The Hockey Factories Podcast is back for Season 2! TCS Contributor Matt Dumouchelle gives you an exclusive listen to the coaches, managers and players from some of the top hockey development program's in the world.

Check out this exclusive listen of episode 1, where we take a look at how science has crept into the sports world, maybe nowhere as clearly as Zug in Switzerland.

Dumouchelle gets to fan-girl a bit and we'll talk about skills that are becoming more prevalent like read and react and another that we seem to be losing because of the overwhelming increase of individual skills training.

Subscribe on now on Apple and Spotfiy to hear every episode from Season 1 and 2.

In episode #265 and the season finale, we welcome Lee Moffie, Co-Founder of State & Liberty Clothing Company.

As you likely know, State & Liberty is the presenting sponsor of Glass and Out. Their line of performance clothing designed for athletic men is worn by athletes in the NHL, NFL, MLB, NCAA, UFC and almost every other professional league.

During our recent trip to Ann Arbor for TCS Live, Moffie and his teamn were gracious enough to host a VIP event for our community at their flagship store the night before the conference. That included a sit down with Moffie, who also happens to be a former University of Michigan hockey alumni.

Listen as he shares the story of founding a clothing company with no past experience in the idustry, leadership lessons he's taken from his career in hockey, and tips on creating a culture for high functioning teams.

In episode #256 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we revisit PWHL Ottawa and Czech Women's National Team Head Coach Carla MacLeod’s presentation on creating authentic connections, which she delivered at last year’s TCS Live coaching conference.

As you know, our flagship event, TCS Live, is coming up June 20-22 at the University of Michigan. Every year, the best presentations to come out of the event are linked to the presenters or coaches lived experience. The information is somehow linked to a challenge, adversity they’ve faced or a triumph.

In her presentation, MacLeod uses her experience of leading the Czech Team as the backdrop for how coaches create authentic connections with their players to drive performance on the ice.

Listen as she shares the four ingredients for team success, strategies for getting to know players, and why coaching is a privilege.

In episode #255 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome former NHL player and current Skill Development Coach for the Nashville Predators, Sébastien Bordeleau.

Coming up in Junior hockey, Bordeleau possessed a ton of offensive skill, which led to him being drafted by his hometown Montreal Canadiens in the 3rd round. However, as his pro career unfolded, he had the foresight to develop a new set of skills that would serve him as a bottom 6, penalty killing checker.

It's this experience that has served him well in his current role, both in terms of how he relates to the players he works with, but also in recognizing the importance of equipping players with a wide range of tools.

Listen as he discusses why instinct is the hardest skill to develop in hockey, utilizing small area games at the NHL level, and the success of hockey in Nashville.

In episode #254 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by seven-time Stanley Cup Champion and someone who is woven into the fabric of some of the best NHL teams of all-time, Barry Smith.

Smith spent 18 years behind an NHL bench, capturing back to back championships with the Pittsburgh Penguins as an Assistant Coach, three Cups riding shotgun with Scotty Bowman in Detroit, and two more with the Chicago Blackhawks as their Director of Player Evaluation.

His resume also includes time coaching Sweden, Russia, the NCAA, he got his NHL start with his hometown Buffalo Sabres and was even an Assistant Coach to Wayne Gretzky in Phoenix.

Smith be sharing his wealth of knowledge this June at TCS Live.

Listen as he shares his philosphy on developing hockey sense, working with coaching legend Scotty Bowman, and what it takes to win hockey's ultimate prize.

In episode #253 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome friend of the show, former presenter at TCS Live and one of the top young coaches in the game, Brennan Sonne.

At the time of this release, Sonne is leading the Saskatoon Blades in the first round of the WHL playoffs. This past season, his third at the helm, the Blades reached the 50 win mark for just the third time in franchise history, and captured the organization’s fifth regular season WHL crown.

At 36, Sonne is already over 10 years into his coaching journey, and to date hasn’t been shy about exposing himself to a variety of experiences and challenges.

Listen as he shares why confidence is a choice to make the next right decision, why playing good defence really comes down to compete, and what he learned trying to stop Connor Bedard.

