Glass and Out
Aaron Wilbur, founder of The Coaches Site, interviews some of hockey's top coaches and leaders about their journeys and the lessons they've learned. Each episode shares key takeaways for coaches at all levels to apply. The show aims to provide listeners with valuable insights from influential figures in the hockey community.
Episodes
Carolina Hurricanes Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour: Thinking like a player, selling your message and avoiding the rearview mirror (Replay)
In Episode 347, the season finale of the Glass and Out Podcast, we revisit our conversation with the head coach of the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes, Rod Brind'Amour. Back in 2019, Brind'Amour was just in his second season as head coach of Carolina and fresh off leading a young Canes team to its first playoff appearance in nine seasons. Fast forward to today, and he is now a Stanley Cup
Medicine Hat Tigers Head Coach Willie Desjardins: Instilling confidence, creating a winning culture and developing offensive dmen
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aFukUzs51gE In Episode 346 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by longtime coach and executive Willie Desjardins, Head Coach and General Manager of the Medicine Hat Tigers. A native of Climax, Saskatchewan, Desjardins began his coaching career at the University of Calgary under George Kingston before eventually taking over as head coach of the program. Aft
Changing the Game Project Founder John O'Sullivan: Developing leadership skills, petting the "dragon," and the power of being seen
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/Vv_8yXKIR90 In Episode 345 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome back a longtime friend of The Coaches Site and the Founder of the Changing the Game Project, John O'Sullivan. After spending more than two decades as a player and coach in the soccer world, O'Sullivan launched the Changing the Game Project in 2012 with a mission to transform the youth sports expe
Utah Mammoth Development Coach Nathaniel Brooks: Defining the fundamentals, play away from the puck and skill stacking
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/F8UJDgFt8pE In Episode 344 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome Development Coach with the Utah Mammoth, Nathaniel Brooks. Brooks presented at our 2023 edition of TCS Live. At the time, he was an Associate Coach at Toronto Metropolitan University (formerly Ryserson University), where he spent seven seasons. Later that summer, he was hired as a Development Coa
Calgary Flames Skating Coach Danielle Fujita: Strength vs power, slowing down to speed up and the power of manifestation
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8KVBQYtz8_c In Episode 343 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by one of the top skating coaches in the game and one of only two female skating coaches in the NHL, Danielle Fujita. She has worked with the Calgary Flames since 2018 and brings more than 30 years of coaching experience. Fujita does an unbelievable job of breaking down and communicating not on
Warroad High School Head Coach Jay Hardwick: Growing up in "Hockey Town USA," State Championship journey and the open rink advantage
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/G8QTmh_wX28 In Episode 342 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome the head coach of the Minnesota Class A State Champions, Jay Hardwick. He just wrapped up his 14th season with Warroad High School, which concluded with the fifth championship in program history. In addition, Hardwick serves as the Hockey Director of Warroad Youth Hockey. He eats, breathes, and s
Vancouver Canucks Goaltending Development Coach Ian Clark: 7 goalie ingredients, introducing pressure and not coaching to a template
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/-tJ2i4p-ahg In Episode 341 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by the Goaltending Development Coach for the Vancouver Canucks, Ian Clark. Clark has been with the Canucks since the 2019-20 season and previously served as the club's goaltending coach from 2002-2010. In between, he was a member of the coaching staff with the Columbus Blue Jackets. During his
Premier Sport Psychology Founder Dr. Justin Anderson: Attention drives performance, diverting negativity and sharing insecurities
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/cb27S8UHYvA In Episode 340 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome the Founder of Premier Sport Psychology, Dr. Justin Anderson. Based in Minnesota, he also serves as the High Performance Psychology Director for the Arizona Cardinals, Minnesota Timberwolves, Minnesota Twins, Minnesota Vikings, and the University of Minnesota's Leadership U program. Back in Septe
Sigalet Hockey Founder Jonathan Sigalet: Hockey IQ through puck handling, limiting rules and encouraging courage
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/7hcbu_bjuOY In episode 339 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by skills coach and founder of Sigalet Hockey, Jonathan Sigalet. His current list of clients features some of hockey's most impactful players, including Zach Werenski, Cutter Gauthier, and Morgan Geekie, just to name a few. Prior to his coaching role, Sigalet was a fourth-round pick of the Bost
