Up My Hockey with Jason Podollan

Can coaches bounce back from controversy and lead a successful career? On this episode of Up My Hockey with Jason Podollan, we sit down with Bill Peters, the head coach of the Lethbridge Hurricanes, who opens up about his tumultuous journey in the world of hockey. We delve into the key moments that defined his career, including player evaluation, puck management, and strategic plays, all framed within the context of real game examples like the Edmonton-Vancouver series. Bill also bravely addresses the serious racism allegations that led to his departure from the Calgary Flames, and his path to redemption and return to the sport. This candid conversation shines a light on the necessity of open dialogue and learning from the past to foster growth in hockey.

Ever wondered how mentorship and relationship-building are pivotal in coaching? Attending a coaches conference parallel to the annual draft in Vancouver, we gather unique insights, especially from notable speeches like Travis Green's keynote on prioritizing people over winning. We also confront past controversies from 2008 that led to our guest's departure from the NHL in 2019, underscoring the importance of personal growth and education in diversity, equity, and inclusion. This discussion aims to reveal the continuous efforts to better oneself and become a more compassionate and effective coach.

How has coaching evolved in the Western Hockey League from the 1990s to today? We explore this transformation, discussing changes in playing style, officiating, and player mindset. We also tackle the complexities modern players face, from the influence of agents to parental pressures, and emphasize the need for communication and player involvement in decision-making. Additionally, we share strategies for maximizing individual and team potential, highlight the importance of situational awareness, and unveil upcoming changes in training camp structures designed to offer meaningful evaluations and development opportunities. This episode is packed with valuable insights for anyone passionate about hockey and its future.

EP. 134 welcomes Darcy Hordichuk, a former NHL enforcer who brings a unique perspective to the Up My Hockey podcast. With decades of professional hockey experience, including stints with several NHL teams, Hordichuk offers listeners an insider's view of the game.

As a guest on the podcast, Hordichuk delves into various aspects of the sport, from  off-ice dynamics to parenting his own son along the journey of hopefully going to the NHL. He shares anecdotes from his playing days, providing valuable insights into the mindset of a professional athlete. 

What sets Hordichuk apart as a podcast guest is his ability to blend his wealth of hockey knowledge with a genuine passion for the sport. Whether discussing the strategies of the sport or the importance of team chemistry, he captivates listeners with his articulate commentary and engaging storytelling, making it a must-listen for hockey fans eager to deepen their understanding of the game.

On this episode of Up My Hockey London Hoilett opens up about his adversities & challenges on & off the ice. A mindset client of host, Jason Podollan, the two discuss how they came to work together and how the relationship has supported London and career.

London, a dynamic 18-year-old winger hailing from Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada, electrifies the ice as a key player for the Vancouver Giants in the WHL. Hoilett's prowess lies in his off-puck mastery, utilizing his exceptional positioning, relentless motor, and lightning-fast possession maneuvers to leave opponents scrambling. Renowned for his tenacity, he never surrenders on a play, incessantly driving forward and closing down space with his relentless footwork.

A product of the esteemed RINK Winnipeg program, Hoilett honed his skills through U15, U16, and U18 levels, forging a reputation as a formidable force on the ice. With his blend of skill, determination, resilience and mindset, London has not found a chalenge yet, that he can't handle.

In the 132rd episode of Up My Hockey Podcast, we're thrilled to host Glenn Carnegie, a distinguished skills coach and head coach for the JPHL. Hailing from Manitoba, Carnegie's journey saw him refine his craft with the Moose in the AHL before a remarkable 11-season stint with the NHL's Canucks. His philosophy? Excellence knows no bounds. Carnegie emphasizes the importance of maximizing potential wherever you play. With firsthand experience molding talents like Jonathan Toews, he underscores the power of curiosity in the pursuit of greatness. Join us as we delve into Carnegie's wealth of expertise and insights on hockey's relentless quest for improvement.

Sven Butenschon is a highly accomplished hockey coach and former professional player with an impressive career spanning various hockey leagues. Born in Itzehoe, Germany, Butenschon's journey in the hockey world has left a lasting impact both as a player and as a coach.

As a player, Butenschon showcased his skills as a defenseman with a left-hand shot. His talent did not go unnoticed, leading to his selection by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the third round, 57th overall, during the 1994 NHL Entry Draft. This marked the beginning of his professional career, which would later see him playing in several prominent leagues.

Butenschon's playing career includes stints in the Western Hockey League (WHL), International Hockey League (IHL), National Hockey League (NHL), American Hockey League (AHL), and the Deutsche Eishockey League (DEL) in Germany. This diverse experience across different leagues attests to his versatility and adaptability as a player.

Transitioning from a successful playing career to coaching, Butenschon found himself at the helm of the University of British Columbia (UBC) hockey team. His coaching prowess reached new heights as he led the team to a remarkable achievement – winning the championships for the first time in over 50 years. This historic victory not only highlighted Butenschon's leadership abilities but also brought a sense of pride and accomplishment to the UBC hockey program.

Being named the U Sports Coach of the Year is a testament to Butenschon's dedication, strategic acumen, and the positive impact he has had on his players. His coaching philosophy, honed through years of experience in different hockey environments, played a crucial role in shaping a championship-winning team.

In this episode of the "Up My Hockey" podcast with host Jason Podollan, Jarrett Bousquet, a key figure at Titan Sports Management, delved into the intricacies of the hockey world. Bousquet, based in Dallas, wears multiple hats at Titan, contributing his diverse expertise in talent evaluation, player development, and contract negotiations.

