The Hockey Masterclass (Darren Gill & Jon Goyens)

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 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 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.

Welcome to The Hockey Masterclass, a podcast focused on minor hockey player development, leveraging insight from coaches around the world.

On this episode of The Hockey Masterclass we welcome in Dave Starman who has coached for 34 years from U8 through the minor leagues. Dave has hockey in his veins and is a true hockey educator who has touched numerous areas of the game including being a college hockey analyst and NHL scout. Want proof that Coach Starman knows what he’s talking about? He’s coached between 1500-1800 games and over 10,000 practices. This episode is a must listen for any coach, at all levels.

On this episode of The Hockey Masterclass welcome in Jon Goyens. Coach Goyens has coached all levels of minor hockey for the past 27 years, including 10 years as the Head Coach of the Lac St. Louis Lions where he holds the record for most playoff wins. Most recently Jon was the Head Coach of the Baie Comeau Drakkar of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. In addition to being a proven winner, Coach Goyens is a proven talent developer and has coached over 25 NHL Draft picks during his minor hockey career.

On this episode of The Hockey Masterclass we welcome Alex Killorn to the show. Killorn is fresh off a Stanley Cup victory with the Tampa Bay Lightning and was a key contributor to the 2019-20 season, setting a career high in goals and points. The Lakeshore minor hockey product played midget AAA hockey for the Lac St. Louis Lions before attending Deerfield Academy and Harvard University. Killorn is the epitome of hard work and determination, and his story serves as an inspiration for young hockey players everywhere.

On this episode of The Hockey Masterclass we welcome Bob McKenzie to the show. Known as the TSN Hockey Insider, Bob has covered Canada’s favourite sport for forty years. He is the former editor-in-chief of The Hockey News, hockey columnist for the Toronto Star, and the author of three national bestsellers. Bob is a Hockey Dad (also the title of his first book) and shares his experience and insight on his time coaching his boys, Mike and Shawn. Follow him on Twitter @TSNBobMcKenzie.

On this episode of The Hockey Masterclass we welcome in Patrick O’Sullivan, former NHL player who now focuses on hockey development for players of all ages. O'Sullivan is an incredible hockey mind who doesn't hold his opinions back (follow him @realPOSULLIVAN), making this episode a must listen. O’Sullivan’s story is a cautionary tale and was documented in his 2015 National Bestselling book “Breaking Away: A Harrowing True Story of Resilience, Courage and Triumph”. It's a must read for any hockey parent.

On this episode of The Hockey Masterclass we welcome in Hilary Knight, a champion on and off the ice. Hilary is an Olympic Gold Medalist (2018)  and several time IIHF Women's World Hockey Championship Gold medal winner. Moreover, Hilary has been an advocate for the game and a powerful voice in the US Women’s National Team’s fight for equal pay. Hilary continues the conversation for equitable pay support across all sports. Her impact on women’s sports has created an opportunity for women and girls everywhere to step up and compete. Hilary is a true student of the game and discusses her approach to training and development.

On this episode of The Hockey Masterclass we welcome in Mike Weaver, former NHL defenseman who spent 11 years and 633 games with Montreal, Florida, St. Louis, Los Angeles, Vancouver, and Atlanta. Weaver chronicled his hockey journey in a 2016 Players Tribune article titled "Tales of an Undrafted Puck Eater" and is currently the CEO & Co-Founder of CoachThem, a virtual coaching tool that is revolutionizing the game. Additionally, the Michigan State grad is also the founder of the Defense First Hockey School, which offers a cutting edge approach to development and incorporates the fundamentals of hockey with an emphasis on mental skills and how to “think the game.”

On this episode of The Hockey Masterclass we welcome in Louis Leblanc, former 1st round draft pick of the Montreal Canadiens (18th overall, 2009). The Lakeshore and Lac St. Louis Lions product achieved immense success in his minor hockey career before taking his talents to Harvard and subsequently the Montreal Juniors before entering the pros. Louis has always been a tireless worker on and off the ice and retired in 2016 at the age of 25 to complete his degree at Harvard. Today, Louis is an Analyst at CMA Strategy Consulting and angel investor.