Coachella Valley Firebirds Assistant Coach Stu Bickel: Developing elite defencemen, improving the breakout and the power of video
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/sXhNxazZXN4 In episode 338 of the Glass and Out Podcast, Coachella Valley Firebirds assistant coach Stu Bickel stops by to chat. Bickel is a great example of a coach who has taken all the information he was fed as a player, evolved it, and made it his own as he has embarked on his coaching journey. Bickel grew up just outside of Minneapolis and would go on to sta
USNTDP Director of Player Personnel Rod Braceful: Player evaluation philosophy, hockey IQ identity and processing under pressure
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/owDjYtPe73s In episode 337 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome Rod Braceful, Director of Player Personnel for the US National Team Development Program. Braceful is responsible not only for identifying the top teenage talent from across the US, but also for helping assemble the U17 and U18 National Teams. If it all plays out as intended, these players will ev
Youngstown Phantoms Head Coach Ryan Ward: Finding your identity, creativity through accountability and power of the fundamentals
Watch on YouTube: https://youtu.be/4v4vGWhQMUw In episode 336 we're joined by Ryan Ward, Head Coach of the USHL's Youngstown Phantoms. Currently in his fourth season behind the Phantoms bench, Ward led his club to a Clark Championship in his first season, the first USHL playoff championship in franchise history. As this episode is published (April 8th, 2026), the Phantoms have just been crowned A
Vancouver Giants Assistant Coach Wacey Rabbit: Developing gritty players, inspiring the Indigenous community and rodeo leadership lessons
In episode 335 of the Glass and Out Podcast we welcome Wacey Rabbit, Assistant Coach of the WHL's Vancouver Giants. Rabbit was recently inducted into the Lethbridge Sports Hall of Fame. A proud member of the Kainai First Nation, also known as the Blood Tribe, located in Southern Alberta, he has been intentional in providing kids from Indigenous communities inspiration by using the game of hockey t
Coaching Crossover Ep 6: Dave King and Clint Hurdle
In case you have not heard, The Coaches Site launched the Coaching Crossover podcast earlier this year, where we have two coaches join us to discuss coaching life, philosophy and the similarities and differences in their sport and their leadership. In this episode, we were joined by former MLB manager Clint Hurdle and international hockey coach, the legendary, Dave King. Subscribe to Coaching Cros
Hudl COO Matt Mueller: Being ruthless on culture, giving every athlete a shot and Hudl origins
In episode 334 of the Glass and Out Podcast we're pleased to be joined by Matt Mueller, Hudl's Chief Operating Office. If you're a member of The Coaches Site or have attended one of our events, then you are likely aware that we, as in The Coaches Site, are proud partners with Hudl. Their sports technology software, video capture and data insights helps coaches, athletes, teams and organizations su
Coaching Legend Scotty Bowman: A hockey history lesson, Dick Irvin practice tips and tactics for today's game
In episode 333 of the Glass and Out Podcast we had the honour of being joined by the greatest hockey coach of all time, Scotty Bowman. As a head coach, Bowman led the Montreal Canadians, Pittsburgh Penguins and Detroit Red Wings to a combined 9 Stanley Cups. He also captured another five cups in front office roles. He is the NHL's all-time wins leader, with a total of 1,467 between the regular sea
St. Norbert College Head Coach Tim Coghlin: Successful teams are noisy, offence starts with defence and the responsibility of college coaches
In episode 332 of the Glass and Out Podcast we're joined by Head Coach of the St. Norbert College Green Knights, Tim Coghlin. Over the past 32 seasons, Coghlin has turned the St. Norbert hockey program into one of the finest college hockey programs in the country. During that time, the Green Knights have appeared in 21 NCAA DIII tournaments, captured five national titles, and posted over 700 wins,
Utah Grizzlies Head Coach John Becanic: Improving hockey IQ, the five foot rule and focusing on habits
In episode 331 of the Glass and Out Podcast we welcome an old friend back in Utah Grizzlies Head Coach John Becanic. He was a contributor for The Coaches Site pre-COVID and also presented twice at TCS Live. You can check out his presentations on developing hcokey IQ and defending a 5 on 6 situation now on The Coaches Site. Becanic has over 40 years of coaching experience, with time spent in the OH
Cleveland Browns Assistant GM Catherine Hickman: Standards over rules, culture fit vs add and leadership from the middle
In episode 330 of the Glass and Out Podcast we revisit one of our favourite talks from last year's TCS Live conference. Cleveland Browns Assistant GM Catherine Hickman took to the stage to deliver a powerful keynote address: Leveraging Human Capital: The Formula to Winning in Sport. Hickman is a Canadian woman who grew up speaking French. With this in mind, and considering there are only 32 franch
VK Dynamics Founder Victor Kraatz: Olympic memories, evolution of hockey training and improving skating fundamentals
