In Episode 50 of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A and Coach Gards break down the end-of-summer grind at GRP HQ and what it means as athletes transition into training camp season. From the bad habit of rushing through drills to the lessons players should carry into camp, they dig into how attention to detail separates the good from the great.

🔥 In this episode:

• Why rushing through drills can kill development (and how to fix it)

• Training camp realities: bag skates, compete level, and making an impression

• Lessons from pros on consistency when fatigue sets in

• How the GRP summer wrapped up — highlights and takeaways from HQ

• What youth and junior players should mirror heading into their own tryouts

• The mindset required to finish the off-season strong and start camp ready

Whether you’re a player gearing up for camp or a parent wanting insight into what your athlete will face.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve

We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hosts 

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle

From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. 

Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. 

Coach Ryan (Gards) 

Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. 

Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Roberts Performance hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player.

Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.

Book A Call With A GR Coach 

IG: @garyrobertshpt

#TheHockeyLabPodcast #OffseasonPrep #OHLPlayoffs #NHLPressure #YouthAthleteDevelopment #TrainToPerform #HockeyMindset

In Episode 49 of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A and Coach Gards are back after a long overdue break to talk all things GRP’s new era—from the chaos of opening our brand-new facility to the culture that’s been building between pros, youth athletes, and executives under one roof.

They break down summer training takeaways, lessons learned from world-class players, and why simplicity in training often beats flashy, sport-specific trends. Plus, updates from Team Canada camps, standout stories from the off-season, and the habits young players should be mirroring from the pros.

🔥 In this episode:

• Behind the scenes of GRP’s new headquarters and training spaces

• How pros, youth athletes, and executives benefit from training together

• Why “back to basics” lifts and long-term development trump shortcuts

• Lessons from NHL and OHL athletes on compete level and intensity

• Team Canada updates and rising stars to watch

• The importance of joy and culture in high-performance environments

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like inside a facility where the game’s best train side-by-side — this episode pulls back the curtain.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve

We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hosts 

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle

From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. 

Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. 

Coach Ryan (Gards) 

Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. 

Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Roberts Performance hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player.

Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.

Book A Call With A GR Coach 

IG: @garyrobertshpt

#TheHockeyLabPodcast #OffseasonPrep #OHLPlayoffs #NHLPressure #YouthAthleteDevelopment #TrainToPerform #HockeyMindset

In this episode of Mindset Monday, Coach A delivers a must-hear message for every athlete: if you want to see real progress, you have to build season over season.

Whether it's strength, speed, skill development, or nutrition—results don’t happen in 8 weeks. They come from showing up, stacking reps, and doing the work when no one’s watching.

🎯 In this episode:

• Why one great offseason isn’t enough

• What “compound interest” looks like in athlete development

• A reality check on expectations vs. process

• How to stay focused on the long game

Appreciate the process. Trust the work. Show up again.

SPONSORS OF THE POD

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP)—the ultimate training destination for elite athletes. If you’re serious about taking your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive programs designed to unlock your full potential.

28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve

📲 Click the link below to book a call with a GR coach and start your journey today! [Book A Call With A GR Coach]

Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt

Subscribe YT: @garyrobertsperformance

#MindsetMonday #StartNow #AthleteMindset #CompoundProgress #HockeyDevelopment #HighPerformanceHabits #TheHockeyLabPodcast

In Mindset Monday #72, Coach A breaks down a truth every athlete needs to hear: growth and comfort can't exist at the same time.

Whether it’s lifting weights, eating for performance, or chasing a spot at the next level—the process will be uncomfortable. And that’s exactly how it should be.

This week’s message: embrace the hard. Stay in it longer than the rest.

🎯 In this episode:

• Why discomfort is the price of progress

• The mindset behind physical and mental growth

• How to embrace the challenge instead of avoiding it

SPONSORS OF THE POD

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP)—the ultimate training destination for elite athletes. If you’re serious about taking your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive programs designed to unlock your full potential.

28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve

📲 Click the link below to book a call with a GR coach and start your journey today! [Book A Call With A GR Coach]

Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt

Subscribe YT: @garyrobertsperformance

#MindsetMonday #StartNow #AthleteMindset #CompoundProgress #HockeyDevelopment #HighPerformanceHabits #TheHockeyLabPodcast

In this week’s Mindset Monday, Coach A explores the idea that every athlete walks a different path—and that’s not only okay, it’s necessary.

Whether you’re a late bloomer, a role player, or someone who’s still figuring it out, this episode is your reminder that comparison kills momentum. Lean into your strengths, own your weaknesses, and keep showing up.

🎯 In this episode:

• Why no two players develop the same way

• How to stop comparing and start focusing

• The power of consistency over time

• Trusting your timeline

🎯 Listen. Execute. Improve.

SPONSORS OF THE POD

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP)—the ultimate training destination for elite athletes. If you’re serious about taking your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive programs designed to unlock your full potential.

28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve

📲 Click the link below to book a call with a GR coach and start your journey today! [Book A Call With A GR Coach]

Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt

Subscribe YT: @garyrobertsperformance

#MindsetMonday #StartNow #AthleteMindset #CompoundProgress #HockeyDevelopment #HighPerformanceHabits #TheHockeyLabPodcast

“I’ll start when…” is holding you back.

