Explore every episode of the podcast Good People in Hockey

In episode two, we dive into one of the most talked-about stories in Manitoba hockey this year: the removal of the Ste. Anne Aces from the SEMHL ahead of the 2025 season. Joining us are Kevin Lansard and Guy St. Vincent, two key figures in the Aces organization, who both bring heartfelt honesty and powerful insight into what happened behind the scenes. We explore: The impact of the Aces’ removal from the league on players, families, and the broader community The emotional toll and how the decision unfolded How the Aces have continued to invest in grassroots hockey and support young athletes The importance of transparency, communication, and values-driven leadership in local sports A broader conversation on team culture, community connection, and the role of senior hockey in Manitoba We also take time to reflect on what stories like this reveal about the state of local and junior hockey today—and why now more than ever, we need to celebrate the good people keeping the heart of the game alive. This is a tough but necessary conversation to kick off the podcast—and we’re incredibly thankful to our guests for showing up with such openness and care.  New episodes drop every Wednesday.   Subscribe on Spotify or Apple Podcasts to stay connected to the grassroots of the game.

Welcome to Episode 1 of Good People in Hockey — hosted by former pro player and coach Tatiana Rafter. In this premiere, ESPN’s Arda Ocal joins to help introduce Tatiana as the host — and in true “good people” fashion, she flips the mic to share Arda’s journey, too. You’ll hear about:     •    Tatiana’s bold move to play in the women’s KHL in Russia      •    Arda’s unlikely path from local Canadian TV to ESPN      •    Behind-the-scenes moments from ESPN’s "Experience" trip      •    The story behind launching Good People in Hockey  Produced by Michael Gerl, this episode sets the tone for a podcast that goes deeper than stats — into the real stories and people shaping hockey culture.  New episodes every week!  Subscribe now and be part of the movement.    

In this special double-feature episode of Good People in Hockey, host Tatiana Rafter welcomes two influential voices who are shaping the future of the sport both on and off the ice.

 

First, Kevin Henry, Executive Director of Hockey Players in Business (HPIB), joins to discuss the power of community within the hockey world. He shares how HPIB is activating alumni and professionals to give back, highlighting their upcoming charity golf outing in Columbus benefitting the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. Kevin talks about the meaning behind the event, the importance of storytelling, and how the hockey community can rally to support one of its own.

 

Then, Brian Idalski, the inaugural head coach of PWHL Vancouver, offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to build a professional team from the ground up. With experience spanning NCAA, international competition, and now the PWHL, Brian speaks candidly about culture-setting, leadership identity, and the values that shape winning environments. He also reflects on his transition from St. Cloud State, the role of mentorship, and how he defines success beyond the scoreboard. This episode dives deep into leadership, definitions goals away from legacy, and what it really means to be a "good person in hockey."

In this episode of Good People in Hockey, host Tatiana Rafter sits down with Rachel Flanagan, assistant coach with PWHL Toronto and one of the most respected leaders in Canadian women’s hockey. From guiding U SPORTS athletes at the University of Guelph to shaping the culture of a brand-new professional team, Rachel brings insight, heart, and a legacy of purpose-driven coaching. She opens up about the transition to pro, the values behind her leadership, and what it truly means to build something that lasts—on and off the ice. This conversation dives into:     •    The cultural pillars being built in the PWHL     •    Mentorship, inclusion, and player-driven environments     •    Lessons from 16+ years at Guelph     •    Barriers facing women in coaching—and how to break them     •    What legacy looks like beyond just wins Whether you're a coach, a player, or simply someone who loves the game, this episode will leave you thinking about what it means to lead with purpose.  Good People in Hockey is where grassroots meets pro—celebrating values-driven leadership and the people making hockey better.  Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share if you enjoy the episode! #GoodPeopleInHockey #PWHL #RachelFlanagan #WomensHockey #CoachingLeadership #HockeyCulture

In episode 5 of Good People in Hockey, Tatiana Rafter and co-host Mike sit down with Courtney Mahoney, President of Operations for the Chicago Wolves, one of the AHL’s most successful and community-driven organizations. With over 30 seasons under her belt, Courtney shares what’s kept her with the Wolves for more than three decades—and how the team has consistently blended on-ice excellence with off-ice impact. From the beloved Adopt-A-Dog program(which has found homes for nearly 2,000 dogs!) to award-winning literacy and health campaigns, Courtney dives into what it means to lead with heart in the hockey world. Also in this episode:     •    Tat shares updates on her work with Hockeyball, a new accessible version of the game being introduced in schools and Indigenous communities     •    Mike reflects on grassroots team-building and why community is a skill      Whether you’re coaching, playing, or dreaming of a career in sports, this episode is a masterclass in building a purpose-driven legacy.  Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show—it helps us spotlight more good people in hockey!  Know someone making a difference in the game? Reach out—we’d love to feature their story.

In this episode of Good People in Hockey, host Tatiana Rafter and co-host Mike sit down with Mary Lobson, Founder and CEO of REES (Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors)—the organization behind the Respect Hockey Culture Center, an independent and anonymous reporting platform created in partnership with the AHL, ECHL, CHL, USHL, and PWHL. Mary shares how REES is transforming how hockey—and other industries—respond to and prevent harm. From building trauma-informed reporting systems to creating environments where trust comes before tradition, this conversation dives deep into what it means to build safer, more respectful spaces in sport. You’ll hear:     •    Why Mary created REES and how it’s changing reporting culture     •    How the Respect Hockey Culture Center empowers players, staff, and teams     •    What prevention looks like in practice—and how leaders can start today     •    How organizations can balance confidentiality with accountability This is an episode about leadership, trust, and what it takes to make meaningful cultural change inside the game.    

What does opening night feel like when you're not on the ice—but behind the lens? In this episode of Good People in Hockey, host Tatiana Rafter sits down with Washington Capitals team photographer John McCreary to explore what it means to document the soul of the game. From shooting the high-stakes intensity of NHL debuts to capturing the raw, early days of the NWHL, John shares the journey of building a creative career in sports on hustle, heart, and storytelling.

Together, they reflect on how powerful it is when someone sees—and values—the work being done on and off the ice. They talk about the challenges of turning passion into a profession, the evolution of women's hockey through the lens, and what it means to stay purposeful in a fast-paced industry.

Whether you're a player, coach, creative, or fan, this conversation will leave you thinking about the moments that matter—and the people who make sure we remember them.

 

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