagan, Assistant Coach of the newly named Toronto Sceptres of the PWHL, stop by. Now heading into her second season with Toronto, she previously spent 16 seasons building the University of Guelph into a perennial contender, including a National Championship in 2019 Rachel presented at our inaugural TCS Live at St. Andrew's College in September and showed how you can manipulate your opponents forecheck by owning and breaking out through the middle of the ice. Stay tuned for that coming soon on The Coaches Site! Listen as she shares the importance of constantly evolving your team, tips on building confidence to take risks, and why leading with a question is always the key to learning and growth.

In episode #268, we're joined by Ben Barr, who is entering his 4th season as the Head Coach of the University of Maine Black Bears. Maine hockey was a wagon through 90’s capturing two National Championships under the legendary Shawn Walsh, and would remain in contention up until 2007 under Tim Whitehead. But since then, the program had made only one tournament appearance, in 2012, until last spring when they were again recognized in the National rankings and returned to the big dance under Barr's leadership. Listen as he shares how he's helped revive the Black Bears program, dealing with the challenge of a losing season, and why it's important to find the value in players other than goals and assists.

In episode #267, we welcome back former Glass and Out guest and presenter at last June's TCS Live, Mitch Love. Mitch is heading into his second season as an Assistant Coach with the Washington Capitals.  When he last joined the show, he was coming off his first season as the Head Coach of the WHL’s Saskatoon Blades in 2019. Since then, he spent two seasons as the Head Coach of the Calgary Flames AHL affiliate, winning back to back coach of the year Awards. Needless to say, at 40 years old, Mitch is one of the top young coaches in the game. Listen as he shares how the Capitals are preparing heading into training camp, why you have to stay on top of your players when it comes to details, and why breaking out the puck is an underrated skill that every defencemen needs to have.

In this engaging discussion, Brad Treliving, the General Manager of the Toronto Maple Leafs, shares his insights on the evolution of player development in hockey. He recounts his journey from launching a hockey league in Texas to prioritizing mental health within the sport. Treliving emphasizes the need for tailored coaching and effective communication to foster talent. He also discusses a generous $5,000 donation to HEROS, a charity empowering marginalized youth through hockey, showcasing the importance of giving back to the community.