Glass and Out

In episode #260, Assistant Coach for the San Jose Sharks and presenter at the upcoming TCS Live, Ryan Warsofsky stops by. At just 36 years-old, Warsofsky just completed his first season behind an NHL bench after climbing the coaching ladder at a rapid pace. That includes time as a Head Coach in the ECHL and AHL, two Calder Cup championships and an ECHL record for fewest goals against in a season during his first season leading the South Carolina Stingrays. He's one of the top up and coming coaches in the game and is highly regarded by his peers in the industry. It will be fun to follow his coaching journey from here. Listen as he shares why coaches need to find releases to deal with anxiety, importance of creating a process to avoid negativity, and why practice habits become game reality.

In episode #259, we welcome Ben Syer, who was recently named Head Coach of Princeton University's men's program. Previously, he spent eight seasons as an assistant with Quinnipiac University and 13 with Cornell University. During that time, Cornell won an ECAC Championship and made 6 trips to the NCAA tournament. Based on the outpouring of support he's received from his peers, there is no doubt that Syer is deserving of this new position and is set up to have success leading the Tigers. Listen as he shares why positive peer pressure is the key to creating a competitive environment, finding the "wow" factor in a player's game, and the importance of improving the situation you're in, rather than jumping ship.

In episode #258, we're joined by newly named Head Coach of the USHL's Omaha Lancers, Lennie Childs. This comes following a two year run at Union College where he worked under Josh Hauge. Previously, he spent time with the NAHL's Janesville Jets and the USHL's Des Moine Buccaneers. As you'll find out, Childs's energy is infectious and is clearly riding a wave of momentum right now. The USHL has a long and impressive list of coaching alumni and it wouldn't surprise us in the least if down the road, he joins that club. Listen as he shares why you always need to bring the juice, the importance of standing with your players through the good and bad, and coaching in the generation of "me."

In episode #257, we come full circle and welcome back the original co-host of the Glass and Out Podcast, Kelvin Cech. We're proud to announce that Cech has rejoined The Coaches Site as our new Manager of Content Collaboration! This comes after he spent four seasons in the Manitoba Junior Hockey League. The first two were spent as the Head Coach and Gm of the Winkler Flyers, where he was awarded Coach of the Year in his first season. From there, he was appointed the Head Coach and GM of the expansion Niverville Nighthawks. Listen as he shares why a growth mindset is integral for coaches, what he learned form coaching in hockey-mad small town, and what to expect from his new role with TCS.

In episode #256 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we revisit PWHL Ottawa and Czech Women's National Team Head Coach Carla MacLeod's presentation on creating authentic connections, which she delivered at last year's TCS Live coaching conference. As you know, our flagship event, TCS Live, is coming up June 20-22 at the University of Michigan. Every year, the best presentations to come out of the event are linked to the presenters or coaches lived experience. The information is somehow linked to a challenge, adversity they've faced or a triumph. In her presentation, MacLeod uses her experience of leading the Czech Team as the backdrop for how coaches create authentic connections with their players to drive performance on the ice. Listen as she shares the four ingredients for team success, strategies for getting to know players, and why coaching is a privilege.

Former NHL player and current Nashville Predators Skills Coach Sébastien Bordeleau discusses developing instinct, using small area games, and the growth of hockey in Nashville. He highlights the importance of equipping players with a wide range of tools and how instinct is the hardest skill to develop. Bordeleau also reflects on his experience being drafted by the Montreal Canadiens and the evolution of hockey culture in non-traditional markets like Nashville.

Seven-time Stanley Cup Champion Barry Smith shares insights on developing hockey sense, working with coaching legends like Scotty Bowman, and creating player identities. Topics include team depth, player roles, coaching philosophies, enhancing on-ice decision-making, real-game drills, and disparities in player development between North America and Europe.

Former TCS Live presenter and Saskatoon Blades head coach Brennan Sonne shares insights on decision-making, defensive strategies, and stopping star players like Connor Bedard. Topics include balancing fun and discipline for young players, building confidence in coaching, humorous team challenges, enhancing defensive skills, and the journey to success in coaching.

In episode #252 of the Glass and Out Podcast, our guest is Philipp Pinter, the Head Coach of both Austria's U18 and U20 National Teams. If you didn't grow up in Austria and play for the National Team, then it might be easy to focus on the reasons why Austria can't be successful internationally. But Pinter doesn't seem overly concerned with that. What he does seem focused on is creating a learning environment that makes his passion for hockey and representing Austria internationally contagious. In addition to his coaching role with hockey Austria, he was recently named the Sports Manager for the Graz 99ers hockey club. Listen as he shares why you have to first set yourself on fire before inspiring others, being your authentic self as a coach, and the importance of being an active listener

In episode #251 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by the USHL's Vice-President of Hockey Operations, Ian Gentile. In his role, Gentile has his hands in a numbers of areas that influence player development. His job description includes the USHL's central registry and drafts, player safety and supplemental discipline. The league's recent success has resulted in it becoming a major source of NHL talent. In fact, last season saw 51 players with USHL ties selected in the NHL, marking the 6th consecutive draft that over 50 players had been chosen. Previous to his role with the USHL, Gentile spent 13 years with the Chicago Blackhawks that saw him hold the role of Senior Manager of Player Development and win three Stanley Cup Championships. Listen as he shares the importance of putting an emphasis on the mental wellness of players, why parents should be encouraging their kids to play multiple sports, and why the USHL has become a major source of NHL talent.