FRIDAY FACEOFF - BENCHING PLAYERS?!

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about almost every youth player’s least favorite aspect of hockey: rest and recovery. What you do off the ice is just as, if not more important than what you do on the ice. Listen as we talk best practices to make sure you’re 100% ready to go every time you hit the ice. 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

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about why the middle of the ice is so important and how we should be talking about it to our players, both offensively and defensively. 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

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Shawn Pauly, former University of Connecticut men’s ice hockey player and now Director of GForce Sports Academy. We fundamentally recognize that everyone has a different path in hockey and there is not a specific journey that will make you more successful. The reality is more hockey academies are opening across the country and many parents are curious if that environment would be a good fit for their player. We hope this episode gives parents and players some insight and helps weigh the pros and cons of sports academies. In this episode we talk about: — Not always looking for scouts when you’re playing and finding the fun first — The questions parents should ask if they are considering an academy — A day in the life of an academy student: the pros and cons — FOMO in hockey, and truly finding the best fit for you 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! PARENTS & RECRUITING 101 COURSES BLUEPRINT ORGANIZATION REFERRAL Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about benching players. We answer the how, when, and why questions about this development and discipline tool. It can be a tough subject for coaches and parents to navigate, so let’s get into it. 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

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about passing. It is one of THE most important elements of the game, so let’s dive into everything passing. 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

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Eric Walsky & Mathieu Falbriard from Bearmind Tech. As former players significantly impacted by concussions, Walsky and Falbriard founded Bearmind Tech to help with concussion detection and improving brain injury management. So many concussions either go undetected entirely, or receive delayed treatment. Bearmind’s monitoring device was designed to change that. In this episode we talk about: — How 70% of concussions are diagnosed after games, meaning that most players continue playing, not realizing they are injured — How we rush too quickly into body contact with our current development model — How playing multiple sports creates critical thinking skills — Best practices for concussion treatment — The loneliness in concussions 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! Racker Rivals Big Red 2025 Fundraiser Bearmind Tech Website Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to talk about a post Vechs shared to his Instagram about finding your new locker room. As hockey players, we get so used to always having a team, that when we stop playing it can feel lonely. Having people that resonate with you is so incredibly important, so get out there, and find your new locker room. 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

On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about stick battles. We are seeing a trend toward using stick battles over checking to create turnovers, so let’s talk about how to win them. 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

This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jon Lounsbury, player development coach for multiple NHL players and owner of 11 Hockey. We have heard about the word “development” being thrown around frequently and big promises from coaches to develop players, but what does that even mean? In this episode we discuss Lounsbury’s take on how to truly help players develop and thrive. In this episode we talk about: — Giving the game back to the kids by asking what they want — End-of-season exit meetings and giving specific, constructive feedback — Ditching the ego and recognizing that every year is a new year to try something new if things didn’t work — Developing versatile players 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! PARENTS & RECRUITING 101 COURSES BLUEPRINT ORGANIZATION REFERRAL Follow us: IG: @HockeyThinkTank X (Twitter): @HockeyThinkTank TikTok: @HockeyThinkTank Facebook: TheHockeyThinkTank

On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to answer a listener's question about concussions: As a parent, how do you best support your player who has a concussion? We cover how to reduce your chances of getting one and the best practices when dealing with concussions. 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