Advertise on podcast: Up My Hockey with Jason Podollan

Send us a text We sit down with Nick Kypreos to trace a path from a career-ending concussion to a 25-year run in broadcasting, unpacking what resilience looks like when you feel unready and afraid. Along the way we debate Canada’s modern hockey identity, Olympic roster choices, and why competitive edge still wins in the spring. • resilience after a concussion and job loss • early broadcast failures, nerves, and growth • finding your lane as a glue guy • trust, consistency, and people skills in teams • media access, distractions, and focus • playoff style: why heavy, old-school hockey still wins • Sam Bennett’s value and Olympic snubs • best players versus best team roster building • Canada’s identity and hunger in junior pathways • McDavid’s professionalism and sustainability If you're somebody out there that hasn't rated the show, and if you're an Apple iPhone user and use the App Store or Apple Podcasts, by all means get out there and and and send a review Get on the UMH68 watch list at UpmyHockey.com under the UMH68 section Use code UMH2026 at AYCANE.com for a discount on cut-resistant base layers

Send us a text We dig into the craft of pro scouting with Mike Gensel, from how Utah builds a contender to why second effort and playoff habits separate prospects from producers. Jake Guentzel’s evolution from pass-first center to elite net-front finisher becomes a blueprint for players, coaches and parents. • pro vs amateur scouting roles and objectives • trade valuation, cap pressure and fair-deal philosophy • Utah’s move, facilities and culture shift • rebuild strategy, targeted adds and roster fit • projecting AHL to NHL roles and usage • playoff hockey as a different skill demand • Jake Guentzel’s mindset shift and scoring identity • development paths across NCAA, CHL and Europe • due diligence, late bloomers and context • parenting athletes with standards not control • Utah’s needs: skill with second and third effort

Send us a text We unpack how prospects actually turn pro with Chicago Blackhawks development coach Andy Delmore. Trust, wall play, role clarity, and coachability anchor a candid look at modern NHL demands and how small habits unlock big careers. • building trust so hard truths land • identifying two to three core habits per player • wall play mechanics and pre-scan timing • using NHL comparables to teach with video • coachability, processing speed, and failure at pace • role identity beyond points and PP time • PK as an entry point to minutes and value • NHL trends: low to high, shot quality, activation • pattern recognition and counting numbers • mindset training and team culture benefits Get involved: Go to UpmyHockey.com, check UMH68, find your province, and add your name to the watch list

Send us a text We break down how Maryland built a winning NAHL culture, why communication beats perfect systems, and what actually gets players recruited and promoted. Clint shares candid views on parents, leadership, roles, and the real skills that translate to NCAA hockey. • defining the NAHL pathway and USHL movement • player-led culture, standards, and leadership habits • practice design, video literacy, and pattern recognition • non‑negotiables: relentless pace, backcheck legs, team first • communication on the bench and during special teams • recruiting, relationships, and pro‑standard resources • what schools ask: motor, compete, coachability, IQ • aligning parents and players, shared messages • roles over ego, earning trust before creativity • why winning accelerates individual advancement Get over to UpmyHockey.com, go to the UMH68 portion, and see what's available in your province... get your names on the watch list

Send us a text A candid talk with WHL scoring leader JP Hurlbert on why fun, authenticity, and steady habits beat hype in a draft year. From Texas roots and USNTDP grind to choosing Kamloops under the new CHL rule, he lays out a practical blueprint for growth and leadership. • early WHL road life as culture builder • USNTDP selection and training like a pro • choosing Kamloops after the CHL rule change • leadership as authenticity, not a script • draft noise management and daily process • film study beyond highlights for real gains • building a shooter’s identity and skating pop • balancing joy and grind with golf and fishing • comparisons between USHL and WHL pace • mentors, Stankoven’s motor, and paying it forward Check out UMH68 details and watch lists at UpMyHockey.com. For team mindset training: email [email protected] or use the site contact form

Send us a text We explore how winning culture gets built, why character can beat hype, and how new NCAA rules are changing the WHL. Matt Odette shares hard truths about scouting, tryouts, and what actually earns a roster spot and trust when games get tight. • valuing players who lift the team, not just rack up points • late birthdays and uneven growth shaping scouting calls • draft labels, runways, and real meritocracy • WHL vs NCAA shifts, NIL noise, and retention • 20-year-olds’ changing role and roster planning • advisors’ influence and why fit still matters most • habits training, communication skills, and leadership • playoff resilience, camaraderie, and culture carriers Thank you for listening to this conversation with Matt Odette

