The Hockey Think Tank Podcast brings incredible stories, interviews, and great perspective from some of the top hockey minds in the game. Hosted by Topher Scott & Jeff LoVecchio, our podcast will educate and inspire all those that love the game! For all the players, coaches, and hockey parents out there...make this your Go-To show on your way to the rink! Join our Community here!
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Sep 28, 2026 · 1:25:25
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…
Sep 25, 2026 · 14:14
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…
Sep 23, 2026 · 22:29
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…
Sep 21, 2026 · 1:00:09
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…
Sep 18, 2026 · 18:59
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…
Sep 16, 2026 · 10:49
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…
Sep 14, 2026 · 1:02:20
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…
Sep 11, 2026 · 10:46
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…
Sep 9, 2026 · 11:48
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…
Sep 7, 2026 · 1:19:36
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…
Sep 4, 2026 · 12:46
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…
Sep 2, 2026 · 10:51
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…
Aug 31, 2026 · 1:13:04
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.…
Aug 28, 2026 · 14:47
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…
Aug 26, 2026 · 13:24
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…
Aug 24, 2026 · 1:11:24
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,…
Aug 21, 2026 · 18:18
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…
Aug 19, 2026 · 12:46
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about on-ice small group training and how to maximize your practice plan. As a coach, what should you focus on and how should…
Aug 17, 2026 · 1:15:16
This week Topher and Jeff bring on Toph’s cousin, Tyler Greenberg, to talk about his hockey journey and the incredible company he recently founded. Greenberg played Tier 1…
Aug 14, 2026 · 11:23
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt and Steph to talk about the life skills needed to make it to the higher levels of the game. It is a common…
Aug 12, 2026 · 15:37
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about his prized custom Super Chexx Bubble Hockey game. We bring on Greg Kania, Director of Home Games of Innovative Concepts…
Aug 10, 2026 · 1:22:10
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Alexios Georgaklis, Surrounded by Good People CEO and Connecticut College commit. Georgaklis was expected to play NCAA Division 1 college…
Aug 7, 2026 · 13:34
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the wild off season we have had. The narrative is changing, and lately players seem to have more leverage when it…
Aug 5, 2026 · 11:44
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk to the players that haven’t quite hit puberty yet. Maybe you’re not getting drafted or making teams because of your size;…
Aug 3, 2026 · 1:35:58
This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about the 5 attributes of great hockey players. Between the two of us, we have coached players of all skill levels, from just…
Jul 31, 2026 · 11:19
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt and Steph to talk about what the top youth hockey organizations across North America have in common. TEN…
Jul 29, 2026 · 14:19
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about our favorite puck touch drills to include in practice. At the younger ages, we like to call them skill drills and at the…
Jul 27, 2026 · 1:15:14
This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about the 3 biggest things they’ve each learned in youth hockey this year. With the Hockey Think Tank, we travel all over North America…
Jul 24, 2026 · 11:22
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about former higher level players that want to make the transition to coaching youth hockey. We talk about all of the…
Jul 22, 2026 · 10:43
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about one of his biggest pet peeves in hockey; when the puck carrier turns an odd man rush into a 1-on-1 situation. Let’s talk…
Jul 20, 2026 · 1:34:44
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jake Thibeault, an incredible young hockey player that was paralyzed by an injury on the ice. At the time of his injury, Thibeault was in the…
Jul 17, 2026 · 12:11
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammates Matt and Steph to talk about how so many youth hockey organizations are only tied by wearing the same jersey. With…
Jul 15, 2026 · 10:56
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about our advice for the players that are first on the ice and last off the ice. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We…
Jul 13, 2026 · 1:01:13
This week Topher talks with Filip Forsberg and Chris Mason at the Elite Edge Hockey Camp in Nashville. Forsberg currently plays for the Nashville Predators of the NHL and Mason…
Jul 10, 2026 · 10:29
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about his biggest takeaways from the recent Minnesota Wild’s Leadership Development Conference. Every year, the Wild invites…
Jul 8, 2026 · 10:28
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about the new things Vechs is doing with his dryland athletes to develop their speed and power over the summer. TEN MINUTES ON…
Jul 6, 2026 · 1:14:19
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Justin Selman, one of the owners of Topline Hockey. Selman played junior hockey in the USHL, college hockey at the University of Michigan, and…
Jul 3, 2026 · 13:07
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about a listener’s question regarding their son’s ADHD and the struggles he faces in hockey because of it. Most coaches are…
Jul 1, 2026 · 10:50
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk all about defending 2-on-1s. Last week, we discussed 2-on-1s from an offensive standpoint, so this week we’re talking how to…
Jun 29, 2026 · 1:04:49
