Advertise on podcast: Rinkside

Rinkside hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves sit down with Greg Skotnicki, Executive Director of Ottawa’s Maverick Volleyball Club, to talk growth, athlete development, and creating a positive, competitive environment for players and families.

In this week's episode of Rinkside, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves sit down with Patrick Grandmaître, the coach of the University of Ottawa men's hockey team. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, Grandmaître shares his journey in transforming the U of O hockey program and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.

Emma Miskew reflects on Team Homan’s Olympic Trials experience, breaking down the pressure, emotions, and challenges that led them to qualify for the Olympics in Italy.

In this week’s episode of Rinkside, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew sit down with veteran hockey scout Justin Sproule. Justin opens up about what scouts actually look for in young athletes hint: it’s not goals, flash, or TikTok moves. From compete level and hockey sense, to character, accountability, and resiliency, he breaks down the true building blocks of long-term success. The trio also dives into youth sports trends, early specialization, development burnout, analytics, multi-sport benefits, and the role parents play (and how they can sometimes sink a player’s future without even knowing it).

What’s harder: coaching Olympic athletes or coaching kids? Ryan Fry has done both, and he joins Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves to break down the surprising similarities. From managing emotions to building confidence and choosing the right moment to give feedback, this episode dives into the coaching skills that matter most. Plus, Emma and Ryan share their own stories from the ice, and from the car rides home.

Rinkside is back for Season 2! Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves return to the mic to share what’s new, what’s changed, and what they’ve been up to since you last heard them.

In this special episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew tackle topics submitted by you, the listeners. From team dynamics to selection politics, they dive into the real-life pressures athletes face—like whether chemistry or individual skill matters more, the stress of performance anxiety, and the tough decisions young athletes make when chasing opportunity in bigger cities. It's an honest, wide-ranging conversation rooted in your questions, with one constant theme: the joy of playing, and the importance of enjoying the ride—not just chasing the result. Chapters 00:00 Welcome and Current Sports Buzz 03:02 Fan Questions and Team Building Dynamics 05:57 Team Selection: Skill vs. Chemistry 09:06 The Importance of Team Dynamics 12:01 Curling Team Dynamics and Player Selection 14:58 Managing Team Changes and Chemistry 18:02 Performance Anxiety and Game Day Concerns 20:40 Navigating Pre-Game Anxiety 23:03 The Importance of First Shifts 24:54 Recreational Play and Competitive Pressure 29:03 The Pressure to Move for Success 33:02 Finding Success Locally vs. Moving 37:05 The Importance of Enjoying the Game

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the complexities of social media in the context of youth sports, featuring guest Jess Szabo, the VP of Marketing for The Curling Group. They explore how young athletes can navigate social media positively, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges of managing online presence. They also address how parents can support their children in building a personal brand while dealing with negative comments and the pressures of social media. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Social Media in Sports 02:45 The Role of Social Media for Athletes 05:33 Building a Personal Brand Online 08:33 Authenticity vs. Perfection in Social Media 11:35 Navigating Social Media as Young Athletes 17:51 Navigating Hate in Social Media 21:38 Choosing the Right Social Media Platform 24:09 Parental Involvement in Athlete Branding 26:07 The Impact of Social Media on Young Athletes 29:54 Tips for Parents and Young Athletes 32:21 Embracing Authenticity in Content Creation 34:04 Navigating Social Media in Youth Sports 36:48 Building Confidence Through Authenticity 38:15 Empowering Young Athletes in the Digital Age

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew welcome Greg Pollock from Gladiator Strength and Conditioning to discuss the importance of strength training for athletes, particularly during the off-season. Greg shares insights on how to structure training programs for young athletes, the importance of balancing strength and skill, and innovative techniques such as mobility and breathing exercises. The conversation also touches on the transition from training to coaching and the impact of Gladiator Strength and Conditioning on the local community. Chapters 00:00 The Off-Season Journey 02:51 Training Dynamics and Goals 05:54 Finesse and Physicality in Sports 08:47 Individual Training Needs 11:56 Expert Guidance for Young Athletes 12:38 Introduction to Gladiator Strength and Conditioning 14:24 The Influence of Martial Arts on Training 17:15 Transitioning into Coaching and Early Experiences 20:16 Training Young Athletes: Techniques and Philosophy 24:16 Injury Prevention and Proper Technique 27:15 Off-Season Training Strategies 31:16 In-Season Training and Maintenance 34:08 Innovative Training Techniques: Mobility and Breathing 37:15 Expansion and New Facilities

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the importance of injury prevention in sports with physiotherapist Paul Colebrook. They discuss the significance of assessments, the multidisciplinary approach to injury management, and the evolving strategies for recovery. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by young athletes, the impact of asymmetries in sports, and the necessity of tailored strength programs. They also touch on the trends in youth sports injuries and the benefits of multi-sport participation. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Overview of Injury Prevention 01:25 The Role of Physiotherapy in Injury Prevention 03:54 Multidisciplinary Approach at Auto Orthopedic Center 06:19 Managing Youth Sports Injuries 08:54 Evolving Approaches to Injury Recovery 11:10 Addressing Asymmetries in Sports 13:42 Trends in Youth Sports Injuries 16:21 Youth Athlete Screening and Assessment 20:32 Injury Trends in Contact Sports 23:15 Preventing Injuries in Contact Sports 24:56 Passion for Sports and Athlete Treatment 25:40 Multi-Sport vs. Single-Sport Athletes