Send us a text We sit down with Victoria Royals captain Reggie Newman to unpack role clarity, leadership, and the modern edge in a league that still builds pros. From earning a spot at 16 to multiple NHL camps, he shows how physical, honest hockey and repeatable habits create real opportunity. • carving an identity as a 200‑foot power forward • the WHL’s shift in physicality and why heavy hockey still wins • making the team at 16 by finishing every check • rebuilding culture in Victoria after roster changes • choosing loyalty and embracing the captaincy • undrafted path to NHL development and rookie camps • routines for sleep, nutrition, and visualization • measuring a good game beyond points • preparation as physical, mental, and emotional readiness • using coaches and staff, asking better questions • leadership as example, inclusion, and daily standards Support Iron Ghost Construction, BioSteel, and Elite Prospects—partners who help young athletes chase their goals

Send us a text Dennis Maxwell, former NHL scout and 14-year pro, shares his journey from player to advisor and reveals the hidden factors that determine hockey success beyond just skill and statistics. We explore the psychological barriers that prevent players from reaching their potential and the importance of role acceptance, growth mindset, and authentic self-development. • Reflecting on career choices and learning to adapt to different coaching styles • Understanding that coaches are primarily focused on winning, not personal vendettas • The importance of accepting your role on a team and finding ways to contribute • How personality types and interpersonal dynamics influence hockey career trajectories • The critical difference between fixed mindset and growth mindset in player development • Why some less skilled players have longer careers than more talented prospects • The value of mentorship and proper guidance in navigating the hockey system • The role of player advisors in protecting young athletes and providing honest feedback • Building credibility as an advisor through honesty and maintaining integrity • How self-reflection and personal development continue even after your playing career If you're interested in speaking with Dennis about player advising, you can reach him at topdrafthockey.com or on Instagram at dennismaxwell_topdrafthockey.

Send us a text Dylan Garand shares his journey from a young goalie in Victoria to becoming a New York Rangers prospect and AHL All-Star, revealing the mental techniques and training approaches that have elevated his game. • Moving to Delta Hockey Academy at age 14 marked the moment Dylan committed fully to becoming a hockey player • Understanding what works personally for mental preparation is crucial for goaltenders • Practice intensity directly transfers to game performance - Dylan aims to stop every shot in practice • Purposeful intent behind every drill helps develop technical skills while maintaining competitive mindset • Self-talk using simple cues like "compete" and "work hard" helps maintain focus after goals or during tough stretches • World Junior experience included winning gold medal in dramatic overtime fashion • Transition to pro hockey required adjusting to players making more calculated decisions • Finding ways to play well when not feeling your best is what separates professionals • Training specifically for goaltending involves edge work, ankle stability, and lateral movement rather than traditional player workouts • Patience in development while with the Rangers organization (behind Igor Shesterkin) is building a foundation for long-term success

Send us a text Andrew Cristall shares his remarkable journey from an undersized prospect to WHL scoring leader and Washington Capitals draftee, revealing how criticism and doubt have fueled his ascent in hockey. • Weighing just over 100 pounds in his WHL draft year yet still selected eighth overall by Kelowna • Used exceptional hockey IQ and skill to overcome size limitations and perceived skating deficiencies • Played in the WHL bubble as a 15-year-old during COVID, skipping the traditional U18 level entirely • Recorded 69 points as a 16-year-old and 95 points in his NHL draft year • Selected 40th overall by Washington after hoping to go in the first round • Led the WHL in scoring with 132 points and earned first-team CHL All-Star honors • Tied the Spokane Chiefs playoff record with 21 goals in 19 games (second most in WHL history) • Cut from Team Canada's World Junior team despite leading the WHL in scoring • Focused on improving skating through specific technical training while maintaining his offensive production • Aiming to make Washington's NHL roster but prepared to develop in Hershey if necessary • Recognizes that being overlooked has consistently provided motivation throughout his career Work on your weaknesses until they become strengths, and don't let others define your potential. Hockey IQ and determination can overcome physical limitations.

Send us a text Morgan Geekie shares his journey from small-town Manitoba to becoming a 33-goal scorer for the Boston Bruins, highlighting the importance of resilience and embracing your unique development path in professional hockey. • From being drafted 90th overall in the WHL to 67th in the NHL after being overlooked in his first year of eligibility • Started this season as a healthy scratch before scoring more goals than NHL stars like Nathan McKinnon and Jack Eichel • Growing up in Strathclair, Manitoba (population ~700) and developing alongside his brothers, including Connor Geekie • The mental challenges of transitioning from being a fan to playing alongside NHL stars you once idolized • Importance of time spent in the AHL for proper development and appreciation of the NHL • How Boston's team culture, where "everything is earned," helped shape his professional approach • Balancing old school and new school hockey mentalities as someone who bridges the generational gap The lesson from Morgan's story is powerful: everyone's development timeline is different, and the path to success isn't linear. Control what you can control, embrace where you are, and keep pushing forward - your ceiling might be higher than you imagine.

