The Hockey Masterclass

On this episode we are joined by Mathieu Darche, former NHLer and current Director of Hockey Operations for the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Darche, a proud hockey dad and former minor and High School hockey coach, shares his experiences and insight along with sage advice to young athletes, coaches and parents.

Darche proudly took the "road less travelled" to the pros and details his experience playing hockey at Choate Rosemary Hall and what led him to McGill University, where in his last year, he was named the CIS Outstanding student-athlete and was awarded the Dr. Randy Gregg Award. McGill University served as the unlikely launchpad for a pro career and stints with the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nashville Predators, San Jose Sharks, Tampa Bay Lightning and Montreal Canadiens.

On this episode we are joined by Maxim Noreau, former QMJHL standout, two-time Olympian and member of the ZSC Lions in the Swiss National League.

Tune in for a thought provoking conversation from a "late bloomer" about why it's important to fall in love with the game and his thoughts on player development. Part owner of Centre XPN, Noreau dives in to the keys to taking care of ones body and how he's maintained an edge.

Professionally, Noreau has played in the NHL, AHL, ECHL and Swiss National "League A" and has had the privilege of representing Canada on numerous occasions and is a two time Olympian (2018 Bronze Medal & Olympic All-Star Team Selection) and 4 time Spengler Cup Gold Medalist. 

On this episode we are joined by Jocelyn Thibault (Executive Director of Hockey Quebec) and Marc Denis (RDS Hockey Analyst), both retired NHL goaltenders who are tasked with fixing hockey in Quebec.

Both Thibault and Denis are proud hockey dads and share a passion for giving back to the game of hockey. Tune in to hear about their experiences in the game and their thoughts on how to improve the grassroots experience.

On this episode we are joined by Ryan Hardy, General Manager of the USHL's Chicago Steel, 2021 Clark Cup Champions and GM of the Year. Hardy oversees the Steel’s hockey operations department including scouting and player development, coaching and player development.

The Madison, Conn., native joined the Steel from the Boston Bruins (NHL) where he spent two seasons scouting amateur prospects across North America. 

Hardy is very selective in the players he adds to the team. He has certain characteristics he values more than others. “We want smart, competitive kids that love hockey and want to be coached. We feel like if we can check those four boxes, we can pretty much figure out the rest with them, if they have that foundation.” 

On this episode we are joined by Brant Berglund, NHL Senior Director of Coaching and GM Technology / Platforms. Tune in for insight on the digital transformation of hockey and how to utilize modern video and analytics tools at all levels. 

Brant father, Bill, is a longtime NCAA coach having spent time at Northeastern and Boston University in addition to being an amateur scout for the Montreal Canadiens.

The highly informative conversation dives deep in to two key aspects of minor hockey - philosophy and hockey sense. Berglund shares his thoughts on the keys to hockey sense - Looking, Talking, Counting along with teaching puck pursuit with the dog, hawk, hound and birds.

On this episode we are joined by Vincent and Phil Lecavalier, to dive in to their respective playing careers and their current philosophies on player development and minor hockey. Listen in for a thoughtful perspective through the eyes of Vincent, a former NHL All-Star and Stanley Cup Winner, and Phil, a leading NHLPA certified player agent.

Vincent Lecavalier was the captain of the Tampa Bay Lightning for the 2000–2001 season and again from 2008-2013 and spent his first 14 NHL seasons with the Tampa Bay Lightning before being bought out following the 2012–13 season and signing with the Philadelphia Flyers. He was chosen first overall by the Lightning in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft and was a member of their 2004 Stanley Cup championship team. He won the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy in 2007 as the NHL's leading goal scorer. On February 10, 2018, the Tampa Bay Lightning retired his number 4 jersey. Currently residing in Florida, Vincent talks about being a hockey dad and minor hockey coach.

Phil Lecavalier is a NHLPA Certified Agent for Quartexx Management, a leading player agency that represents Mitch Marner, Patrice Bergeron and Kris Letang, amongst others. Phil played college hockey at Clarkson University from 1993-1997. He is the proud father of two hockey players - Hugo and Maïka - and talks about being a hockey dad.

On this episode we are joined by Ron MacLean, host of Hockey Night in Canada former Level 5 referee with Hockey Canada. MacLean’s extensive knowledge and passion for the game of hockey has made him one of the country’s most famous and beloved broadcasters.

Ron joins to talk about hockey culture, the game through the eyes of a referee, and shares some important stories from hockey history that will impact any coach, parent or player.

Check out Ron's books Cornered and Hockey Towns: Untold Stories from the Heart of Canada.

On this episode we are joined by André Tourigny, Coach of the Ottawa 67’s and key member of Team Canada coaching staffs at four major upcoming international tournaments. Tourigny is the first full-time coach with the men’s program since 2005.

Tourigny shares his thoughts on his coaching philosophy and how he's evolved with the game including how he separates the player and the person - don’t get mad at the person. Get mad at the player if the expectations are not met. But the person is totally different.

On this episode we are joined by Dave King, who has been head coach in the National Hockey League, the Russian Super League, Kontinental Hockey League, Western Hockey League, the Winter Olympics, and the IIHF World Junior Championships. King coached Canada's National Junior Team to a gold medal in 1982 and Canada's Men's Olympic hockey team to a silver medal in 1992 and bronze medal in 2018.

King was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 1992 was inducted into the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame in 1997 and the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2001. In recognition of his contributions to the game with the national teams, Hockey Canada named him to the Order of Hockey in Canada as part of its 2013 class.

Check out Dave's latest book, Loose Pucks and Ice Bags: How and why the game has changed. It's an excellent read for coaches and parents at any level as he covers topics like "Can we teach hockey sense?" and "Think Fast, Play Fast."