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Tony DeHart, former OHL player, NHL New York Islanders’ draft pick, and professional hockey player. DeHart now works with youth hockey players…
Jun 26, 2026 · 11:45
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about volunteer burnout. Our sport wouldn’t be anything without every single person who gives their time in some capacity.…
Jun 24, 2026 · 12:46
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk all about 2-on-1s. If you get a 2-on-1 opportunity, you have to bury the puck. Let’s talk about how to increase your chances…
Jun 22, 2026 · 1:12:06
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Dave Moss, former 500+ game NHL player and University of Michigan alum. Moss was drafted to the NHL as a 7th rounder, but didn’t play Tier 1…
Jun 19, 2026 · 10:49
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about new school vs old school styles of coaching. The best coaches incorporate a mix of both, so that they can lead their…
Jun 17, 2026 · 13:09
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about something that most people don’t like to talk about: politics in youth hockey. Sometimes politics are real, but often…
Jun 15, 2026 · 1:15:50
This week Topher and Jeff talk with John O’Sullivan, founder of Changing the Game Project. O’Sullivan’s new book, “Captain: The Athlete’s Guide to Being an Exceptional Team…
Jun 12, 2026 · 11:31
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about our advice and perspective for coaches that don’t have higher-level playing experience. We use Jon Cooper, head coach…
Jun 10, 2026 · 10:48
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about incorporating keep away into your practices and how valuable it is as a development tool. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK…
Jun 8, 2026 · 1:27:52
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Sam Gagner, current Ottawa Senators’ Director of Player Development and former National Hockey League player with over 1000 games in the…
Jun 5, 2026 · 13:30
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT team members Matt & Steph to talk about how youth hockey doesn’t have a recruitment problem, it has a retention problem.…
Jun 3, 2026 · 10:40
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about momentum and its role in winning games. Listen for our best advice, whether you’re a player or a coach, on how to bring…
Jun 1, 2026 · 1:09:12
This week Topher and Jeff talk with one of our favorite guests of all time, Jeff Lerg. Lerg is the epitome of what this podcast is all about: he battled through adversity as a…
May 29, 2026 · 11:55
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk directly to the parents of players that got cut from a team this season, in any capacity. We understand that tryouts can be…
May 27, 2026 · 11:19
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about Jakub Dobeš, who trained with Vechs, and has an incredible story on how he got to where he is now. We talk all about…
May 25, 2026 · 1:15:53
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Nate DiCasmirro, assistant coach of the recent Austrian ICEHL champion team EC Graz99ers. DiCasmirro played 17 years professionally, with 7…
May 22, 2026 · 11:22
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph brings on HTT teammate Matt Thomas to talk about how youth hockey organizations can better support their coaching staff. We discuss…
May 20, 2026 · 11:13
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how important delays can be in creating offense on the rush. All elite players have an elite delay game, so let’s talk…
May 18, 2026 · 1:38:28
This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about how to play defense. A couple of weeks ago, we did an episode on how to score more goals, so now it’s time to talk about keeping…
May 15, 2026 · 18:33
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about Tampa Bay Lightning captain Victor Hedman’s recent statement on his leave of absence from the team due to mental…
May 13, 2026 · 11:46
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what we call quicksand, which is when things don’t seem to be going well as a player and you start to lose confidence in…
May 11, 2026 · 1:15:04
This week Topher brings on Mike McMahon, college hockey news reporter, to discuss the numerous changes hitting the college hockey landscape, particularly with recruiting. If you…
May 8, 2026 · 10:58
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about what it takes to win a championship and what we can do at the younger levels to develop those intangible skills. TEN…
May 6, 2026 · 11:13
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about off-ice and how to make it fun for youth hockey players so that they want to keep coming back. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK…
May 4, 2026 · 1:22:45
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Evan Ritt, former college hockey player and founder of Tolos Barefootwear. Ritt won a national championship while playing for the University…
May 1, 2026 · 19:56
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph and Vechs bring on their teammates, Steph and Matt, from the HTT to talk about rec hockey. We work with youth hockey organizations all…
Apr 29, 2026 · 11:10
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about a listener’s question: how do you coach and support a player that brings a lot of emotion to the game, such as cellying…
Apr 27, 2026 · 1:23:29
This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about absolutely everything when it comes to scoring goals. We believe burying pucks is all about having the right mentality, so let’s…
Apr 24, 2026 · 12:50
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about Rick Bowness’ interview after the NHL Columbus Blue Jackets’ last game of the season. In the emotional interview,…
Apr 22, 2026 · 14:20
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph asks Vechs for his best advice on how to become a better and faster skater over the summer. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We…
Apr 20, 2026 · 1:24:18
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Phil Osaer, who played college hockey at Ferris State University, played over 12 years professionally, and then went on to have a great career…
