The Hockey Lab Podcast

Is the minor hockey system actually building better players — or just keeping kids busy until the off-season?

In this episode of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A and Coach Gards welcome back NHL legend and GRP founder Gary Roberts for a wide-open conversation about development, sacrifice, and what the best players in the world actually have in common.

Gary pulls from his own path — Double A hockey in Whitby, to getting drafted to the Ottawa 67's at 15 without even expecting it, and years alongside Sidney Crosby in Pittsburgh — to break down what separates players who make it from those who don't.

We get into:

• Why minor hockey seasons end too early — and what families are really paying for
• The grass isn't always greener when chasing team changes
• Parent coaches — when to stay in, when to step away
• What the 2026 Olympics revealed about the gap between good and elite
• Connor McDavid's engine and why it's built, not born
• In-season training: if you haven't started, it's already too late
• Cole Beaudoin as the next OHL player built to make a real impact
• Sacrifice some fun for bigger glory — the message every young player needs to hear

If you're a player trying to level up… A parent navigating the minor hockey world… Or a coach balancing development with results…

This one's for you.

📢 Heads up: The audio on this episode isn't perfect — and that's on us. Technical issues happen and our producer Cam wanted to personally apologize for the quality. Gary Roberts dropped too much knowledge to keep this one off the feed. Appreciate the grace.

The Hosts

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Fun Fact – Fought professionally in MMA for nearly a decade.

Coach Ryan (Gards) On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games, 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – His 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 elite hockey players. 👉 Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: @garyrobertshpt

#TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyDevelopment #GaryRoberts #MinorHockey #OHL #HockeyTraining #EliteHockey #HockeyParents #GaryRobertsPerformance #HockeyLife #PlayerDevelopment #Sacrifice #HockeyMindset

What's the real difference between playing on a Stanley Cup contender… and a rebuilding team?

In this episode of The Hockey Lab Podcast, NHL forward Ty Dellandrea breaks down the mindset shift between Dallas and San Jose, what it actually takes to stay consistent at the NHL level, and why development isn't as simple as "just win more games."

We get into:

• Rebuild vs Cup-contender culture • Why "don't rush it" matters more than you think • The hidden pressure young players face • Minor hockey development vs winning • Why car rides home matter • Playing with poise instead of panic • What NHL consistency really looks like

If you're a player trying to level up… A parent navigating the hockey world… Or a coach balancing development with results…

This one's for you.

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The Hosts

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Fun Fact – Fought professionally in MMA for nearly a decade.

Coach Ryan (Gards) On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games, 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – His 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 elite hockey players.

👉 Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: @garyrobertshpt #TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyNutrition #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyTraining #AthleteFuel

Denver Barkey returns to The Hockey Lab Podcast to break down the moment every player dreams of — getting the call to the NHL.

From packing his bags in under an hour… to skating at Madison Square Garden… to learning how to be a pro every single day, Barkey shares what the jump from junior to the AHL — and then to the NHL — actually feels like.

This episode dives deep into:

• Coachability at the highest level • Why he stopped using the iPad mid-game • The mental performance work that changed his career • Compete habits that separate players • How goals are really scored in today's NHL • Why the next two years matter more than the last ten

For young players chasing the dream — this is a blueprint in real time.

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The Hosts

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Fun Fact – Fought professionally in MMA for nearly a decade.

Coach Ryan (Gards) On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games, 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – His 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 elite hockey players.

👉 Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: @garyrobertshpt #TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyNutrition #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyTraining #AthleteFuel

In this episode of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coaches A and Gards bridge the gap between the rink and the pitch by welcoming world-renowned individual skill specialist Saul Isaksson-Hurst. With over 20 years of experience at elite academies like Chelsea and Tottenham, Saul joins the lab to break down why individual mastery is the missing link in modern "team-first" coaching systems

From the biomechanics of a Premier League finish to the repetitive grit required to score 50 goals in the NHL, the hosts explore how the world's best athletes differentiate themselves through isolated, purposeful practice . They also dive into the "death of street football" and the challenge of fostering elite creativity in an increasingly programmed sporting world .

