In this episode of The Grind: Road to Success podcast, host Zak Krysak sits down with San Jose Sharks Assistant Coach and former NHL player Jeff Ulmer. Most professional athletes never reach 1,000 games, yet Jeff's journey defies expectations. From a tiny village in Saskatchewan to over 19 years playing across 13 countries and coaching in the NHL, Jeff’s story reveals a blueprint for resilience, adaptability, and relentless pursuit of excellence. What separates the good from the great isn’t just talent — it’s mindset, discipline, and a willingness to embrace change.

Jeff shares how he turned setbacks into stepping stones, balancing a long overseas career with a clear vision for life after hockey. He discusses the mental skills learned through decades of constant change, from playing under 30 coaches to mastering multiple languages, and how those experiences built a unique perspective as an NHL assistant coach. You’ll discover practical insights on handling rejection, staying motivated long-term, and the importance of mental toughness in peak performance.

Perfect for athletes, parents, and coaches alike, this episode unpacks how the world’s top performers cultivate the habits that sustain them through injury, failure, and relentless competition. Jeff’s journey proves that understanding your own resilience can unlock higher levels of performance—whether you’re aiming for the NHL or simply striving to be the best version of yourself.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to the Grind Road to Success Podcast

02:00 Jeff Ulmer's Unique Hockey Journey

05:50 Overcoming Adversity and Rejection

09:14 Building Self-Belief and Confidence

15:10 Mental Resilience and Longevity in Sports

19:46 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation

27:32 Finding Purpose and Internal Motivation

30:26 Adapting to Change and Coaching Philosophy

36:57 Communication and Support for Athletes

43:24 Parental Guidance and Conversations with Young Athletes

43:53 Navigating Parent-Athlete Conversations

47:23 Quick Hits: Fun Insights and Personal Stories

58:55 The Importance of Mindset in Sports

01:02:10 Developing Young Athletes: Insights from Experience

01:07:23 The Key Traits of Elite Athletes

01:11:43 Lessons from a Career: Sharing Knowledge with Young Players

01:14:32 Preparing for Life After Sports

01:18:20 Reflecting on the Journey: Advice to My Younger Self

🏆 If you want to learn how to take your game to the next level as an athlete and succeed at the highest level then claim your FREE 14-Day Trial to The Grind Performance Academy. CLICK HERE: https://www.thegrindperformance.com/

Subscribe & Follow for more elite level content, strategies and mental performance tips!

YT: ⁨@thegrindperformance⁩ IG: instagram.com/thegrindperformance

#ProAthleteMindset #Mindset #JeffUlmer #NHL #NHLCoach #StanleyCup #StanleyCupChampion #HeadCoach #Coaching #SanJoseSharks #SanJose #Sharks #Hockey #SportsParents #Sports #Parenting #Parentingtips #SportsParents #SportsPsychology #MentalPerformance #Performance #Athlete #Champion #Culture #AthleteDevelopment #MindsetMatters #YouthSports #Motivation #Leadership #Confidence #PersonalDevelopment #TrainLikeAChampion #Podcast #SportsPodcast #TheGrindPodcast #TheGrindPerformance #TheGrind #Trending #Fyp

In this episode of The Grind Road to Success podcast, host Zak Krysak sits down with Rod Brind'Amour, former NHL athlete, Stanley Cup champion and current Head Coach of the Carolina Hurricanes. In this podcast you will learn directly from an NHL athlete and coach on the importance of mental training, daily routines, overcoming doubts, and the significance of team culture. Rod shares insights on the evolving nature of athletic training, the value of multi-sport participation, and the balance between parenting and coaching. If you are an athlete, parent or coach then this is one you won't want to miss!Takeaways- The importance of mental training alongside physical preparation.- Daily routines and consistency are key to success in sports.- Overcoming doubts and trusting the process is essential for athletes.- Team culture and leadership play a crucial role in achieving success.- Multi-sport participation can benefit young athletes and prevent burnout.- Success is a by-product of preparation and hard work.- Athletes need to enjoy the journey, not just focus on the end goal.- Discipline and routine are vital for maintaining peak performance. - Parents should appreciate their sacrifices and support their children's journey in sports.- Scouting players involves looking for intangibles like competitiveness and teamwork.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Grind Road to Success Podcast01:14 Rod Brindamore's Journey in Hockey05:10 The Importance of Mental Training in Sports10:48 Daily Routines and Preparation for Success13:30 Overcoming Doubts and Imposter Syndrome17:24 The Role of Discipline in Athletic Success21:07 The Importance of Culture in Team Dynamics27:12 Talent vs. Mindset in Athletic Performance31:21 The Evolving Nature of Athletic Training34:40 The Value of Multi-Sport Participation39:10 Parenting and Coaching: Finding the Balance44:32 Scouting Players: What Makes a Great Athlete?52:39 Building a Winning Team Culture57:30 Quick Hits: Rapid Fire Questions with Rod Brindamore01:06:08 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents and Athletes🏆 If you want to learn how to take your game to the next level as an athlete and succeed at the highest level then claim your FREE 14-Day Trial to The Grind Performance Academy. CLICK HERE: https://www.thegrindperformance.com/Subscribe & Follow for more elite level content, strategies and mental performance tips!YT: ⁨@thegrindperformance⁩ IG: instagram.com/thegrindperformance#ProAthleteMindset #Mindset #RodBrindamour #Brindamour #NHL #NHLCoach #StanleyCup #StanleyCupChampion #HeadCoach #Coaching #CarolinaHurricanes #Carolina #Hurricanes #Hockey #SportsParents #Sports #Parenting #Parentingtips #SportsParents #SportsPsychology #MentalPerformance #Performance #Athlete #Champion #Culture #AthleteDevelopment #MindsetMatters #YouthSports #Motivation #Leadership #Confidence #PersonalDevelopment #TrainLikeAChampion #Podcast #SportsPodcast #TheGrindPodcast #TheGrindPerformance #TheGrind #Trending #Fyp

