Breakaway, The Minor Hockey Podcast
Ontario Minor Hockey Association
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The Ontario Minor Hockey Association's Breakaway, The Minor Hockey Podcast puts you with some of the best and brightest minds in the game today. Each week, Aaron Wilbur sits down with the leaders of hockey to discuss everything from scoring more goals to how to grow the game.
Available episodes
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Oldest first
Jan 27, 2023
Episode 149 | The Three Pillars of a Hockey Factory (Matt Dumochelle)
Hockey Factories is a unique look behind the curtain of some of the globe’s top hockey development programs. The series travels to Minnesota, British Columbia, Germany, Finland and Sweden to see how these programs are doing it right.
Guest Bio: Matt Dumochelle is the Assistant General Manager of the Leamington Flyers of the GOJHL and the author of Hockey Factories for The Coaches Site.
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Jan 13, 2023
Episode 148 | Ray Ferraro Shares His Coaching Philosophy
Ray Ferraro shares his philosophy on player development and how to handle the sometimes-tricky parent-coach relationship.
Guest Bio: Ray Ferraro is a former player and current hockey analyst for the NHL and World Juniors.
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Dec 20, 2022
Episode 147 | Building Resiliency in your Players (Cara Morey)
In this special excerpt from The Coaches Site's TCS Live conference, Cara Morey discusses grit, why it matters, and how to develop it in your athletes.
Guest Bio: Cara Morey is in her sixth year leading the Princeton women’s hockey program. Since the Ontario product was announced as head coach in June of 2017, the program has won its first ECAC tournament title, won an Ivy League championship, qualified for two NCAA quarterfinals, set the program wins record, and established itself as a weekly inclusion in the national top-10 rankings.
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Dec 1, 2022
Episode 146 | The Evolution of Incorporating Goalies Into Your Practice (Ryan Daniels)
The goaltending position has evolved not just positionally but how coaches utilize them in practice and also how the netminders can approach training and preparation.
Guest Bio: Ryan Daniels is an OMHA grad out of Ajax-Pickering and the current goaltender development coach of the AHL’s Texas Stars. He spent three years as the goaltending coach for the Guelph Storm and three with the Mississauga Steelheads. As a player, Daniels spent time in the ECHL, OHL, Central Hockey League and OJHL.
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Nov 18, 2022
Episode 145 | Your Team’s Quarter-Season Check-In (Michael Dundas)
With a few weeks under every team's belt, let's check in on where they should be at this point of the year and what the rest of the season should look like.
Guest Bio: Michael Dundas is the Manager of Hockey Development at the OMHA
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Nov 4, 2022
Episode 144 | Opening the Door for New Hockey Fans (Rico Phillips)
Hockey is for anybody and everybody. How we open the door to new fans is important for any community.
Guest Bio: Rico Phillips grew up in Flint, Michigan and is the Ontario Hockey League's Director of Cultural Diversity and Inclusion.
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Oct 20, 2022
Episode 143 | Eat Smart, Play Well: Best Foods For Pre, Post-Game Meals (Seanna Thomas)
You are what you eat. Eat good, feel good.
We know now more than ever about how to maximize our nutrition to fuel our performance. Let's dive deeper into what to focus on before and after your games.
Guest Bio: Seanna Thomas is a Nutrition Consultant, Mom to 3 active kids, and founder of Hockey Snacks Inc., where she provides nutrition information for young athletes, sports teams, families, and organizations.
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Oct 7, 2022
Episode 142 | Skill Building in Modified Ice (Michael Dundas)
Players can begin to build their hockey skills on a modified, age-approrpiate ice size - the benefits of U9 and Below programming.
Guest Bio: Michael Dundas is the Manager of Hockey Development at the OMHA
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Sep 22, 2022
Episode 141 | Player Evaluations: From the First Session to Naming the Team (Michael Dundas)
As players and coaches are in the heart of the Evaluations process, we walk through the timeline of what to expect from the first ice session through to naming the roster.
Guest Bio: Michael Dundas is the Manager of Hockey Development at the OMHA
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Sep 9, 2022
Episode 140 | Player Pathways
Host Aaron Wilbur of The Coaches Site and Ian Taylor, the Executive Director of the OMHA, catch up after the off-season and chat about the Player Pathways as skaters return to the ice for another year of minor hockey.
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Apr 6, 2022
Episode 139 | When Dad is Coach (Jay McClement)
While all parents get involved with coaching their kid’s team for all the right reasons, there are times when their hearts may get in the way of doing what’s best for the team as a whole, or even doing what’s best for their child. How do you figure out that balance?
Guest Bio: Jay McClement is a retired NHL veteran of 10+ seasons and a Kingston native who returned home to coach his son’s U9 AAA Kingston Jr. Gaels team
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Mar 23, 2022
Episode 138 | Teaching Skating Skills to Players (Viktor Kraatz)
Skating has evolved over the years from just a focus on strides to now involving edges, angling, crossovers and so much more. What's the best way for coaches to work with their players to teach this important skill?
