For The Love Of The Game with John Kollias

Episode 26 is a mix of Stay Social updates, stops along the Great Canadian Rink Tour, and a few lessons learned along the way. Johnny K talks about continuing to build Stay Social, visiting more great Canadian rinks, the importance of being in the right room, and why sometimes you need to step back to see the forest for the trees.

Another episode about business, life, learning as you go, and doing it all For the Love of the Game.

From the beginning of this journey, I've learned that some of the best opportunities don't come from making a sales pitch—they come from asking questions, listening, and being willing to learn. In Episode 25, Always Looking for Education, I share a few recent experiences reaching out to people I admire, not to sell them anything, but simply to ask for advice and hear their perspective. It's a reminder that you'll hear some "no's" along the way, but more often than not, people are willing to help if you're genuine.

I also take you along on the latest stops of the Great Canadian Rink Tour as we close in on 100 rinks, reflect on Charlie's U17 lacrosse season and the incredible impact of five dedicated non-parent coaches, and share why coaches, mentors, and community leaders can leave a lasting mark on a young person's life.

I wrap up the episode with a personal story about my routine colonoscopy. It begins with a few laughs, but after sharing it with a group of dads at Charlie's year-end lacrosse gathering, one comment changed the way I looked at the story. What I thought was simply a funny experience became a reminder that sometimes the stories we're willing to share can encourage someone else. You never know when a laugh can lead to a meaningful conversation—or even make a difference in someone's life.

I hope this episode reminds you to stay curious, keep learning, and never be afraid to ask for help. Sometimes the greatest lessons don't come from books, podcasts, or business meetings. They come from a conversation, a coach, a hockey rink, or an unexpected moment that changes the way you see things. If there's one theme that ties this episode together, it's this: we're all teachers, we're all students, and if we stay open to learning, life has a way of educating us every single day.

Thirty years. Countless lessons.

In this episode, I'm joined by Jamie Doherty from SEDC for an honest conversation about my 30-year journey in business, from starting Johnny K Sports in 1996 to building For the Love of the Game®, Stay Social®, and The Great Canadian Rink Tour™.

We discuss the highs, the setbacks, the risks, and the lessons that only time can teach. From growing a small business to adapting through change, this episode is about perseverance, relationships, and continuing to learn every day.

A big thank you to Jamie and the team at SEDC for the opportunity to reflect on the journey. Whether you're an entrepreneur, athlete, coach, or simply someone working toward a goal, I hope this conversation gives you a few ideas and encouragement for your own path.

Thanks for listening....

Johnny K

In Episode 23, Johnny K shares updates on Stay Social, the Great Canadian Rink Tour, a boys' trip south of the border, and the latest happenings at For the Love of the Game. A conversation about business, hockey, friendship, and the people who make the journey worthwhile.

Episode 22 – Stay Social, Rink Tour & Tryouts

In this episode, I check in on a few things I’ve been working on lately.

Part 1 – Stay Social Update
A quick look at the journey so far and the “why” behind canned water. Just keeping it real.

Part 2 – Great Canadian Rink Tour
More stops on the tour, featuring:
Brampton Memorial, J.L. Grightmire (Dundas), Teen Ranch & Tony Rose (Orangeville), Asphodel–Norwood, Albert McCormick (Waterloo), Galt Arena Gardens, and Carmen Corbasson (Mississauga).

Part 3 – Tryout Lessons
A few simple thoughts on hockey tryouts — perspective, effort, and just showing up.

As always…
Why do you play?

Stay Social. Feel Good.

Episode 21 – The Final Call

21 years… where did it go?

In this episode, I take you on a quick ride through the OHA hockey broadcasts on CKNX.ca and AM920. Some great memories, big moments, and a collection of epic goal calls from Steve Sabourin.

I was lucky to be a small part of it. Met a lot of great people, shared a lot of laughs, and had a front-row seat to some incredible Junior B and C hockey over the years.

This one’s about the journey… and bringing it all back one last time.

The Final Call. Enjoy. 🎙️

Episode 20 – For the Love of the Game with John Kollias

The Great Canadian Rink Tour rolls into Flin Flon, Manitoba, home of the historic Whitney Forum, getting an inside look at the Flin Flon Bombers of the SJHL.

An unforgettable trip…
small town, big hockey energy.
A reminder that rinks, no matter the size, are the heartbeat of communities across Canada.
The memories, the camaraderie, the love of the game, it’s all there.

In the second half, we switch gears.

I take you behind the mic for an epic Game 7 call on CKNX.ca—Hanover Barons vs Mount Forest Patriots in the Pollock Division semifinal.
A packed house at the P&H Centre…
a double overtime thriller!

As we come closer to the end of an era on the air, I share what it meant to be part of a night like that.

Still playing hockey. Rink stories. The right tools.
And a reminder I didn’t learn until later in life — there’s always enough for everyone.

Blinders on. Do your work. For the Love of the Game.

For the Love of the Game — Episode 18: Rink Tour

Recorded in Winnipeg, this episode follows Johnny K on the For the Love of the Game Rink Tour — a mission to visit and celebrate as many hockey rinks as possible across Canada.
Johnny shares stories from his own childhood in the rinks, how the brand was born, and why community rinks still matter today.

If you love hockey, history, and the heart behind the game, this one’s for you.

In Episode 17 of the For the Love of the Game Podcast, I look back on 2025 and talk about the year in business and everyday life.

I cover the launch of Stay Social, building the For the Love of the Game brand, working with athletes, and staying active through sports, golf, and goal setting.

We also take a look ahead to what’s coming in 2026.