THE LOCKER ROOM LIFE

WISCONSIN BADGERS | TEAM USA | OLYMPIC GOLD MEDALIST

We sit down with Kirsten Simms, one of the brightest stars in women’s hockey and a 2-time National Champion with the University of Wisconsin. Known for her elite skill, creativity, and relentless compete level, Simms has built a reputation as a player who always rises to the moment — with a knack for coming up clutch in the biggest situations.

Kirsten shares her journey through the game — from rising through elite development programs to dominating at Wisconsin and helping lead the Badgers to multiple national championships. She also dives into the incredible story of representing Team USA at the 2026 Winter Olympics, where the Americans defeated Canada in a dramatic final to capture the Olympic Gold Medal.

In this conversation, Kirsten reflects on the pressure, preparation, and emotions behind competing on the world’s biggest stage, what it felt like standing on the blue line during the national anthem, and the mindset required to deliver when everything is on the line.

This episode is about belief, preparation, and rising to the biggest moments in hockey.

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UMASS | MILWAUKEE ADMIRALS | NASHVILLE PREDATORS

Ryan Ufko’s journey is a blueprint for what self-belief really looks like.

From winning a Clark Cup with the Chicago Steel to becoming an All-American at UMass, Ufko has consistently elevated his game at every level. Drafted by Nashville in 2021, he’s never relied on hype — instead building his path through poise, intelligence, and steady growth.

Ufko leaned into resilience, proving that consistency and belief can carry you further than raw talent alone.

Now pushing toward becoming a dependable NHL presence, his story shows that adversity isn’t a setback — it’s part of the process.

The lesson is clear:

Resilience is what turns opportunity into longevity.

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PLAYER | INFLUENCER | ENTREPRENEUR

This episode we sit down with Jesse Michel — hockey player, entrepreneur, personality, and influencer — a man of many layers and even more stories.

Candid and transparent, Jesse opens up about adversity, identity, reinvention, and the powerful transition from professional hockey into entrepreneurship.

Driven, relentless, and committed to maximizing every day — this is a conversation about living with intention and leaving nothing on the table.

No regrets. Just growth.

SIT BACK & ENJOY

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MICHIGAN WOLVERINES

In this episode we sit down with Garrett Schifsky — the dynamic forward from Andover, Minnesota whose relentless drive and hockey IQ have propelled him from high school standout to NCAA star at the Michigan Wolverines men's ice hockey. A proven leader at every level, Garrett led the Waterloo Black Hawks as captain and was a consistent offensive force in the USHL before stepping onto the Big Ten stage.

Since arriving at Michigan, he’s quickly become a cornerstone of the Wolverines’ lineup, earning All-Big Ten Freshman honors.

Garrett gets real about what it takes to be successful at the collegiate level — the mindset, the leadership, the sacrifices — and how believing in your abilities and trusting the process can turn talent into impact.

Whether it’s leading teammates, battling adversity, or rising to the moment, he breaks down the self-belief and work ethic that drive every shift.

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DUBUQUE FIGHTING SAINTS | UCONN HUSKIES COMMIT

In this episode, we sit down with Colin Frank to explore an incredible hockey journey built on resilience, growth, and unwavering self-belief. Born and raised in California, Colin bet on himself every step of the way, trusting his path and putting in the work to earn a spot with the Dubuque Fighting Saints, where he’s grown into a leader and impact player in the USHL.

His belief in the process and commitment to constant improvement has now led him to the Division 1 level with the UConn Huskies.

Colin opens up about fighting through adversity, evolving at every level of the game, and the power of trusting yourself — knowing that the plan set out for you only works if you believe in it and stay the course.

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CO-FOUNDER : SOFLO HOCKEY | ORLANDO SOLAR BEARS

Cole Kodsi’s journey is a true testament to dedication, resilience, and the power of building both on and off the ice. From competing at the highest levels of junior hockey in the USHL to earning his way through Division I college hockey, Cole’s relentless work ethic ultimately led him to the professional ranks with the Orlando Solar Bears. Beyond his success as a player, Cole is also a driven entrepreneur — co-founding SO FLO HOCKEY, a brand that is innovating the way summer leagues are built by blending high-level competition with culture, lifestyle, and community. What started as a vision to create something meaningful has grown into a movement that brings players together, grows the game, and redefines the off-season hockey experience. In this episode, Cole shares the highs, the challenges, and the lessons hockey has taught him about leadership, mindset, and turning passion into purpose.

