The Hockey Lab Podcast – Details, episodes & analysis

If you want to be great at anything, you've got to learn to love the boring stuff.
The truth? Success isn't built on highlight reels — it's built on repetition, focus, and doing the same small things right every single day.

Effort. Over. Time.

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SPONSORS OF THE POD

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP)—the ultimate training destination for elite athletes. If you're serious about taking your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive programs designed to unlock your full potential.

📲 Click the link below to book a call with a GR coach and start your journey today!
[Book A Call With A GR Coach]

28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve

Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt

Subscribe YT: @garyrobertsperformance

#MindsetMonday #StartNow #AthleteMindset #CompoundProgress #HockeyDevelopment #HighPerformanceHabits #TheHockeyLabPodcast

#MindsetMonday #AthleteMindset #TrainToPerform #HockeyDevelopment #MentalPerformance #GRPHQ

This week on The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A and Coach Gards dive deep into what makes the game special — and what it really takes to build a player, on and off the ice.

They talk about the joy that sports bring to families, fans, and communities, the memories that stay with us forever, and how hockey can unite people across generations. ❤️🏒

Then, the guys shift gears into one of the biggest questions players and parents face: What's the right path — OHL or College?
They break down the pros and cons of each system, what "development" really means, and why ice time might be the most underrated factor in becoming a pro.

Real talk. Real hockey. Real stories.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SPONSORS OF THE POD

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP) — the ultimate training destination for elite athletes. If you're serious about taking your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive programs designed to unlock your full potential.

28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve

📲 Click the link below to book a call with a GR coach and start your journey today!
[Book A Call With A GR Coach]

Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt
Subscribe on YouTube: @garyrobertsperformance

#TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyDevelopment #AthleteMindset #TrainingCamp #InSeasonTraining #HighPerformanceHabits

In this episode of Mindset Monday, Coach A breaks down one of the biggest difference-makers in success: your environment.

Talent, skill, and even the perfect program won't matter if the people and culture around you are pulling you in the wrong direction. Your environment should challenge you, hold you accountable, and push you toward the version of yourself you're chasing.

🎯 In this episode:

• Why the right environment beats the "perfect" program

• How accountability partners and culture drive consistency

• Lessons from Coach A's own career on the cost of staying in the wrong place

• A reminder to put yourself where you can grow, even if it means being the small fish in the big pond

Success isn't just about what you do — it's about where you do it, and who you do it with.

SPONSORS OF THE POD
This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP) — the ultimate training destination for elite athletes. If you're serious about taking your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive programs designed to unlock your full potential.

28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve

📲 Click the link below to book a call with a GR coach and start your journey today!
[Book A Call With A GR Coach]

Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt
Subscribe on YouTube: @garyrobertsperformance

#MindsetMonday #AthleteMindset #HighPerformanceHabits #TheHockeyLabPodcast #TrustTheProcess #HockeyDevelopment

In today's episode, we're joined by Andrej Nestrašil. Nesty is a Czech professional ice hockey player, who is currently playing with HC Oceláři Třinec in the Czech Extraliga. He was drafted 75th overall by the Detroit Red Wings in the 2009 NHL Entry Draft and has played all over the world. Nesty shares a ton of great lessons for young players and we could have talked for another hour.

Thanks for checking out the pod!

We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly episodes. We'll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player.

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The Hosts 

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle

From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life's lessons. I've been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. 

Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. 

Coach Ryan (Gards) 

Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he's a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. 

Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a "Top 100 Leaf of All Time."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Roberts Performance sponsors this podcast - If you're looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.

Book A Call With A GR Coach 

IG: @garyrobertshpt

Thanks for checking out the pod!

We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly episodes. We'll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player. 

Today's Mindset Monday - How You Feel Doesn't Matter

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle

From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life's lessons. I've been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. 

Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. 

Coach Ryan (Gards) 

Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he's a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. 

Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a "Top 100 Leaf of All Time."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Roberts Performance sponsors this podcast - If you're looking to take your game - or a child's game - to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.

Book A Call With A GR Coach 

IG: @garyrobertshpt

In today's episode, we're joined by Thomas Rüfenacht. Ruefy is a Swiss-born hockey player who grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. He's a 3-time Swiss Champion with SC Bern and MVP of the Playoffs in 2017 as well as a former Swiss National Team Player. Since retiring he's joined 4sports Hockey as a Swiss Certified Agent. 

Thanks for checking out the pod!

We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly episodes. We'll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hosts 

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle

From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life's lessons. I've been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. 

Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. 

Coach Ryan (Gards) 

Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he's a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. 

Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a "Top 100 Leaf of All Time."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Roberts Performance sponsors this podcast - If you're looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.

Book A Call With A GR Coach 

IG: @garyrobertshpt

Thanks for checking out the pod!

We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly episodes. We'll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player. 

Today's Mindset Monday - Setting up your environment for success. 

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle

From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life's lessons. I've been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. 

Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. 

Coach Ryan (Gards) 

Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he's a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. 

Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a "Top 100 Leaf of All Time."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Roberts Performance sponsors this podcast - If you're looking to take your game - or a child's game - to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.

Book A Call With A GR Coach 

IG: @garyrobertshpt

In today's episode, we chat NHL all-star break, the final stretch of the season, and why you need to keep it simple heading into the playoffs. It's a busy time of year so stay on top of it! 

Thanks for checking out the pod!

We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly episodes. We'll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hosts 

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle

From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life's lessons. I've been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. 

Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. 

Coach Ryan (Gards) 

Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he's a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. 

Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a "Top 100 Leaf of All Time."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Roberts Performance sponsors this podcast - If you're looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.

Book A Call With A GR Coach 

IG: @garyrobertshpt

Thanks for checking out the pod!

We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly episodes. We'll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player. 

Today's Mindset Monday - Having The Courage To Ask Questions

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle

From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life's lessons. I've been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. 

Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. 

Coach Ryan (Gards) 

Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he's a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. 

Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a "Top 100 Leaf of All Time."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Roberts Performance sponsors this podcast - If you're looking to take your game - or a child's game - to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.

Book A Call With A GR Coach 

IG: @garyrobertshpt

In today's episode  I share an In-Season Training presentation. I break down why you need to train, how to train, and provide a few sample days. If you'd like to watch the presentation as opposed to listen, check out the link below!

In-Season Training 

Thanks for checking out the pod!

We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you'd be interested in, then don't miss our weekly episodes. We'll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hosts 

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle

From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life's lessons. I've been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. 

Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. 

Coach Ryan (Gards) 

Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he's a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. 

Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a "Top 100 Leaf of All Time."

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Roberts Performance sponsors this podcast - If you're looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.

Book A Call With A GR Coach 

IG: @garyrobertshpt