Guest: Karl Stollery @stolleryk
Presented by: @hockey_ai
Partnership: @Verberohockey Promo Code: SHEEN
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In today's episode of The Farm Team podcast I am honored to be joined by Olympian and retired professional hockey player, Karl Stollery. Karl recently posted about his retirement from the game, after an incredible 10-year pro career spanning the entire globe.
Born and raised in the small hamlet of Armena, Alberta with a population of 47. Like most families living in the rural parts of Alberta there is a lot of sacrifice given by the parents to shuttle their kids around to rinks all over the provinces. The Stollery family was no different. With many brothers and sisters the Stollery family was all over the map, which proved to be a wise choice.
Karl played his youth and minor hockey in the Rural Alberta Bantam and Midget Hockey Leagues before progressing to the junior ranks with the AJHL’s Camrose Kodiaks. While a Kodiak, Karl led the team to two consecutive Doyle Cup and the AJHL Championships. Karl and fellow Kodiak teammates Chris Barton and Jesse Todd went on the play for the NCAA Division 1 Merrimack College Warriors. During his 4 seasons with the Warriors, Karl helped turn the once dormant Warriors program into a national powerhouse. Meanwhile, setting every school record possible for a defenseman.
After graduating from the Girard School of Business Karl continued his hockey journey and spent time in the AHL for 2 seasons with the Lake Erie Monsters before making his NHL debut with the Colorado Avalanche in the 2013-2014 season, and later spent time with the San Jose Sharks and the New Jersey Devils before taking his talent overseas to play in a number of top tier professional leagues.
Needless to say, Karl has one of the most unique hockey careers highlighted by his time spent in the NHL and earning himself a spot on the 2018 Canadian Men’s Ice Hockey team, winning the Bronze Medal in the Pyeongchang Winter Games in South Korea.
It is with great honor to welcome Karl to the show today to talk about all things hockey and life. And with that, Karl welcome to the show!
Episode 46 - Ryan O’Donnell - Calling Games
Guest: Ryan O’Donnell @chuckinnumbees
Presented by: @hockey_ai
Partnership: @Verberohockey Promo Code: SHEEN
Link In Bio to Listen - Please remember to like, comment, rate, and subscribe. Your support is greatly appreciated!
In today's episode of The Farm Team podcast I am honored to be joined by color commentator for the Western Hockey Leagues, Lethbridge Hurricanes, Ryan “Chuckin Numbees” O’Donnell. Ryan is entering into his 3rd season with his hometown Hurricanes and it will be his 9th season doing play-by-play announcing. In the 2013-2014 season Ryan started out his broadcasting career with the University of Lethbridge Pronghorns Men’s Ice hockey team and had been a staple in the program ever since. Due to unfortunate events and mis-guided decisions from the U of L administration they chose to drop the Ice Hockey program leaving players, staff, and fans looking for alternatives to stay in the game.
The Southern Alberta Irishman was born and raised in Lethbridge, and has been a namestake in the development of amateur golfers from the area. Ryan grew up spending most of his time during the spring and summer months on the golf course at the Lethbridge Country Club where he learned the game from some of the best. Ryan’s vibrant and successful golf career was just highlighted by making the cut for the Canadian Mid-Amateurs at the Fort McMurray Golf Club a couple of weeks ago.
Ryan has proven to be an instrumental member of the sports community in Lethbridge and surrounding area. His passion for sports and ability to effectively communicate have armed him with an incredible talent and can provide fans with the authentic game experience over the air waves. Ryan’s knowledge of the game and network of colleagues puts him on a promising path in the sports and entertainment industry. I look forward to our conversation today about all things hockey and golf.
Episode 45 - Kyle Singleton - Signing Checks
Guest: Kyle Singleton @kylesingle10
Presented by: @hockey_ai
Partnership: @Verberohockey Promo Code: SHEEN
Link In Bio to Listen - Please remember to like, comment, rate, and subscribe. Your support is greatly appreciated!