In episode #252 of the Glass and Out Podcast, our guest is Philipp Pinter, the Head Coach of both Austria’s U18 and U20 National Teams.

If you didn’t grow up in Austria and play for the National Team, then it might be easy to focus on the reasons why Austria can’t be successful internationally. But Pinter doesn’t seem overly concerned with that. What he does seem focused on is creating a learning environment that makes his passion for hockey and representing Austria internationally contagious.

In addition to his coaching role with hockey Austria, he was recently named the Sports Manager for the Graz 99ers hockey club.

Listen as he shares why you have to first set yourself on fire before inspiring others, being your authentic self as a coach, and the importance of being an active listener

In episode #251 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by the USHL’s Vice-President of Hockey Operations, Ian Gentile.

In his role, Gentile has his hands in a numbers of areas that influence player development. His job description includes the USHL's central registry and drafts, player safety and supplemental discipline. The league's recent success has resulted in it becoming a major source of NHL talent. In fact, last season saw 51 players with USHL ties selected in the NHL, marking the 6th consecutive draft that over 50 players had been chosen.

Previous to his role with the USHL, Gentile spent 13 years with the Chicago Blackhawks that saw him hold the role of Senior Manager of Player Development and win three Stanley Cup Championships.

Listen as he shares the importance of putting an emphasis on the mental wellness of players, why parents should be encouraging their kids to play multiple sports, and why the USHL has become a major source of NHL talent.

In episode #250 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome Head Coach of the Boston University Women's Team, Tara Watchorn.

She is in the midst of her first season of leading her alma mater and is only the second coach in the program’s history, taking over from the coach she both played for, and who brought her back as a Assistant Coach, Brian Durocher. 

You can catch her this June at TCS Live, hockey's premiere coaching conference.

Listen as she shares her strategy on making efficient line changes, why it's important to let player's become leaders of their own career, and how the PWHL has impacted the aspirations of young female players.

Hey everyone! We're taking a pause the pod this week, as we're hosting the Global Skills Showcase!

The 5 day virtual event features five of the world's top hockey skills coaches, as they dive deep into the key elements and fundamental skills needed to develop elite hockey players.

Find out more about how to join here!

In episode #249 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by Cody Royle, who holds the position of Coach of Head Coaches.

Royle coached Aussie rules football at an elite level before leading Canada’s men’s National team. He is also a coach to 17 Head Coaches across 6 different teams sports, in 5 countries. These coaches are some of the top performers in their respective sports. His work is connected to the belief that the greatest advantage in professional sports is in optimizing the Head Coach.

You can catch Royle this June at TCS Live, hockey's premiere coaching conference.

Listen as he shares why teams become their leaders, why fear is a player's number one obstacle to success, and coaching isn't an art or science, but a craft.

We close out our look at the five selected presenters for this year’s Global Skills Showcase with Alexandre Chénier, Founder of Hockey Developpement.

A skills coach based in Amos, Quebec, he’s a certified Hockey Canada skills coach and mentor to coaches in the Gold Medal Pathway program, and the Development Coach for Val D’or of  QMJHL.

Chénier's approach to player development is a product of his formal education as a teacher, his relationships in and outside of hockey, his experience as a father and the community he lives in. 

Listen as he shares why player development is about connecting skills, why you should always on the person before the player, and his upcoming GSS presentation on optimizing pass receptions.

In episode #264, we had the honor of being joined by Gardiner MacDougall, live and in person at last week's TCS Live coaching conference.

MacDougall presented on "Creating the "WOW" Factor from Your First Team Meeting" and also stopped by our Overtime event at the Circ Bar in downtown Ann Arbor.

He is coming off an unprecedented 3 year run, which saw him capture back to back USports National Championships with the UNB Varsity Reds, the second of which included an undefeated 43-0 season, a Gold Medal leading Canada at the U18 Championships, a Gold Medal at the FISU World University Games and a Memorial Cup Championship with the Saint John Sea Dogs. 