Guest Bio: Viktor Kraatz is a former ice dancer who competed in three Olympics
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Mar 9, 2022
Episode 137 | What It Means to Practice With a Purpose (Tom Ward)
Coaches know the value of practice time. Coming in prepared and with a plan of what you will be teaching can save precious minutes. Practices are where players can learn how to best be effective on the ice.
Guest Bio: Tom Ward is the Head Coach of the Shattuck-St. Mary’s Boys Prep Team in Minnesota.
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Feb 18, 2022
Episode 136 | Creating Situational Awareness (Brendan Taylor)
As players get older, situational awareness becomes more important as part of their Hockey IQ. How can players build this over the years and what can they look for in skill development?
Guest Bio: Brendan Taylor is an Assistant Coach with the OHL's Mississauga Steelheads.
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Jan 11, 2022
Episode 135 | Advice for Building the Best Outdoor Rink (Darren Dreger)
It’s a tradition every holiday season for TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger. Every year he puts his annual callout for submissions to his Twitter account of backyard hockey rinks from across the country. They come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own personal touch.
As the weather gets consistently cold enough for outdoor rink season, Dreger shares how he turned backyard rinks into a passion.
Guest Bio: Darren Dreger, TSN Hockey Insider
Note: This is a re-broadcast of an episode published in March 2021.
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Dec 3, 2021
Episode 134 | Kennedy Talks About the Lessons of Beach Case (Sheldon Kennedy)
Former NHL player Sheldon Kennedy says we need to continue to learn important lessons and do better after former Chicago Blackhawk Kyle Beach recently shared his story about how he had been sexually assaulted by a former video coach with the team more than a decade ago.
Guest Bio: Sheldon Kennedy, Respect Group
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Nov 12, 2021
Episode 133 | Developing the Modern Player (Scott Wheeler)
Over the last decade, how has the modern NHL player changed?
That’s the first question moderator Scott Wheeler, a national reporter with The Athletic covering the NHL Draft and prospects, posed to his elite panel during the Virtual Hockey Summit.
Three unique answers were given from three unique panelists, namely Chris Abbott, GM of Rogle BK in the SHL, Trevor Georgie, president & GM of the QMJHL’s Saint John Sea Dogs, and Pat Malloy, director at the Peak Centre for Human Performance.
Guest Bio: Scott Wheeler, The Athletic national reporter
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Oct 29, 2021
Episode 132 | Teaching Skills Over Drills (Derek Miller)
Coaches are always looking for the best ways to get the most out of their players during practice. Over the course of the season players will use this time to improve on their skills and understand different concepts. One of the ways this is done is through small area games. Adding competition to skill development and practices keeps these drills fresh and players engaged.
Guest Bio: Derek Miller, Ottawa 67’s Director of Player Development and Performance
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Oct 14, 2021
Episode 131 | The Secret to Team Fundraising (Mark Bachman)
Team fundraising is a crucial part of minor hockey to help offset some of the costs that come up during the season. From tournament fees to registration, the tried and tested methods of car washes and bottle drives have lasted for years. Over the last two seasons we’ve had to come up with new ways to raise money safely and lots of teams have turned to online platforms like FlipGive that make the process even easier.
Guest Bio: Mark Bachman, Founder and CEO of FlipGive
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Oct 1, 2021
Episode 130 | Making Roster Selection More Transparent (Chris Knutson)
Tryouts and evaluations can be stressful for everyone involved. For players, there is pressure to perform well in a short amount of time in your first time back on the ice after the summer. Coaches need to evaluate a large number of players at the same while parents are hoping for a positive experience for their children. Is there any way to make this easier for everyone?
Guest Bio: Chris Knutson, CEO of TeamGenius
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Sep 14, 2021
Episode 129 | Welcome Back to a New Season! (Ian Taylor)
We’ve finally hit the day on the calendar we’ve had circled for months - hockey is back! We’re excited as ever to come back to the rink and get back to the game we love. While we are still taking precautions off the ice such as masking as physical distancing in the dressing room, on the ice we are returning to traditional five on five gameplay.
Guest Bio: Ian Taylor is the OMHA Executive Director
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May 4, 2021
2020-2021 Season Finale
Hosts Aaron Wilbur and OMHA Executive Director Ian Taylor take a look back at some of their favourite guests and topics from the 2020-2021 season of Breakaway, The Minor Hockey Podcast.
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Apr 8, 2021
Episode 128 | The Benefits of the Player Pathways (Corey McNabb)
The U7, U9 and U11 Player Pathways create consistency in all programming across the country and a seamless transition for players based on the Long Term Player Development model. The Pathways provide local minor hockey associations a framework of age appropriate development guidelines which includes an optimal seasonal structure.
Guest Bio: Corey McNabb, Manager of Player Development at Hockey Canada
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Mar 16, 2021
Episode 127 | Building Good Habits in Skill Development (Scott Jones)
Skill development takes time and creating good habits. Focusing on specific areas of improvement and seeking feedback are two of the top ways to have purposeful improvement. How can players use this time away from the rink to make sure they are practicing the right way?
Guest Bio: Scott Jones, Player Development with Vegas Golden Knights
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Mar 11, 2021
Episode 126 | Advice for Building the Best Outdoor Rink ( Darren Dreger)
It’s a tradition every holiday season for TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger. Every year he puts his annual callout for submissions to his Twitter account of backyard hockey rinks from across the country. They come in all shapes and sizes, each with their own personal touch.