In episode 329 of the Glass and Out Podcast we welcome friend and Coaches Site collaborator, skating coach Victor Kraatz. With the Olympics being top of mind, we reflect on Kraatz's experience on the world stage and discuss the evolution of skating as he is over a decade into his journey as a skating coach. Kraatz and his partner Shae-Lynn Bourne dominated ice-dancing in Canada, winning 10 nationa
Nashville Predators GM Barry Trotz: Evolving as a coach, making the game fun and coaching community collaboration (Replay)
In episode 328 of the Glass and Out Podcast we're celebrating the career of one hockey's greats by taking a look back at our interview with Barry Trotz from 2022. Trotz just announced that he will be stepping down from his role as GM of the Nashville Predators and retiring from a remarkable career in hockey. The Stanley Cup champion currently sits in 5th place for most coaching wins in NHL history
Wheeling Nailers Head Coach Ryan Papaioannou: Adapting in the ECHL, building deception and winning breeding development
In episode 327 of the Glass and Out Podcast we welcome back Head Coach of the Wheeling Nailers, Ryan Papaioannou. With The Coaches Site and Glass and Out, one of the cool aspects is we get to touch base with coaches during the various chapters of their journey as they climb their way up the coaching ladder. We first connected with Papaioannou during his time with the AJHL's Brooks Bandits. Under
Penticton Vees GM & Head Coach Fred Harbinson: Expansion season success, building a balanced team and influencing player development
In episode 326 of the Glass and Out Podcast we sit down with the President, General Manager, and Head Coach of the WHL's Penticton Vees, Fred Harbinson. Now in his 19th year with the team, Harbinson has the Vees on track for a historic season as the Western Hockey League's newest franchise in its first season after departing the BCHL. In late January of 2026, Penticton sat 2nd in the Western Confe
3Ice Boston Head Coach Ray Bourque: 3v3 strategy, focusing on defending and staying humble
In episode 325 of the Glass and Out Podcast we welcome Hockey Hall of Famer Ray Bourque. As one of the greatest defenceman in hockey history, Bourque needs no introduction. His list of accomplishments include five Norris trophies, 19-time NHL All-Star, two Canada Cups, the franchises all-time leader in points in Boston Bruins franchise history and of course, a Stanley Cup champion with the Colorad
Coaching Crossover Ep 1: Bobby Muuss and Derek Keenan
Welcome to the Coaching Crossover, the newest podcast from The Coaches Site! Join Matt Dumouchelle as he invites two coaches from different sports to discuss leadership, team culture, and what it takes to thrive under pressure, straight from the experiences of the people who live the grind and shape the standard every day. Subscribe to Coaching Crossover now! We give you an exclusive listen to epi
EC Kassel Huskies Head Coach Todd Woodcroft: Principles over tactics, owning the puck and coaching gratitude
In episode 324 of the Glass and Out Podcast we're heading over to Kassel, Germany to catch up with Todd Woodcroft, Head Coach of the Huskies. Currently in his second season in the DEL2, Germany's second division, Woodcroft has his squad competing for a second consecutive regular season Championship. Woodcroft is no stranger to members of The Coaches Site, as he is a five-time presenter at TCS Liv
York University Head Coach Dan Church: Building better leaders, captain selection and coach-player collaboration
In episode 323 of the Glass and Out Podcast we're joined by Head Coach of the York University Women's Hockey program, Dan Church. Back in November, Dan joined us for Hockey Calgary's leadership day and presented on shared leadership, specifically how you can build stronger teams through coach-athlete collaboration. Stay tuned for that video coming later this season on The Coaches Site. Church has
Sports Scientist Job Fransen: Science of skill acquisition, competence vs confidence training and trusting your intuition
In episode 322 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we welcome Senior Lecturer at Charles Sturt University Job Fransen. Fransen is also the founder and managing director of SkillACQ, a company that provides skill acquisition support services to high performance sporting organizations, from education and one-on-one mentoring of coaches, specifically in how they can create environments that best support sk
Charlottetown Islanders Head Coach Jim Hulton: Improving situational awareness, in-game adjustments and people before players
In episode 321 of the Glass and Out Podcast, Head Coach of the Charlottetown Islanders, Jim Hulton, stops by to chat. Currently in his 11th season as the organization's Head Coach and General Manager, Hulton has enjoyed an incredible career that spans over 30 years. During his tenure with the Islanders, he has been named QMJHL General Manager of the Year, QMJHL Coach of the Year twice and CHL Coac
Team Canada Assistant Coach Pete DeBoer: Olympic selection process, future of hockey tactics and lessons from being let go