After 24 seasons leading the University of New Brunswick, which included 9 National Championships, Gardiner is moving on to coach the QMJHL’s Moncton Wildcats. He'll be working alongside his son Taylor, who will be the club’s General Manager.

Listen as he shares why losing can be necessary for overall team success, how to build a players confidence, and why simplicity is key to an effective practice plan.

We are rolling along with our spotlight on the presenters who will be featured at this year’s Global Skills Showcase.

In episode #247, we feature Director of Player Development and Mentorship for the Western Canada Hockey Canada, Tyler Dittmer.

Based in Brandon, Manitoba, he is also a development coach with the U18 Brandon Wheat Kings, Brandon Minor Hockey and the WHL’s Brandon Wheat Kings.

As you'll hear, Dittmer's commitment to his craft and the care he has for his players is very evident. He offers a lot in this conversation and you'll no doubt steal a few of his tips and add them to your coaching toolbox.

Listen as he shares his eight different processes for developing a skill, why coaches need to be a battery for players at practice, and his GSS presentation on creating a lethal shot.

Our visits with the five selected Global Skills Showcase presenters continues in episode #246, as we welcome GM and Player Development Coach for the Czech Knights, Adam Jonak.

The GSS shines a spotlight on the top skill development coaches in the world, their area of expertise, specifically how they teach or transfer the skills to their players, and is available exclusively to subscribers of The Coaches SIte.

Jonak, who is also the owner of ABC Hockey Development and the Development Coach for the Pilsnen Wolves Hockey Club, has had a unique career that has taken him around the globe, and equipped him with the skills to develop high end players. Specifically, if you coach youth hockey or work with younger players, I think you’re really going to enjoy this one.

Listen as he shares why youth hockey is the perfect place to build confidence in creativity, the importance of letting players make decisions, and why you should also ask the purpose of a drill before borrowing.

For episode #245, we continue our look at the five coaches selected to present at our Global Skills Showcase. Kevin Galerno is the Co-Owner and Director of Total Package Hockey London.

He also holds roles as a Player Development Coach for the AHL’s Grand Rapids Griffins and the Skills Coach of the London Knights. 

At the GSS, Galerno will be providing members of The Coaches Site the framework to help your players enhance their decision making on the ice.

Listen as he shares what to expect in his upcoming presentation, utilizing variable training, and helping players through scoring draughts.

For the next five weeks on the Glass and Out Podcast, we’re going to be featuring the five coaches selected to present at our Global Skills Showcase. The event takes place from March 4-8 and showcases five of the top skills coaches in the worlds, presenting on how they teach a specific skill or tactic. 

In episode #244, we welcome skating coach Jill Plandowski, who will be presenting on improving a player's crossovers with an emphasis on the outside edge.

Based in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Plandowski has over 25 years of coaching experience. Her client list includes current NHL players like Drake Batherson, Morgan Baron, Justin Barrohn, Liam O’Brien, Ryan Graves and Noah Dobson, along with numerous prospects in the junior and college ranks. 

Listen as she shares common skating misconceptions, what the prime age for improving a player's skating is, and why proper mechanics allow players to play with freedom of thought.

In episode #243 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we revist one of the more impactful conversations that came out of last year’s TCS Live conference, featuring University of Michigan Head Coach Brandon Naurato and Dr Kathy Babiak, a professor of Sport Management and Director of the Michigan Center for Sport & Social Responsibility.

The two discuss the burning issues facing today’s coaches, centered around Naurato's eventful 22-23 season that saw him be promoted to full-time Head Coach of the Wolverines and end with a trip to the Frozen Four. From a distance, it may have seemed like an overall success but as you’ll hear, it was a season that placed immense pressure on a first time head coach, his players, his staff, as collectively, they were tasked with facing a series of challenges that were out of their control.

Listen as he shares his philosophy of "good dudes only," why growth is only possible through failure and why it's important to show your players the real you.

In episode #242 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by Head Athletic Trainer, and Strength and Conditioning Coach of the University of North Dakota men’s hockey team. 

