The Hockey Think Tank Podcast

01:21:53

The Path to Playing Juniors, Scouting for Different...

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/10/05

This week Topher and Jeff bring on Tony Gasparini, the current General Manager of Sioux Falls Stampede in the United States Hockey League. Gasparini’s long hockey career includes playing college hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth, later becoming head coach at Sioux Falls, and a scout for the NHL’s Los Angeles Kings.In this episode we talk about:— The quote, “I’m gonna hug you, but I’m also gonna hold you accountable”— Defining compete and why scouts love it— How everything about scouting

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00:11:07

FRIDAY FACEOFF - LACK OF PARENT EDUCATION IN YOUTH...

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/10/02

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt & Steph to talk about the lack of parent education in youth hockey. We commonly find that this is the time of year that parents start to get unhappy with what they signed up for. As a parent, how do you stay grounded if you are feeling this way?TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan

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00:12:02

SHORT SHIFTS - USING THE BACK OF THE NET

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/09/30

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about using the back of the net in two different ways: on the breakout (with your own net) and in your offensive zone (with the other team’s net).TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment RepairFollow us:IG: @HockeyThinkTankX (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTankTikTok:

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01:25:25

Prioritize Fun First & Development Will Follow, with...

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/09/28

This week Topher and Jeff bring on Pete Lenes, Elev802 Hockey Training owner and famously known on Instagram as Swaggy P. During his 10-year professional hockey career, Lenes played in the AHL, ECHL, and in both Denmark and Austria. Lenes now uses his platform and training company to help the next generation of hockey players develop a love for the game.In this episode we talk about:— How working hard can take you anywhere, even beyond the game— Bag skates and if they really are a discipline tool—

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00:14:14

FRIDAY FACEOFF - WHAT TO KNOW WHEN TRANSITIONING TO...

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/09/25

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about what you should know and how to handle transitioning to the next level, whether it's AA to AAA, high school to juniors, college to professional, etc.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan BattleGearFollow us:IG: @HockeyThinkTankX (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTankTikTok: @HockeyThinkTankFacebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

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00:22:29

SHORT SHIFTS - 5 KEYS TO PRACTICE PLANNING

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/09/23

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to share the 5 keys he’s learned from some of the game’s best coaches to planning and executing a successful practice.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment RepairFollow us:IG: @HockeyThinkTankX (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTankTikTok: @HockeyThinkTankFacebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by

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01:00:09

Bigger Than the Game: Life Lessons Learned Through...

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/09/21

This week Jeff is back from paternity leave and joins Topher to talk about things bigger than the game. Hockey, and sports in general, teaches us great life lessons that carry far beyond the rink.In this episode we talk about:— Toph’s personal choices that led him to step away from coaching— The impact of setting boundaries— Recognizing that mistakes are not the end of the world and giving yourself grace— How success is never an accidentAND SO MUCH MORE!Thank you to our title sponsor

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00:18:59

FRIDAY FACEOFF - STAY-TO-PLAY MODEL

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/09/18

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt & Steph to talk about one of the most controversial topics in youth sports: the stay-to-play model.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan BattleGearFollow us:IG: @HockeyThinkTankX (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTankTikTok: @HockeyThinkTankFacebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz

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00:10:49

SHORT SHIFTS - HOW TO PLAY A 1-ON-1 DEFENSIVELY

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/09/16

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph brings on HTT teammate and former college coach Matt Thomas to talk about how to play a 1-on-1 defensively.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment RepairFollow us:IG: @HockeyThinkTankX (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTankTikTok: @HockeyThinkTankFacebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz

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01:02:20

Keys to Finding Success in Your Hockey Journey...