In episode 320 of the Glass and Out Podcast we're joined by Pete DeBoer, who will be part of Team Canada's coaching staff at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan. With over 1,400 games behind an NHL bench, DeBoer has enjoyed a remarkable coaching journey. And while he hasn't captured the Stanley Cup YET, the level of consistency that his teams have competed at is compelling. That includes nearly
Lloydminster Lancers Head Coach Chris King: Basketball to hockey transition, coaching girls vs boys and shinny creativity
In episode 319 of the Glass and Out Podcast we welcome the focus of our new Shift Change documentary, Head Coach of the Lloydminster Lancers U18 AAA team, Chris King. If you haven't heard the incredible story behind his switch from National Champion basketball coach to youth hockey bench boss, you can check out the first two episodes of Shift Change now on The Coaches Site. In summary: After incre
Noreau Hockey Founder Maxim Noreau: Elite fundamentals, selling development to parents and the evolution of defencemen
In episode 318 of the Glass and Out Podcast we're joined by skills coach and TCS Live presenter Maxim Noreau. Noreau enjoyed a tremendous playing career. He played a handful of games in the National Hockey League to kick off a 17-year professional career, mostly in the Swiss National League. He also represented Canada on multiple occasions at the Spengler Cup and Winter Olympics. Upon retirement h
Ontario Reign Head Coach Andrew Lord: Finding your practice staples, managing uncomfortable conversations and leading an underdog
In episode 317 of the Glass and Out Podcast we welcome back Andrew Lord, Head Coach of the AHL's Ontario Reign. Last time we spoke with Lord he was coming off four seasons as both a player and the Head Coach of the Cardiff Devils of the UK Elite Ice Hockey League. Since that conversation his coaching stock has been on the rise. That includes a South Division title and the Jack Brophy Award as the
Sports Innovation Lab CEO Angela Ruggiero: Learning to love adversity, true goal of youth sports and data built on trust
For episode 316 of the Glass and Out Podcast we welcome CEO of Sports Innovation Lab Angela Ruggiero. She is best known as a 4x Olympian and member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. She was a senior in high school when she played for Team USA and won gold at the 1998 Olympics in Nagano. In 2004 she won the Patty Kaizmeir Award as the top player in college hockey. She was also the first woman to play in
Calgary Flames Head Coach Ryan Huska: Breakout principles, the lost art of passing and celebrating your wins
In episode 315 of the Glass and Out Podcast we collaborated with Hockey Calgary for their 4th Annual Leadership Day and sat down with Flames Head Coach Ryan Huska. Huska is a good friend of The Coaches Site, having previously joined Glass and Out. He's also presented multiple times at our TCS Live event. This was a special interview complete with diagrams to showcase some of the drills and teachin
PWHL VP of Hockey Ops Jayna Hefford: PWHL origins, passion for female hockey and collaborative leadership
In episode 314 of the Glass and Out Podcast we chat with Hockey Hall of Famer Jayna Hefford, who currently works as the Executive Vice-President of Hockey Operations for the PWHL. As the person who has largely been the face of the league since it's inception in August of 2023, she has played a key role in the growth of female hockey. Her unique background prior to becoming a sports executive incl
University of St. Thomas Head Coach Rico Blasi: Playing free, prioritizing human connection and Battle Tuesday
In episode 313 of the Glass and Out Podcast we visited the University of St. Thomas campus in Minnesota to chat with Tommies Head Coach Rico Blasi. Blasi's coaching career dates back to 1994 with the Wexford Raiders. He would take over the University of Miami (Ohio) program, his alma matter, at the ripe old age of 27 - and would eventually turn them into a perennial contender. Now in his fifth se
Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin: Team building philosophy, leading Team USA and preserving Minnesota community hockey
For episode 312 of the Glass and Out Podcast we had the chance to sit down with Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin at September's TCS Live Minnesota. Bill is of course a two-time Stanley Cup winner as a player and represented the United States at three Olympics. Following his playing career, he joined the Pittsburgh Penguins organziation, eventually landing in the Assistant GM role. He would then be na
New Jersey Devils Director of Player Development Meghan Duggan: Developing hockey sense, power of vulnerability and GM aspirations
For episode 311 of the Glass and Out Podcast we welcome Meghan Duggan, Director of Player Development for the New Jersey Devils. While most fans may know her best as the Captain of Team USA, you may soon know her as a possible candidate to become the first woman General Manager in NHL history. Duggan attended the University of Wisconsin, where she would help the Badgers capture three National titl
Minnesota Wild Head Coach John Hynes: Designing a practice plan, performance through relationships and betting on yourself