On this episode of The Hockey Masterclass we welcome in Mike Kelly, hockey analyst for the NHL Network, thepointhockey.com and SportLogiq who specializes in analytics. Kelly separates himself from all others with unmatched analytics experience coupled with a deep understanding of traditional hockey all of which is leveraged by communication and management experience. What really sets Mike apart is the focus on results and translating them to action and success. Kelly talks to the guys about the meaningful interpretation of data and dives in to the concept of puck management versus puck possession.

On this episode of The Hockey Masterclass we welcome in Craig Button,  TSN Analyst & Director of Scouting. Craig shares his perspective on player development and provides a thought provoking take on how grassroots hockey can continue to evolve and improve.  Craig dives deep and explores what lessons can be learnt from other countries and other sports. Craig also explores some thought providing questions like, what does a hiring at a law firm have to do with scouting for NHL talent?  What was Craig's pre-draft scouting report on Brayden Point? And how did Mike Modano changed the way the Stars talked about their prospects potential. Tune in and find out.

On this episode of The Hockey Masterclass we welcome in John Hynes, Head Coach of the Nashville Predators, and one of the bright young coaches in the NHL and great leader who has a track record of both effectively developing young players and motivating veterans. Hynes dives in to key topics related to player development of all levels and gives a pro perspective on topics ranging from youth hockey to analytics.

In addition to leading the Predators, Hynes has also coached professionally with the New Jersey Devils (NHL) and Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins (AHL) where he led the Penguins to five consecutive Calder Cup Playoff berths and earned AHL Coach of the Year honors in 2011. 

Hynes also spent nine seasons on the coaching staff of the USA Hockey National Team Development Program, serving as an assistant from 1998-2000 and 2001-02 and as head coach from 2003-09. While with the NTDP, Hynes excelled on the world's stage, claiming four U-18 World Championship medals - two of them gold (2002 and 2006). Hynes was the Head Coach of the United States at the 2004 World Junior Championship, where the Americans won Gold for the first time and earned their first medal in the event since 1997.

Hynes began his coaching career at his alma mater of Boston University as an assistant under longtime Terriers head coach Jack Parker in 1997-98. A forward on the Terriers hockey team from 1993-97, he helped lead BU to four consecutive Frozen Four appearances, including an NCAA title in 1995.

On this episode of The Hockey Masterclass we welcome in Ben Groulx, head coach of the Syracuse Crunch, AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning. 

Coach Groulx has been a winner at all levels that he has coached, including leading Team Canada to a Gold Medal at the 2015 World Junior Championship, earning a perfect 7-0 record during the tournament.

Groulx joined the Crunch after a successful career with the Hull / Gatineau Olympiques winning three QMJHL championships. 

In addition to his success behind the bench, Groulx is also a hockey dad to Benoit-Olivier "Bo" Groulx, who was drafted 54th overall by the Anaheim Ducks in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft.

On this episode we welcome in coaching legend Ken Hitchcock,  who is 3rd all-time in NHL wins and has been a winner at all levels, including:

• Stanley Cup Champion
• World Cup of Hockey Champion
• World Junior Gold Medal
• 3 Olympic Gold Medals. 

A true rarity – Hitchcock had his career start in minor hockey and will undoubtedly finish in the Hall of Fame. Tune in to hear about his journey from Midget AAA to the NHL and the get some insight in to Hitchcock's mentors and coaching philosophy.

On this episode we welcome in Devon Levi, goaltender for Team Canada at the 2021 World Junior Championships, winning the Silver medal. The Montreal native was named Best Goaltender of the tournament by the IIHF Directorate and named one of the members of the Media All-Star Team.
 
The Northeastern Huskies Freshman has always trusted the process, believing that pressure is indeed a privilege. Levi talks about his time with the Lac St-Louis Lions (Midget AAA) and how spending 3 seasons with them prepared him for future success.
 
Tune in to hear the "undersized" goaltender with a well-deserved chip on his shoulder talk about how he put life first and managed success on and off the ice.
 
