The Hockey Lab Podcast

Thanks for checking out the pod! We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know things that actually make you a better player. The Hosts Coach Adrian (A) From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. Coach Ryan (Gards) Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. He’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gard’s has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time” Sponsor of the Podcast The pod is brought to you by Gary Roberts Performance. To learn more about how Gary Roberts Performance can help you, head over to the website www.garyrobertsperformance.com.

Mindset Monday #73 | Why Building Over Seasons Is the Only Way to Succeed 06/09/2025

Mindset Monday #72 | Growth and Comfort Can’t Coexist 06/02/2025

Mindset Monday #71 |Walk Your Own Path 05/26/2025

Mindset Monday #70 | Just Start: Why Action Beats Perfection Every Time 05/19/2025

#48 Lucas "Pace" Azeredo Lobo | NHL Playoffs, Speed Development, and Why Off-Ice Sprinting Matters 05/09/2025

#48 Lucas "Pace" Azeredo Lobo | NHL Playoffs, Speed Development, and Why Off-Ice Sprinting Matters In Episode 48 of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A and Coach Gards sit down with Coach Luke, our head of speed and agility at GRP, to talk all things off-ice speed development, why intent matters more than perfect technique, and how to structure effective sprint sessions for athletes of all ages. They also touch on NHL and OHL playoff updates, some hilarious coaching stories, and what it really takes to get faster—on and off the ice. From hill sprints to sprint mechanics, this is your full-speed offseason guide. 🔥 In this episode: Speed testing 101: how to self-assess sprint performance Why acceleration > top speed for hockey players Tools for off-ice sprint development (sleds, hills, timing drills) How to build intent into your speed work The importance of tracking, rest, and long-term development NHL Playoff reactions + off-season athlete mindset If you’re serious about getting faster, this episode breaks down what most players overlook. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hosts Coach Adrian (A) From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. Coach Ryan (Gards) Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: #TheHockeyLabPodcast #OffseasonPrep #OHLPlayoffs #NHLPressure #YouthAthleteDevelopment #TrainToPerform #HockeyMindset /episode/index/show/f4be8cf4-2fe6-4f27-9c68-994fadfe93a1/id/36509240

Mindset Monday #69 | Why Belief in the Process Beats Chasing the Perfect Plan 05/05/2025

#47 - Coach A & Gards | Leafs Reality Check, Offseason Transition, and Maintaining Focus in the Summertime 05/02/2025

#47 - Coach A & Gards | Leafs Reality Check, Offseason Transition, and Maintaining Focus in the Summertime In Episode 46 of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A & Gards dive into the heart of playoff season—breaking down the pressure of playing in Canadian markets, the intensity of the NHL and OHL playoffs, and what these high-stakes moments teach us about preparation, resilience, and mental toughness. They also discuss key takeaways from recent CHL standouts, including what separates good players from great ones at the junior level. The second half of the episode shifts focus to the offseason prep window—why so many youth athletes get it wrong, how to approach GPP (General Physical Preparation) the right way, and the small habits that make a big difference. 🔥 In this episode, you'll learn: ✅ What playoff pressure reveals about players ✅ OHL Draft and CHL playoff storylines worth watching ✅ When and how young athletes should start offseason training ✅ The underrated value of simple, smart hockey Whether you're an athlete, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with insights on development, mindset, and performance at every level. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hosts Coach Adrian (A) From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. Coach Ryan (Gards) Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: #TheHockeyLabPodcast #OffseasonPrep #OHLPlayoffs #NHLPressure #YouthAthleteDevelopment #TrainToPerform #HockeyMindset /episode/index/show/f4be8cf4-2fe6-4f27-9c68-994fadfe93a1/id/36392530

#46 - Cody Hodgson | Malignant Hyperthermia, Pro Comeback, and Coaching the Next Gen 04/18/2025