They discuss:

• The 1v1 Methodology — breaking the game down into micro-dual scenarios to master receiving, retaining, and releasing the ball under pressure .
• The "Game as the Teacher" Myth — why relying solely on game-based learning can lead to a deficit in individual technical brilliance and creativity .
• The Zach Hyman Standard — an inside look at how a summer spent exclusively in the "red zone" led to a 50-goal season and why elite players do more .
• Dynamic Ball Mastery — the importance of being as fast with the puck (or ball) as you are without it and the biomechanics of "unbalancing" a defender .
• The Development Gap — comparing the European "practice-heavy" model to North American "winning-focused" youth athletics and the impact on long-term growth .

This episode is a masterclass in the "marginal gains" that define professional sports . It serves as a reminder that while team tactics win games, individual obsession with the finer points of your craft is what makes you a game-changer .

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Guest Information: Saul Isaksson-Hurst

Training Company: My Personal Football Coach

Website: mypersonalfootballcoach.com

Mobile App: My Personal Football Coach (Available for download for players and parents)

Instagram: @myfootballcoach

Secondary Instagram: @myfootballcoach1x

YouTube: My Football Coach

The Hosts

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Fun Fact – Fought professionally in MMA for nearly a decade.

Coach Ryan (Gards) On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games, 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – His 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 elite hockey players.

👉 Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: @garyrobertshpt #TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyNutrition #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyTraining #AthleteFuel

In this episode of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coaches A and Gards usher in 2026 by exploring the enchantment of outdoor hockey and the tough realities of international competition.

From wild anecdotes at local outdoor rinks to the intense scrutiny of Canada's World Junior performance, the hosts delve into the environmental elements that influence a player's growth. They also celebrate a significant achievement for the Lab family: witnessing years of physical preparation bear fruit with major league call-ups.

They discuss:

The Outdoor Rink Experience — why genuine outdoor rinks and ball hockey are essential for fostering creativity and humility.

World Junior Review — analyzing Canada's quarter-final elimination and the ongoing debate about import limits and "super teams."

The Professional Standard — what it's like to train alongside NHL-caliber goalies and why perfection is essential to outshine them.

Danny Zhilkin's NHL Debut — an immediate look at how a focused summer of physical prep led to his first call-up with the Jets.

Denver Barkey's Ascension — A look at how an elite "dawg determination" and high compete level allowed Denver to silence critics of his size and make a massive impact in the Flyers organization.

This episode is an in-depth exploration of the "fight in the dog" and serves as a reminder that whether you're on a frozen pond or an NHL rink, your dedication to the finer points is what distinguishes you from others.

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8 Days of In-Season Tips

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 — things that actually make you a better player.

The Hosts

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Fun Fact – Fought professionally in MMA for nearly a decade.

Coach Ryan (Gards) On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games, 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – His 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 elite hockey players.

👉 Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: @garyrobertshpt #TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyNutrition #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyTraining #AthleteFuel

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In this episode of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A and Coach Gards break down five core things every hockey player needs to nail — regardless of position, level, or age.

From watching the World Juniors in Christmas pajamas to skating with pros, the conversation starts light and quickly gets real. The guys dig into what actually separates players who progress from those who stall.

They cover:

• Multitasking — skating, handling, scanning, and thinking at speed

• Passing & receiving — why nobody is faster than the puck

• Stopping on pucks — compete level, conditioning, and puck retrieval

• Pace & space — changing speeds to create opportunity

• Learning from mistakes — and why awareness beats repetition

They also touch on youth development, confidence, playing up vs. playing down, consistency over time, and why progress often isn't obvious day-to-day — but always shows up if the work is done right.

This episode is a reminder that development isn't about highlights. It's about habits, details, and showing up consistently — on the ice, in the gym, and in how you think the game.

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8 Days of In-Season Tips

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 — things that actually make you a better player.

The Hosts

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Fun Fact – Fought professionally in MMA for nearly a decade.