In today's episode of The Farm Team podcast I am honored to be joined by a former Merrimack College Warrior teammate, Kyle Singleton. Kyle is currently a Financial Consultant based in the Bay area of San Francisco, California. Kyle has been in Finance since graduating Merrimack College in 2015 and started out in the industry as an Anti-Money Laundering Analyst in Boston.
Kyle’s hockey journey is nothing short of incredible and spanned North/East/South and West throughout North America. Born and raised in Los Gatos, CA Singleton played his minor hockey in Northern California before moving to Oregon and Pennsylvania where he finished his minor hockey playing for the Tier 1 U18 AAA Pittsburgh Hornets.
After which the opportunity arose to take his talents North to the BCHL where he played 3 full seasons for the West Side Warriors in West Kelowna. Singleton's dogged effort and shot blocking capabilities earned him an athletic and academic scholarship and primed him to become one of the best penalty killers to ever don the Merrimack sweater. The Finance major went on to play 4 full seasons with the North Andover, Massachusetts based Merrimack College playing in 124 career games and chose to retire after his senior season to pursue his professional business career in the financial industry.
Singleton joins us today to talk about his American and Canadian hockey experiences and to provide insight into his player development path that led him to many successful hockey programs across the continent.
Episode 44 - Brance Orban - Shoot from the Hip
Guest: Brance Orban @borby.10
Presented by: @hockey_ai
Partnership: @Verberohockey Promo Code: SHEEN
Link In Bio to Listen - Please remember to like, comment, rate, and subscribe. Your support is greatly appreciated!
In today's episode of The Farm Team podcast I am honored to be joined by a long-time friend and current member of the Gyergyoi Hockey Klub in the Hungary/Romania Erste Liga, Brance Orban. Brance recently departed back to his second home in the Eastern Bloc as he prepares to enter into his 9th professional hockey season & 4th season in the Erste Liga. Orbs hockey career has been nothing short of incredible and It’s a story of hard work and resiliency. This past season, the point-producing veteran forward finished 3rd in league scoring, with 22 goals and 31 assists in 36 games played.
Born and raised a Golden Sun in Taber, Alberta, Brance followed in the footsteps of his father, the late Chris, ‘Pistol’ Orban, and quickly became a young hockey and golf prodigy. Along with his athletic ability, Brance developed the gift of gab, and a sense of hospitality that goes unmatched.
As Brance continued his minor hockey journey the Orban family found themselves in both Calgary and Lethbridge playing for the Calgary Buffaloes Association, and the Lethbridge Athletic Association, respectively. After graduating from Catholic Central High School in Lethbridge Brance made the jump to the Alberta Junior Hockey League playing 3 full seasons with the Olds Grizzlys, a team familiar to the Orban family as his father Chris was a member of their inaugural 1981-82 season.
During his time in Olds Brance earned and secured himself an academic and athletic scholarship to play for the NCAA Division 1 Bemidji State Beavers in Bemidji, Minnesota. Brance played 4 seasons for the Beavers totaling 106 career games played with 53 pts and 20 pims. After his senior season Orbs went on play in the ECHL before heading overseas to begin his European professional hockey career with stops in Germany, Sweden, Hungary, and Romania.
Brance joins me today to talk about all things hockey and to learn more about his experience playing the game and how it has shaped him into the person he is today. This summer Brance also earned himself designation with the Professional Golfers Association of Canada by winning the tournament at the Highwood Golf Course in High River, Alberta granting him professional status in the incredibly difficult sport of golf.
Guest: Matt Moulakelis @moulo25
Presented by: @hockey_ai
Partnership: @Verberohockey Promo Code: SHEEN
Link In Bio to Listen - Please remember to like, comment, rate, and subscribe. Your support is greatly appreciated!
