In this episode of the Hockey Journey podcast, John Swanson shares his inspiring journey from a young hockey enthusiast to a dedicated coach and mentor.
He discusses the challenges he faced growing up, including the loss of his father and the impact it had on his life and hockey career. John emphasizes the importance of passion, proper training, and mentorship in developing young players.
He reflects on his own experiences in college and professional hockey, the lessons learned, and how he now focuses on guiding the next generation of players, including his daughter, who aspires to play at the Olympic level.To Learn More About John Swanson visit the below :)X7 Hockey Website - https://x7hockey.com/Instagram - @X7HockeyYouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@SwansonX7Hockey
To Learn more about Coach Lance -
Online Hockey Training
Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills
https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/
In-person lessons with Coach Lance
https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/
Instagram - @onlinehockeytraining
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@OnlineHockeyTraining
From NCAA D-I to pro hockey (NWHL/EWHL) to coaching the next generation
On this episode of The Hockey Journey Podcast, I sit down with Allie LaCombe — a Minnesota native whose hockey path has taken her from NCAA Division I to the professional ranks in the NWHL and European Women’s Hockey League, and now into coaching and leadership roles that are shaping the next generation of players.
Allie starred at Syracuse University, where she led the nation in faceoff percentage her senior year, before playing professionally with the Connecticut Whale, the Vienna Sabres in Austria (winning an EWHL title), and Almaty Aisulu in Kazakhstan. But her story didn’t stop when her playing career wrapped. With more than a decade of coaching experience, she has worked at every level of the game — from guest coaching at NHL development camps with the Vancouver Canucks and Carolina Hurricanes to training NHL, AHL, USPHL, and NCAA athletes in elite skill development.
Currently serving as Assistant Hockey Director and Head Coach with the Nashville Warriors, as well as guiding teams with the Jr. Predators, Allie continues to share her knowledge, passion, and teaching ability with young athletes, helping them chase their hockey dreams.
This conversation covers her journey as a player and coach, the lessons she’s learned along the way, and what she’s doing to grow the game and inspire the next wave of talent. Whether you’re a player, coach, or hockey parent, you’ll come away motivated by Allie’s story and perspective on the sport we all love.
Enjoy the ride, friends — this is the hockey journey of Allie LaCombe!
Connect with Allie LaCombe
Learn More about Coach Lance Pitlick
Today’s guest is someone who represents what this show is all about—commitment, grit, and the love of the game. Katie Commings didn’t grow up in a hockey-crazed town or follow the traditional pipeline to success. She built her journey out of passion and persistence in a place where rinks were scarce, girls’ teams were barely formed, and playing opportunities meant lacing up for three different teams in a single season.
From practicing on a mini-rink in Nashville to eventually becoming a national champion with the Jr. Preds U19 girls program, Katie’s story is a powerful reminder that you don’t need perfect circumstances to chase big dreams. You just need drive, creativity, and the willingness to go all in.
This is a story about breaking barriers, holding the line when it would've been easier just to quit, and leaving a legacy for the next wave of girls who want to play this great game.
Let’s dive into the inspiring hockey journey of Katie Commings!! Connect with Katie 🙂To Donate to Michigan Women's Hockey:
https://giving.umich.edu/basket/fund/312094
In this episode of the Hockey Journey Podcast, I’m joined once again by Michael Fitzgerald, the founder of Heads Up Hockey AI, to talk about the exciting launch of their newest innovation — Heads Up Crush.
Inspired by popular mobile games like Candy Crush, this new evolution brings fun, competition, and consistency into off-ice hockey training — helping players develop elite-level vision, awareness, and hockey sense with just a phone or tablet.
We talk about:
Why off-ice cognitive training is the missing link for many players
How Heads Up Crush works (and why players love it)
The science behind the drills and game design
What’s new with their subscription model
And how players of all ages can benefit from this brain-first training approach
If you're a player, parent, or coach looking to gain an edge, this episode is for you.
🎯 Learn more or become a member: headsuphockeyai.com
Thanks for listening, and enjoy the conversation!
