Rinkside

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew share their journeys in sports, discussing their backgrounds in curling and hockey, the importance of teamwork, the highs and lows of competition, and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats. They reflect on Olympic experiences, the pressure of performance, and the significance of enjoying the journey as athletes. The conversation emphasizes the value of resilience, growth, and the bonds formed within teams, ultimately highlighting that success is not solely defined by medals but by the experiences and relationships built along the way.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds

02:16 Emma's Journey in Curling

04:59 Ryan's Hockey Beginnings

09:58 The Importance of Resilience in Sports

14:59 Team Dynamics and Relationships

18:18 Transitioning to Women's Curling

22:36 The NHL Combine Experience

25:53 Draft Day Disappointment and Lessons Learned

27:32 The Journey to Signing an NHL Contract

31:09 Emma's Path to Olympic Success

33:06 The Pressure of Olympic Expectations

35:20 Facing Media Pressure and Performance Anxiety

36:57 Post-Olympic Reflection and Growth

40:30 Managing Pressure and Enjoying the Moment

Summary

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the importance of creating inclusive sports environments for children with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals. They are joined by Dr. Amy Latimer-Cheung, who shares her research on quality participation in sports and the building blocks necessary for creating positive experiences. The conversation emphasizes the role of coaches in fostering inclusivity and adapting their strategies to meet the diverse needs of all athletes.

Chapters

00:00 Creating Inclusive Sports Environments

02:49 Understanding Quality Participation

08:22 Building Blocks of Quality Participation

14:05 Coaching for Inclusivity

19:51 Transformational Leadership in Coaching

25:02 Innovative Approaches to Coaching

27:08 The Possibilities of Sport for All

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew engage in a comprehensive discussion with Thomas Muir, a high-performance coach at the West Ottawa Soccer Club. They explore the landscape of youth soccer in Canada, focusing on the Ontario Provincial Development League (OPDL), the transition from player to coach, and the unique challenges faced by non-parent coaches. The conversation delves into the importance of player development over winning, the role of parents in youth sports, and the benefits of multi-sport participation for young athletes. Thomas shares insights on how to keep athletes engaged and the future of soccer in Canada, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment that fosters growth and passion for the sport.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Seasonal Transition

02:52 Exploring Youth Soccer Coaching

04:15 Understanding the Ontario Player Development League

04:15 Introduction to Soccer Coaching in Ottawa

07:00 Thomas's Journey in Soccer

09:58 Transitioning from Player to Coach

12:56 The Challenges of Coaching Youth

15:50 Navigating Parent-Child Dynamics in Coaching

18:55 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports

21:47 Concluding Thoughts on Coaching and Development

24:35 Navigating Coaching Challenges

25:47 The Importance of Player Development

27:29 Balancing Individual and Team Goals

29:50 Understanding Competition and Development

34:33 The Role of Multi-Sport Participation

39:28 Addressing Financial Barriers in Youth Sports

Summary

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew engage with Tim Powers, discussing the profound impact of sports on personal and professional life. They explore Tim's journey from being a national-level rugby player to his current role with the Canadian Olympic Committee. The conversation highlights the importance of grassroots development, the balance between performance and participation, and the role of social media in shaping the athlete experience. Tim emphasizes the need for youth to engage in multiple sports and the value of coaching in fostering a love for the game.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates

02:29 The Impact of Sport on Life

05:01 Transitioning from Player to Administrator

07:43 Balancing Performance and Participation

10:28 Grassroots Development in Sports

13:15 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports

16:01 Promoting Rugby to Families

18:31 Accessibility and Community in Rugby

21:29 The Impact of Rugby on Youth and Community

24:07 The Role of Social Media in Sports

27:07 The Evolution of Athlete Representation and Rights

28:56 Insights from the Canadian Olympic Committee

35:46 Coaching and Mentorship in Youth Sports

In this episode of Rinkside, Ryan Steeves and guest co-host Eric Macramalla cover youth sports, focusing on tryouts, player development, and the emotional challenges faced by young athletes. They discuss the importance of proper placement in sports, the impact of social media on youth sports culture, and the need for transparency in coaching decisions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of fostering a positive relationship between children and their sports, ensuring that the focus remains on enjoyment and growth rather than solely on competition.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Co-Host Dynamics

