prohockeypod

Max didn’t have your “normal path” career. His story is quite interesting. We talked about how in an 8 month span he was cut from one team, played on another and then was drafted in the 1st round to QMJHL in his second year of eligibility. He played 3 years in the Q before going onto pro in the AHL. Even though he produced, he was only given 6 games in the NHL before embarking on a long career in Switzerland. We dove into like in Swiss, why he came back briefly to NA and how he was able to carve out a long career. He represented his country many times, including 2 Olympics (he won a Bronze Medal in 2018) and 6 Spengler Cups. Throughout the podcast, he mentions time and time again about continuous improvement and how you don’t give up on a dream, you just change it. Honestly there are so many good quotes, tips and motivational advice in this episode. From this you can see why Max had the long career he did and how now he is able to build his own training brand with Noreau Hockey. For any underdogs out there, this episode will inspire you. Hope you enjoy! Here is the link to his website for Noreau Hockey: https://noreauhockey.com

Adler Mannheim video coach Florian Keinz stopped by the prohockeypod this week. From someone who grew up a fan of the team spending countless hours/games in the stands cheering on the boys to now being behind the scenes working as the teams video coach is quite the unusual path. Florian bleeds Adler Mannheim and is someone who gives everything for the club. He talks about his beginnings in soccer, how he got interested in hockey and now his work as a video coach for a top team in Germany. He is known for his work ethic and undivided passion for his team. If you ever were interested in getting into pro hockey as a video coach, then this podcast is for you. Hope you enjoy!

The captain Denis Reul stopped in to the prohockeypod this week. Denis is known for his defensive play, physicalness and overall team play. We talked about how he got into hockey growing up in a small town, his journey to North America, being drafted to the NHL and playing his whole DEL career in Mannheim. He has represented Germany on many occasion’s and he explained the importance of this. I also picked his brain on the keys to being a leader and what you need to be a champion. We kept it short and sweet for this episode. Hope you enjoy!

Tyler Moy was great to chat with this week and shared a lot of insight. A great work ethic was instilled in him at a young age and fired his absolute love/addiction to the sport of hockey. Tyler is a graduate of Harvard University and he shared his time there balancing school and athletics. After Harvard, Tyler signed a contract with the Nashville Predators, the NHL team that had drafted him. He shared his experiences in NA before heading over to Switzerland. He also talked about his decision to work with a mental coach and the positive effects this has had on his game and health. If you want to hear someone talk passionately about the game of hockey and getting better, this episode is for you. Hope you enjoy!

The pride of Hamilton Tyler Gaudet joined the prohockeypod this week. Tyler took a chance to go to the QMJHL, was sent down to Pembroke, where he met Sheldon Keefe. Sheldon ended up getting a job with the OHL’s Soo Greyhounds and took Tyler with him at the age of 19. 8 months later, Tyler signed an NHL contract with the Arizona Coyotes. Tyler went through adversity, didn’t give up and was rewarded for his perseverance. We talked a lot about the power of being confident and how playing your game can lead to success. Tyler went on to play 390 games in AHL and 20 in the NHL before heading to Germany. Tyler talked a lot about the importance of living in the moment and not focusing on the future/next step, something he wish he did earlier in his pro career. A great “never give up” story and perfect example of how everyone has their own path. Hope you enjoy!

This weeks episode is a special one and brought back a lot of memories. Mike Lomas is a guy i grew up playing minor hockey with in Burlington. He went the OHL route for 5 years before playing USports at Carleton University in Ottawa. Mike talked about his time in the OHL and what he learned year to year. Mike also was very honest about his past battles, how he turned himself around and continues to stay sober today. It takes a lot of strength to admit you need help and a great support system as well. I have a lot of respect for Mike and how he continues to grow as a person. This podcast got a bit emotional but in a good way. Mike is also a big Toronto Maple Leafs fan and we dived into them as well. A bit of a different episode but an important one. Hope you enjoy!

German born defenseman Korbinian Holzer dropped by the prohockeypod this week. Holzy’s resume speaks for itself. Over 500 games in NA pro (NHL/AHL), Olympic Games, World Junior’s, KHL and 250 (and counting) DEL games. Korbinian shared his story on growing up in Germany, choosing to pursue a career in hockey over soccer and what he learned as a young pro that allowed him to get drafted to the NHL and transition to North America. He also seems to always have a funny trade story and shared both of them during the episode. Holzy has had a great career filled with battling and overcoming obstacles. A great guy to model your game after and someone to look up to for his work ethic and persevere attitude. Hope you enjoy!

Kyle Gibbons returned this week to the prohockeypod to continue his story. We jumped right into him leaving pro in North America and heading to Germany. Kyle played 3 seasons in Deggendorf, including helping them get promoted to the DEL2. We went through the craziness of the next few years and how he got through it. Kyle is currently playing his 11th pro season for Leipzig in the Oberliga in Germany. Kyle talked about the importance of good practice habits and practicing like you play. He also brought up preparing for life after hockey and how to deal with the “fear” players have of being done. Lots of good points and helpful advice. Hope you enjoy!