Despite the numerous features on Levi during the 2021 World Junior Championships, this episode gives you an even deeper look in to how the Florida Panthers draftee went from a relative unknown to talk of the tournament.

On this episode we welcome in Kim St. Pierre, 2020 Hockey Hall of Fame Inductee and one of the elite players to collect the trifecta in women’s hockey: Olympic gold (three times), IIHF Women’s World Championships (five times) and the Clarkson Cup (twice). St. Pierre shares her story that took her from playing minor hockey with the boys in Châteauguay (QC) to becoming a trailblazing goaltender, the first female at that position inducted into Hockey Hall of Fame.

St. Pierre starred as a goaltender with the McGill University Martlets (1998-2004) and also played briefly with the Redmen. She was the first woman in Canadian Interuniversity Sports history to win a men’s regular season game when McGill University defeated Ryerson University on November 15, 2003 by a score of 5-2.

Currently the Business Development Manager for Reebok's BOKS Program, Kim gives some useful tips about what kids can be doing to stay active during the pandemic. BOKS offers free resources to Elementary schools all over Canada to keep kids active before school starts and throughout the school day. She enjoys sharing her passion for physical activity and healthy living.

St. Pierre is a proud Hockey Mom to two passionate minor hockey players (neither a goaltender) and takes on a different role as parent and coach.

On this episode we are joined by American Hockey Royalty as we welcome in Tony and Cammi Granato.

Tony, who had a 13 year career in the NHL with the Rangers, Kings and Sharks, is currently the head coach of the Wisconsin Badgers. 

Cammi, a Hockey Hall of Famer, is currently a Pro Scout for the Seattle Kraken and a fellow podcaster. Be sure to check out her podcast, Girls on The Bus.

Tune in to hear Tony and Cammi talk about what it was like to grow up in a competitive hockey household and how their time battling in the family basement prepared them for a career on and off the ice.

Also, fans of the Montreal Canadiens get a special peek inside the development path of Cole Caufield, the 2019 1st round draft pick, and how Coach Granato is preparing him for the next level.

On this episode we are joined by Allan Walsh, Co-Managing Director of Octagon-Hockey, who is one of the most respected agents in the game and was recently named to The Hockey News "Top 100 People of Power Influence" list for the 10th consecutive year.

Walsh, whose clients include Marc-Andre Fleury, Max Pacioretty, Jaroslav Halak, Jonathan Drouin, and David Perron brings unbridled passion, enthusiasm, and commitment to protecting his clients rights, promoting their interests and maximizing their compensation.

Tune in to get a refreshing take and perspective on topics ranging from player safety to career development and the role Walsh plays in helping his clients succeed on and off the ice.

On this episode we are joined by Hockey Hall of Famer Scotty Bowman, who holds the record for most wins in league history, with 1,248 wins in the regular season and 223 in the Stanley Cup playoffs and ranks 2nd all time (behind Jean Béliveau's seventeen) for most Stanley Cup victories by a player, coach or executive with fourteen.

Bowman coached the St. Louis Blues, Montreal Canadiens, Buffalo Sabres, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Detroit Red Wings. He is currently the Senior Advisor of Hockey Operations for the Chicago Blackhawks (his son, Stan, is the team's general manager).

Bowman never stops learning and evolving. In fact, analytics, in particular, are a source of fascination for you. As senior advisor, he gets the Blackhawks’ proprietary analytics sent to him after every game. And he shares what he learns — and what he’s learned over the past six decades — with anyone who’ll listen. He joined The Hockey Masterclass to share years of experience and wisdom.

On this episode we are joined by Gordie Dwyer and Mark Carlson, two experienced coaches who have developed talent and successfully found balance between winning and development, helping players get to the next level.

Gordie Dwyer played five seasons in the National Hockey League (NHL) for the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers and Montreal Canadiens. He has spent time coaching in both the QMJHL, most recently with the Shawinigan Cataractes, and the KHL, where he was last the head coach of HC Dinamo Minsk.