As we try to squeeze in the last few days of winter and outdoor rink season Dreger shares how he turned backyard rinks into a passion.
Guest Bio: Darren Dreger, TSN Hockey Insider
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Feb 16, 2021
Episode 125 | Turning Off-Ice Training Into On-Ice Success (Tim Turk)
We’ve been spending the last few weeks in our basements, garages, driveways and backyards working on our stickhandling and shooting as we await a safe return to the rink. As we improve our skills at home the question remains - how can we turn all of this hard work on our backyard rinks back into success in practices and games? Guest Bio: Tim Turk has been an NHL Shooting and Scoring coach for over 25 years
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Feb 1, 2021
Episode 124 | Willie O’Ree: Lessons in Social Justice & Racism (Bryant McBride)
Willie O’Ree changed hockey forever on January 18, 1958 as the first black player in the NHL. His journey of resilience and determination was showcased in the documentary Willie. Now, you can facilitate a meaningful lesson around social justice and racism through Willie’s experience using the Classroom Champions, the NHL and the Willie Doc Team's educator’s guide, a tool for parents, teachers, clubs and coaches. Guest Bio: Bryant McBride, Executive Producer of 'Willie' documentary
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Jan 21, 2021
Episode 123 | Supporting Mental Health in Hockey Culture (Jessica Renney and Paula McQuaid)
Let’s talk about the mental side of sports. If there’s one thing we’ve realized during the last few months is that mental health is so important for our players. Often when we think of the mental aspects of hockey it involves grit, mental toughness and an old school mindset. What happens when the helmets and skates are back in the bag and players are back at home during the current pandemic? The impact of missing sports as we do right now can go far beyond the actual goals and scoreboards. It’s the interacting with teammates, the physical engagement and developing the friendships. Guest Bio: Jessica Renney and Paula McQuaid are certified Canadian psychotherapists and the co-founders MindfulAthletics
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Dec 15, 2020
Episode 122 | Playing the Game the Right Way (Andre Tourigny)
When coaches talk about working hard and playing the game the right way, what exactly do they mean? Working hard isn’t just skating around the ice at full speed all game. It is a skill just like stickhandling and shooting. Determining the purpose and focus for your players is what it comes down to. Guest Bio: Andre Tourigny - Ottawa 67's Head Coach, Team Canada World Juniors Head Coach
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Dec 1, 2020
Episode 121 | Hockey's Greatest Untold Stories (James Duthie)
For a career that has spanned multiple World Junior Championships and countless seasons behind the desk during TSN Tradecentre, Duthie’s experiences have given him a different viewpoint of the minor hockey experience. Duthie’s son played in the OMHA throughout his youth and he can relate to the ups and downs of being a minor hockey parent. Guest Bio: James Duthie, TSN Hockey Host
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Nov 18, 2020
Episode 120 | The Tale of the Undersized Defenceman (Mike Weaver)
Mike Weaver never stopped working. At 5’8” and 185 lbs, many touted him as being undersized, especially for a defenceman. Weaver learned what he excelled at what he knew his skillset offered and turned it into 11 NHL seasons manning the blueline. Now retired, the Brampton native has taken on his next challenge as co-founder and CEO of CoachThem. Guest Bio: Mike Weaver, former NHL d-man and now co-founder and CEO of CoachThem
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Nov 4, 2020
Episode 119 | Position Specialization – What Not to Do (Jamie Storr)
Kids don’t improve based on the outcome of games. They grow in an environment where emphasis is placed on deliberate skill development and hard work. Jamie Storr isn’t afraid to think outside the box when it comes to minor hockey. Guest Bio: Jamie Storr - former NHL goalie and now the co-owner, President and General Manager and Head Coach of the Oakville Blades
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Oct 20, 2020
Episode 118 | A Stanley Cup Champ’s Advice for Minor Hockey Players (Barclay Goodrow)
It’s the dream of any hockey player around the world: to win the Stanley Cup. Few are lucky enough to call themselves champions and it’s always a special moment when someone from your own backyard gets the honour of raising the trophy above their heads. That’s the case for Aurora native and OMHA grad Barclay Goodrow, capturing Lord Stanley’s mug with the Tampa Bay Lightning a few short weeks ago. Still on the high of winning the Cup, the forward took some time to reflect on his years playing in the OMHA. Guest Bio: Barclay Goodrow, Tampa Bay Lightning forward
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Oct 8, 2020
Episode 117 | Social Media's Impact on Today's Players (Mike McKenzie)
Social media has become an everyday part of our lives, even more than that, it’s something that we check every few hours. With the ability to connect with all of our friends and teammates across multiple platforms, sharing pictures, notes and messages has never been easier. However, there is also a negative side to constantly being aware of what is being said about you. Guest Bio: Mike McKenzie, GM and Head Coach of the Kitchener Rangers
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Apr 22, 2020
Episode 116 | Why Player Evaluations Are Important (Aaron Wilbur)
All players, parents and coaches can agree that setting achievable goals is important to the overall success of the season. Often times those goals focus on winning a certain amount of games or making it to a certain round of the playoffs but at the minor hockey level, the focus should always be on player development and celebrating skill achievement. Having a method of measuring success beyond wins and losses is an important tool for each team. Guest Bio: Aaron Wilbur, Founder of The Coaches Site
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Apr 7, 2020