Poolman's reputation precedes him and it’s no secret that UND is a pipeline of NHL talent. The alumni list includes the like’s of Jonathan Toews, Zach Parise, TJ Oshie, Jake Sanderson, Ed Belfour, Brock Boeser, just to name a few. To put it in perspective, last season alone, 23 former UND players suited in the NHL. 

Listen as he shares off-ice training tips for youth players, why sleep is critical to player performance, and how to deal with stress as a coach.

In episode #241 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome Dan Ceman, Head Coach of HC Košice, the reigning Champions of the Slovakian Extraliga. 

His coaching journey, which began in 2010, has seen championships follow him at essentially every stop. Four as a Head Coach, in addition to winning two as a player. If your goal is to be a career coach, there is a lot you can take away from how he approached his career. Ultimately, it seems that a big part of his focus is creating a supportive environment for his players.

Listen as he shares why you can't win a champonship with cheating, why body language is just as important as what you say, and how to create a positive enivironment for players.

For episode #240 of the Glass and Out Podcast, ESPN's John Buccigross sits down with Quinnipiac University Head Coach Rand Pecknold for a special interview with the reigning National Champion.

While Bucci and Pecknold touch on the championship run and game itself, they also spend a lot time reflecting on Rand’s personal coaching journey, including the humbling start to his career, having to hold practices at midnight when he first arrived at Quinnipiac 30 years ago, to transitioning the program to the Div I level.

Listen as they discuss why you should never use bag skates, the mindest of attacking adversity, and how to make every practice a success.

In episode #239 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome good friend of TCS, Dr. Cassidy Preston. He is the Founder of CEP Mindset and co-host of the Beyond the X's and O's Podcast.

Dr. Preston recently released his book Mindset First and touches on how coaches and athletes can break free from focusing on results, performing with confidence and rise to the occasion.

You can check it out here.

Listen as he shares how the "Screw It" mindset can help you let go, why confidence is a word he tries to stay away from, and why coaches should avoid being too judgmental with players.

For episode #238 of the Glass and Out Podcast, our team at The Coaches Site had the chance to visit the OHL's Kitchener Rangers facilities and sit down with Head Coach Jussi Ahokas.

Ahokas is currently in his first season in North America after spending the past four seasons as the Head Coach of TPS in the Liga, Finland’s top Professional league. During that time, he was named the Alliance of European Hockey Club’s Coach of the Year, the equivalent of the Jack Adams Award across all of Europe's top professional leagues.

Listen as he shares he shares the Finnish concept of "Sisu," why you'll always get better results when people enjoy the enviornment and why positionless hockey is the future of the game.

In episode #263, we're joined by Steve Sullivan, who currently holds the position of Head Coach with the the Phoenix Jr. Coyotes 18U AAA.

Following a playing career of over 1,000 NHL games, Sullivan joined the Arizona Coyotes as a Development Coach and would eventually work his way into management and become the club’s General Manager in 2019. Following a change in ownership, he remained in Phoenix and began coaching in the Jr Coyotes program. 

Sullivan is an open book when it comes to how he develops players, runs practice and prepares players for the next stage of their career. Guaranteed you’re going to steal a thing or two. 

Listen as he shares how to improve a player's goal scoring ability, why stubbornness played a key role in his hockey journey, and why team success is about being predictable within but unpredictable to your opponent.

For episode #237 of the Glass and Out Podcast, our team at The Coaches Site hosted a private event for members of the local Vancouver tech and business community, featuring a live interview with Bruce Cassidy, Head Coach of the Vegas Golden Knights.

The focus of our conversation was on the lessons in leadership that Cassidy has acquired throughout his career. There's no doubt that you'll come away with a deep appreciation for how humble he is, how he didn’t come from means and has had to earn everything in his career, and more than anything, how he prioritizes being a husband and father above all else.

And of course, his love of the game.

Listen as he shares valuable lessons in leadership, why team defence is crucial during tough times, and why you always have to be ready for your next job in hockey.

In episode #236 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by the Director of Youth Hockey Programs and Fan Development for the Vegas Golden Knights, Sheri Hudspeth. She is also a coach in the Jr Golden Knights program.