#46 - Cody Hodgson | Malignant Hyperthermia, Pro Comeback, and Coaching the Next Gen Cody Hodgson sits down with Coach A and Gards to share his incredible journey—from battling Malignant Hyperthermia, a rare and life-altering medical condition, to making a remarkable comeback to pro hockey, and now turning his focus to coaching the next generation of athletes. Cody opens up about the mental and physical challenges he’s faced, the lessons he’s learned along the way, and how his experiences have shaped his approach to life, performance, and mentorship. 🔥 In this episode: ✅ Cody’s battle with Malignant Hyperthermia ✅ His mindset through recovery and comeback ✅ Transitioning from NHL player to mentor & coach ✅ Advice for young players chasing their dreams Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this is a must-listen. Cody’s story is one of resilience, perspective, and passion for the game. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hosts Coach Adrian (A) From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. Coach Ryan (Gards) Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: #TheHockeyLabPodcast #CodyHodgson #HockeyComeback #PlayerToCoach #AthleteMindset #HockeyDevelopment /episode/index/show/f4be8cf4-2fe6-4f27-9c68-994fadfe93a1/id/36225880

#45 - Coach A & Coach Hugo | Consistency In Training, Cold DM's, and Working at GRP 04/11/2025

#45 - Coach A & Coach Hugo | Consistency In Training, Cold DM's, and Working at GRP In this episode of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A sits down with Coach Hugo to talk about his path to joining the Gary Roberts Performance team. From starting as an intern to becoming a key part of the coaching staff, Hugo shares the steps he took, the challenges he faced, and the valuable lessons he's learned along the way. They dive into the realities of working in high-performance sport, what it takes to grow in a competitive environment, and how the GRP team continues to shape his personal and professional development. 🔥 In this episode, we cover: ✅ Hugo’s journey from intern to coach ✅ Lessons learned from the GRP environment ✅ Behind-the-scenes look at working in elite performance This one’s for the coaches, interns, and anyone chasing a meaningful career in sport. We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Host Coach Adrian (A) From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: #TheHockeyLabPodcast #OffseasonTraining #HockeyDevelopment #TrainToPerform /episode/index/show/f4be8cf4-2fe6-4f27-9c68-994fadfe93a1/id/36096780

Mindset Monday #68 | Coachability: Turning Feedback Into Fuel 03/31/2025

#44 - Coach A & Gards | Vegas Trip, 28 Offseason Tips, and OHL Playoffs 03/28/2025

#44 - Coach A & Gards | Vegas Trip, 28 Offseason Tips, and OHL Playoffs In Episode 43 of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A & Gards are back with a packed episode that covers it all—from a wild trip to Vegas to 28 actionable offseason tips every hockey player should hear. Whether you're a junior player gearing up for your next season or a parent looking to support your athlete, this episode is full of practical takeaways. We also break down the OHL Playoffs—what we’ve seen so far, standout performances, and what it takes to perform when everything’s on the line. 🔥 In this episode: ✅ Behind-the-scenes from the Vegas trip ✅ 28 Offseason Tips to help you level up ✅ The mindset & preparation required in the OHL Playoffs ✅ Training habits that separate good from great This one is full of laughs, lessons, and insights from two guys who live in the trenches of hockey development. We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hosts Coach Adrian (A) From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. Coach Ryan (Gards) Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: #TheHockeyLabPodcast #OffseasonTraining #OHLPlayoffs #HockeyDevelopment #VegasRecap #TrainToPerform /episode/index/show/f4be8cf4-2fe6-4f27-9c68-994fadfe93a1/id/35890680

Mindset Monday #67 | The Role of Suffering in Sport & Why It Leads to Growth 03/24/2025

Mindset Monday #66 | Knowing Your Role 03/17/2025

#43 - Coach A & Gards | 4 Nations Wrap-up, Minor Hockey Playoff Season, & The In-Between Season 03/13/2025

#43 - Coach A & Gards | 4 Nations Wrap-up, Minor Hockey Playoff Season, & The In-Between Season Coach A & Gards break down the wrap-up of the highly successful Four Nations Faceoff, revealing key insights about the future of hockey. 🏒🔥 Gards also highlights the minor hockey playoff season across the GTA—what it takes to perform under pressure and how young players can stand out. Plus, a look at the in-between season, as GRP gears up for summer training and the work that separates the best from the rest. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for checking out the pod! We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hosts Coach Adrian (A) From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. Coach Ryan (Gards) Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: /episode/index/show/f4be8cf4-2fe6-4f27-9c68-994fadfe93a1/id/35641100