Episode 115 | How Players Can Be Taught the Intangible Hockey Sense (Chris Wilson)
Hockey sense can be described as a group of cognitive skills like situational awareness, decision making and anticipation that players can execute while on the ice. It’s the mental side of the game that can be overlooked when thinking about skill improvement. Guest Bio: Chris Wilson, Hockey Intelligym
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Mar 25, 2020
Episode 114 | Coaching Beyond the Xs and Os (Wayne McNeil)
The goal of Respect Group is to educate participants on where to draw the line. It provides definition and shows how subtle examples can evolve into problems. They work to identify BAHD Behaviour - Bullying, Abuse, Harassment, Discrimination – with education and tools on how to see it and properly intervene. Guest Bio: Wayne McNeil, co-founder of Respect Group
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Mar 10, 2020
Episode 113 | What It Takes to Lead Today’s Players (Ken Hitchcock)
Over his near 25 years as an NHL head coach, Ken Hitchcock has seen firsthand how every generation of players brings a new set of challenges to a staff. What players want from coaches, how they respond and how best to connect with them has all changed. Guest Bio: Ken Hitchcock, Stanley Cup winning coach
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Feb 25, 2020
Episode 112 | What to Look for in an Off-Ice Training Program (Mark Fitzgerald)
Like all sports, hockey provides an environment where children can be active in a safe, positive environment. Using athletics to build on basic movement skills is crucial for later in life. Understanding what to do, doing it correctly and when the best time for it is can help players avoid injury. It provides a foundation for what can be strengthened as players grow older. Guest Bio: Mark Fitzgerald - former Anaheim Ducks Strength and Conditioning Coach
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Feb 12, 2020
Episode 111 | What The 'New Normal' Means for the Minor Hockey Experience (Scott Smith)
We all love the sport of hockey. There is no doubt about it. That’s why when a new idea is introduced the process of change can be a challenge. The first step in any change is determining its value and benefits. It needs to start with the purpose or intended advancement. Guest Bio: Scott Smith - President and COO of Hockey Canada
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Jan 28, 2020
Episode 110 | How Coaches Can Be Life Long Learners (Wayne Parro)
The impact a coach can make on a child’s hockey experience can be life-changing. It is also constantly evolving. It’s not necessarily the rules of the game that have changed but how athletes learn and how we coach has grown over time. Guest Bio: Wayne Parro – Senior Coaching Consultant, Coaching Association of Canada
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Jan 16, 2020
Episode 109 | The Common Theme in Great Coaches (John O'Sullivan)
Over his time as founder of Changing the Game Project, John O'Sullivan has spoken sports scientists and researchers, youth and professional coaches. In his new book Every Moment Matters he explains the common theme of what makes a great coach. Here's a hint: it's more than the wins and losses. Guest Bio: John O'Sullivan, Changing the Game Project
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Dec 18, 2019
Episode 108 | What I Loved About Coaching Minor Hockey (Bob McKenzie)
Bob McKenzie has seen and done it all in the hockey world. Now a respected TSN Hockey Insider with over 35 years of experience, McKenzie rewound the clock and took a look back at how the game has changed since he was a minor hockey parent and coach in the OMHA. Guest Bio: Bob McKenzie, TSN Hockey Insider
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Dec 5, 2019
Episode 107 | Hit. Stop. Sit. (Michael Dundas)
Youth sports should be a source of positive education and physical activity in a fun, safe environment. Keeping players healthy is a top priority for all officials and associations. Learning more about concussions and brain injuries through Rowan's Law creates awareness for players, parents game officials and team officials to recognize the signs and understand the importance of what's needed to return to play safely. Guest Bio: Michael Dundas is the Manager, Hockey Development at the Ontario Minor Hockey Association
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Nov 21, 2019
Episode 106 | How Coaches and the Parent Group Can Work Together (Aaron Wilbur)
There are so many factors in getting someone on the ice. It takes a commitment from players, coaches and administrators to be willing to dedicate the time and effort necessary to ensure everyone has a positive experience. However, none of that is possible without the most key decision maker – the parents. They impact the choice of registration, making sure their kids get to the rink, and have a voice in all of the major decisions. Parents want to know if their kids are going to be safe and have fun while learning new skills in our great sport. Guest Bio: Aaron Wilbur, Founder of The Coaches Site
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Nov 5, 2019
Episode 105 | Improving the Player-Coach Relationship (Ray Ferraro)
A minor hockey coach spends almost as much with the players as their parents do. They hold the keys for unlocking their skill development and teaching them important life lessons. The core of the player-coach relationship is a mutual respect and the knowledge that the coach has the player's back. Guest Bio: Ray Ferraro, TSN Hockey Analyst
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Oct 22, 2019
Episode 104 | Adding a Simple Tweak to Your Favourite Drills (Corey McNabb)
Any time you add a simple tweak to a standard drill it gives the opportunity to teach both the offensive and defensive side of the game. On offence, whether you’re working on hands or moves or creativity, kids learn where they have to put the puck so someone can’t take it away. On the other side of the puck, if you don’t have the puck and you’re actually chasing someone, you have to learn how to position your body and your stick so you can get it back. Incorporating those things into practice can translate it into games. Guest Bio: Corey McNabb is the Director of Player Development for Hockey Canada.