Not every NHL team has a role like Hudspeth in their organisation and her hockey journey is unique in and of itself. The learning she has done on the ground in Vegas is invaluable because hockey wasn’t the natural choice when it came to parents selecting what youth sports program they had to sign their kids up for.

Listen as she shares why it's important to have strong coaches for our youngest players, why parents need to let coaches do their job, and how we can empower women coaches.

In episode #235 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we sit down with Roger Ronnberg, Head Coach of the Frolunda Hockey Club.

Ronnberg is widely considered one of the top coaches in Europe, his name routinely comes up when the topic of European coaches breaking into the NHL is mentioned. He is respected by the top coaches in the game as someone who has demonstrated that putting people first, and prioritising individual development, in all facets, is the process that leads to sustained performance by a team.

Listen as he shares why he wants no thinking and no excuses from his players, breaking down systems into habits, and why coaches should strive to make every player successful.

In episode #234 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome Head Coach at Minnetonka High School, the reigning AA State Champions in Minnesota, Sean Goldsworthy.

Last season, they captured the title with a 2-1 win over rival Edina High School in the State Tournament in front of a sold out crowd at the Xcel Energy Centre. This was the second State title under Goldsworthy's watch.

Listen as he shares how uses the 'multiple puck' practice tactic, why culture is a non-negotiable, and how to prepare your team for the big stage.

In episode #233 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by Dwayne Blais, who is a Player Development Consultant with the Detroit Red Wings, and for our money, one of the top development coaches in the world.

Blais has over 20 years of experience in the game, specifically focused on how players improve on the mechanics and habits that exist within their individual game, so that they can bring more value to their respective teams.

Check out his TCS Live presentation on Implementing Skills to Play with Pace and his Global Skills Showcase video where he Breaks Down the Skill of Deception.

Listen as he shares why kids should be carrying their own hockey bags, why playing fast is about more than just skating fast, and why the key to skill development is simply more touches.

In episode #232 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Steve Hamilton, Head Coach of the WHL’s Calgary Hitman. The interview took place at Hockey Calgary's second annual Leadership Day for Coaches.

Currently in his fifth season with the Hitmen, Hamilton has spent his entire 22 year coaching career in the province of Alberta, including capturing a 2014 Memorial Cup as an Assistant Coach with the Edmonton Oil Kings.

Listen as he shares his philosophy of What's Important Now, serving information to your players in spoonfuls, and why the coach-player relationship is more than ever about being a partnership.

In episode #231 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined the inaugural Head Coach of the PWHL’s Boston franchise.

She no doubt has her hands full in preparation for this season. She’s coaching what is effectively an expansion team, in an expansion league, that as of the time of this recording still had not assigned names to its respective franchises.

Listen as she shares how she's approaching her first season in the new league, why empathetic honesty is more effective than brutal honesty, and what the next step in growing women's hockey is.

In episode #230 of the Glass and Out Podcast, Director of Development for the IIHF Kalle Valiaho stops by

Valiaho has a fascinating role that encompasses balancing having a pulse on the latest trends in the game, specifically when it comes to individual player development, in addition to how we design learning environments that engage with young players and foster the growth of the game. 

Listen as he shares the importance of having passionate people to grow the game, building positive learning environments for players, and how Finland has grown into one of the top nations in hockey.

In episode #229 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by Dave Barr, who at the time of this recording was days away from opening training camp with the Chicago Wolves, where he begins his first season as the club’s Assistant Coach.

After turning pro in 1981, Barr has spent every single season since then as a coach or General Manager in professional hockey, with the exception of 5 seasons, between 2003 and 2008 that he was with Guelph of the Ontario Hockey League.

Check out his TCS Live presentation on How to Sell Your Game.

Listen as shares methods for improving a player's scanning, why even elite players need feedback, and his experience coaching a 15 year-old Connor Bedard.

In episode #228 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome Manny Viveiros, who’s beginning his first season as the Head Coach of the WHL’s Vancouver Giants.

Viveiros has had an incredible journey of ups and downs, including a battle with two types of cancer during his season coaching the AHL's Henderson Silver Knights. Thankfully, just prior to last season, he was deemed cancer free.

