Glass and Out

Craig Custance, Head of Creative Development at The Athletic and author of "The Franchise: The Business of Building Winning Teams," shares insights from leading figures in hockey. He delves into essential leadership traits and the significance of team culture. Custance discusses the evolving nature of management in the NHL, emphasizing inclusivity and effective communication. He also highlights emerging leaders like Megan Duggan and reflects on the importance of storytelling in sports leadership, offering inspirational insights for aspiring GMs.

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 Coach with the mens team at Trinity College, her alma mater, making her the first female to coach at the NCAA level on the male side. In addition, Weiss is a two-time TCS Live presenter, covering Strategy for OT and Shootouts and Incorporating Wall Play into Practice. Listen as she shares advice for aspiring female coaches, why coaching is all about helping players get better and why wall play is an undertaught skill.

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 lead the Tigers. That includes his time as an Assistant Coach with Stevenson University, becoming just the fourth coach of colour at that time in the NCAA. Professionally, he spent the 2022-23 season with the Toronto Maple Leafs organizations and has also been a part of several NHL BIPOC programs, spending time with the San Jose Sharks, Boston Bruins, Nashville Predators and Arizona Coyotes. Last year, he was nominated for Willie O'Ree Community Hero Award for his work with the Washington Capitals' Black Hockey Committee and the Rising Stars Academy. Listen as he shares what the new role at TSU means to him, how hockey can be used to connect people of all backgrounds, and the importance of wanting someone else to win more than you do.

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 injuries. The following season he stepped behind the bench full time with the AHL's Belleville Senators. Three seasons later, he was promoted to the big club, where he and the rest of Travis Green's staff are looking to lead the Sens to the post season for the first time since 2017. Listen as he shares why today's players are having trouble processing the game, why teams need to believe in their structure and details, and embracing the philosophy of thinking like a player and acting like a coach.

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 inspiring the adults in the equation, namely their coaches and parents. He's been featured on CNN, ESPN and NBC Sports, along with speaking at TEDx, and to the US Olympic Committee, US Soccer, USA Wrestling, USA Swimming, US Ski and Snowboard, Ireland Rugby and Australian Rugby League. And with that in mind, Our team at The Coaches Site are excited to announce that we have collaborated with John on a course focused on the How To's of Transformational Coaching. You can learn more about the course here. Listen as he shares why great coaches win the relationship game, why we must be outcome aware but driven by process, and why every coach has the ability to change a person's life for the better.

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 program he has turned into a perennial contender in Canadian University Hockey or USports. Currently, the Cougars are tied for first place in the Canada West Conference and off to a 7-1 start. Listen as he shares how to design an optimal practice environment, building two-way relationships with your players, and the need for more mentorship in youth hockey.

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 75 consecutive seasons in charge of the Black Knights program. To say that the Riley family is a part of the DNA of the United States Military Academy would be an understatement. Listen as he shares what makes West Point the preeminent leadership insitution in the world, carrying the responsibility of honoring every player's legacy, and why creating the power of of one is the key to overcoming any obstacle.

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, Oilers, Jets and Wild. Growing up, he captained Blaine High School to a Minnesota State Championship and if you've never spent time in Minnesota, that is a HUGE deal in that part of the world. Listen as he shares what makes hockey in Minnesota so special, why there's no forward button on player development, and why small area games are key, even at the NHL level.

Scott Jones, Player Development Consultant for the Vegas Golden Knights, shares his expertise in hockey skill enhancement. He emphasizes the need to slow down training to master essential skills. Jones discusses how hockey is fundamentally about recognizing patterns, which is crucial for young players. He highlights the current gaps in youth training, urging a tailored approach that focuses on core skills. Additionally, he advocates for effective coaching strategies that encourage learning through manageable drills and foster a deeper understanding of the game.

Cail MacLean, the Assistant Coach for the Calgary Flames, has journeyed from the ECHL to the NHL while emphasizing principles over rigid systems. He delves into the significance of creating game-like practices that enhance player skills and understanding. Cail also discusses the importance of mentorship, camaraderie among alumni, and how outside influences, from music to tech culture, can inspire coaching philosophies. His innovative approach prioritizes team identity and balances structure with creativity, fostering a positive and engaging environment for players.