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Oct 8, 2019
Episode 103 | Creating More Offence in Front of the Net (Dave Manning)
Every goal counts the same on the scoreboard. When the puck finds its way into the back of the net, there’s no reason not to celebrate. Coaches and players are always looking for the most efficient ways to score, and working on the most effective methods in practice can help lead to more success on the ice. Guest Bio: Dave Manning is the Head Coach of St. Andrew’s College in Aurora.
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Sep 24, 2019
Episode 102 | No Laps, No Lines, No Lectures (Dave Starman)
Change can be tough to go through. There's a comfort in what's always been done. You need patience to see the results. It's been 10 years since USA Hockey unveiled it's American Development Model for the betterment of the sport to keep kids in the game. It worked - and here's how. Guest Bio: Dave Starman is a pro scout with the Montreal Canadiens, Tier 1 Coaching Development Director for PAL Jr Islanders, and USA Hockey’s Coaching Education Program.
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Apr 30, 2019
Episode 101 | The Confidence Formula
What makes physical literacy unique is the emphasis on developing not only kids’ fundamental movement skills, but also their confidence and joy of moving. The recipe of skills, confidence, and joy is the secret to giving children what they need to be active for life. If your purpose as a minor hockey coach is to help develop “hockey players for life,” you need to develop these three pillars through your coaching. Guest: Richard Monette, Managing Director for Active for Life
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Apr 16, 2019
Episode 100 | An NHL Assistant Coach Weighs in on Development
As an assistant coach with the Winnipeg Jets, Todd Woodcroft is very familiar with the high-level talent from across the hockey universe. He’s worked in a variety of roles including Assistant Coach with the Swedish, Belarus, Swiss and Canadian Men’s National Teams. Over the years he’s been able to pick up and learn how countries are developing players from a grassroots level. Guest: Todd Woodcroft, Winnipeg Jets Assistant Coach
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Apr 2, 2019
Episode 99 | Effectively Using Video as a Teaching Tool
Today's players consume more information through a screen than ever before. With video being such a prominent resource there is a fine line for minor hockey coaches in terms of using it as a teaching and feedback tool. While different tactics are key to success, it’s all about developing strong instincts. Guest: Aaron Wilbur, The Coaches Site Founder
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Mar 19, 2019
Episode 98 | Player Pathways
The past few years Hockey Canada has been changing the look of minor hockey across the country. These Player Pathways aren't a significant change but rather just a different way of looking at age-appropriate skill development. Guest: Paul Carson, Vice-President - Hockey Development with Hockey Canada
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Mar 6, 2019
Episode 97 | Redefining Modern Hockey Tactics
Every team wants to win. To win you have to score goals. For players to succeed, they have to be challenged and they have to be continually developing and refining their skill set as they move up through the ranks in youth hockey. Finding the purpose into why a team plays the way they do can lead to more focused development and gameplanning.
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Feb 19, 2019
Episode 96 | Our Country’s Evolving Relationship with Hockey
One of the challenges facing hockey at the grassroots level is how to attract new families to the game. Sean Fitz Gerald, Managing Editor of The Athletic Toronto is working on a project that explores the status of the game today across the country. Hockey is woven into the sporting fabric of what it means to be Canadian and his work looks at what associations are doing to grow the game and let people into what he describes as a ‘bubble’ around the sport.
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Feb 6, 2019
Episode 95 | Teaching Good Offensive Habits
It’s the name of the game, scoring goals… and at the end of the day, more goals are the payoff we are all looking for. Goals don’t only help team success, they instill confidence in players, they fuel a fun environment and keep kids coming back to the rink. Guest: Guy Gadowsky, a former National Team Member and 20 year NCAA Division One Head Coach. Current Head Coach of Penn State’s Hockey Program whose high-powered offense leads the NCAA for goals scored this season.
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Jan 22, 2019
Episode 94 | "The Goal Was to See Where Hockey Could Take Me"
Dave Poulin has done it all in the hockey world. He's been an NHL player, general manager and a college coach while never losing his love for the game. This is his story.
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Jan 8, 2019
Episode 93 | The Most Important Line on the Ice You've Never Heard Of
It's the most important line on the ice and you've likely never heard of it. What is the Royal Road? Chris Boyle and Steve Valliquette have identified what they believe is the most important line on the ice, the line he believes supports the existence of shot quality. This is a rebroadcast of Episode 25, one of Breakaway's most popular episode.