Kyle grew up in Ohio and was drawn to hockey at a young age by the local pro team, the Cleveland Lumberjacks. We talked about his childhood and his passion for the game of hockey. He went on to play in the USHL and made the decision to go NCAA to Canisius College in Buffalo. He had a very successful 4 years before moving on to pro in the ECHL and SPHL leagues. We talked about the grind and what he learned throughout his journey. Part 2 coming next week. Hope you enjoy!

Jordan is a defenseman for the Adler Mannheim and is currently playing in his 8th season of professional hockey. Jordan had a dream of playing in the QMJHL and he set his mind to that. Even though he didn’t make the jump until he was 18, he got to do it for 3 years. After major junior, Jordan attended the University of New Brunswick for 4 years and was able to win 2 University Cups. This earned him a chance in the AHL where he played parts of 4 seasons before adventuring over to Europe. He was able to gain experience in both the KHL and SHL before settling in Germany. He shared his experiences and had some funny stories as well. Hope you enjoy!

Finnish Legend Petri Vehanen joined the prohockeypod this week. Petri and I work together with the Adler Mannheim and I have got to know him well. Petri was a late bloomer who’s mindset was simple: work hard everyday. It ended up paying off as he went on to play 20 years professionally, win a KHL Championship, Gold Medal for Finland at the 2011 World Championships and lastly, had his number retired by Lukko Rauma. He had quite the run and now is sharing his knowledge to the goalie’s in Mannheim. It is very inspirational to see everything he achieved. If you like underdog stories then this episode is for you. Hope you enjoy!

Yannick is a young German prospect known for his work ethic and playing for the Adler Mannheim in the DEL. We talked about his minor hockey journey in Germany that eventually led to him signing a DEL contract. Yannick also was drafted to the WHL and talked about his experience in Spokane. He is one of the happiest people i have met who is always smiling and excited to come to the rink everyday to put in the work. He is a great kid with a bright future ahead of him. Hope you enjoy!

Jordan is another Burlington guy who I grew up with and spent a lot of time training together. He is known for his hard work ethic and I have seen that first hand. Jordan went the OHL route, was drafted to the NHL and played 9 seasons of North American Pro in the AHL, which also included 50 games in the NHL. He then headed off to the KHL in Russia before coming to Germany. He is currently in his 3rd season with the Adler Mannheim. We talked about his journey and what he learned from his hard road. Jordan has always stuck to his morales and been the hardest working guy day in and day out. Good lesson for all the young athletes out there. Hope you enjoy!

The Union Dutchmen alumni are back. Happy to have been able to chat with Wayne Simpson this week. Wayne is currently in his 11th pro season and 5th with the ERC Ingolstadt in Germany. We talked about his childhood in Georgia and how he grew up in an athletic family with a passion for doing well in both sports and in the classroom. Wayne talked a lot about the importance of being confident and how it can translate to your game. We dabbled in his college days, the famous workouts and his rise through pro in NA and now in Germany. Hope you enjoy!

It was awesome to sit down with Shea Tiley this week. Shea is a Clarkson Alumni who won 2 National Titles and has represented Canada on multiple occasions internationally with the women’s team. She has been a big part of the growth of the women’s pro league in NA and continues to help promote the brand. Shea educated me on the progress of the new league and everything that goes into it behind the scenes. Very surprising to hear how much goes into it but great to hear all the hard work is paying off. Many great things ahead for women’s hockey. Hope you enjoy!

It was great to sit down with ERC Ingolstadt GM Tim Regan this week. Tim grew up in Massachusetts before earning himself a D1 Scholarship to RPI for hockey. After earning his degree, Tim headed to Germany (for 1 year) and hasn’t returned since. He carved out a long playing career, been a coach on the German National Team and is now a GM. He had some great insight and advice on how he got to where he is and what he believes the foundations are. If you are someone interested in being a player/coach/GM in EU, then this episode is for you. Hope you enjoy!

This week I wanted to take some time to discuss the importance and remind athletes to Appreciate the Game and Enjoy the Ride. I talked about different levels of a player’s hockey journey and what I feel is important to learn/remember with each step. At the end of the day, be grateful to the game and enjoy the experience. Its YOUR journey, do not compare it to others and take it all in. Hope you enjoy!

Jake is a guy who has shown throughout his career that progression is possible if you are willing to put in the hard work. From the USHL to Clarkson University before signing an NHL contract and now playing in Europe, Jake has always found a way to keep improving his game and being a wanted addition to any team. He shared a lot of good insight on his experiences and lessons he learned along the way. Hope you enjoy!

Robby is a professional hockey player who grew up in California and is currently playing in Slovakia. We talked about what drew him to the sport and how it was for him playing hockey in Cali at a young age. He went on to play 4 years D1 for St. Cloud University and earned himself a degree in broadcasting. Robby is big on reflection and enjoying the moment, which I believe is a good for everyone to learn and helps you mentally rejuvenate . Hope you enjoy!

Mat Bodie joined the prohockeypod this week. He is a long time pro and leader by nature. We took a trip down memory lane from his time at Union College where he ended as a National Champion before embarking on his professional career. We dove a lot into how he is a leader and his belief on the best characteristics to be one. Honestly, i can see why his teammates look up to him and have so much respect. Hard to not run through a wall for this guy. Hope you enjoy!