In today's episode of The Farm Team podcast I am honored to be joined by a great friend and former Merrimack College teammate, Matt Moulakelis. Matt is currently an Account Executive for a software vendor based in his hometown of Chicago, Illinois. Matt has been in software sales for the better part of a decade where he found a natural fit from the very start. His transition from a student-athlete to the business world was a seamless one from an outsider's perspective so I’m glad he is here today to shed some light on the preparation and determination that goes into making such a transition a successful one.
Born and raised in the Land of Lincoln, Mouk played his minor hockey with Team Illinois before playing 3 seasons in the United States Hockey League split between the Omaha Lancers and the Chicago Steel. Where he ultimately caught the eye of the Merrimack College Warriors head coach Mark Dennehy. Matt went on to play 4 seasons with the NCAA Division 1 Warriors before retiring from hockey to blaze a trail on his professional career. Matt’s playing career at Merrimack was full of adversity stemming from numerous lower body injuries that kept him off the ice and on the IR. He was forced to adapt, but never to waiver, his role on the team. His calming, yet demanding presence helped create a winning atmosphere that resonated throughout the dressing room, and he had a significant impact on turning the Warriors program into what it is today.
I was fortunate to play with Mouk for 3 years at Merrimack where I learned a lot about his leadership and character traits, and his ability to bring a team and community together. Bringing those tools with him everywhere he goes, it has been impressive to watch Mouk early on in his professional career. His entrepreneurial mindset and ability to adapt has positioned him to become an industry leader.
Matt joins us today to talk about his hockey experience and what it was like to score the 3-1 goal against Boston University that helped propel the Warriors to a decisive 6-3 win over the national powerhouse to break a 15-game losing streak against Boston University that dated back to 2004. He also joins us to provide some insight into the uber competitive world of sales and marketing for software and big tech.
Episode 40 - Brock Sheahan - Plan the Work. Work the Plan.
Guest: Brock Sheahan | Head Coach | @ChicagoSteel
Presented by: @hockey_ai
Partnership: @Verberohockey Promo Code: SHEEN
Link In Bio to Listen - Please remember to like, comment, rate, and subscribe. Your support is greatly appreciated!
In today's episode of The Farm Team podcast I am honored to be joined by the Head Coach of the United States Hockey Leagues Chicago Steel, Brock Sheahan. Coach Brock and the Steel capped off the 2020-2021 USHL season as winners of both the Anderson Cup (Regular Season Champs) and the Clark Cup (Playoff champs). Beating the Fargo Force 3-1 in Game 4. In tandem with the team's success, the top 4 spots in the league scoring race were held by members of the Steel. A first for the USHL.
Born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta Brock played his minor hockey in the LAA system before heading west to join Kevin Higo and the Crowsnest Pass Timberwolves of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Brock played 1 season in the AJ where he earned an academic and athletic scholarship to play for the NCAA Division 1 Notre Dame Fighting Irish of the CCHA. From 2004-2008 Brock played an incredible 161 career games and graduated from the program as the teams top-defensive player and has remained one of the best defensive players to ever don the clovered jersey. Brock went on to play 5 professional seasons with time split between the ECHL, AHL, and Germany before retiring as a member of the ECHL’s Ontario Reign in 2013.
Immediately afterwards Brock jumped straight into coaching and joined his alma mater as a Volunteer Assistant Coach for a season and then was hired on by the NCAA Division 1 Holy Cross Crusaders where he spent 4 seasons as the Assistant, and Associate Head Coach. This year Brock will be entering into his 4th season with the Steel and just recently signed a 3-year extension to continue building and working towards being North America’s pinnacle junior hockey program. Coach Brock joins us today to share his hockey story and give us some insight into how he has proven to be a winner in his early coaching career.
Guest: Andy Oakes
Presented by: @hockey_ai
Partnership: @Verberohockey Promo Code: SHEEN
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In today's episode of The Farm Team podcast I am honored to be joined by the President of the Okanagan Hockey Group, Andy Oakes. Based in Penticton, British Columbia, OHG is divided into three areas including the Okanagan Hockey Academy, Okanagan Hockey Schools, and the Okanagan Hockey Combines. OHG has been operating in the Okanagan Valley since its inception in 1963. When you pair one of the nicest locations on Earth with the greatest game on Earth, combine that with hard work and perseverance you put yourself on a trajectory bound for success.