For episode 310 of the Glass and Out Podcast we were down in St. Paul for TCS Live Minnesota and had the chance to sit down with Wild Head Coach John Hynes. The coaching conference was in support of the Minnesota Wild Foundation's Skate It Forward initiative. The Wild have a goal to cover the registration fee for every first year player in the state and provide families who benefit from the progra
Penn State University Head Coach Guy Gadowsky: Defined team structure, high-end talent chemistry and battling adversity to the Frozen Four
In episode 309 of the Glass and Out Podcast we have the pleasure of being joined by Penn State University Head Coach Guy Gadowsky. One could argue that outside of the NHL, no hockey team in the world will receive as much attention as the Nittany Lions this upcoming season. Led by Gadowsky since 2011, the program is coming off its first trip to the Frozen Four and this offseason, recruited a ton of
Sarnia Sting Head Coach Alan Letang: The next shift after a mistake, balancing physicality and discipline and changing landscape of junior hockey
In episode 308 of the Glass and Out Podcast we welcome Alan Letang, the Head Coach of the OHL's Sarnia Sting. Letang is still in the front 9 of his coaching career, and as you'll hear, when he decided that coaching was his chosen career post retirement, he immersed himself in all facets of the job. And it's paid off. After 2.5 seasons as an Assistant Coach in Owen Sound, he was promoted to the rol
Henderson Silver Knights Head Coach Ryan Craig: Coaching chemistry, maximizing practice time and competition driving performance
In episode 307 of the Glass and Out Podcast we're joined by Head Coach of the Henderson Silver Knights Ryan Craig. Craig has had a great run with the Golden Knights organization, including being a member of the coaching staff during their inaugural season that saw them go on a Cinderella run and reach the Stanley Cup Finals. He remained on the staff for six seasons, culminating in the organization
Seattle Kraken Assistant Coach Jessica Campbell: Building a Cohesive PP, Solving Scoring Slumps and Breaking Barriers
Welcome back! We kick off Season 9 of the Glass and Out Podcast with episode 306, featuring Seattle Kraken Assistant Coach Jessica Campbell. Campbell is of course getting set for her second season behind an NHL bench, after having the distinction of being the first female to be hired as a full-time NHL coach. The native of Moosomin, Saskatchewan parlayed her skating business and the experience of
Calgary Flames Assistant Coach Brad Larsen: Leaning on faith, setting the standard and blooming where you're planted
In episode #305 and finale for season 8, we had the pleasure of being joined by Calgary Flames assistant coach Brad Larsen for a live interview at our TCS Live coaching conference. As a player, the Vernon, BC native won a gold medal with Canada's U18 team, along with back to back golds at the World Junior Championships. He turned pro with the Colorado Avalanche organization, was named Captain of
Pittsburgh Penguins Head Coach Dan Muse: Takes no talent, setting high coaching aspirations and creating chaos in practice
In episode #304, we revisit our conversation from 2022 with Dan Muse, freshly named new Head Coach of the Pittsburgh Penguins. At the time of this interview, Muse was Head Coach of with the US National Development Program and prior to that he spent three seasons as an Assistant with the Nashville Predators. He most recently spent two seasons as an Assistant Coach with the New York Rangers. Muse ha
Former NHL Head Coach Greg Cronin: The illumination of player development, creating reliable players and forechecking tactics
In episode #303, we're joined by former NHL Head Coach and upcoming presenter at June's TCS Live coaching conference Greg Cronin. Cronin was recently let go as the Head Coach of the Anaheim Ducks after spending two seasons with the franchise. He has enjoyed a remarkable and nearly 40 year run as a hockey coach, which began at Colby College and includes playing a role in getting the US National Dev
Coach of Head Coaches Cody Royle: Coaches are performers, the biggest competitive advantage and three primary leadership skills
In episode #302, we revisit one of our best talks from last year's TCS Live coaching conference from Cody Royle. Royle is a coach to some of the most accomplished coaches across multiple sports, along with being the author of three books, The Tough Stuff, Where Others Won't and his latest, Second Set of Eyes. He was a coach himself and has pivoted to providing coaches the sounding board and obser
NJ Devils Foundation Executive Director Kate Whitman Annis: Empowering young athletes, team goal setting and learning to explain a drill
In episode #301, we welcome upcoming presenter at this year's TCS Live and Executive Director of the New Jersey Devils Youth Foundation, Kate Whitman Annis. In her current role with the Devils, she is innovating how professional sports teams engage with their local fan base to raise funds and together, serve those in need in their local community. She has had a wide ranging career including sever
LA Kings Director of Goaltending Bill Ranford: Finding a player's foundation, new tools over change and a goalie's unique identity
In episode #300, we celebrate the milestone with a very special guest: LA Kings Director of Goaltending Bill Ranford. Not only was Ranford one of the original presenters at our TCS Live coaching conference back in 2012, he'll be returning to the stage in June for this year's edition of hockey's premier coaching conference. And top it off, he is the childhood hero of our host Aaron Wilbur. Ranford