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Dec 11, 2018
Episode 92 | Making an Impact as a Coach
What do you remember about a coach you had in minor hockey? All coaches hope to make a positive impact on their players. Coaches are going to leave a memory by the end of the season. Similar to teachers, coaches have the ability to make an imprint on players, whether positive or negative, simply based on the amount of time spent together. Guest: Mike Bara, Manager, Coaching Development with Hockey Canada
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Nov 27, 2018
Episode 91 | All Players Can Benefit From Small Area Games
One of the buzzwords in the last couple of years in hockey is Small Area Games. Players of any age or skill level can enjoy this great way to incorporate competition into practices. With an increased tempo, engagement and fun, these games check all the boxes for what coaches want. Joe Birch, the Senior Director of Hockey Development and Special Events with Ontario Hockey League discusses the benefits of Small Area Games.
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Nov 13, 2018
Episode 90 | The Buzzword of 'Culture'
'Culture' is one of the most popular buzzwords in all of sports. But what does it mean? Coaches need to learn how to improve emotional bonds and engagement while understanding how these factors improve athlete performance. It starts with communicating expectations to players and parents.
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Oct 30, 2018
Episode 89 | Building a Toolbox of Necessary Skills
In the sport of hockey the environment is constantly changing which forces players to continually adapt. The importance of developing decision-making skills and building a toolbox to deliver the necessary skill at the necessary time is something that can make the difference in our game.
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Oct 16, 2018
Episode 88 | Establishing a Style of Play Through Practice
A common topic amongst professional coaches is their team philosophy or their ‘style of play’. Having a clear ‘style of play’ from the beginning is an important foundation to have as a coach at the minor hockey level as it allows you to build practices to help achieve your ‘vision’ of how you want the game to be played.
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Oct 2, 2018
Episode 87 | The Difference Between Success and Winning
As a hockey parent, we all want our kids to be on teams that are prepared and encouraged to win games, tournaments and competitions at every level. Winning, a crucial part of a player’s development journey and success at any level helps breed confidence for the future but at the most critical years of development, winning shouldn’t be the ultimate aim. The individual development of the young players should be the priority, meaning the decisions that aid the development of all players at the cost of an isolated result should be taken. How much do we push winning?
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Sep 18, 2018
Episode 86 | Maximizing Practice Time
Running a hockey practice isn’t always easy. Trying to get everyone moving, playing and learning cooperatively can be a challenge, even for the most experienced and confident coaches. Every group of kids is different. One of the most important jobs of coaches is maximizing the limited amount of practice time while providing the most development for players.
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Apr 24, 2018
Episode 85 | Reducing Costs in the Hockey Budget
Organized sports are one of the many ways we can help our kids develop character, build friendships and stay active and healthy. But for many of us, the high price of these activities can put a strain on finances. Our sport is one that gets constant attention for its cost to play. With equipment, registration and ice costs, the price of playing hockey can add up quickly. However, there are a number of ways that associations and teams can balance the hockey budget by determining what’s important to spend money on from an individual and team perspective.
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Apr 10, 2018
Episode 84 | Using Hockey to Build Communities
Teaching life lessons at an early age is key to a life of success. How those lessons are acknowledged is important for shaping the person to become the best that they can be. All of us connected to Hockey see the values it instills in our youth. From commitment, to work ethic to team work, hockey is a valuable tool to teach life skills beyond the game itself. A man who continues to teach those life skills off the ice post-career is Adam Graves, a two-time Stanley Cup Winner and the Vice Chair of Smilezone.
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Mar 27, 2018
Episode 83 | How often should teams scrimmage during practice?
"Hey Coach! Are we scrimmaging today?" Every coach, before every practice is asked this exact question. We asked two experts how to best answer this question along with some other great insights into how to best use your ice and practice time
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Mar 13, 2018
Episode 82 | The Importance of 'Grit' in Talent Development
Malcolm Gladwell popularized the 10,000-Hour rule and immediately parents latched on to the idea that if they want their child to excel in sports, they needed to get these 10,000 hours in before his 10th birthday. What doesn’t come up when defining the 10,000 hour rule are the defining features of deliberate practice, the pillars of skill development and talent. For Dr. Justin Davis, grit might equal deliberate practice, but grit doesn’t necessarily equal creativity.
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Feb 27, 2018
Episode 81 | Do You Need a Captain in Minor Hockey?
Picking a captain is one of hockey’s oldest traditions. At the older age groups they are the role model for the rest of their teammates and can act as a liaison and line of communication between the coaching staff and players. But what is the best way to determine when the right age is to start naming a captain?
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Feb 13, 2018
Episode 80 | Grassroots to Gold
In the lead up to the recent World Juniors, Sunaya Sapurji began to a look at how those teens were developed by their various nations. As the interview process progressed, however, it became clear that many of the governing hockey federations she spoke to had more or less the same guiding principles for their programs. Where they differed was in their development models themselves or in the challenges they're facing.
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Jan 30, 2018
Episode 79 | When Should Players Pick a Position?
Figuring out which position your child will play is typically easy when they're still young—it often translates to what they want to do most: score goals. But despite the allure of knocking in that game-winning goal, not everyone can be a forward. As your child grows older and moves away from the pack of 10 chasing the puck, positions become more defined and more important.
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Jan 16, 2018
Episode 78 | What Makes a Good Coach?