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew share their journeys in sports, discussing their backgrounds in curling and hockey, the importance of teamwork, the highs and lows of competition, and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats. They reflect on Olympic experiences, the pressure of performance, and the significance of enjoying the journey as athletes. The conversation emphasizes the value of resilience, growth, and the bonds formed within teams, ultimately highlighting that success is not solely defined by medals but by the experiences and relationships built along the way. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds 02:16 Emma's Journey in Curling 04:59 Ryan's Hockey Beginnings 09:58 The Importance of Resilience in Sports 14:59 Team Dynamics and Relationships 18:18 Transitioning to Women's Curling 22:36 The NHL Combine Experience 25:53 Draft Day Disappointment and Lessons Learned 27:32 The Journey to Signing an NHL Contract 31:09 Emma's Path to Olympic Success 33:06 The Pressure of Olympic Expectations 35:20 Facing Media Pressure and Performance Anxiety 36:57 Post-Olympic Reflection and Growth 40:30 Managing Pressure and Enjoying the Moment

Summary In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the importance of creating inclusive sports environments for children with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals. They are joined by Dr. Amy Latimer-Cheung, who shares her research on quality participation in sports and the building blocks necessary for creating positive experiences. The conversation emphasizes the role of coaches in fostering inclusivity and adapting their strategies to meet the diverse needs of all athletes. Chapters 00:00 Creating Inclusive Sports Environments 02:49 Understanding Quality Participation 08:22 Building Blocks of Quality Participation 14:05 Coaching for Inclusivity 19:51 Transformational Leadership in Coaching 25:02 Innovative Approaches to Coaching 27:08 The Possibilities of Sport for All

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew engage in a comprehensive discussion with Thomas Muir, a high-performance coach at the West Ottawa Soccer Club. They explore the landscape of youth soccer in Canada, focusing on the Ontario Provincial Development League (OPDL), the transition from player to coach, and the unique challenges faced by non-parent coaches. The conversation delves into the importance of player development over winning, the role of parents in youth sports, and the benefits of multi-sport participation for young athletes. Thomas shares insights on how to keep athletes engaged and the future of soccer in Canada, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment that fosters growth and passion for the sport. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Seasonal Transition 02:52 Exploring Youth Soccer Coaching 04:15 Understanding the Ontario Player Development League 04:15 Introduction to Soccer Coaching in Ottawa 07:00 Thomas's Journey in Soccer 09:58 Transitioning from Player to Coach 12:56 The Challenges of Coaching Youth 15:50 Navigating Parent-Child Dynamics in Coaching 18:55 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports 21:47 Concluding Thoughts on Coaching and Development 24:35 Navigating Coaching Challenges 25:47 The Importance of Player Development 27:29 Balancing Individual and Team Goals 29:50 Understanding Competition and Development 34:33 The Role of Multi-Sport Participation 39:28 Addressing Financial Barriers in Youth Sports

Summary In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew engage with Tim Powers, discussing the profound impact of sports on personal and professional life. They explore Tim's journey from being a national-level rugby player to his current role with the Canadian Olympic Committee. The conversation highlights the importance of grassroots development, the balance between performance and participation, and the role of social media in shaping the athlete experience. Tim emphasizes the need for youth to engage in multiple sports and the value of coaching in fostering a love for the game. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates 02:29 The Impact of Sport on Life 05:01 Transitioning from Player to Administrator 07:43 Balancing Performance and Participation 10:28 Grassroots Development in Sports 13:15 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports 16:01 Promoting Rugby to Families 18:31 Accessibility and Community in Rugby 21:29 The Impact of Rugby on Youth and Community 24:07 The Role of Social Media in Sports 27:07 The Evolution of Athlete Representation and Rights 28:56 Insights from the Canadian Olympic Committee 35:46 Coaching and Mentorship in Youth Sports

In this episode of Rinkside, Ryan Steeves and guest co-host Eric Macramalla cover youth sports, focusing on tryouts, player development, and the emotional challenges faced by young athletes. They discuss the importance of proper placement in sports, the impact of social media on youth sports culture, and the need for transparency in coaching decisions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of fostering a positive relationship between children and their sports, ensuring that the focus remains on enjoyment and growth rather than solely on competition. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Co-Host Dynamics 01:57 The Art of Unprepared Conversations 03:25 Navigating Tryouts: Insights and Experiences 07:12 Sorting Out Players: The Right Level Matters 11:25 Building Relationships Through Sports 15:01 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports 18:38 Evaluating Talent: The Tryout Dilemma 22:41 Inclusivity in Sports: Casting a Wider Net 23:48 The Dynamics of Team Changes in Youth Sports 25:51 The Impact of Parental Expectations on Youth Athletes 28:50 Understanding the Role of Fun in Youth Sports 31:07 The Cost of Youth Sports: A Parent's Perspective 34:05 The Dangers of Overemphasis on Competition 35:45 The Influence of Social Media on Youth Sports 39:28 Consumption vs. Learning in Youth Sports