Grizzlys Wolfsburg Head Coach Mike Stewart: Great coaches are thieves, the lost art of passing and adopting Olympic-sized rinks
In episode #299, we welcome upcoming presenter at this June's TCS Live, Grizzlys Wolfsburg Head Coach Mike Stewart. At the time of this recording, he is currently preparing for his fifth season leading the Grizzlys. He has a unique origin story as a player that includes his mother discovering a loophole that would enable him to enroll at Michigan State University, without a high school diploma, an
University of St. Thomas Head Coach Bethany Brausen: Creating a self-governing culture, leadership myths and every person has a story
In episode #298, we're joined by Bethany Brausen, Head Coach of the University of St. Thomas Women's program. Brausen just completed her first season with St. Thomas after taking over as interim Head Coach in November and being name full-time coach just a few months later. She is also in the process of completing her PhD in Organizational Leadership Policy & Development, and as you're about to hea
Mike Valley and Justin Goldman: The evolution of goaltending, redefining winning and finding your power within
In episode #297, we welcome former NHL Goalie Coach Mike Valley and Founder of The Goalie Guild Justin Goldman. The two are good friends who collaborated on the books The Power Within, which includes 3 volumes, and Embracing the Grind. Each book shares personal interviews and stories from the best goaltenders on the planet and provide a guide for aspiring goalies looking to navigate what has gener
Moorhead High School Head Coach Jon Ammerman: State Championship journey, community-based hockey success and station-based practices
In episode #296, we welcome Head Coach of the Minnesota High School State Champion Moorhead Spuds, Jon Ammerman. Our team at The Coaches Site had the chance to take in the State Championships in person and boy, did it ever live up to the hype. The Spuds defeated the Stillwater Ponies 7-6 in the culmination of an incredible run by Moorhead. As a born and bred Moorhead-native, Ammerman has witnessed
Seattle Kraken Dir. of Player Development Jeff Tambellini: Getting hooked on development, improving processing speed and learning from championship teams
In episode #295, we chat with Jeff Tambellini, who is the Director of Player Development for the Seattle Kraken. He will be sharing how he develops long-term player development plans for the prospects of the Seattle Kraken at this June's TCS Live. Secure your seat now and see him live in person! The former 1st round pick of the Los Angeles Kings played nearly 250 NHL games with the KIngs, Islander
DB Hockey Factory Founder Daniel Broberg: Developing good posture, players facing adversity and finding the "flow state"
In episode #294, we welcome back a man who requires no introduction (but we'll give one anyway): Player Development Coach Daniel Broberg. He is the founder of DB Hockey Factory and is regarded as one of the top development coaches in the game,travelling the world extensively to work with players, teams, clubs of all levels, and is sought after by some of the the top players in hockey to tweak and
NCAA Head Coach Dave Smith: Learning from being let go, evolution of the royal road and following your passion
In episode #293, we welcome good friend of The Coaches Site, Dave Smith. Two days before we were scheduled to record this podcast he notified us that he had been relieved of his duties as the Head Coach of RPI. Despite that, he agreed to join the pod with his only request being that we focus on the future and the positive experiences he enjoyed during his eight season's leading the RPI program. Pr
Tappara Head Coach Rikard Grönborg: Always choosing the challenge, encouraging decision making and failure over cowardice
In episode #292, we welcome Tappara Head Coach Rikard Grönborg. Last time we spoke with Grönborg, he and the Swedish National team were coming off back-to-back Gold medals at the World Championships, while he was also preparing to speak at TCS Live in 2019. His presentation on the evolution of coaching and player development in Sweden is a must watch. You can check it out at The Coaches Site. Grön
HC Davos Head Coach Josh Holden: Skills-skills vs game-skills, passing habits in practice and the Spengler Cup bench incident
In episode #291, we continue our trip through Europe with a visit from HC Davos Head Coach Josh Holden. Davos is of course the home of the Spengler Cup, a tournament that Holden and HC Davos won last season (his first with the team), the 16th in the club's history. After a playing career in North America that saw Holden drafted 12th overall in 1996 by the Vancouver Canucks and spend time with Caro
EV Zug Head Coach Dan Tangnes: Keys to playing a possession game, creating offence through risk management and integrity always comes first
In episode #290, we welcome current Head Coach of EV Zug Dan Tangnes. He grew up in Norway and represented his country internationally at the U20 level, and eventually made his way to Sweden where he would turn pro. Tangnes started coaching in the Rogle academy and eventually would work his way up to coaching Linkoping HC in the SHL, Sweden's top league. From there, he would join Zug in 2018 and l
