The Hockey Journey Podcast

The Hockey Journey Podcast

By Coach Lance PitlickSportsHockey
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The Hockey Journey Podcast episodes

  • Hockey IQ - Project Hockey - Danny Heath - EP169

    You ever hear of Hockey IQ?

    Well, today’s guest is someone who’s quietly building one of the most impactful development platforms in hockey right now.

    Danny Heath is the founder of Project Hockey — a training system that’s changing how players actually improve.

    Not just on the ice, but in how they think the game.

    Because the reality is, most players don’t fail from lack of effort… they fail from lack of access.

    Access to the right coaching, the right reps, and the right way to understand hockey at a deeper level. And Danny’s mission has been to close that gap.

    From growing up in a non-traditional hockey market, to playing at the USHL and Division I level, to now coaching and developing players across the world — he’s taken everything he learned and built something that’s not just effective, but scalable.

    Project Hockey isn’t just another training app.

    It’s a shift in mindset. It’s about hockey IQ, decision-making, consistency, and giving players a real path to get better — even if they don’t have elite resources.

    And what I know I’ll love about this conversation is that Danny doesn’t just talk about development — he challenges a lot of the assumptions we all have about what actually makes players improve.

    So if you’re a player, parent, or coach trying to figure out what really moves the needle… this is one you’re going to want to pay attention to.

    Thanks for stopping in and enjoy the episode.

    To Learn More About Danny Heath and the Project Hockey App

    Website:
    https://www.projecthockey.com/

    Social:
    @projecthockey and @danny_hype

    Coach Lance Pitlick

    To Learn More, Visit Online Hockey Training
    Largest Online Database of Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing, and Shooting Drills
    https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/

    In-person lessons with Coach Lance
    https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/

    Check Out the Heads Up Hockey App
    https://headsuphockey.ai/

    40 min
  • Body Trick - Balancing Health and Sports w/Kristi Beugen EP168

    Are Everyday Products Affecting Your Family’s Health? Most parents do not realize that everyday products in their homes may be affecting their kids’ health, recovery, mood, and overall wellness. In this eye-opening episode, Coach Lance Pitlick sits down with Kristi Beugen, wellness coach, former athlete, and founder of Body Trick, to discuss the hidden chemicals found in many personal care, household, and sports products. Kristi explains how ingredients like parabens, sulfates, dyes, artificial fragrances, and other toxins may interfere with the body’s natural balance and potentially impact anxiety, hormones, recovery, and long-term health. Kristi also shares her own journey from growing up as an athlete in Minnesota to becoming a wellness advocate focused on helping families make safer, more natural choices. Her message is simple: you do not have to change everything overnight. Small, consistent changes can make a meaningful difference. In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

    • How common household and personal care products may affect health and wellness
    • Why artificial colors, fragrances, and certain chemicals are worth paying attention to
    • How cleaner products may support recovery, energy, and resilience
    • Simple ways parents and athletes can begin reducing toxins at home
    • Why consistency matters more than perfection
    • How essential oils and natural alternatives can fit into a healthier lifestyle

    Whether you are a sports parent, youth athlete, or someone who wants to feel better naturally, this episode offers practical steps to help you create a healthier home and support your family’s overall well-being. Hit play and start making smarter, safer choices today.

    Learn More About Kristi Beugen and Body Trick

    Body Trick:
    https://www.body-trick.com/

    Instagram:
    @body.trick

    Learn More From Coach Lance Pitlick

    Online Hockey Training
    Largest online database of off-ice stickhandling, passing, and shooting drills.
    https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/

    In-Person Lessons with Coach Lance
    https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/

    Check Out the Heads Up Hockey App
    https://headsuphockey.ai/

    1 hr 12 min
  • Fueling Performance — Lessons from an Olympian Turned Nutrition Expert EP167

    Athlete nutrition can feel overwhelming. What should you eat? When should you eat?

    How do you fuel performance without getting caught up in confusing diet trends? In this episode of the Hockey Journey Podcast, Coach Lance sits down with Rasa Troup, an expert in sports nutrition who has worked with elite athletes and teams. Rasa shares practical insights on fueling the body, supporting performance, and building a healthier relationship with food in today’s complicated nutrition culture.

    You’ll learn:

    • How nutrition supports athletic performance and recovery
    • Why fueling properly matters for athletes at every level
    • How to think about food with more balance and less judgment
    • Why there is no one-size-fits-all approach to athlete nutrition
    • How athletes can make smarter choices without getting overwhelmed

    Whether you’re a player, parent, coach, or athlete, this conversation offers helpful strategies for fueling performance while maintaining balance, health, and confidence.