01:57 The Art of Unprepared Conversations

03:25 Navigating Tryouts: Insights and Experiences

07:12 Sorting Out Players: The Right Level Matters

11:25 Building Relationships Through Sports

15:01 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports

18:38 Evaluating Talent: The Tryout Dilemma

22:41 Inclusivity in Sports: Casting a Wider Net

23:48 The Dynamics of Team Changes in Youth Sports

25:51 The Impact of Parental Expectations on Youth Athletes

28:50 Understanding the Role of Fun in Youth Sports

31:07 The Cost of Youth Sports: A Parent's Perspective

34:05 The Dangers of Overemphasis on Competition

35:45 The Influence of Social Media on Youth Sports

39:28 Consumption vs. Learning in Youth Sports

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the pressures faced by athletes in high-stakes situations, particularly in professional sports. They explore the psychological aspects of performance under pressure, the impact of fan expectations, and the importance of support systems. The conversation delves into mental strategies for handling pressure, the role of coaches, and the significance of resilience and self-forgiveness in sports. They also touch on the challenges of perfectionism and how to train young athletes to cope with pressure effectively.Chapters00:00 Introduction to High-Performance Pressure02:32 The Impact of Pressure on Performance05:27 Understanding the 'It Factor' in Athletes08:05 The Role of Mental Preparation10:35 Fan Expectations and Athlete Performance13:29 The Human Side of Athletes15:59 Training Under Pressure20:26 The Psychology of Performance Under Pressure23:01 Training Techniques for Pressure Management25:47 The Impact of Parental Influence on Athletes30:12 Coping with Pressure in Sports35:25 Building Resilience and Support in Young AthletesFrom grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.Follow Rinkside PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinksidepodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tBBhYO6q3u8IyQVOrk9C0?si=37408da8ea704f2e&nd=1&dlsi=7391af3161294056Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rinkside/id1796037246

In this episode, Ryan and Emma discuss the evolving landscape of youth sports, particularly focusing on baseball. They are joined by Brian Storseth, who shares insights from his extensive experience in youth baseball coaching and administration. The conversation covers various themes including the importance of affordability and accessibility in youth sports, the benefits of multi-sport participation, the challenges posed by specialization, and the significance of fostering a positive team culture. Brian emphasizes the need for injury prevention and long-term athlete development, while also highlighting the growth of girls' baseball programs. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of youth baseball and the importance of creating a supportive environment for young athletes.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Youth Sports and Coaching

03:29 The Role of Affordability in Youth Baseball

06:11 Accessibility and Retention in Youth Sports

08:48 Balancing Multi-Sport Participation

11:27 The Importance of Fun and Team Dynamics

14:15 Injury Prevention and Overuse in Youth Baseball

22:03 Building Arm Strength in Young Athletes

26:49 Long-Term Athlete Development in Baseball

33:40 Challenges Facing Youth Baseball

38:00 Empowering Girls in Baseball

Why are so many young girls dropping out of sport—and what can we do to stop it?In this candid episode, Emma opens up about what it’s really like to grow up as a girl in the world of competitive sport. From being told to “smile more” on the ice to having her achievements reduced to comments on her appearance, Emma shares her personal experiences of gender bias, burnout, and the invisible pressures that female athletes face every day.Alongside Ryan, they explore the social and systemic reasons behind the high dropout rate in girls’ sports, the importance of supportive coaching, and the role of women in leadership and visibility—from Curling Canada to the NHL.If you’re a coach, parent, or young athlete, this episode is an essential listen on how we can build a more equal, empowering future for girls in sport.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Why This Topic Matters00:42 – Growing Up in Sport as a Girl01:53 – Coaching Girls vs. Coaching Boys03:15 – Emma’s Early Experiences with Criticism04:30 – “Smile More”: The Gendered Feedback Gap06:07 – Going Viral for Pushing Back07:12 – Media Bias: Appearance Over Achievement08:52 – Social Media Comments & Gendered Narratives10:56 – Abuse & Anxiety in the Spotlight12:42 – The Impact of Online Criticism on Young Girls13:34 – Why Fewer Parents Encourage Girls to Compete14:14 – Sacrifice, Social Struggles & Isolation15:36 – The Dropout Rate: 1 in 3 Girls Leave Sport16:35 – Sport Builds Confidence, Leadership, and Life Skills17:51 – Emma on Learning Resilience Through Sport18:49 – The Investment Gap & Lack of Opportunity20:01 – The Rise of the PWHL & Community Support21:37 – Curling's Progress Toward Equal Pay22:58 – Revenue, ROI & Changing the Conversation23:55 – Cultural Shifts in Women’s Sport (WNBA, PWHL, NCAA)25:29 – Why Strength Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story26:56 – Playing Men's Teams: What It Reveals28:12 – The Power of Representation in Coaching & Leadership29:29 – Why More Women in Leadership Matters31:17 – Cathy Henderson, Curling Canada & Hockey Canada33:30 – Emma’s Message to Young Girls in Sport34:32 – The Friendship, Growth & Rewards Sport Can Offer36:06 – Closing Advice: If You Love It, Keep GoingFrom grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.Follow Rinkside PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinksidepodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tBBhYO6q3u8IyQVOrk9C0?si=37408da8ea704f2e&nd=1&dlsi=7391af3161294056Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rinkside/id1796037246

