

The Hockey Think Tank Podcast
thehockeythinktank
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!
Join our Community here!
Episodes
Mentioned books

Feb 14, 2025 • 11min
FRIDAY FACEOFF - IS THE NTDP WORTH IT?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to know if USA Hockey should be allocating the resources they currently are to the National Team Development Program. Listen as we discuss both sides of the argument.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 12, 2025 • 11min
SHORT SHIFTS - HOW TO DEFEND INCREDIBLE OZONE PUCK MOVEMENT
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about how to defend against teams that move the puck fast and really well in their offensive zone.
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, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 10, 2025 • 1h 28min
The Rink Shrinks & the HTT Team Up to Take on Youth Hockey - EP 351
This week Topher and Jeff talk with Mike Mottau and Brian Yandle from The Rink Shrinks podcast. We are very excited to announce that they have joined our community to help bring positive change to the hockey world, so be sure to join us at Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com to not miss a moment of our collaboration!
In this episode we talk about:
— What the HTT community is and how to join
— Jeff and Topher’s hockey career and their path to starting the HTT
— How the best players are the best athletes
— How our goal is to make the game fun and make sure players want to come back
AND SO MUCH MORE!
Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!
And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 7, 2025 • 11min
FRIDAY FACEOFF - TAGE THOMPSON HIT?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about the recent hit on Tage Thompson from the Buffalo Sabres. After a brutal hit to the head, there was no response from his teammates. Let’s talk about the importance of sticking up for your teammates.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 5, 2025 • 11min
SHORT SHIFTS - DOG DAYS OF THE SEASON
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about what to do as a coach during the dog days of the hockey season to keep spirits high and break up the monotony of the season.
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, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Feb 3, 2025 • 1h 9min
Let's Talk Mental Skills for Coaches, Parents, & Players With Guest David Franco, Mental Performance Coach - EP 350
This week Topher and Jeff talk with David Franco, Mental Performance Coach for the Texas Rangers, where he was part of their '23 World Series Championship. Franco played baseball at the D1 Level for Miami of Ohio University, and has since worked with baseball and hockey players on the mental skills side.
In this episode we talk about:
— How coaches can't help with the mental aspect during the game, so they need to prepare their players for when it matters most
— Encouraging players to make mistakes and try new things
— The importance of establishing your individual goals as a coach, sticking to them, and not letting outside pressure influence you
— “Being a palm tree” and making your routines work for you
AND SO MUCH MORE!
Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!
And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 31, 2025 • 14min
FRIDAY FACEOFF - IS ANY PLAYER ABOVE THE TEAM STANDARD?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about upholding team standards and rules for every player, no matter their skill. We use a recent event involving Brayden Point from the Tampa Bay Lightning as an example.
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 29, 2025 • 11min
SHORT SHIFTS - HOW TO END PRACTICE
On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Vechs wants to talk about how to end practice to get the players fired up and excited for the next one.
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, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 27, 2025 • 1h 7min
Resources for Those Looking to Foster A Positive Environment With Guest John O’Sullivan, Changing The Game Project Founder - EP 349
This week Topher and Jeff talk with John O’Sullivan, founder of Changing The Game Project. His company’s mission is to provide those involved in any youth sport with the resources they need to create a healthy and rewarding experience. This is a great episode for coaches and parents looking to foster a positive environment.
In this episode we talk about:
— Recognizing hockey isn’t the easiest sport to get into later in life, but what you can do for success
— That you’re not a bad parent when you say no
— Competing on the ice and collaborating off the ice
— How kids are learning to play a “slow game” and that it’s increasing the risk of injury
AND SO MUCH MORE!
Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar!
And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!
If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jan 24, 2025 • 11min
FRIDAY FACEOFF - COMMUNITY VS PROFESSIONAL MODEL?!
On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to debate utilizing the community model vs the professional model for youth hockey by comparing Minnesota and Massachusetts stats. We’ve got STRONG feelings about this one so let’s go…
TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!
We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!
Follow us:
IG: @HockeyThinkTank
X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank
TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank
Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.