    To learn more about Rasa, visit:
    https://www.rasanutrition.com/

    Documentaries mentioned during the episode:

    • Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut
    • Kiss the Ground
    • You Are What You Eat
    • The Plastic Detox

    Coach Lance Pitlick — To Learn More

    Online Hockey Training
    Largest online database of off-ice stickhandling, passing, and shooting drills
    https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/

    In-person lessons with Coach Lance
    https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/

    Check out the Heads Up Hockey App
    https://headsuphockey.ai/

    #HockeyJourneyPodcast #SportsNutrition #AthleteNutrition #YouthSports #HockeyParents #PlayerDevelopment #FuelingAthletes #Resilience

    54 min
  • Perfect World Hockey Training w/Dr. Zack Rourk EP166

    In the world of youth hockey, proper training and development are crucial for athletes aspiring to reach the next level. In today's episode of the Hockey Journey Podcast, Dr. Zach Rourke, the owner of Perfect World Hockey Training, shared valuable insights into how his innovative approach to hockey training is transforming the way young athletes prepare for the game.  Thanks for stopping by and enjoy the conversation!To learn more about

    Dr. Rourk - https://perfectworldhockey.com/main-page/[email protected]

    Also, check out the PWHT Podcast on your favorite platform!

    Coach Lance Pitlick - To Learn More - Visit 

    Online Hockey Training

    Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills

    https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/

    In-person lessons with Coach Lance

    https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/

    Check Out the Heads Up Hockey App

    https://headsuphockey.ai/

    1 hr 2 min
  • The Keys to Your Skating Stride with Olympic Coach Benoit Pont EP165

    In this episode of the Hockey Journey podcast, host Coach Lance Pitlick interviews Benoit Pont, a Swiss-born hockey performance specialist and founder of ProKeyCoach.com. They discuss the importance of understanding individual skating styles, motor preferences, and the impact of injuries on a player's career. Benoit shares insights from his experiences coaching at the Olympic level and emphasizes the need for individualized coaching approaches to enhance player performance. The conversation also touches on the significance of team dynamics and the future of hockey training, focusing on personalized methods to help players reach their full potential.

    Benoit Pont - To Learn More - Visit

    Website: prokeycoach.com

    NEW BOOK - The Keys to Your Skating Type - Amazon

    https://a.co/d/079wh1d6

    Coach Lance Pitlick - To Learn More - Visit

    Online Hockey Training: Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills
    https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/

    In-person lessons with Coach Lance:
    https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/

    Check Out the Heads Up Hockey App

    https://headsuphockey.ai/

    53 min
  • Joy of the Pond - InSports Foundation - Max Smith EP164

    In this episode of the Hockey Journey Podcast, host Lance Pitlick welcomes Max Smith, founder of the InSports Foundation, to discuss the essence of youth hockey and the upcoming Joy of the Pond mite jamboree.

    The conversation dives into the nostalgic roots of hockey, emphasizing the joy and community spirit that comes from playing outdoors. Max shares the story behind the Joy of the Pond event, which aims to bring kids back to the pure enjoyment of the game, free from the pressures of competition and rankings.

    He highlights the importance of fostering a love for hockey among youth, especially in a culture that often prioritizes winning over fun.

    So sit back and enjoy this conversation with the InSports Foundation founder and the guy behind Joy of the Pond, Max Smith!!

    To Learn More + Donate

    • Joy of the Pond Mite Jamboree: https://insportsfoundation.org/joy-of-the-pond-mite-jamboree/
    • Donate: If anyone wants to support InSports they can donate here: https://insportsfoundation.org/donate/

    Instagram Accounts

    • Mr. InSports (personal Instagram): https://www.instagram.com/mr.insports/
    • InSports Foundation: https://www.instagram.com/insportsfnd/
    • Athletes In Sports Podcast: https://www.instagram.com/athletesinsports/

    To Learn more about Coach Lance Pitlick, visit

    • Online Hockey Training (Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills): https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/
    • In-person lessons with Coach Lance: https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/
    • Check Out the Heads Up Hockey App: https://headsuphockey.ai/
    1 hr 5 min
  • Best Dam Tape: The Road to Walmart EP163

    In this episode of the Hockey Journey Podcast, host Lance Pitlick reconnects with Logan Cuvo, the founder of Best Damn Tape, to discuss his journey as a young entrepreneur.

    They explore the growth of Logan's business, including a significant deal with Walmart, the challenges of balancing college and entrepreneurship, and the transition from being a hockey player to a business owner.

    Logan shares insights on the importance of human connection in branding, the role of AI in business, and his new podcast, The Locker Room Life, which aims to highlight the stories of young hockey players and entrepreneurs.

    Get inspired and enjoy this episode!