The Mental Game Academy's Larissa Mills: Phone usage affecting confidence, the gambling/porn problem and solutions for coaches
In episode #289, we're joined Cognitive Behavioural Sports Specialist Larissa Mills for a very important conversation. Whether it's social media, sports betting, pornography or any number of other apps designed to highjack the focus of your players, smart phones have become an opponent we're all grappling with. Mills holds a BA in Sociology, Psychology, and a Masters of Science in Education, speci
Former NHL Head Coach Don Granato: Experimenting in practice, coaching less is the goal and switching from goalie to player
In episode #288, we welcome former NHL Head Coach Don Granato. He is of course a member of possibly the most accomplished hockey family to come out of United States. He got his start coaching in 1993 with the Wisconsin Capitals of the USHL, and since then has been getting his reps in across a multiple of leagues and levels, most recently as the Head Coach of the Buffalo Sabres. And as you'll hea
Coachella Valley Firebirds Head Coach Derek Laxdal: Improving the skill of defending, handling a tough loss and staying optimistic
In episode #287, Head Coach of the Coachella Valley Firebirds Derek Laxdal stops by. His coaching career has seen him climb from the now defunct Western Professional Hockey League, to the Central Hockey League, the East Coast Hockey League, to the Western Hockey League, the American League and finally, to the show. During that time, he's successfully navigated the ebbs and flows of his coaching jo
Former NHL and NBA Executive John Weisbrod: Running the Orlando Magic, key lessons from Lamoriello and Hughes family hockey sense
In episode #286, we're joined by John Weisbrod, former NHL executive, scout and NBA GM. Yes, you read that correctly. After a playing career that saw Weisbrod win a National Championship at Harvard and attend the San Jose Sharks first training camp, he pivoted to a career in team building at just 25 years-ols. After getting his start in Albany of the AHL, he would travel to Orlando where his time
Windsor Spitfires Head Coach Greg Walters: Applying internal psychology, starting with your breakout and a culture of quality
In episode #285, we welcome Head Coach of the Windsor Spitfires, Greg Walters, someone who has thrived on his ability to be consistent and has never had a losing season. He is currently in his first season with the Spitfires following a year suspension that involved an inappropriate altercation with another Owen Sound employee. In this episode, he shares what he learned from that experience and we
USA Hockey Manager of Goalie Development Steve Thompson: Youth Hockey retention, learning from every goal and goalie practice planning
In episode #284, we're joined by the Manager of Goalie Development for USA Hockey, Steve Thompson. It's no secret that the US has become a bit of a goaltending factory. For example, last season, of the goalies who played a minimum of 15 games in the NHL, four of the top six, seven of the top 11, and nine of the top 20 in save percentage were American. As Thompson explains it, this surge in goalten
University of Minnesota-Duluth Head Coach Laura Schuler: Hockey teaches life lessons, prescouting for tendencies and creating predictable structure
For episode #283, we welcome former TCS contributor and current Head Coach of the University of Minnesota-Duluth women's program, Laura Schuler. Schuler has enjoyed a remarkable and diverse career that has seen her be on the forefront of the evolution of the Women's game as both a player and coach, including leading some of the most talented teams, both internationally and at the NCAA level. That
The Coaches Site Year-in-Review 2024: Content Top 5s, TCS Live Highlights and Spicy Wings
Happy New Years! For episode #282, we thought we'd kick off the second half of the season by going back and looking at our most popular content on The Coaches Site from this past year. And to help us reflect on our biggest year yet, we've recruited our Director of Content, Derek Jory. You know how great teams have "Glue Guys" or teammates that ensure everyone feels important and that the rink is a
ESPN Analyst Ray Ferraro: World Junior memories, broadcasting origins and pizza in Russia
For episode #281, we're joined by a very special guest to help get you all set for this year's World Junior Championships. As a part of TSN's WJC coverage, Ray Ferraro had a front row seat at the tournament for 12 consecutive seasons. During that time, he saw some incredible players and games, and is here to share some of those highlights. Ferraro is of course a former NHL player who suited up for
Hershey Bears Head Coach Todd Nelson: Creating a family atmosphere, drills with purpose and development through winning
In episode #280, we welcome Todd Nelson, Head Coach of the Hershey Bears and reigning winner of the Louis AR Pieri Memorial Award as the AHL's outstanding coach. Nelson and the Bears are coming off back-to-back Calder Cup championships and looking to add a third consectuvie this season. He is only the third person to capture the trophy as a player, an Assistant Coach and a Head Coach, and overall