Mark Carlson is the Cedar Rapids RoughRiders President, Head Coach and General Manager. He joined the team in 1999 as the Head Coach and General Manager.  In 2016, he became the second United States Hockey League (USHL) coach to reach 1,000 games. Over 500 players who have skated for Carlson have received Division I scholarships, 38 have been selected in the National Hockey League Draft, 41 have signed NHL contracts, over 100 are developing in the minor leagues, and 22 have made their NHL debuts.

On this episode we are joined by Kevin Weekes, former NHL goaltender, current NHL Network and NHL.com Broadcaster Analyst, and member of the NHL Player Inclusion Committee.

Weekes talks about all facets of the game including goaltender development, diversity in hockey, along with his long term aspirations to continue to give back to the game he loves in a management role with an NHL club.

Weekes took a few moments to address some heartfelt questions from Vimal Sukumaran (Providence College) and Kerfalla Touré (Carleton Place Canadians) as they shared their experiences growing up in the game.

On this episode we are joined by Pierre McGuire, hockey analyst for NBC and former NHL Coach and Scout. 

The two-time Stanley Cup winner talks about his perspective on player development and shares valuable insight regarding his role as a "hockey dad" to son Ryan, a Colgate University commit. McGuire also speaks to his experience as a parent to an athlete in a sport that he was less familiar with - rowing - as daughter (Justine) is an elite level rower at Dartmouth College.

McGuire's take on being a hockey parent and player development is a must-listen for anybody involved in minor hockey.

On this episode we are joined by Tim Turk, renowned skills coach who works with NHL players and with many organizations, minor hockey teams, coaches and players of all ages and levels.

Turk specializes in Shooting, Passing and Puck Preparation and Control, while also teaching the technical aspects and strategies of puck protection. He goes in depth to talk about how to teach shooting and his approach to individual development.

Some of Turk's NHL clients include Brendan Gallagher (Montreal Canadiens), Mitch Marner (Toronto Maple Leafs), Victor Hedman (Tampa Bay Lightning, Mika Zibanejad (New York Rangers), P.K. Subban (New Jersey Devils) and many more. Turk has also worked with 4 NHL organizations (Montreal Canadiens, Tampa Bay Lightning, Carolina Hurricanes, and Arizona Coyotes), and many National Programs overseas.

For more information and some incredible resources check out timturkhockey.com

On this episode we are joined by former NHLer PJ Stock, who played 235 career games with the New York Rangers, Montreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, and Boston Bruins amassing 26 points and 523 penalty minutes.

Stock took an unlikely path to the NHL via the Pembroke Lumber Kings, Victoriaville Tigres and St. Francis Xavier University. Although the journey was unique, the hard work and determination that got him there is shared by many.

Stock, who lives in Montreal, has transitioned to a successful career off the ice and is the father of 4 children.

On this episode we are joined by Dr. Adam Naylor, High Performance Expert and Player Development Consultant, who has spent over 25 years serving competitive hockey players, coaches, and organizations. His clients have competed on 20 different teams in the National Hockey League and include champions at all levels of the game.

This episode is a must listen for coaches and parents who want some insight in to, among other things, Dr. Naylor's research and key learnings around balancing "Playing to Win" and "Player Development".

Dr. Naylor currently leads two consulting practices, one focused on the development of athletes and sport organizations Telos SPC  (www.telos-spc.com) and Primary Leadership Development (www.primaryld.com) focused on supporting and coaching leaders across a variety of business and elite performance domains.

On this episode we are joined by Jeremy Rupke a.k.a. Coach Jeremy of How to Hockey.  Jeremy has a passion for the game and develops content to entertain, educate and motivate hockey players so that anyone, anywhere can enjoy the best game in the world. His instructional videos are highly useful for players of all ages and skill levels.

Jeremy coaches with dreams of every player falling in love with the game, learning about self improvement, confidence, respect, team work, adversity, dedication and having a blast doing it.

Coach Jeremy has developed a multitude of phenomenal resources on all of his platforms. Here's where to find him:

• Website
• Twitter
• YouTube
• Instagram

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."

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 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 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 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 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.”