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Quinnipiac University | Calgary Flames

In this episode, we sit down with Ethan Wyttenbach, a young player whose journey is defined by perseverance, dedication, and an unrelenting hunger to be the best. Though still early in his career, Ethan’s mindset is far beyond his years—rooted in discipline, sacrifice, and a deep understanding of the sacrifices and preparation required to reach the next level.

From a standout foundation with the Long Island Gulls to competing in the United States Hockey League, Ethan continued to elevate his game. While playing with the Sioux Falls Stampede, he became the first-ever recipient of the Gaudreau Award, recognizing his character, leadership, and impact both on and off the ice.

Now at Quinnipiac University and drafted by the Calgary Flames, Ethan’s story is a powerful example of what happens when preparation meets belief. This conversation dives into mindset, maturity, and the unseen work behind the results—proof that Ethan Wyttenbach is well beyond his years and only scratching the surface of what’s ahead.

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CO-FOUNDER | THE O.T. SPORTS GROUP

John Kofi Osei-Tutu’s journey is built on belief, resilience, and proving the doubters wrong. From chasing the dream as a player, to earning his law degree, to ultimately answering his true calling as a sports agent, John’s path was anything but conventional.

As the Co-Founder of O.T. Sports Group, he’s helping redefine what it means to represent athletes—building more than careers, but a true family atmosphere rooted in trust, development, and long-term vision.

Fueled by dedication and relentless belief, OTSG now represents a growing roster of top prospects and professional athletes, expanding every day.

This episode dives into the mindset, sacrifices, and conviction it takes to bet on yourself—and build something bigger than the game.

For athletes and families seeking representation, mentorship, and a true support system, connect with O.T. Sports Group here:

https://otsportsgroup.com/contact-us/

DONATE TO " HAGENS' HELPERS" :

https://app.jointheglow.com/c/k9D7N5

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" GRIT AND SWAGGER "

In this episode, we sit down with Cullen McCrate, a Fargo Force defenseman whose journey is built on grit, resilience, and undeniable swagger. Raised in Michigan, Cullen’s path to the next level was shaped by long hours, adversity, and an unshakable belief in himself, backed every step of the way by his family’s support.

From grinding through the junior hockey ranks to becoming a trusted presence on the blue line in Fargo, he earned everything through hard work and consistency.

Cullen opens up about overcoming setbacks, embracing the physical and mental side of the game, and what it truly meant to achieve a lifelong dream—earning the opportunity to sign and continue his hockey career at Michigan State University.

This is a story of great grit, strong swagger, and proving that when preparation meets belief, anything is possible.

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Reporter | College Hockey Analyst | Podcast Host

In this powerful and honest conversation, we sit down with Jonny Lazarus to unpack a journey that goes far beyond the stat sheet. Jonny reflects on his accomplished Division I hockey career, sharing what it meant to compete at the highest collegiate level with University of Massachusetts Amherst and Mercyhurst University, and the discipline, sacrifice, and identity that come with chasing a lifelong dream.

The conversation takes a deeper turn as Jonny opens up about the difficult and often isolating transition into post-hockey life. He speaks candidly about losing the routine, the locker room, and the sense of purpose that defined him for so long—along with the mental battles, self-doubt, and adversity that followed. Rather than taking the easy path, Jonny paid his dues, embraced uncertainty, and committed to rebuilding himself from the ground up.

Through belief, consistency, and an unrelenting desire to grow, Jonny found his voice in hockey media—transforming lived experience into impact. Today, he uses his platform to tell real stories, connect players and fans, and push the conversation around identity, mental health, and life beyond the game. His journey is a reminder that success doesn’t always follow a straight line, and that resilience, humility, and community can turn struggle into purpose.

This is an episode every athlete—and anyone navigating change—can learn from.

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