Coach Ryan (Gards) On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games, 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – His 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 elite hockey players.

👉 Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: @garyrobertshpt #TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyNutrition #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyTraining #AthleteFuel

Episode 59 dives into a bunch of things every hockey family deals with but no one really talks about — late-night game times, rink shortages, kids getting home at 1AM, and how it impacts performance the next day.

We get into tournament season too. Silver Stick, Buffalo, Vaughan, Marlies… it's non-stop, and for a lot of players the year ends before January.

Then we shift into something that actually matters long-term: how to build a real team. Not an all-star roster — a team. Roles, line fit, chemistry, who complements who, and why coaches overthink it every single year.

We also talk Olympic selection, playing styles, and some behind-the-scenes stories — from tiny beds in Italy to how the officiating changed the way tournaments were played.

Plus some thoughts on Bedard, Salabrini, Crosby, McKinnon and why having elite players push each other actually matters.

Simple episode. Honest conversation. Real hockey life.

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8 Days of In-Season Tips

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 — things that actually make you a better player.

The Hosts

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Fun Fact – Fought professionally in MMA for nearly a decade.

Coach Ryan (Gards) On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games, 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – His 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 elite hockey players.

👉 Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: @garyrobertshpt #TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyNutrition #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyTraining #AthleteFuel

In Episode ___ of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A and Coach Gards sit down with GRP coach Mateo DeBlasio to unpack one of the most unconventional hockey journeys we've ever featured.

From house league at 12 years old… to AA, AAA, Junior C, OJHL, NOJHL, GOJHL, D3 NCAA, and even pro hockey in the FPHL—Mateo's path is the definition of non-linear. His story is a masterclass in persistence, late development, and staying in love with the grind.

We dive into:

• How he went from 3-on-3 and house league to AAA in five years • Recovering from major injuries: ACL tears, shoulder surgeries, and setbacks • The reality of Junior hockey travel, trades, and instability • What D3 NCAA hockey is ACTUALLY like today • Fed League chaos, stories, and how the league really works • Why skill development and hockey IQ have changed in modern minor hockey • What young players need to understand about patience, confidence, and progression

Mateo also shares what he's learned now as a GRP strength coach, on-ice coach, and U15 AAA coach—including how today's kids differ from his generation, and why the best players are the ones who stay consistent year after year.

Whether you're a young player, a parent, or a coach, this episode is packed with real lessons from a real hockey life.

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8 Days of In-Season Tips

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 — things that actually make you a better player.

The Hosts

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Fun Fact – Fought professionally in MMA for nearly a decade.

Coach Ryan (Gards) On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games, 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – His 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 elite hockey players.

👉 Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: @garyrobertshpt #TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyNutrition #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyTraining #AthleteFuel

In this episode of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A, Coach Gards, and Sylvie dig into one of the biggest challenges for athletes — fueling properly. From moose meat chili to late-night snacks, they break down how nutrition, sleep, and recovery tie directly into performance.

You'll learn: 🔥 Why most athletes under-eat (and how to fix it) 🥩 How to fuel between skates, lifts, and games 💤 Why sleep might be your most powerful performance tool 💊 When supplements like creatine, omega-3s, and vitamin D actually matter

Whether you're a parent of a young player or chasing your own performance goals — this one's packed with simple, actionable takeaways you can use right away.

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8 Days of In-Season Tips

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 — things that actually make you a better player.

The Hosts

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Fun Fact – Fought professionally in MMA for nearly a decade.

Coach Ryan (Gards) On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games, 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – His 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 elite hockey players.

👉 Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: @garyrobertshpt #TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyNutrition #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyTraining #AthleteFuel

If you want to be great at anything, you've got to learn to love the boring stuff. The truth? Success isn't built on highlight reels — it's built on repetition, focus, and doing the same small things right every single day.

Effort. Over. Time.

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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.

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

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

Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt

Subscribe YT: @garyrobertsperformance

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

#MindsetMonday #AthleteMindset #TrainToPerform #HockeyDevelopment #MentalPerformance #GRPHQ