Listen as shares how an emphasis on mental health helped him in his battle with cancer, lessons learned during his season playing for the legendary Herb Brooks, and how to implement pace into your team's play.

In episode #262, we welcome Dan Watson, Head Coach of the Grand Rapids Griffins.

Watson is coming off his first season with the Detroit Red Wings AHL affiliate. Previous to that, he spent 14 consecutive seasons with the ECHL's Toledo Walleyes.

In his first season, he was awarded the Jack Brophy Trophy as the ECHL’s Coach of the Year and would go on to guide the Walleye to two regular season Championships and two Kelly Cup Finals appearances.

Listen as he shares why sleeping in the arena is a right of passage for coaches, his three keys to building a strong team culture, and why it's quality over quantity when it comes to drills.

For episode #227 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we were fortunate to attend the Minnesota Hockey Directors Conference and be joined by newly named Head Coach of the Minnesota State Mavericks, Luke Strand.

Strand is a friend of The Coaches Site, and needless to say our team is pumped for him and the Mavericks program. He’s earned this opportunity and has put together an amazing staff that knows how to prepare players for the rigours of professional hockey.

Listen as shares the importance of getting players out of their comfort zone, why simple is best, and handling player mistakes.

Welcome back for season 7 of the Glass and Out Podcast! For epsiode #226, we're joined by friend of the pod and Edmonton Oilers Head Coach, Jay Woodcroft.

He is entering his third season as the Head Coach of the Oilers with the best winning percentage of any coach in franchise history. 

Last season, the Oilers were eliminated by the eventual Stanley Cup Champions, the Vegas Golden Knights in round 2. This season, well, fair to say there is only one goal in the City of Champions.

Listen as shares his philosophy of repurposing disappointment, why it's important to "walk the talk" when it comes to building culture, and how a similar path in coaching led to a friendship with Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra.

Happy hockey season everyone!

In episode #225, we welcome two-time presenter at TCS Live, Paul Boutilier. 

He has worn a lot of hats during his career, but currently works as a Defenceman Specialist, consulting with approximately 40 defenceman, several of whom are current NHL super stars through his company, the 44 Second group.

As you'll find out in this episode, you'll be hard-pressed to find someone who has thought as much about playing defence as Paul has.

Listen as shares his methods for improving a Dman's posture, why the funnel approach to defending should be flipped, and the importance of helping players understand concepts by writing it down.

In episode #224, we're joined by good friend of The Coaches Site  and upcoming TCS Live presenter Glen Gulutzan.

When he steps on stage at TCS Live later this month at the University of Michigan, it will mark the 5th time he has presented at one of our events, and in the process he will hold the pole position when it comes to the most presentations all-time at a TCS event.

But while there is a ton tactical knowledge he’s shared at the conference, the insights you can gleam from his coaching journey  in today's interview are equally as valuable.

Listen as he discusses constraints, or lack of them on the power play, cutting your teeth as a coach in Las Vegas, and how he’s learned from all the coaches he’s worked with throughout his career.

In episode #223, we welcome The Coaches Site Contributor and upcoming TCS Live presenter Greg Revak.

Revak is also the writer of the Hockey IQ newsletter and host of the Hockey IQ podcast.

Best known for his deep dives into the X’s & O’s or tactical side of the game, his work often goes outside the game, and in some cases sport, to find inspiration and to reinforce his thinking when it comes to teaching the hockey and specifically, developing the cognitive ability of players.

Listen as he discusses the evolution of the weak side D, why point shots suck and the traits required by a successful coach in today’s game.

In episode #222, we're pleased to be joined by John O’Sullivan, best selling author, Ted Talk speaker and the Founder & CEO of the Changing the Game Project.

O'Sullivan's work and mission are to give Youth Sports back to our kids. He has made it is life’s work to provide a blueprint to providing kids a more holistic sporting experience, in which success is not predicated on kid’s eventually earning a paycheck or a college scholarship.