How young is too young to start lifting?This week on Rinkside, Emma and Ryan sit down with Andre Signoretti—former pro hockey player and co-owner of Ottawa’s Fitness Lab—to unpack the myths, realities, and best practices around strength and conditioning for youth athletes.Andre shares the difference between training right and training early, explains why mobility and movement quality come before heavy lifting, and discusses how to avoid the all-too-common injuries caused by ego or overtraining. Whether your child is chasing a scholarship or simply wants to feel strong and confident, this episode delivers insight for athletes, coaches, and sport parents alike.Emma also reflects on how her own strength training journey helped transform her curling career, and the hosts explore how strength, recovery, and confidence go hand in hand—at any age.Timestamps00:00 – Intro: The Physical Side of Sport00:47 – Meet Andre Signoretti: From Pro Hockey to Fitness Lab02:24 – How Andre Fell Into Personal Training04:11 – Emma’s Experience: Changing Positions, Changing Strength04:39 – Lifting as a Youth Athlete: Then vs. Now06:05 – Foundational Movement vs Heavy Weights07:04 – Why Proper Form Comes First08:17 – Individual Assessments & Mobility Testing09:26 – Managing Overload & Early Specialization10:58 – Balancing Strength Training with Multi-Sport Schedules12:08 – Peer Pressure, Comparison, and Gym Culture13:42 – “Less Is More” for Growing Athletes14:13 – Sport-Specific vs. Strength-Specific Training15:00 – Setting Expectations: Measurable Results for Youth16:55 – What Gains Look Like: Power, Pushups, Chin-Ups17:17 – The Importance of Mobility for Injury Prevention18:50 – Stretching, Recovery & Long-Term Habits20:04 – Teaching Ownership: Self-Guided Mobility in Kids21:24 – NCAA Model & College Hockey Conditioning22:00 – Development over Destination23:04 – Training as Life Prep, Not Just Sport Prep24:44 – Building Confidence Through Competence25:15 – The Value of Guided, Supervised Strength Training27:31 – Learning It Late vs. Learning It Right29:15 – Adding Strength Doesn’t Mean Adding Stress30:25 – Closing Thoughts: Development, Balance, and Self-ComparisonFrom grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.Follow Rinkside PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinksidepodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tBBhYO6q3u8IyQVOrk9C0?si=37408da8ea704f2e&nd=1&dlsi=7391af3161294056Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rinkside/id1796037246#sportperformance #youthsports

What if the key to building NHL-ready talent isn’t more games—but more fun?This week on Rinkside, Emma and Ryan sit down with Corey Murphy—former NHLer and current Player Development Consultant for the Seattle Kraken—for a wide-ranging, eye-opening conversation on how elite hockey players are developed, and what North America could learn from European systems.Corey shares insights from his global playing career (NHL, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland), his experience raising two hockey-playing sons overseas, and his role helping Kraken prospects grow into complete athletes. From Sweden’s "fun-first" youth model to the Kraken’s forward-thinking development strategy, this episode is packed with actionable insights for athletes, coaches, and parents.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Listener Feedback00:34 – Welcome Corey Murphy01:13 – NCAA Rivalry Memories: Colgate vs. Yale02:24 – Corey’s Unconventional Path: Europe to the NHL04:10 – Why the Big Ice in Finland Changed Everything06:14 – More Practice, Less Games: Europe’s Athlete-Centered Model08:09 – Raising Kids in Swedish & Finnish Hockey Systems09:00 – The 2002 Swedish Hockey Summit: A Turning Point10:54 – Prioritizing Fun Over Winning: The Swedish Approach13:20 – Why Sweden Doesn’t Cut Kids Early14:35 – Can Canada Adopt This Model?15:37 – Gear for All: How Sweden Gets Kids Into Hockey16:02 – Why Europeans Produce More Multi-Sport Athletes18:52 – Ice Time Culture Shock: Why Summer Sports Matter20:23 – Small Ice, Big Impact: Smart Progression by Age23:05 – Resistance to Small-Ice Models in Canada25:09 – Fun as a Systematic Development Priority26:26 – Fitness in Youth Hockey: Canada vs. Sweden27:04 – Corey’s “If I Ran Hockey Canada” Vision28:52 – Educating Parents: The Missing Link30:14 – Pressure, Parenting & the Car Ride Home31:10 – Creativity vs. Joystick Coaching33:01 – Humor, Mistakes & Psychological Safety in Youth Sport35:19 – Tryouts: Helping Kids Handle Stress37:27 – What Tryouts Really Teach Kids38:22 – Corey’s Role with the Seattle Kraken40:00 – Bringing European Lessons into NHL Player Development41:24 – Why the Kraken Organization Stands Out42:35 – Final Reflections & Coaching Culture Shifts44:00 – Curling, Soccer & Learning Through Mistakes46:03 – Balancing Correction with Confidence46:53 – Wrap-up & ThanksFrom grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.