Send us a text Mitch Wahl, a former second-round NHL draft pick and Memorial Cup champion, shares his 15-year professional journey from the Spokane Chiefs to European leagues. • California native who was drafted 4th overall to the WHL's Spokane Chiefs • Won the Memorial Cup championship in 2008, his NHL draft year • Selected 48th overall by the Calgary Flames in the 2008 NHL Draft • Represented Team USA at the World Junior Championships • Career-altering injuries during his first pro season coincided with management changes in Calgary • Found success in European professional leagues, playing in Sweden, Finland, Austria, Slovakia, and Germany • Discusses the importance of building relationships and having organizational allies • Explains how preparation creates confidence regardless of results • Reflects on how hockey provided incredible life experiences and global travel opportunities • Currently playing his 15th professional season in Germany at age 35 Play hard and keep your head up to maximize your hockey journey, finding success wherever the game takes you.

Send us a text Jeremy Mylymok, former pro hockey player and current director of hockey at Coeur d'Alene Hockey Academy, shares his remarkable journey from a California skateboarder to Notre Dame Hounds student to professional hockey champion, revealing how character development and consistent effort create pathways to success in hockey and life. • Character is defined as "how you behave when nobody's watching" • Consistent effort in practice, weight room, and off-hours separates successful players from others • Honest feedback from coaches is crucial for development even when difficult to hear • Mental toughness is often the most overlooked but important component of player development • The journey from Notre Dame Hounds to University of Alaska Anchorage to professional hockey • Winning championships with the Chicago Wolves after starting as an unlikely prospect • Building Coeur d'Alene Hockey Academy with a focus on developing the right players, not just the best • Comprehensive facilities with on-site training, academics, and development create the ideal environment • The importance of self-motivated players who utilize available resources during free time • Finding coaches and programs that understand your child as both a player and person If you're considering where your player might continue their development, Coeur d'Alene Hockey Academy offers exceptional facilities, dedicated coaching staff, and a proven approach to player development in a beautiful setting with spots available for the upcoming season.

Send us a text Craig Geeky shares his philosophy on raising three talented hockey players, including NHL stars Morgan and Connor, through a multi-sport approach in a small town of just 150 people. • Creating a pathway to hockey success by having kids play multiple sports (badminton, curling, basketball, volleyball, track, baseball) • Building a strong foundation through accountability, self-assessment, and objective feedback • Delaying specialization until age 16-17 when his sons naturally chose their preferred sport • Developing perseverance, leadership, and teamwork by playing with varied skill levels in a small community • Emphasizing character development and life skills over NHL aspirations • Supporting his sons in missing hockey events for provincial tournaments in other sports • Understanding that each player's development path is unique - "no path is going to be the same" • Working with coaches who provide accountability while showing genuine belief in player potential • Participating in the UMH 68 Invitational to create opportunities for young players in Manitoba • Valuing the educational and developmental aspects of hockey beyond just competition Parents and players interested in the UMH 68 Invitational in Manitoba starting May 29th should visit upmyhockey.com and fill out the watch list form for consideration or see link blow. MB 2011 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScuAXXLsLb9N8X3tnP71FpwGjPj-4K1TaxlO4cicurGTeEi_w/viewform BC 2012 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfipqujezcRNyFOiWO6PISEFCpxbf0nj6GYt4UcZs3j3J_Rag/viewform BC 2011 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf3hch0UvEu-1tBXzzXTFvbEKr3FCXxTAM5LMJT7RWIvm8iwA/viewform SK 2012 https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSefCCa-eu5HPlu9cSSuHInMDorVkz5prkCKsIe4QGti_xsfDg/viewform

Send us a text Bert Henderson shares his remarkable hockey journey from BCHL champion to WHL captain to playing professionally in Japan, before becoming a coach and hockey dad with sons following in his footsteps. • The importance of compete level in practice and how championship teams are built through daily intensity • Transition from wanting to be an offensive defenseman to understanding his true strengths and value as a player • Decision to play professionally in Japan despite NHL aspirations, leading to an eight-year international career • Experience coaching in the BCHL as GM/head coach while balancing family responsibilities • The emotional journey of watching his son play for his former WHL team, the Kelowna Rockets • Coaching philosophy focusing on development, accountability and play away from the puck • The inspiring story of his youngest son playing competitive hockey despite being legally blind with Stargardt's disease • How today's game values different player types, with power forwards becoming increasingly rare but valuable Whether you want to improve as a player, coach, or hockey parent, focus on compete level, character development, and maintaining joy for the game.