In this episode of Mindset Monday, Coach A challenges you to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start now—whether it’s a new training plan, team, nutrition habit, or skill. You’re going to feel uncomfortable. You’re going to be bad at it. And that’s exactly how progress begins.

The fear of looking stupid or failing can’t outweigh the potential of where you’ll be in 6, 12, or 24 months. Show up. Execute. Repeat. This is how compound success is built.

🎯 Listen. Execute. Improve.

SPONSORS OF THE POD

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP)—the ultimate training destination for elite hockey players. If you’re serious about taking your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive programs designed to unlock your full potential.

28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve

📲 Click the link below to book a call with a GR coach and start your journey today! [Book A Call With A GR Coach]

Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt

Subscribe YT: @garyrobertsperformance

#MindsetMonday #StartNow #AthleteMindset #CompoundProgress #HockeyDevelopment #HighPerformanceHabits #TheHockeyLabPodcast

In Episode 48 of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A and Coach Gards sit down with Coach Luke, our head of speed and agility at GRP, to talk all things off-ice speed development, why intent matters more than perfect technique, and how to structure effective sprint sessions for athletes of all ages.

They also touch on NHL and OHL playoff updates, some hilarious coaching stories, and what it really takes to get faster—on and off the ice. From hill sprints to sprint mechanics, this is your full-speed offseason guide.

🔥 In this episode:

• Speed testing 101: how to self-assess sprint performance

• Why acceleration > top speed for hockey players

• Tools for off-ice sprint development (sleds, hills, timing drills)

• How to build intent into your speed work

• The importance of tracking, rest, and long-term development

• NHL Playoff reactions + off-season athlete mindset

If you’re serious about getting faster, this episode breaks down what most players overlook.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve

We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hosts 

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle

From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. 

Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. 

Coach Ryan (Gards) 

Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. 

Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Roberts Performance hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player.

Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.

Book A Call With A GR Coach 

IG: @garyrobertshpt

#TheHockeyLabPodcast #OffseasonPrep #OHLPlayoffs #NHLPressure #YouthAthleteDevelopment #TrainToPerform #HockeyMindset

In Episode 69 of Mindset Monday, Coach A delivers a no-fluff breakdown of why believing in your training and committing to the process is more important than chasing the “perfect” plan.

Drawing from Canada’s recent struggles in international play and what he’s seen firsthand in the gym, Coach A challenges players and families to stop bouncing from coach to coach and instead build long-term trust, consistency, and intent.

Because at the end of the day—a good program executed with full belief will always beat a great one done halfway.

🔥 In this episode: ✅ Why Canada's development pipeline is falling behind ✅ The myth of short-term gains in offseason training ✅ The power of consistency over novelty ✅ Why belief + intent > any program on paper

If you're serious about improvement, this one's a must-listen.

SPONSORS OF THE POD

This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP)—the ultimate training destination for elite hockey players. If you’re serious about taking your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive programs designed to unlock your full potential.

28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve

📲 Click the link below to book a call with a GR coach and start your journey today! [Book A Call With A GR Coach]

Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt

Subsribe YT: @garyrobertsperformance

In Episode 46 of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A & Gards dive into the heart of playoff season—breaking down the pressure of playing in Canadian markets, the intensity of the NHL and OHL playoffs, and what these high-stakes moments teach us about preparation, resilience, and mental toughness.

They also discuss key takeaways from recent CHL standouts, including what separates good players from great ones at the junior level. The second half of the episode shifts focus to the offseason prep window—why so many youth athletes get it wrong, how to approach GPP (General Physical Preparation) the right way, and the small habits that make a big difference.

🔥 In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ What playoff pressure reveals about players ✅ OHL Draft and CHL playoff storylines worth watching ✅ When and how young athletes should start offseason training ✅ The underrated value of simple, smart hockey

Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with insights on development, mindset, and performance at every level.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve

We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hosts 

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle

From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. 

Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. 

Coach Ryan (Gards) 

Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. 

Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Roberts Performance hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player.

Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.

Book A Call With A GR Coach 

IG: @garyrobertshpt

#TheHockeyLabPodcast #OffseasonPrep #OHLPlayoffs #NHLPressure #YouthAthleteDevelopment #TrainToPerform #HockeyMindset

Cody Hodgson sits down with Coach A and Gards to share his incredible journey—from battling Malignant Hyperthermia, a rare and life-altering medical condition, to making a remarkable comeback to pro hockey, and now turning his focus to coaching the next generation of athletes.

Cody opens up about the mental and physical challenges he’s faced, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how his experiences have shaped his approach to life, performance, and mentorship.

🔥 In this episode: ✅ Cody’s battle with Malignant Hyperthermia ✅ His mindset through recovery and comeback ✅ Transitioning from NHL player to mentor & coach ✅ Advice for young players chasing their dreams

Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this is a must-listen. Cody’s story is one of resilience, perspective, and passion for the game.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve

We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The Hosts 

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle

From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. 

Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. 

Coach Ryan (Gards) 

Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. 

Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.”

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Gary Roberts Performance hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player.

Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.

Book A Call With A GR Coach 

IG: @garyrobertshpt

#TheHockeyLabPodcast #CodyHodgson #HockeyComeback #PlayerToCoach #AthleteMindset #HockeyDevelopment