The differences between a good coach and a great one at the grassroots level may be subtle, but they can make a world of difference to players. While knowledge of the game, ability to demonstrate drills and organizational skills are important, what actually separates the best from the rest?
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Dec 12, 2017
Episode 77 | Having Fun in a Scaled Hockey Environment
There’s a hot debate going on in many hockey rinks right now, and that is whether younger players are better off playing cross-ice or full-ice games. Stats don't lie, Long Term-Athlete Development research tells us kids need more interaction in their games, which is exactly what cross-ice hockey does. Many minor hockey associations across Canada and USA have mandated cross-ice games.
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Nov 28, 2017
Episode 76 | Should we ever shorten the bench in minor hockey?
Coaches at every level can be tempted to 'go for the win.' At the minor hockey level, the decision to shorten the bench to squeeze out an extra win sends the wrong message. Taking away ice time in any situation just might take away interest in the sport altogether. A coach skipping over the third line in the final minutes of a tight game may not seem like a big deal to an adult. But the sweetness of whatever victory gained from such a move likely will still taste sour to all those kids deemed not worthy of playing.
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Nov 14, 2017
Episode 75 | How Mindfulness Can Bring Success on the Ice
When hockey players discuss their sport it is often about the physical aspect of the game – the skating, shooting, scouting opponents. The mental aspect of the game can sometimes be overlooked because that’s more of a personal factor and doesn’t affect the team as a whole. But what if players could improve how they perform on the ice simply by taking a few minutes to focus on their mindfulness?
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Oct 31, 2017
Episode 74 | How do we introduce Body Checking?
In 2013, Hockey Canada announced that bodychecking would be introduced at the Bantam age group which sparked a large debate about the right age to introduce this skill. What was the reason behind the change?
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Oct 17, 2017
Episode 73 | How I Raised My Hockey Family
Hockey is a sport that brings families together. From the early mornings at the rink to the road trips for weekend tournaments, the sport keeps everyone involved. Sal Caggiula is the father of Ajax-Pickering Raiders grad and Edmonton Oilers forward Drake Caggiula and of current OMHA referee Brody Caggiula and is very familiar with the topic.
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Oct 3, 2017
Episode 72 | The Vital Role of Officials
Officials perform a vital role in the game. At all levels, they are the third team on the ice, without whom the game would not happen. Dave Wedlake, Chair of the OMHA Referee program is here to discuss the role of the official.
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Sep 19, 2017
Episode 71 | The Impact of a 'Win at All Costs' Mentality
It’s no secret that at the highest levels of sport some athletes, trainers, coaches and administrators do whatever it takes to win. But in an era where that can been seen and emulated within our local sports leagues, and sometimes even in to our own backyards, is it time we ask the question: Is the win-at-all-costs mindset ruining youth sports?
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May 5, 2017
Episode 70 | Wrapping Up Season Two
We look back on season two of Breakaway, The Minor Hockey Podcast. Thanks for listening, we will see you next fall!
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Apr 28, 2017
Episode 69 | Why Hockey School Is A Good Idea
The summer months can be used for a number of purposes; relaxing after a long school year and hockey season, trying new activities, going on vacation. Stepping away from the rink in the off-season can be beneficial for a hockey player and playing other sports during this time helps to build a more complete, well-rounded athlete. There are a number of hockey schools available across the province this summer that can provide players with added skills ahead of the upcoming pre-season. If you are interested in possibly signing up for one, it is important to do proper research before registering. There are quality hockey schools that exist but finding the right fit only adds to the experience.
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Apr 6, 2017
Episode 68 | Monitoring Success: How To Evaluate Minor Hockey Players
Placing players on teams is one thing, but what you do with those players once the teams are formed is another. Many Canadian communities only have enough players for one team in each age category, others have many teams in each age category, thus tiering occurs. Whether you have one team or multiple teams in each category, player evaluation can still be used, and should still be used as a way of developing players. Tyler Dietrich, Hockey Canada’s Manager, Hockey Operations, Analytics & Video Coach joins us to discuss the best way to evaluate minor hockey players.
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Mar 30, 2017
Episode 67 | Why The Dump & Chase Is Killing Skill (Rebroadcast)
The strategy: Give up the puck as quickly as you can, and see if the opponent has the skill to break out of their end against the forecheck. Former professional player and current Video Coach for the Toronto Marlies, Justin Bourne explains why the dump and chase is killing skill in minor hockey.
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Mar 23, 2017
Episode 66 | Shrinking the Playing Surface to Match the Age Group
It’s tough to imagine yourself on the ice as a Tyke or Novice player, but try to remember what it was like. From their point of view, standing on one end of the rink and looking down to the other can feel like the distance is almost miles away. Younger players become exhausted easier because the ice surface they play on is too big for where they are in their development. Some solutions to fix this are by using small-area games during practices, and there are many unique ways for coaches to implement these new elements.
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Mar 16, 2017
Episode 65 | When Dad is Coach
Coaching a team can be difficult. When your own kids are playing on the squad this difficult task becomes even more challenging. While all parents get involved with coaching their kid’s team for all the right reasons, there are times when their hearts may get in the way of doing what’s best for the team as a whole, or even doing what’s best for their child. Former NHLer, Rob Pearson joins us to talk about his playing days and coaching his son.