In this Episode of The Grind: Road to Success podcast, host Zak Krysak & Healthy Sports Parent founder Jonathan Carone explore the delicate balance between guiding children in sports and pushing them towards goals that may not align with their own desires. It emphasizes the importance of understanding young athlete's aspirations and providing support without exerting undue pressure. If you are a sports parent or have athlete's then this is for you!Takeaways:- We should be guiding our kids in sports, not pushing them.- Pushing someone implies exerting force against their will.- Parents should help children reach their goals by laying out a plan.- It's crucial to understand if a child's goal is truly theirs.- Opportunities should be provided without coercion.- Guidance involves leading children to their own aspirations.- Parental involvement should be supportive, not forceful.- Children's desires should be prioritized in sports.- The role of a parent is to facilitate, not dictate.- Finding a balance between support and pressure is key.🏆 If you want to learn how to support your athlete's at the highest level and have support as a sports parent, then claim your FREE 14-Day Trial to The Grind Performance Academy receieving on-demand support and a mental training program designed for sports families.

CLICK HERE: https://bit.ly/tgp_academySubscribe & Follow for more elite level content, strategies and mental performance tips!YT: ⁨@thegrindperformance⁩ IG: instagram.com/thegrindperformance

In this Episode of The Grind: Road to Success, Dre Baldwin and Zak Krysak explore the journey from being an athlete and why it's essential to have a strong mindset beyond the game. 4x TEDx speaker and former professional basketball player, Dre shares valuable insights on building confidence, the significance of leadership, and the grind that comes with pursuing one's goals. This conversation emphasizes that success is not just about talent but also about the mindset and systems in place to support growth and development.

👇 Watch this if you want to:

✅ Build a stronger, more confident mindset

✅ Learn what it takes to compete at the highest levels

✅ Develop systems helping you stay discipline and consistent

✅ Become a professional athlete

🏆 If you want to learn from the top professional athletes around the globe each day then claim your FREE 14-Day Trial to The Grind Performance Academy and take your mental game to the next level as an athlete: https://bit.ly/tgp_academy

Chapters:

00:00 From Athlete to Coach: A Journey of Transition

06:00 The Grind: Achieving Your Highest Potential

11:51 Mental Resilience: The Key to Athletic Success

18:04 Discipline and Consistency: Building a Winning Mindset

23:59 The Power of Process: Systems for Success

30:00 The Importance of Attitude in Sports

30:30 Confidence: A System, Not a Feeling

32:08 Building Long-Term Confidence

35:49 Borrowing Confidence from Role Models

40:26 The Concept of the Third Day

42:17 Pain Tolerance and Success

45:38 Transitioning from Sports to Business

57:00 Defining Leadership

In this Episode of The Grind: Road to Success, Carter Beck who is a distinguised D1 college baseball player at the University of Indiana and All-American, discusses specific mental strategies that can help you take your game to the next level. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, coach, or sports parent, this conversation dives into elite-level thinking, overcoming adversity, and the daily habits that separate champions from everyone else.👇 Watch this if you want to:✅ Build a stronger, more confident mindset✅ Learn what it takes to compete at the highest levels✅ Learn specific game IQ strategies & advantages✅ Become a professional ball player✅Discover the habits, routines, and discipline needed to succeed in sports & life🏆 If you want to learn from the top professional athletes around the globe each day then claim your FREE 14-Day Trial to The Grind Performance Academy and take your mental game to the next level as an athlete: https://bit.ly/tgp_academySubscribe & Follow for more elite level content, strategies and mental performance tips!YT: ⁨@thegrindperformance⁩ IG: instagram.com/thegrindperformance#ProAthleteMindset #Mindset #CarterBeck #D1 #Divison1 #CollegeBaseball #Baseball #Softball #MLB #MentalPerformance #SportsParents #Athlete #Champion #AthleteDevelopment #MindsetMatters #YouthSports #Sports #BaseballMotivation #GameIQ #Motivation #MambaMentality #TrainLikeAChampion #SportsPsychology #SportsPodcast #TheGrindPodcast #TheGrind #Trending