Apr 17, 2026 · 11:12
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the Mercyhurst University men’s ice hockey program folding. They have not disclosed why the program folded, but the…
Apr 15, 2026 · 14:25
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about “The Standard,” which is an excerpt from Matt Ford’s website that outlines what he learned from Shattuck-St. Mary’s, one…
Apr 13, 2026 · 1:29:12
This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to give our best advice to all of the hockey parents out there. The hockey world can be tough to figure out, whether you’re new to the sport,…
Apr 10, 2026 · 11:41
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about Sidney Crosby and his most recent show of character. After the NHL Pittsburgh Penguins took their team picture,…
Apr 8, 2026 · 11:18
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about T.J. Hughes being named one of the finalists for the Hobey Baker Award, which is given to the top NCAA men's ice hockey…
Apr 6, 2026 · 1:14:28
This week Topher and Jeff bring back the one and only Chris Pronger - NHL Hall of Famer, Stanley Cup Champion, and 2-time Olympic Champion with over 18 years in the NHL - to talk…
Apr 3, 2026 · 12:23
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how we can develop more rink rats, because those are the players that are more likely to make it far in their hockey…
Apr 1, 2026 · 10:58
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how when you get to the playoffs, it can seem that it is a lot harder to score. So, how do you create offense when the…
Mar 30, 2026 · 1:10:42
This week Topher talks with Jay Hardwick, head coach of the Warroad Minnesota boys high school ice hockey team. Hardwick’s team just won the Minnesota State High School…
Mar 27, 2026 · 10:37
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Vechs wants to talk about one of our recent viral clips that said, “parents aren’t the problem, confusion is.” The way a club communicates…
Mar 25, 2026 · 11:20
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about the number one question he gets this time of the year; “my season just ended, what should I do now and what should my…
Mar 23, 2026 · 1:35:51
This week Topher talks with Matt Thomas and Steph Dukesherer, two members of the HTT squad that work directly with our youth hockey organization partners. The Hockey Think Tank’s…
Mar 20, 2026 · 14:37
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the importance of building resiliency. If you have high hopes and big dreams, chances are you will face adversity…
Mar 18, 2026 · 11:08
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about some fun ways to start and end practice, so that your players are excited to hit the ice every time. TEN MINUTES ON THE…
Mar 16, 2026 · 1:32:43
This week Topher and Jeff fly solo to talk about the power of playing for something bigger than yourself. We discuss the huge impact it can have not only on yourself as a player,…
Mar 13, 2026 · 10:34
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to answer a listener’s question about finding the next thing you can be passionate about after you finish playing, whether it’s at…
Mar 11, 2026 · 10:52
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, coming off the recent NHL trade deadline, Toph wants to talk about how to best navigate and adjust to a new team and their systems. TEN MINUTES…
Mar 9, 2026 · 1:16:11
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jacob Newton, former professional hockey player and current performance coach. Newton played in the USHL, at Northeastern University, and…
Mar 6, 2026 · 19:20
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the aftermath of the US Women’s and Men’s Olympic teams winning gold and the phone call with US President Donald…
Mar 4, 2026 · 11:26
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to answer a listener's question: what are our thoughts on changing lanes on the rush, and how can it create better timing and space…
Mar 2, 2026 · 1:38:27
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Glenn Hefferan, the commissioner of the United States Hockey League, which is the top junior ice hockey league sanctioned by USA Hockey. If…
Feb 27, 2026 · 14:02
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about knowing when it is time to move on from a coach, team, or organization. We are strong proponents of battling through…
Feb 25, 2026 · 11:04
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what it means as a player to be hard to play against. TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! We appreciate every listen,…
Feb 23, 2026 · 1:09:50
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Ryan Carter, former NHL player and current member of the Minnesota Wild broadcast team. Carter grew up playing youth hockey & college hockey…
Feb 20, 2026 · 15:29
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about how everyone has a different path in their hockey journey. You should only compare yourself to the version of yourself…
Feb 18, 2026 · 11:01
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how to know whether or not you did a good job as a coach this year. It can be difficult to evaluate your performance, so…
Feb 16, 2026 · 1:03:23
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Zechariah Thomas, CEO and founder of Swift Hockey. Swift Hockey is the fastest growing stick brand in the ice hockey world and their mission…
Feb 13, 2026 · 10:36
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss the phrases “hate to lose” vs “love to win.” Which one suits you best and what does it say about you as a player or…
Feb 11, 2026 · 10:34
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about one-timers. What are some of the most important things you should know about this type of shot? TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK…
Feb 9, 2026 · 1:31:25
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Matt Fornataro, former professional hockey player and now performance coach. Fornataro played in the United States Hockey League, then played…
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