prohockeypod

Episode 23: Daniel Carr. Another Union Dutchmen Alumni joined the prohockeypod this week. Daniel was kind enough to take some time to talk about his path and everything he has learned along the way. We ofcourse chatted about the famous Union College spring workouts, but more importantly what he learned over his 4 years at school, ending it as a D1 National Champion. Daniel and I went into the depth about his pro journey, especially the mental battle of being a fringe NHL player and how he got through. We ended with Daniel giving some important feedback/advice for the younger generation. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 22. This week the prohockeypod sat down with current Canadian/German pro hockey player Steven Deeg. Steven and I have known each other for about 2 years. Steven is a product of the USports route is going into his 6th professional season in Germany. Steven talked in depth about his journey and how CIS hockey was some of the best hockey he has played. We also talked about topics like playing multiple sports, when is the right time to make the jump to the next level, and how hard you need to train to get there. There was more to cover but we will save that for round 2 down the road. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 21. Long time AHLer Troy Grosenick joined the prohockeypod this week. Troy is a Union College grad who is going into his 10th year of professional hockey in the AHL. Troy talked about the effort his dad made at a young age to help his son’s passion of hockey. We also talked about how focusing on 1 sport at a young age is the wrong approach and kids should be as active as possible for multiple reasons. Troy shared how one coach in the USHL helped flip a switch in his brain and was a big influence on him going D1, signing pro and continuing his journey today.  We went into so much detail in this episode. To be honest, Troy probably gave enough advice/insight for 2 episodes. If you are a goalie, this episode would be extremely insightful for you. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 20. Alex Hutchings joined the prohockeypod this week. Alex is another hockey player from Burlington who was a teammate of mine with the Burlington Eagles. Hutch was always known for his speed ability and shot growing up. He played 4 seasons in the OHL for the Barrie Colts and was a 4th round draft pick of the Tampa Bay Lightning. Alex touched on how he battled through adversity a few times in his career and how one tournament inspired him to change for North America pro to Europe. He was fortunate to play 8 seasons in Europe and have his family along for the ride. We talked about different styles of hockey in Europe and some advice he would give to the younger generation. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 19. This week the prohockeypod was fortunate to be joined by a special guest. Josh Jooris, currently plays for Genève-Servette in the top Swiss league and is going into his 11th season of professional hockey. But the story begins way before this. We grew up around the block from each other, went to school together and were teammates in minor hockey with the Burlington Eagles. I personally have seen all the obstacles Josh has overcome to get to where he is today. Josh shared his journey, as well as how he persevered and stayed motivated to keep improving his game. We talked about his college days, time in NHL, transition to Switzerland and what he learned along the way. We also talked about the importance of being a good team player and always finding ways to be effective/noticable in different playing scenarios. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 18. Former long time professional hockey player and current coach of the Burlington Cougar’s, Mark Jooris stopped by the prohockeypod this week. I have known Mark since I was 12 years old. He coached me as I was growing up, taught me a lot about hockey and opened my eyes to new paths such as NCAA and European Pro. To be completely honest, my career might not have been the same without his help/guidance. Mark took us back on his journey through NCAA with RPI, Team Canada, the AHL, as well as many professional seasons in Finland, Germany and Switzerland. Mark also shared how he feels the game has changed and what types of players he believes are attracting scouts these days. If you are curious to hear from someone who has been through it all, then this episode is for you. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 17. This week the prohockeypod was joined by Nick Miglio. Nick is another product of D3 hockey, who is currently playing for the Selber Wölfe in the DEL2 in Germany. Nick talked about his path playing hockey in Texas, attending Utica College, the North American pro grind and his transition to Germany. Nick also shared how he stayed motivated and believed in his abilities. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 16. The prohockeypod mixed things up this week and brought on a German agent by the name of Peter Meier. Peter is from Regensburg and has a unique story. Never played hockey, a degree in banking and somehow ended up becoming one of the more well known agents in Europe and especially Germany. Peter touched on how hard he had to work early on to get his name out there and what Sportagon looks for when evaluating potential clients. We also went into a deep discussion about German hockey, its strengths/weaknesses and how we believe it can take the next step. Hope you enjoy! 

Episode 15. This week Freddy Cabana joined the prohockeypod. Freddy is a German (originally Canadian) hockey player who has found a home in Germany and is currently going into his 15th year of professional hockey. Freddy and I met back when I was coaching in Bietigheim and quickly became friends. Freddy is known as a warrior who can play in all ends of the ice and is always in tremendous shape. Freddy shared his path through the QMJHL that allowed him to be an NHL draft pick, play in the AHL and eventually transition over to Europe. Freddy has won 3 Championships in Germany and touched on why he thinks he has had this success, as well as what he believes makes a winning team. Hope you enjoy!

Episode 14. Another week, another goalie. The prohockeypod was happy to have Evan Buitenhuis hop on this week. Evan is a fellow Burlington goalie who I had the privilege of meeting and training for 2 summers. Evan’s story is another one of an unusual path. Evan is a product of the D3 hockey system, who went on to play many years professionally in the ECHL and is currently signed for next season in the top league in Austria. One thing Evan talked about and I believe is important to hear, is not taking the next step until you are truly ready. Evan believes it is better to conquer one level before moving to the next, instead of jumping too fast and not being ready. I personally agree with this. Hope you enjoy!