prohockeypod

Brett Thompson joined the prohockeypod this week. Brett is a product of the OHL who went the USports route after before heading over to Europe to embark on his pro career. He is currently playing in the top league in Denmark. We dove into his dream of playing in the OHL and being able to do it for some years in the Soo. We talked about everything he learned along the way and that has helped him continue his career today. Hope you enjoy!

Current Assistant Coach for the Powell River Kings of the BCHL Kyle Bodie joined the prohockeypod this week. Kyle was a product of the BCHL himself, who went on to play D1 at Union College before playing professionally in NA and Europe. We talked a lot about his experiences in College and how he has transitioned to the coaching side. We also took a deep dive into what he communicates to his players and how he helps prepare them for the next level. Hope you enjoy!

Time to change things up and share my personal story. From Peterborough to Germany, I have had my share of experiences and adventures. A lot of ups and downs, battling through adversity and finding a way. It is easy to look back and say I wish I did certain things differently but it made me who I am today. I learned a great amount along the way and hope I can influence people through my experiences. Biggest takeaway: Don’t take things for granted and don’t be afraid to take a chance and put yourself out there. You never know where it might lead. Hope you enjoy!

Austin is currently going into his 9th pro season and 3rd in Slovakia. He grew up in Illinois, which is where he first learned to play, before heading to Fargo and eventually University of Minnesota-Duluth. We talked about Austin’s immediate jump to Sweden after college and how he found success in 2 great leagues there. We also took a deep dive into concussions and his experience. Austin spoke on how his mental health took priority and he had to step away from hockey for a bit to heal. Clearly was the right decision as he is doing great now and going into his 3rd season in Nove Zamky in Slovakia. Hope you enjoy!

Burlington has produced a lot of pro athletes and this week the prohockeypod welcomed another. Justin is a guy I grew up training with, who is currently playing for the Straubing Tigers in the DEL in Germany. Justin is a product of the OHL and was able to receive an NHL contract after his overage season. He played 7 seasons in the AHL before heading to Germany. We talked about how he got to where he is and what he learned along the way. Justin also touched on the type of player he is and how he approaches each day. Hope you enjoy!

The prohockeypod was happy to have on another Burlington alumni who went on to have a long playing career. Brett was always known for his work ethic on and off the ice, as well as his elite skating. Brett shared how he was able to become such a good skater at a young age and how that helped him throughout his career. We talked about his NA pro grind, ECHL Championship season, and heading to Europe for 7 seasons. He also talked about some good advice for young kids. Happy to have had him on the pod and ventured down memory lane. Hope you enjoy!

Another Burlington Cougar Alumni joined the prohockeypod this week. Greg and I were teammates for 2 seasons and I still have bruises on my glove hand to prove it. Greg was known for his NHL caliber shot and that is a big reason why he still holds records in Junior. Greg went on to tear up NCAA at St. Lawrence University for 4 years before embarking on 8 year pro career. Greg shared what he learned throughout his time, the big reason why he finished his degree and how he got such a powerful shot. Since retiring, he has transitioned to a front office job with his old AHL team and talked about being on the business side of a hockey club. Hope you enjoy!

Cory’s journey has taken him from a small town in St. Thomas, Ontario to living full time in Switzerland. A very humble guy with a tremendous work ethic, Cory has always been known as a solid 2way player that does everything the right way and always finds a way to be an important part of the team. A piece of the puzzle. Cory talked about being fortunate to play in a great situation on the OHL, making the jump to the AHL and a funny NHL call up story. His last year in North America, he was sent down to the AHL and Cory talked about how this step back allowed him to get back to playing his game and benefited him for the future. We talked about his move to Europe and how he has built a life in Switzerland with his family and how they have embraced/adapted to European life. Hope you enjoy!

Nathan is a former long time professional player who has now shifted his focus to athletic training, both on and off the ice. Nathan was fortunate enough to play 20 years professionally in various countries and took me through his journey. Nathan was always known for his skating and fitness, which we dived into detail about. He talked about his time in the OHL, NA pro before heading over to the bigger ice in Europe. Nathan also expressed how he believes hockey shouldn’t be your total focus and kids should find other interests/hobbies to take their mind off the game. If you have a passion for fitness and want to be a great skater, then this episode is for you. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 24: Larry Mitchell. Larry is one of the more well known/respected people in hockey in Europe. He has been through it all. Larry was fortunate to have a long playing career in Germany, followed by a short stint as a hockey stick rep in North America, before returning to Germany as a Coach/GM and now a Sports Manager in Switzerland. Over the years, Larry has been known for his eye for scouting players and has built a large hockey network. It is hard to find someone in hockey who hasn’t heard his name. It was an honour to have Larry on the podcast and he is someone I have the absolute most respect for. If you are someone (like myself) who wants to be a successful coach/GM, then this episode is for you and loaded with advice/tips. Hope you enjoy!