    To learn more about Logan Cuvo:
    https://bestdamtape.com/
    https://www.eliteprospects.com/player/566349/logan-cuvo
    [email protected]
    Podcast: The Locker Room Life (Spotify)

    For more information regarding Coach Lance Pitlick:

    Online Hockey Training
    Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills
    https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/

    In-person lessons with Coach Lance:
    https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/

    41 min
  • The Magic Puck with Author Sarah Clifford EP162

    Joining me is Sarah Clifford, the author of the children’s book The Magic Puck — a beautifully written, wonderfully illustrated story that blends imagination, grit, and the love of the game into a book that kids can’t put down. Sarah has taken the sport we all love and wrapped it in a narrative that inspires dreaming big, working hard, and believing in yourself — all while capturing the magic that hockey brings to so many of our lives.

    She’s here today to share the journey behind the book, her writing process, what she hopes young readers learn from the story, and how hockey has shaped her life in unexpected ways. Whether you're a parent of a young player, a coach, a storyteller, or someone who believes in the power of sport to build character — you’re going to love this one!

    To learn more about Sarah and to pick up a copy of The Magic Puck, visit the below :)

    https://www.themagicpuck.com/ 

    Amazon Link - https://www.amazon.com/Magic-Puck-Sarah-Clifford/dp/0578317656

    TikTok - @therinkrats

    Instagram/Facebook - @themagicpuck

    To Learn more about Coach Lance Pitlick, visit - 


    Online Hockey Training

    Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills

    https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/

    In-person lessons with Coach Lance

    https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/

    Check Out the Heads Up Hockey Apphttps://headsuphockey.ai/

    1 hr 9 min
  • John Swanson Hockey Journey (X7 Hockey) EP161

    In this episode of the Hockey Journey podcast, John Swanson shares his inspiring journey from a young hockey enthusiast to a dedicated coach and mentor. 

    He discusses the challenges he faced growing up, including the loss of his father and the impact it had on his life and hockey career. John emphasizes the importance of passion, proper training, and mentorship in developing young players.

    He reflects on his own experiences in college and professional hockey, the lessons learned, and how he now focuses on guiding the next generation of players, including his daughter, who aspires to play at the Olympic level.To Learn More About John Swanson visit the below :)X7 Hockey Website - https://x7hockey.com/Instagram - @X7HockeyYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SwansonX7Hockey

    To Learn more about Coach Lance - 

    Online Hockey Training

    Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills

    https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/


    In-person lessons with Coach Lance


    https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/


    Instagram - @onlinehockeytraining


    YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnlineHockeyTraining



    1 hr 16 min
  • Allie LaCombe Hockey Journey EP160

    From NCAA D-I to pro hockey (NWHL/EWHL) to coaching the next generation

    On this episode of The Hockey Journey Podcast, I sit down with Allie LaCombe — a Minnesota native whose hockey path has taken her from NCAA Division I to the professional ranks in the NWHL and European Women’s Hockey League, and now into coaching and leadership roles that are shaping the next generation of players.

    Allie starred at Syracuse University, where she led the nation in faceoff percentage her senior year, before playing professionally with the Connecticut Whale, the Vienna Sabres in Austria (winning an EWHL title), and Almaty Aisulu in Kazakhstan. But her story didn’t stop when her playing career wrapped. With more than a decade of coaching experience, she has worked at every level of the game — from guest coaching at NHL development camps with the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes to training NHL, AHL, USPHL, and NCAA athletes in elite skill development.

    Currently serving as Assistant Hockey Director and Head Coach with the Nashville Warriors, as well as guiding teams with the Jr. Predators, Allie continues to share her knowledge, passion, and teaching ability with young athletes, helping them chase their hockey dreams.

    This conversation covers her journey as a player and coach, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what she’s doing to grow the game and inspire the next wave of talent. Whether you’re a player, coach, or hockey parent, you’ll come away motivated by Allie’s story and perspective on the sport we all love.

    Enjoy the ride, friends — this is the hockey journey of Allie LaCombe!

    Connect with Allie LaCombe

    • Instagram: coach_allielacombe
    • Nashville Warriors – Gary Force Acura Ice Arena: garyforceacuraicearena.com
    • Email: [email protected]

    Learn More about Coach Lance Pitlick

    • Online Hockey Training — Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills: onlinehockeytraining.com
    • In-person lessons with Coach Lance: sweethockeycoach.com
    • Heads Up Hockey App: headsuphockey.ai
    1 hr 1 min

About The Hockey Journey Podcast

From the publisher's feed

The Hockey Journey Podcast is hosted by Coach Lance Pitlick and aims to educate, motivate and inspire hockey players, parents and coaches. The show features stories from successful current and former players of both genders, and Coach Pitlick is on a personal journey to reconnect with people from his hockey past who had a positive impact on him.