THE LOCKER ROOM LIFE

MENTAL HEALTH HOCKEY

Brady Leavold’s story goes way deeper than the game.

In this episode, Brady Leavold takes you through the full journey — from chasing the dream at the highest level to facing the reality of what comes after. The pressure to perform. The identity tied to the game. And the adversity that hits when everything you’ve built your life around starts to shift.

He opens up about the moments people don’t see — the internal battles, the self-reflection, and the struggle of figuring out who you are without the jersey. It’s an honest conversation about accountability, growth, and rebuilding yourself from the inside out.

This is about more than hockey. It’s about life after the dream… and the work it takes to redefine your purpose.

Now, Brady is turning those experiences into impact — mentoring, speaking, and showing the next generation that your path isn’t defined by where you end up, but by how you respond when things don’t go as planned.

No shortcuts. No filters. Just truth.

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HOCKEY HALL OF FAME | USA OLYMPIAN | NATIONAL CHAMPION | PIONEER

On this episode, we sit down with Natalie Darwitz — a true pioneer who didn’t just shape women’s hockey, but helped redefine the game itself.

From dominating at the University of Minnesota and capturing NCAA National Championships, to leading Team USA as an Olympic Captain and competing on the world’s biggest stage, her career is nothing short of legendary. A three-time Olympic medalist and multiple-time World Champion, Darwitz built a résumé that ultimately earned her induction into both the Hockey Hall of Fame and the IIHF Hall of Fame.

But her impact goes far beyond the accolades.

Natalie’s journey helped open doors, inspire belief, and create opportunity for generations of women chasing the game. She didn’t just play at the highest level — she helped elevate what was possible. Today, she continues to give back to the game through leadership, mentorship, and building the next wave of players who will carry the sport forward.

This is more than a story of greatness — it’s a story of legacy, influence, and paving the path for what comes next.

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NORTH DAKOTA FIGHTING HAWKS

Ian Engel didn’t take the straight path — he built it. Grinding through the NAHL with the Bismarck Bobcats, earning every shift, every opportunity… and finishing it the right way as a Robertson Cup Champion.

Originally committed to Division III — a path many would’ve accepted — but he didn’t settle. He stayed patient. Stayed committed. Believed in something bigger.

That belief turned into an opportunity at the University of North Dakota — one of the top programs in college hockey.

This is what it looks like when you trust the process. No shortcuts. No guarantees. Just work, resilience, and self-belief.

Your path isn’t always clear — but if you stay with it… it shows up.

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" J SWISH "

1st Rounder | 93.1 | GOOD CHIN

Jordan Schmaltz takes us through his full hockey journey, from grinding it out in the USHL to becoming a standout at North Dakota, and ultimately hearing his name called in the first round by the St. Louis Blues. He opens up about the realities of the pro path—the expectations, the pressure, and what it really takes to navigate the game at the highest level.

Schmaltz breaks down his seamless transition into media, evolving into “JSWISH” — THE PEOPLES.

From building a presence on major podcasts ( HOME BY 3 , Live in Five, Missin Curfew) to stepping into live comedy shows, he’s redefining what life after hockey can look like.

This episode is about identity, adaptability, and finding your lane beyond the game.

The path doesn’t end—it just shifts.

“ Thats Baseball “

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GENERAL MANAGER | BLIND HOCKEY CANADA

Luca DeMontis who has been a driving force behind the growth of blind hockey in Canada, rising from longtime volunteer to General Manager of Canadian Blind Hockey. His journey is deeply personal—rooted in the inspiration of his brother, who is blind, and who introduced Luca to the power of sport as a vehicle for confidence, independence, and belonging. That connection sparked a lifelong commitment to building opportunities for athletes who are blind or partially sighted, turning passion into purpose.

Now leading national programming, Luca is focused on scaling the game coast-to-coast—launching new programs, supporting local coordinators, and creating clear pathways for athletes from their first time on the ice to elite competition. His leadership has helped fuel the rapid growth of blind hockey, transforming it into a thriving, inclusive sport that continues to expand its reach and impact across Canada.

Beyond the rink, Luca’s mission goes far deeper than the game itself. Inspired by his brother’s journey, he’s building a movement centered on inclusion, confidence, and community—where players aren’t just developing skills, but finding identity and connection. Blind hockey, through Luca’s vision, becomes more than a sport—it’s a platform that’s changing lives and opening doors for the next generation.

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MR. WEST | MICHIGAN STATE SPARTANS

On this episode of Locker Room Life, we sit down with Michigan State defenseman Owen West to talk about the journey that shaped his career and the mindset required to keep pushing forward.

Hailing from Pittsboro, Indiana, Owen’s path through hockey has been anything but linear. From grinding through junior hockey—playing in leagues like the NAHL and the USHL—to battling adversity and learning what it takes to survive the grind of development hockey, his story is one built on persistence and belief.

After paying his dues in juniors, including key seasons with the Des Moines Buccaneers in the USHL, Owen earned the opportunity to take the next step at Michigan State, one of college hockey’s powerhouse programs.

In this conversation, Owen reflects on the ups and downs of the junior hockey grind, the lessons learned from adversity, and the mindset required to compete at the highest levels of college hockey. With Michigan State chasing championships, his journey is a reminder that every phase of the path—from the smallest rink to the biggest stage—helps shape the player and the person.

This is the story of resilience, development, and chasing the ultimate goal: a national championship.

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