This week Topher and Jeff talk with PJ Atherton, former college and professional hockey player. Atherton grew up playing Minnesota hockey and joins us this episode to talk about how the community-based model shaped his career and how he views the game.

In this episode we talk about:

— Community-based hockey and always playing for the logo on the front of your jersey

— Learning to dominate multiple levels and how being “too ready” for the next level can be a good thing

— How to put players in the driver’s seat of their own game

— Living with intention and how it carries you further

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar! 

And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!

If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!

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On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss how to handle cutting players: should it be posted online or done in person? Let’s dive into the emotions and best practices of player selection.

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!

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Here is the last of our top three favorite Short Shifts episodes to get your 2025 going!

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Topher wants to talk about the transition game: what is winning in transition and how important is being good in transition both offensively and defensively?

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! 

We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!

Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair

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This week Topher and Jeff talk with Jakub Dobeš, current Montreal Canadiens goaltender. Listen as we dive into the mind of an elite athlete to understand what it takes to make it to the highest stage in our sport.

In this episode we talk about:

— Dobeš’ “late bloomer” path to the NHL

— An inside look into life as an NHL player

— How the most valuable thing you can bring to a team is consistency

— Advice for goalies aspiring to continue playing in the net

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar! 

And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!

If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!

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On today’s FRIDAY FACEOFF episode, Toph wants to discuss a question he received: “What does the youth hockey world need more of, better, or something different than it already has right now?”

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW!

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Here is another one of our favorite past Short Shifts as we get back into the swing of the new year!

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On today’s SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph’s topic is - NUTRITION. It’s such an important component for any athlete to reach their potential and Vechs HAS THOUGHTS that you’re not going to want to miss!

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! 

We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!

Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair

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This week Topher and Jeff talk with Derek Stephens, former college and professional hockey player. Stephens is currently involved at the youth level with his own kids playing and joins us this episode to discuss the taboo topics of youth hockey.

In this episode we talk about:

— How you never know when someone is watching, so strive to be your best self every day

— The internalized pressure of feeling left behind when you don’t participate in every camp, season, opportunity, etc.

— People being hesitant to do the right thing even though they know better

— Ways to help your kids or yourself develop for free

AND SO MUCH MORE!

Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar! 

And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!

If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!

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In place of today’s Friday Faceoff episode, Toph reads a letter his dad sent to Jess, Toph’s little sister. Grab the tissues and send this episode to all of the moms and mom figures in your life 🤧

We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating, and share on your social sites!

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Happy New Year fam! The boys are on holiday break, so we have a rerun of one of our most popular Short Shifts for you guys!

On today's SHORT SHIFTS episode, Toph wants to talk about consistency. What players, and coaches, can do individually (with preparation, routines, habits) to help with team consistency.

TEN MINUTES ON THE CLOCK STARTING NOW! 

We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!

Shout out to this Short Shifts supporter: SkateTech Skate Sharpening & Equipment Repair

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This week Topher and Jeff are home for the holidays in Chicago with the whole fam to bring you a Christmas special episode. This episode helped us remember our why and we hope you enjoy getting to know us and those closest to us a little better.

Happy holidays from all of us at the Hockey Think Tank!

Thank you to our title sponsor IceHockeySystems.com, as well as Train-Heroic, CuredNutrition, Helios Hockey, and Crossbar! 

And thank you to our AMAZING LISTENERS; We appreciate every listen, download, comment, rating and share on your social sites!

If you’d like to join our Hockey Think Tank Community, head over to Community.TheHockeyThinkTank.com and check it out!

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