Mindset Monday #65 | The Power of Body Language in Hockey 03/10/2025

Mindset Monday #64 | The 80/20 Rule in Training & Performance 03/03/2025

Mindset Monday #63 | Taking Accountability 02/25/2025

Mindset Monday #63 | Taking Accountability Accountability builds champions. Coach A shares a story about how Coach Brian called out the GR squad for a messy gym—forcing the team to step up, take ownership, and get the ship sailing straight again. Small details matter, and discipline off the ice translates to success on it. Thanks for checking out the pod! We’re on a mission to help 1 MILLION hockey players LEVEL UP their game—and if you’re ready to take your skills to the next level, you’re in the right place. Tune in every week for exclusive insights, pro-level tips, and inspiring stories that will actually make you a better player. From behind-the-scenes experiences to interviews with legendary players (both past and present), we’re here to help you dominate on the ice. Ready to elevate your game? Don’t miss an episode. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MEET THE HOSTS Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle From a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance, Adrian has lived and breathed hockey. Over the last 12 years, he’s helped NHL superstars like McDavid and Stamkos prepare for the season—and now, he’s here to help YOU. Fun Fact: Adrian fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. 🥊 Coach Ryan (Gards) Gards is the on-ice guru at Gary Roberts Performance and a veteran of over 1,000 NLA games (Switzerland’s top league). With 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics under his belt, he’s got the experience to back up every tip he drops. Fun Fact: Gards’ grandfather, Cal, is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.” 🍁 SPONSORS OF THE POD This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP)—the ultimate training destination for elite hockey players. If you’re serious about taking your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive programs designed to unlock your full potential. 📲 Click the link below to book a call with a GR coach and start your journey today! [] Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt /episode/index/show/f4be8cf4-2fe6-4f27-9c68-994fadfe93a1/id/35409155

#42 - 4 Nations Final, OHL Draft Pressure & The Decline of Team Hockey 02/25/2025

#42 - 4 Nations Final, OHL Draft Pressure & The Decline of Team Hockey In this episode, we break down the Four Nations Finals and what it revealed about the importance of team play in hockey. As the game evolves, are we losing the true essence of playing for something bigger than ourselves? We also dive into the OHL Draft, discussing the stress young players face in an increasingly individualistic system and how it impacts their development. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for checking out the pod! We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hosts Coach Adrian (A) From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. Coach Ryan (Gards) Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. YT: IG: Show less /episode/index/show/f4be8cf4-2fe6-4f27-9c68-994fadfe93a1/id/35366105

#41 - Sylvie Tetrault | Are You Eating Enough Food? 02/14/2025

Mindset Monday #62 | Diminishing Returns 02/10/2025

Mindset Monday #61 | Decision Fatigue 02/03/2025

Mindset Monday #60 | Playing Down To Your Opponents 01/27/2025

Mindset Monday #59 | Block Out All Distractions 01/20/2025

#40 - Coach A | How To Improve Your Shot 01/17/2025

Mindset Monday #58 | Put Us In A Box (A Lesson From Coach Schwab) 01/13/2025

Mindset Monday #57 | Try To Be Perfect 01/06/2025

Mindset Monday #56 | Setting Goals For The Second Half 12/30/2024

Mindset Monday #55 | Switching Teams 12/23/2024

Mindset Monday #54 | Keep Your Foot On The Gas 12/16/2024

#38 - Wylie Phillips | What Hockey Players Can Learn From Firefighters 12/11/2024

#38 - Wylie Phillips | What Hockey Players Can Learn From Firefighters On today's episode, Coach A sits down with GRP Strength Coach & Firefighter Wylie Phillips to talk about programming, working with the 2009 OHL draft class and what lessons hockey can take from emergency services. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Want to learn more about our December 7th Combine? Check out the link below! -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Thanks for checking out the pod! We're on a mission to help 1 million hockey players level up their game. If that sounds like something you’d be interested in, then don’t miss our weekly episodes. We’ll share our experiences, interview some of the top players in the game (old and new), and provide you with actionable tips, you know, things that actually make you a better player. -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- The Hosts Coach Adrian (A) From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade. Coach Ryan (Gards) Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland’s Top League) games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.” --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player. Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. IG: /episode/index/show/f4be8cf4-2fe6-4f27-9c68-994fadfe93a1/id/34397730

The Hockey Lab Podcast

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