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Mar 9, 2017
Episode 64 | Building Hockey Community
From coast to coast many of us at the office, online or over the neighbours fence, talk about the former night’s hockey game as commonly as we do the weather. Despite many kids playing our sport, we need to continue to look at ways of growing the game to appeal to young families that are not currently involved, especially now that they have more options for recreational activities than ever before.
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Mar 2, 2017
Episode 63 | When In Doubt, Sit Out
Concussion has become the #1 Googled medical conditions over the past several years. Many famous athletes such as Eric Lindros, Sidney Crosby, and Chris Pronger have brought well needed attention to a medical issue that has affected multiple athletes irrespective of age. There have been many important advances in our knowledge of concussions, including how to identify, manage and recover from a concussion. Dr. Shannon Bauman has been caring for athletes of all levels for the last 10 years, from recreational athletes to professional and national level competitors.
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Feb 23, 2017
Episode 62 | Where do Goals Come From?
Ask any NHL coach what is the hardest skill or attribute to find and they’ll tell you it’s goal scoring. Fifty goals in a season used be a benchmark for goal scorers. Now-a-days fifty goals is reserved for the super elite and one thirty goal season will turn an average player into an All-Star. OHL Video Coach, Brendan Taylor explains how as the game has gotten faster, the time available to make plays has been reduced; in particular, around the net where goals are usually scored.
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Feb 17, 2017
Episode 61 | Talent VS Potential
At any given level of sport, the most talented athlete at that level will get lots of praise. The trouble with judging talent is that what makes one person more talented at each level is subject to change. Talent is important but not the most important factor for furthering success.
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Feb 9, 2017
Episode 60 | Tales with the Stanley Cup
Since 1995, the Stanley Cup has spent its summers travelling around the globe as the special guest of the NHL's championship team, its players, and management. Each Stanley Cup champion assumes possession of the trophy for one day of celebration and touring. Phil Pritchard is along for the ride as the official Stanley Cup chaperone — no one gets closer!
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Feb 3, 2017
Episode 59 | The Secret Ingredient to Great Coaching
Many coaches think that coaching is all about X’s and O’s, but the truth is that it is all about growing great relationships. The secret to great coaching and a successful performance by one’s team isn’t simply technique, or tactics, or fitness. Most coaches only look at potential and behavior (genetics, hours and quality of practice, attitude, coaching, fitness, etc.). These are incredibly important components, but they are not the whole equation.
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Jan 26, 2017
Episode 58 - Revisiting the Royal Road
It's the most important line on the ice and you've likely never heard of it. What is the Royal Road?
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Jan 19, 2017
Episode 57 | 99 Stories from the Great One
From minor-hockey phenomenon to Hall of Fame sensation, Wayne Gretzky rewrote the record books, his accomplishments becoming the stuff of legend. Dubbed “The Great One,” he is considered by many to be the greatest hockey player who ever lived. No one has seen more of the game than he has—but he has never discussed in depth just what it was he saw.
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Jan 12, 2017
Episode 56 | Foundations for Skill Development
The way in which we engage kids and teach sports has powerful implications on their long term success on and off the ice. The Longer Term Player Development Model was written as a roadmap and continues to evolve so every athlete is given a meaningful, enjoyable experience. Peter McBride is an assistant coach with the University of Toronto (men’s hockey team), as well as the coach mentor for Newmarket Minor Hockey Association and joins us this week.
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Jan 5, 2017
Episode 55 | Why Do The "Best" Coaches Teach The Most Elite?
When it comes to coaching our youth, why do we make the coaches with the highest level of qualification coach at the most elite levels and leave it to often less experienced coaches to truly teach the fundamentals of our sport?
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Dec 29, 2016
Episode 54 | Bob McKenzie: Hockey Confidential
Bob McKenzie’s life revolves around all things puck. With over 30 years in hockey media he has earned the moniker as hockey's 'Insider', breaking news and relaying information to droves of hockey fans on a daily basis. Bob has two best-selling books and has recently started a podcast of his own. We chat with him about all things hockey.
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Dec 22, 2016
Episode 53 | Best Holiday Hockey Memories
From the annual World Juniors tournament to new equipment or tickets to a game, even heading to a holiday tournament, everybody has different hockey memories around from around the holidays.
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Dec 15, 2016
EPISODE 52 | The World Juinor Holiday Tradition
The World Junior Championships have always been a holiday tradition and this year is shaping up to be no different. Between servings of family dinners and large scale games of pond hockey, it’s safe to say many classic World Junior moments have had a lasting impression on everyone that enjoys our great game including TSN Insider, Darren Dreger who joins us this week.
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Dec 8, 2016
Episode 51 | Life Skills that Hockey Builds
With higher standards and more hockey-educated coaches involved in minor hockey today than ever before, it is often easy to overlook the fact that simple life fundamentals are just as important as the X’s and O’s, the perfect practice plan, or the best game strategy. Gord Stellick is a passionate hockey dad has been working on a three part series of life skills that hockey teaches for Hometown Hockey Magazine.
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