In this Episode of The Grind: Road to Success, Michael Linklater, one of Canada’s most decorated basketball players and mental toughness advocates, shares what it really takes to develop the mindset of a pro athlete. Whether you're an aspiring athlete, coach, or sports parent, this conversation dives into elite-level thinking, overcoming adversity, and the daily habits that separate champions from everyone else.👇 Watch this if you want to:✅ Build a stronger, more confident mindset✅ Learn how pro athletes train their mind and body✅Discover the habits, routines, and discipline needed to succeed in sports & life🏆 Claim your FREE 14-Day Trial to The Grind Performance Academy and take your mental game to the next level as an athlete: https://bit.ly/tgp_academySubscribe & Follow for more elite level content, strategies and mental performance tips!YT: ⁨@thegrindperformance⁩ IG: instagram.com/thegrindperformance#ProAthleteMindset #Mindset #MichaelLinklater #MentalPerformance #SportsParents #Athlete #Champion #AthleteDevelopment #MindsetMatters #YouthSports #Sports #BasketballMotivation #Motivation #MambaMentality #TrainLikeAChampion #SportsPsychology #TheGrindPodcast

On this episode of The Grind: Road to Success Podcast Coach Zak sits down with sports parent and mental health advocate Riye Balch. If you are a sports parent or work with athletes then this if for you! Learn how to support your athlete's at the highest level and how to navigate the athletic lifestyle as a family.Does your athlete struggle with confidence, performance anxiety and want to take their game to the next level?

Click the link below to join our exclusive Grind Performance Academy learning from the top athletes and coaches around the globe.CLICK HERE TO JOIN FOR FREE TODAY: https://the-grind-performance-academy...Mental Performance Coach Zak Krysak is a former multi-sport, college athlete and the founder of The Grind Performance. Working with the top minds around the globe, Coach Zak has created The Grind Performance Academy where you can learn and interact with professional athletes, globally renound coaches and have the skills to set yourself apart..** Subscribe to our channel for more ELITE content and future podcast episodes of The Grind: Road to Success 🏆Please leave your comments and insights below!Thank you for taking your time to watch our video and as always, never settle for average and keep striving to reach your highest potential on The Grind: Road to Success! #thegrind #thegrindperformance #podcast #podcasts #parents #parentcoaching #sportsparent #athletedevelopment #mindset #mentalperformance #mentality #mentalhealth #coach #coaching #athletemotivation #motivation #athlete #athletes #athletemindset #professional #sports #recruiting #recruitment #ncaaa #baseball #football #soccer #basketball #lacrosse #track #softball #swimming #golf #performance #mentaltraining

On this episode of The Grind: Road to Success Podcast Coach Zak sits down with CFL player Riley Pickett from the BC Lions. In this episode you are going to learn how how to set yourself apart and use numerous mental strategies to stay consistent along your journey. Mental Performance Coach Zak Krysak is a former multi-sport, college athlete and the founder of The Grind Performance. Helping over 5000+ athletes across the globe, our mission is to help you next! Do you want to learn how to develop the mental game of a pro athlete and begin performing at your highest potential?

Click Here to join our Free 14-Day Confidence Challenge & begin developing the mental game of a professional athlete.⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.thegrindperformance.com/confidence-challenge

On this episode of The Grind: Road to Success Podcast Coach Zak sits down with Olympian Steve Mesler where we discuss the mentality of an olympic level athlete. Most athletes do not have the proper tools, training and skills to succeed at the highest levels of competition. In this episode you are going to learn how to take your game to the next level and develop the mental game of a champion.

Mental Performance Coach Zak Krysak is a former multi-sport, college athlete and the founder of The Grind Performance. Do you want to learn how to develop the mental game of a pro athlete and begin performing at your highest potential?

On this episode of The Grind: Road to Success Podcast Coach Zak sits down with Matt Rieger where we discuss how you can begin unlocking your highest potential as an athlete. Most athletes do not have the proper tools, training and skills to succeed at the highest levels of competition. In this episode you are going to learn how to take your game to the next level and develop the mental game of a pro athlete.

All athletes can perform physically at the highest levels of competition, but in this podcast you will learn elite mental skills and strategies used by the the top athletes around the globe to set yourself apart. 🌎

Mental Performance Coach Zak Krysak is a former multi-sport, college athlete and the founder of The Grind Performance. Do you want to learn how to develop the mental game of a pro athlete and begin performing at your highest potential?