To Learn more about Coach Lance Pitlick, visit -
Online Hockey Training
Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills
https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/
In-person lessons with Coach Lance
Today, we're talking about the amazing evolution of the Dodge County Girls High School Hockey Program, and how they just made history by winning their first ever State Championship! The guy who's been at the helm of the ship for over 500 games as head coach, Jeremy Gunderson have experienced every emotion a squad could go through. The last 2 seasons for this group had the 2 extremes, the agony of defeat a year ago and most recently, the thrill of a bitter sweet victory. If you're looking to build a hockey program from the bottom floor, you have 18 years to dedicate to the project, you'll get the blueprint of how Dodge County did it! Thanks for stopping by and enjoy this special episode!!
To learn more about Coach Lance Pitlick, visit -
Online Hockey Training
Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills
https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/
In-person lessons with Coach Lance
https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/
If interested in purchasing the Stickhandling Training Aid
Use the Code coachlance for 10% off the investment into yourself :)
I recently picked up The Pictorial History of Hockey by Joseph Romain and Dan Diamond at a thrift store for just $3.00—what a find! The moment I flipped through its pages, I knew I had to do a podcast episode on it. This isn’t a traditional book review; instead, I’m diving into the parts that grabbed my attention and the stories that resonated with me. As I started recording, an unexpected outline took shape, guiding me through hockey’s origins and the fascinating backstories behind some of the names etched on the NHL’s most prestigious awards.
Tune in for a journey through the rich history of the game we love! Thanks for stopping by, enjoy this episode and have a productive day!
To Learn more about Coach Lance -
Online Hockey Training
Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills
https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/
In-person lessons with Coach Lance
https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/
If interested in purchasing the Stickhandling Training Aid
https://headsuphockey.ai/
Use the Code coachlance for 10% off the investment into yourself :)
I Today's episode explores the personal journeys ofBezad and Laura, owners of Toxyfree, Stillwater, Minnesota's only shop selling artisan-crafted, toxin-free health products. Rem guides a thoughtful discussion on their transformations through health, nutrition, and environmental awareness and how that relates to their products and passion for helping others live their best lives.
Key Discussion Points
Key Takeaways
Chapters
Learn More About ToxyFree
Visit:www.toxyfreepath.com
Sponsors & Special Offers
Join Rem’s Online Community
For more behind-the-scenes insights, join Rem’s community:
Join here
Music Credits
Our music today was courtesy of the incredibly talentedNick Mair. Be sure to check his tunes out!
Intro music: "Lance's Song"
Outro music: "Feeling The Love"
In this episode of The Hockey Journey Podcast, Rem is joined by our podcast producer, Mike Schwartz. Mike founded MusicFit Records to provide artists with the tools to build a sustainable music career. He’s also an artist-producer, multi-instrumentalist, and the Trusted Authority of Musician Wellness. Their conversation explores the profound connection between music, mindset, and athletic performance, emphasizing how the power of sound can influence our emotional and physical states.
Mike shares his unique journey from being a farm kid in Alberta to becoming a creative force in the world of music and athletics. He discusses the importance of understanding the frequencies of music and how they can impact performance, recovery, and overall well-being. As they delve into the science behind sound, Mike highlights many facts about music and how we can play with it to become the best version of ourselves.
Musical Frequencies and Athletic Performance
Discover how different frequencies can enhance training and recovery, and learn about the innovative methods Mike uses to help athletes tap into their full potential. They discuss the significance of mindset in sports, emphasizing that the stories we tell ourselves shape our beliefs and actions.
Connection to Heritage
Mike also discusses reconnecting with his Indigenous roots and how these cultural narratives inform his understanding of creativity and community. The conversation is a heartfelt reminder of the power of love, connection, and the creative spirit in the journey to become the best version of yourself.