In 2002, Andy founded the Okanagan Hockey Academy with the idea that education and athletics are one in the same and saw that there was a major opportunity to bridge the gap and start developing student-athletes at a younger age. Today, OHA is operating with programs in eastern and western Canada, the United Kingdom, and in Europe. In 2009, Andy was a founding member of the Canadian Sport School Hockey League, a league that shares the same vision and development goals with the likes of the US Prep-School Hockey League. Consisting of teams such as Phillips Andover and Shattuck St. Mary.
Andy’s idea of providing educational opportunities paired with athletic development has proven to be wildly successful. The CSSHL will be entering into their 13th season this upcoming year and will be showcasing 26 programs across the country representing 94 teams in 8 different divisions. The CSSHL has become a major player in the development of Canadian athletes and has provided opportunities for thousands of athletes to hone their athletic abilities and develop life skills that they will carry with them, wherever they go next.
The landscape for hockey in Canada has forever changed, and I look forward to our conversation today to learn more about what the impact those changes will have on reshaping, and overcoming the traditionalists mindset of how players develop and the opportunities available
Episode 38 - Mikyla Grant-Mentis - MVP
Guest: Mikyla Grant-Mentis @buckey_13
Presented by: @hockey_ai
Partnership: @Verberohockey Promo Code: SHEEN
Link In Bio to Listen - Please remember to like, comment, rate, and subscribe. Your support is greatly appreciated!
In today's episode of The Farm Team podcast I am honored to be joined by the reigning 2021 MVP of the National Women’s Hockey League and active member of the Toronto Six, Mikyla Grant-Mentis. Mikyla closed out her first professional season this past year with an incredible, 4-league awards and has since become the NWHL’s most decorated player in a single season.
Born in Brampton, Ontario, Mikyla followed in the footsteps of her father and found a passion for the game of hockey at a young age. Mikyla’s father, James, played competitive ball hockey and was a member of Team Canada and Team West Indies. As with most hockey-crazed families the success you have on the ice is a by-product of what goes on behind the scenes. Mikyla has proven to be one of the most effective point-producing forwards in today’s game and she continues to leave her mark on the programs lucky enough to have her on their roster.
In 2015, playing for the Mississauga Jr. Chiefs, Mikyla earned an athletic and academic scholarship to play for the NCAA Division 1 Women’s Ice Hockey team the Merrimack College Warriors. The Warriors were entering their second full season as a Division 1 program and Mikyla’s offensive prowess was perfectly suited to help propel the Warriors to the national stage. Throughout her time at Merrimack, Mikyla earned numerous individual and team awards and she graduated in 2020 with a degree in Criminology, and as the all-time leading points scorer with 56 goals and 61 assists during her four years with the Warriors.
The game of hockey has seen an unprecedented increase in interest over the last few years and the appetite for professional women's ice hockey has garnered the attention of fans across the world. I’m excited to have Mikyla on the show today to talk about her story, and hockey journey and I look forward to learning more about what is on the horizon for women’s professional hockey.
Guest: Chris Duszynski
Presented by: @hockey_ai
Partnership: @Verberohockey Promo Code: SHEEN
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In today's episode of The Farm Team podcast I am honored to be joined by a longtime friend and former junior hockey teammate, Chris Duszynski. Chris is currently the Director of Marketing and Business Development at Circle Neuro-vascular Imaging. A company that focuses on bringing new and innovative diagnostic technology and expertise to help front-line physicians make faster decisions assisted by AI.
The avid outdoorsman was born and raised in Okotoks, Alberta where he played his way through minor hockey before earning a roster spot for the hometown Okotoks Oilers of the Alberta Junior Hockey League. Chris paid his dues for 3 seasons for the Oilers and was able to secure a scholarship to play for the NCAA Norwich University Cadets and in 2014 graduated with a Bachelors of Health Science and as the team captain. Afterwards, Chris continued to pursue his hockey journey and signed a professional contract with the Colorado Eagles in the ECHL.