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/09/14

This week Topher and Jeff bring on Greg Rallo, AHL Milwaukee Admirals Assistant Coach. Rallo played only one year of Tier 1 hockey before playing junior hockey in the North American Hockey League, and then went on to play at Ferris State for 4 years. He later played 12 years professionally in the ECHL, AHL, DEL, and NHL. Since retiring, he has now been a coach at the professional level for over 9 years.In this episode we talk about:— Chasing coaches, not programs— How the pros make the same mistakes

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00:10:46

FRIDAY FACEOFF - SPONSOR MY ATHLETE

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/09/11

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on Mandy Holmes to talk about her company, Sponsor My Athlete. With the rising costs of youth sports, many families are getting priced out of participating. This episode is a must-listen for any family looking to reduce the financial cost of their child’s sport.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!SPONSOR MY ATHLETEWe appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan

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00:11:48

SHORT SHIFTS - ICE HOCKEY SYSTEMS

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/09/09

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph brings on Chris Howard from Ice Hockey Systems to share the ultimate resource for coaches. We discuss 3 important things to focus on when it comes to designing drills.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment RepairFollow us:IG: @HockeyThinkTankX (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTankTikTok:

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01:19:36

Stories and Observations From A Lifetime in Hockey,...

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/09/07

This week Topher and Jeff bring on Gordie Stafford, current Mental Performance & Mindset Coach and former Head Coach of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s women’s ice hockey team. Stafford has coached some of the top players in the game and brings incredible wisdom to this episode. To get more awesome insight, go check out his new book, “The Journey and Its Rewards: Stories and Observations From A Lifetime in Hockey.”In this episode we talk about:— How winning is the outcome of a process & you have to

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00:12:46

FRIDAY FACEOFF - PRIVATE EQUITY IN YOUTH SPORTS

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/09/04

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about a hot topic in the youth hockey world: private equity. With rising costs and stay-to-play requirements, many families are getting priced out of youth hockey. Listen for our thoughts on the future of our sport regarding private equity.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan BattleGear Follow us: IG:

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00:10:51

SHORT SHIFTS - FAVORITE BATTLE DRILLS

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/09/02

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about our favorite battle drills. We’re feeling fiery today, so let’s get that battle level up!!TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast,

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01:13:04

Qualities of Successful Youth Hockey Directors,...

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/08/31

This week Topher and Jeff bring on HTT teammates Matt & Steph to talk about the top qualities of the most successful youth hockey directors, presidents, coaches, and parents. Matt & Steph work with some of the best organizations across North America every day, so they join us to share what they’ve learned.In this episode we talk about: — What a good board president looks like — How hockey directors are the “teacher of teachers” — Putting our egos aside as coaches and letting the players

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00:14:47

FRIDAY FACEOFF - CREATING BUY IN FOR YOUR CLUB

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/08/28

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt & Steph to talk about one of the major challenges hockey clubs face: buy in. An organization can have the best development philosophy on paper, but if your coaches and families don’t understand the why behind the way you’re doing things, your chances of success greatly reduce. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Friday

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00:13:24

SHORT SHIFTS - THE COACHES THAT SHAPED ME INTO THE...

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/08/26

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the three most memorable coaches of his hockey career and what they did to have such a profound impact on his life even beyond the game.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok:

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01:11:24

Top 10 Clips From the Hockey Think Tank, with Guest...

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/08/24

This week Topher brings on his dad to revisit some of our favorite clips from the almost 8 years we’ve been doing this podcast. Whether you’re a long time fan or a new listener, this episode is a must-listen to get incredible advice from some of the top minds in the game. In this episode we talk about: — Advice from Martin St. Louis, Caroline Harvey, Brianne Jenner, plus other top guests we’ve had on over the years — Talent can only get you so far, you have to be coachable — The best coaches connect

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00:18:18

FRIDAY FACEOFF - WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU DECIDE TO...

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast ·

2026/08/21

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about what happens when a player and their family leaves a hockey organization. We talk about both sides; how to handle the situation as the organization itself, and how to handle it as the family that is leaving.TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites! Shout out to this Friday Faceoff supporter: Titan BattleGear Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter):

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