The conversation touched upon the concept of "million dollar plays" and dissected the grid of hockey, emphasizing the strategic elements that contribute to success on the ice. Bousquet's insights revealed a deep understanding of the game, drawing from his extensive playing experience, including five years in the Western Hockey League. His time with the Kamloops Blazers, reaching the Memorial Cup twice and clinching the championship in 1992, showcased his prowess as a player.

Bousquet's journey encompasses playing at various levels professionally and internationally, reflecting a well-rounded perspective on the sport. Notably, he managed to balance his pursuit of excellence on the ice with academic achievements, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology while playing for the University of Calgary Dinosaurs. As a dedicated "every day-er," Jarrett Bousquet's multifaceted contributions continue to shape the landscape of hockey through his role at Titan Sports Management.

From Valeri's early days with the Spokane Chiefs where Jason & Val first met, to a stellar 10-year career in the NHL, Valeri shares his journey & brilliant strategies in this captivating episode. 

Born on June 13, 1974, in Moscow, Bure made history as the first Russian player in the WHL. A two-time WHL All-Star, he sniped 68 goals in his second season with the Chiefs in 92-93, which remains the franchise record. 

After his second round selection by the Montreal Canadiens, Valeri impressed as a right winger in the NHL, with 4, 20+ goal seasons, recording a career high of 35 with the Calgary Flames in 99-00. That same season Valeri’s brother Pavel, scored 68 times for the Florida Panther. Together they combined for 93 goals, setting an NHL record for goals by siblings in one NHL season.

International accolades followed, with bronze at the '94 World Junior Championship and silver in '98, and bronze in '02 at the Winter Olympics. Learn about his transition from the Soviet Union to North America, the challenges, and the triumphs.

Now retired due to back and hip injuries, Valeri, alongside his wife Candace Cameron Bure, runs Bure Family Wines in California. Don't miss this exclusive interview! 🍷🎉 #UpMyHockey #ValBure #HockeyLegend #NHLAlumni

We're thrilled to host James Wendland, a seasoned professional in the field of kinesiology, sports performance, and injury management. He shares an abundance of knowledge around concussions which, as we know, is a delicate & tricky subject these days. 

James embarked on his journey with the human body through childhood sports, excelling in soccer, baseball, swimming, and rugby. His passion for maximizing performance and aiding in injury rehabilitation led him to found Kinesiologists.ca in 2003 and operate fitness centers, including the Whistler Creek Athletic Club during the 2008-2011 Winter Olympics.

With a wealth of experience as an instructor at institutions like CapilanoU, UBC, and Quest University, James has taught a diverse range of courses, enhancing his expertise in exercise prescription, physiology, anatomy, and more. His involvement with the Vancouver Canucks, "Bell Making the Cut" hockey series, and strength coaching for various teams showcases his extensive contributions to athletic development. Currently practicing as a Manual Osteopathic Therapist, James Wendland continues to impact lives by combining his expertise in kinesiology and holistic healthcare. Tune in for an insightful conversation with this multifaceted professional 

Conor Geekie has had a crazy 12 months - a deep playoff run with the Winnipeg Ice, a sudden franchise relocation to Wenatchee with a change of coaching staff, Coyotes Development Camp and Main Camp , a terrific start to his third WHL season and a selection to Team Canada and a ticket to Sweden for the World Junior Championships. 

Geekie got a lot of attention in Sweden. Whether it was hanging and joking with his new best friend Macklin Celebrini, the size of the tape knob on his stick, his warm up routine, or his 5 minute major and game misconduct 11 seconds into the Germany game... Geekie seemed to find a way into the spotlight.

At 6'4" and over 200 pounds, Geekie is naturally hard not to notice. But when you combine his size with his infectious smile and skills on the ice, he becomes impossible to miss. 

Conor Geekie is used to the attention though. Not only has he always been in the spotlight himself - a 2nd overall WHL draft selection and an 11th overall selection in the 2022 NHL entry by the Arizona Coyotes - he was able to watch his older brother and mentor,  Morgan Geekie of the Boston Bruins, blaze the trail before him.

Backed a strong and supportive family, Conor carries a maturity with him that is well beyond his years.

In this episode, Connor Geekie reflects on the unpredictable nature of hockey, his NHL journey, and being selected 11th overall in the 2022 NHL Entry Draft. Despite recent changes like his team’s move to Wenatchee, being traded to the Swift Current Broncos, and joining the World Junior Team, Connor has maintained impressive stats in the WHL season. His older brother, Morgan Geekie of the Boston Bruins, acts as his mentor. The conversation highlights Connor’s free-spirited nature and the significance of self-awareness for peak performance, alongside the complexities of a player’s public image and fitting into team dynamics. The conversation also stresses the importance of balancing enjoyment with readiness before games to maintain competitiveness without affecting personal relationships.

We get into it all in this episode. I hope you enjoy it.

Former hockey player Anders Myrvold engages in an intimate & raw conversation with Jason Podollan where the two discuss the highs & lows of Anders career. His rocky journey has taught him valuable lessons that he loves to pass on to the younger players he now mentors. Jason & Anders first crossed paths while playing together in Mannheim, Germany. Myrvold, born on August 12, 1975, boasts an impressive career, including his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche in 1995. Throughout his career, he also played for the Boston Bruins, New York Islanders, and Detroit Red Wings. Despite contributing to the 1995–96 Colorado Avalanche's Stanley Cup victory, Myrvold fell short of playing enough games to have his name engraved on the coveted trophy. The podcast sheds light on the journey of this Norwegian hockey luminary.