After retiring from a very successful hockey career Chris reignited his passion for academia and was accepted into the Doctor of Philosophy program at the University of Calgary where he received his PhD. in Neuroscience in 2020. Chris’ research was focused on the development and application of signal processing software for portable neuro-technology, to improve the diagnosis and management of concussions and brain injuries.
Needless to say, Chris has fully immersed himself into extremely important research topics that will no doubt help to save and improve the lives of many people. I’m fortunate to have Chris on the show today to talk about all things hockey and learn more about what is on the forefront of what is to come in the healthcare field.
Guest: Bear Trapp @btrapp19
Presented by: @hockey_ai
Partnership: @Verberohockey Promo Code: SHEEN
Link In Bio to Listen - Please remember to like, comment, rate, and subscribe. Your support is greatly appreciated!
In today's episode of The Farm Team podcast I am pleased to be joined by the founder and president of VP Energy Services, Bear Trapp. This May, Bear and his Saskatchewan based company will be celebrating their 5th year in business. VP Energy Services is a private energy services enterprise that focuses on the transload, storage, and delivery of oil country tubular goods, down-hole oil-field equipment, and drilling fluids.
Born in Bal-cars Saskatchewan, Bear played his minor and junior hockey in the province. Playing 2 seasons for the Melville Millionaires before being traded to the Estevan Bruins where he put up an incredible 73 points in 50 games played. During his junior hockey tenure Bear earned an athletic and academic scholarship to play for the NCAA Division 1 Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT. In his freshman campaign with the Pioneers, Bear won the Atlantic Hockey Association Rookie of the Year award.
After graduating in 2009 Bear went on to play in 49 ECHL games split between the Elmira Jackals, Johnstown Chiefs, and the Idaho Steelhead. After his hockey career Bear moved back to Saskatchewan where he currently resides with his family. Bear and his company play an integral role in the exploration, production, and distribution of Western Canadian Oil & Gas products & In 2018 Bear was a finalist for the Saskatchewan Chamber of Commerce Young Entrepreneur of the Year award.
I’m excited to have Bear on the show today to talk about his hockey and life experiences and hopefully shed some light on the entrepreneurial spirit the game of hockey can create.
Episode 32 - Kris Versteeg - King of the Windy Cities
Guest: @stigalicious
Presented by: @hockey_ai
Official Skate Sharpener: @grindersskatespecialists
Partnership: @Verberohockey Promo Code: SHEEN
In today's episode of The Farm Team podcast I am honored to be joined by the CEO and Co-Founder of the Klevr App, Kris Versteeg. Kris is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion with the Chicago Blackhawks and played an incredible 643 games in the National Hockey League. Kris currently resides in the Toronto area with his wife and three children.
The pride of Northside Lethbridge played his way through the Lethbridge Minor Hockey system before cracking the Lethbridge Hurricanes roster during his 16-year old season. Kris went on to play 4 seasons in the Western Hockey League with time spent in Lethbridge, Kamloops, and the infamous Red Deer. In 2004 Kris was drafted by the Boston Bruins in the 5th round and in 2007 Kris was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks where he made his NHL debut on November 22nd against the Calgary Flames.
Kris has grown to be a lot more than just a hockey player from Lethbridge. He is one of the most genuine and caring people you’ll ever meet. He is constantly bringing awareness to the people and communities he has lived in. This past year Kris competed in the ‘Battle of the Blades’ with his skating partner Carlotta Edwards. Kris and Carlotta were able to raise over $15,000 for the Opokaa’sin Early Intervention Society and the Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Calgary and Area.