Listen as he discusses the optimal mindset for a coach, how both youth and professional coaches need to focused on relationship building, and the impact of a positive sports experience for young people.

In episode #221, we're joined by friend of the show, Calgary Flames Assistant Coach Ryan Huska.

He recently wrapped up his 5th season with the Flames and will be joining us at TCS Live, hockey’s premiere coaching conference, next June at the University of Michigan. Huska will be presenting on the penalty kill and as you’ll hear in this episode, has a lot to offer on the subject.

Listen as he discusses the special teams chess match that takes during a playoff series, being intentional about finding time to build relationships with players and the coaches he admires outside of hockey.

In episode #220, we had the honor of being joined by John Paris Jr., the first black coach in professional hockey.

During the 1993-94 season, he was hired by the Atlanta Knights of the now defunct, International Hockey League, marking the first time a person of colour had been appointed the Head Coach of a pro hockey team. The move paid off as the Knights would capture the Turner Cup and an IHL Championship that same season.

Listen as he discusses how he overcame the adversity of being a black hockey player and coach, the story of being scouted by Scotty Bowman, and the drive to get him inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame.

In episode #219, we're joined by Lee MJ Elias, who can be best described as a bit of a Swiss Army Knife in that he has accomplished a lot in our game, albeit in a number of different roles.

Elias is an award-winning author and currently the Co-Chair of the Hockey Operations Committee and Assistant Coach of the Puerto Rico Men’s National Team. He is also the co-host of the Our Kids Play Hockey Podcast, which was awarded the top hockey podcast by the Sports Podcast Awards in 2022.

Listen as he shares how to best manage your time to ensure you get the right stuff accomplished, strategies for growing the game, and why sports is a vehicle to bring people together.

In episode #261, we're joined by Head Coach of the ZSC Lions, Marc Crawford.

Crawford's list of accolades are almost too long to list, but here are a few anyways.

NHL Head Coach at the age of 33, youngest winner of the Jack Adams Award, Stanley Cup championship in just his second season in the NHL, and Head Coach of Team Canada at the 1998 Olympic Games.

Currently, he’s enjoying his second tenure as the Head Coach of the Zurich Lions of the NLA, who he just led to a Swiss League Championship.

Listen as he shares why he decided to leave Gretzky on the bench, what he learned from working with a young Auston Matthews, and what all championship teams have in common.

In episode #218, we welcome two friends to the show: Newly named Head Coach of the AHL's San Diego Gulls, Matt McIlvane, and his former Assistant Coach with EC Red Bull Salzburg, Ben Cooper.

Fresh off a second consecutive win2day ICE Hockey League championship with Red Bull, the two joined to give us a behind the scenes look on their road to a repeat. 

Listen as they the incredible story behind their final series comeback victory, why composure was a key element to overcoming adversity, and why championship teams need to get the locker room right.

Head Coach of St. Cloud State women's hockey team, Brian Idalski, joins us for episode #217.

Idalski is coming off his first season leading the Huskies' program and was named the US College Hockey Online National Coach of the Year, as his team made significant strides in virtually every defensive and offensive area of the game.

Listen as he shares why pattern recognition is key to helping players process the game, coaching Team China in the Olympics, and how to get your team to buy into blocking shots.

In episode #216, we welcome Performance Coach and Founder of Deviate, Ryan Blanck.

To date, Blanck has worked with over half of the team’s in the NFL, including the league itself, the iconic entertainment industry agency, the William Morris Endeavor, professional athletes, leading universities such as Penn State, Clemson, Vanderbilt and Stanford, along with executives from major corporations to start-ups.

He will also be presenting at TCS Live, taking place June 22-24 at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.

Hear him discuss why empathy is the number one skill needed by leaders, what erodes culture and what it takes to be a leader worth following.

In episode #215, we we're joined by Detroit Red Wings Assistant Coach Jay Varady.

Varady has had a remarkable trajectory since his early coaching days with the WHL's expansion Everett Silvertips, and yet there is much more to be written in his story.

Today, we discuss the origin of analytics in hockey, implementing process & structure into a program, and how to navigate when to make the jump in one’s coaching career.