The Athletic's Craig Custance: How to build winning teams, key traits of great leaders and future NHL GMs
In episode #279, we're joined by Craig Custance, who is the Head of Creative Development at The Athletic. Custance recently released his second book, The Franchise: The Business of Building Winning Teams, which features in-depth interviews with some of the top team builders in hockey, including Tampa Bay Lightning GM Julien BriseBois, New York Islanders GM Lou Lamoriello, and many more. The b
Colorado Eagles Video Coach Kim Weiss: Inspiring female coaches, the true goal of coaching and emphasizing wall play
In episode #278, Kim Weiss, Video Coach of the Colorado Eagles, stops by to chat. She is a trail blazer who has relied on one tried and true method to advancing in her coaching career: learning how to make the players better. Previously, she would become the first female to earn a win as a Head Coach in North American junior hockey with the Maryland Black Bears and was also named an Assistant Coac
Tennessee State University Head Coach Duante' Abercrombie: Leading hockey's first HBCU, using hockey to connect people and wanting others to win
In episode #277, we had the pleasure of being joined by Duante' Abercrombie, who will be leading Tennessee State University as Head Coach in their inaugural season as a Div. 1 hockey program next season. In the process, TSU will become the first HBCU(Historically Black College or University) hockey program in history. A glance at Abercrombie's resume leaves no doubt that he is the right person to
Ottawa Senators Assistant Coach Ben Sexton: Encouraging grassroots decision making, trusting your structure and thinking like a player
In episode #276, we welcome Ottawa Senators Assistant Coach Ben Sexton, who presented at TCS Live 2024 on the fundamentals of the penalty kill. After retiring early from his playing career due to concussions, Sexton fell into the coaching arena when Mike Valluci, his Head Coach with the Wilkes-Barrie Penguins, offered him the opportunity to join the coaching staff while he was recovering from his
Changing the Game Project Founder John O'Sullivan: Winning the relationship game, being driven by process and changing a person's life
In episode #275, we're revisiting one of the highlights of last year's TCS Live conference. International speaker, best-selling author and Founder of the Changing the Game Project John O'Sullivan took to the stage to share how to take your coaching from transactional to transformational. O'Sullivan has dedicated his life to enhancing the experience kids have with youth sports by educating and insp
Mount Royal University Head Coach Bert Gilling: Designing an optimal practice, two-way relationships and mentorship in youth hockey
In episode #274, we sat down with Bert Gilling, Head Coach of Mount Royal University, at Hockey Calgary's Leadership Day. The event brings together hundreds of coaches from across Calgary to kick off the season, break bread over dinner, hear technical presentations, a keynote speaker, and of course the Glass and Out Podcast. In 2014, Gilling was named the Head Coach of Mount Royal University, a p
Army West Point Head Coach Brian Riley: The world's preeminent leadership institution, honoring every player's legacy and creating the power of one
In episode #273, we're honored to welcome Army West Point Head Coach Brian Riley. At the end of this season, Riley, who has been the Head Coach at Army since 2004, and prior to that an Assistant Coach for the program for an additional 12 seasons, is retiring. Combined with his father, who coached at Army for 36 seasons, and brother Rob, who coached 19 seasons, the Riley family has spent for over
Iowa Wild GM Matt Hendricks: Minnesota hockey culture, player development philosophy and using small area games in the NHL
In episode #272, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Iowa Wild GM Matt Hendricks at the Minnesota High School Hockey Coaches Association's Fall Clinic for a live interview. Prior to being named the GM, Hendricks spent five seasons as the Wild's Assistant Director of Player Development. Of course, prior to that he suited up for over 600 NHL games, spending time with the Avalanche, Capitals, Oi
Vegas Golden Knights Player Development Consultant Scott Jones: Slowing down skill development, hockey is patterns and kids missing out on core skills
In episode #271, we welcome Vegas Golden Knights Player Development Consultant Scott Jones. Jones works primarily with the Golden Knights prospects and the Henderson Golden Knights, their American League affiliate. He got his start in pro hockey with the Hershey Bears and since 2017 has been the Director of Player Development with the OHL's Sarnia Sting. Jones has twice been been featured at a TCS
Calgary Flames Assistant Coach Cail MacLean: Principles over systems, creating game-like practices and outside hockey inspiration
In episode #270, we're joined by Assistant Coach of the Calgary Flames, Cail MacLean. Between his time cutting his teeth near the beaches of Charleston, South Carolina with the ECHL's Stingrays, and standing behind an NHL bench in Calgary for three seasons, MacLean has touched each rung of the coaching ladder. He joined us as a presenter at TCS Live this past June at the University of Michigan, sh