Kris is an incredible role model for the next generation of athletes and serves as a reminder to always bet on yourself. He is still heavily involved with the game as the CEO of his new sports-tech platform Klevr, owner and operator of the Verset Hockey Camp, and a hockey analyst on Sirius XM and Sportsnet. I’m excited to have Steeger, join me on the show today to talk about all things hockey and to debate the fact that the best chip on the market is, and always will be the Old Dutch Ketchup.
Episode 31 - Adam Ross - Stay Hungry
Guest: @adam_ross_rd
Presented by: @hockey_ai
Official Skate Sharpener: @grindersskatespecialists
Partnership: @Verberohockey Promo Code: SHEEN
Link In Bio to Listen - Please remember to like, comment, rate, and subscribe. Your support is greatly appreciated!
In today's episode of The Farm Team podcast I am honored to be joined by the owner and operator of AR Nutrition, Adam Ross. Adam is a registered dietitian/nutritionist and certified in sports nutrition from the International Society of Sports Nutrition. In addition to AR Nutrition Adam also serves as the campus dietitian at St. John’s University in Queens, NY. Adam and his wife reside in Massapequa, NY located on the always sunny and beautiful Long Island.
Adam grew up and played his way through minor hockey in his hometown of Red Deer, Alberta. After high school Adam joined the Olds Grizzlys of the Alberta Junior Hockey League where he played 3 seasons accounting for 169 GP with 75 career points and 364 penalty minutes. The hard hitting defenseman earned himself an academic and athletics scholarship to play for the Division 1 Merrimack College Warriors starting in 2007 and graduated as team captain in 2011 after taking the Warriors to the programs’ first and only Hockey East Finals and NCAA Tournament. Adam went on to play 3 professional seasons with time spent in the ECHL, AHL, and the EIHL officially retiring as a member of the Cardiff Devils. Adam is also a two-time Inline Hockey IIHF World Champion as a member of Team Canada.
I was fortunate to play against and with Adam throughout my junior and college career. He is hands down one of the best team leaders and team mates I’ve ever played with. His dedication and passion for the game of hockey runs deep and he’s the type of person you want to surround yourself with. I’m excited to have Adam on the show today to learn more about his experiences with the game and to pick his brain about fitness and nutrition and talk about the importance of finding the approach that works for you.
Guest: Brodie Sheahan @rbgambler
Presented by: @hockey_ai
Official Skate Sharpener: @grindersskatespecialists
Partnership: @Verberohockey Promo Code: SHEEN
Link In Bio to Listen - Please remember to like, comment, rate, and subscribe. Your support is greatly appreciated!
In today's episode of The Farm Team podcast I am honored to be joined by yet another long-time friend of mine Brodie Sheahan. Brodie currently resides in Toronto, Ontario where he is a Senior Manager in the Private Enterprise division of a multinational accounting firm. Brodie comes from a very intelligent and athletic family with his brother Brock Head coaching for the Chicago Steel in the USHL, and his sister Taylor a PhD. Candidate at the University of Lethbridge for her doctorate in Philosophy.
Born and raised in Lethbridge, Alberta, Brodie played his minor hockey all the way through midget and in his senior year of high school was named team captain for Catholic Central High School in the inaugural 2004 Bridge City Cup Showdown. After graduation, Brodie moved north for a one-game stint with the Camrose Kodiaks of the Alberta Junior Hockey League before being apart of a blockbuster trade that sent him to Salmon Arm in the BCHL where he played 2 seasons with the Silverbacks before earning himself an academic and athletic scholarship to play for the NCAA division 1 Holy Cross Crusaders in Worcester, Massachusetts.
During his 4 years at Holy Cross Brodie accounted for 130 GP with 40 Goals, and 51 Assists totaling 91 career points. After college Brodie went on to play 3 professional seasons before retiring, alongside his brother, as members of the Ontario Reign in the ECHL. Brodie graduated from Holy Cross in 2010 with a double major in Economics and Accounting. After his incredible hockey career Brodie went on to put his education to great use and in 2018 Brodie became a designated member of the Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada.
I am excited to have Brod on the show today to talk about all things hockey and learn more about his experience and perspective on the game.