Chapters:
Connect with Mike Schwartz:
🌐 Learn more at www.musicfitrecords.com
Follow Mike on Instagram: @musicfitmike
Follow MusicFit Records: @musicfitrecords
You can also find his music, merch, and mentorship at bravebear.com
Big Thank You to our Sponsors for this episode:
✍️ Episode References
Music for today’s show:
“Flutter 639” - bravebear. and “KEEPGOING” - Mike.
Thank You for Listening!
Follow Rem on Instagram: @rem.pitlick and join The Hockey Family Community on Grouped to share your love and light with us! 😊
We hope this episode inspires you to enjoy the power of music in your life and athletic journey. Stay tuned for more stories and insights that celebrate the incredible world of hockey and the people who make it amazing!
Rem is joined by Thomas Gobeil, a passionate hockey agent, former player, and Co-Founder of Elit3 Agence. Their conversation dives deep into Tom's journey from a young athlete in Quebec to his current role as a coach and agent, focusing on the importance of emotional intelligence and personal development in hockey.
Tom shares his experiences growing up in a hockey family, his challenges in the competitive junior leagues, and how his love for the game and commitment to health led him to create an agency that prioritizes holistic development for players. Elit3 Agence combines lifestyle coaching, emotional intelligence training, and athletic representation, emphasizing that true success in hockey—and life—comes from being a well-rounded human being.
Natural PassionTom also discusses his passion for foraging and creating tinctures from medicinal mushrooms, highlighting the connection between nature, health, and athletic performance. This episode is a heartfelt reminder that being a good person and embracing one's individuality can lead to success on and off the ice.
Chapters
🌐 Learn more at elit3agence.com
Follow Thomas on Instagram: @tomgobeil
Follow Francis on Instagram: @francis.marotte
Follow Luc on Instagram: @lmarotte13
Online Hockey Training: Score 20% off your order with code GOLD20 at www.onlinehockeytraining.com
Toxy Free: Score 10% off your Valet service with code REM10 at www.toxyfreepath.com/toxyfree-valet
Sports Aux: @thesportsaux
Dr. Samuel Lee: samuelbleemd.com
Adaptogenic Mushrooms: @manaakicreations
Fantastic Fungi: Netflix
Messages from Water by Dr. Masaru Emoto: Amazon
For more behind-the-scenes from Rem, check out his online community here
Find him on Instagram: @rem.pitlick
Thank you for tuning in to The Hockey Journey Podcast! We hope this episode inspires you to enjoy your journey, prioritize your health, and value being the best version of yourself. Stay connected for more stories and insights from the world of hockey!
Welcome to another exciting episode of The Hockey Journey Podcast! Join us as we dive into the vibrant world of hockey in South Florida with our amazing guest, Cole Kodsi, co-founder of the SoFlo 3 on 3 League. Today, Rem leads a casual conversation between his brother Rhett and Cole as they all share their experience in SoFlo, the 3v3 Hockey league that's been at the centre of the growing hockey community in beautiful South Florida. The boys hold space for Cole to share his unique journey from growing up in a non-traditional hockey market to creating a thriving hockey community in the Sunshine State.
Listen in as Cole shares his experiences of playing hockey from a young age, journey of building SoFlo, and the incredible connection that has formed among players. Discover the importance of small-area games in skill development and the exciting plans for expanding SoFlo into new territories. Whether you're a pro or new to the sport, this episode is packed with insights, passion, and the spirit of brotherhood and creative collaboration.
Get ready to be inspired by the story of SoFlo and the vibrant hockey culture it has blossomed in South Florida. Listen in on this engaging conversation that highlights the power of community, connection, and love for the game.
(00:00)
Intro
(00:29)
Who is Cole Kodsi?
(01:46)
Cole's hockey journey
(04:03)
How the boys connected in South Florida
(08:30)
How was the South Florida 3v3 league born?
(12:41)
How did Cole turn SoFlo into a full-fledged business?
(17:16)
Is Minney the next SoFlo?
(26:45)
Mental mindset and how 3v3 helps the fundamentals
(28:21)
Save 20% off your order of Online Hockey Training with code GOLD20
(34:59)
What's next for SoFlo?
(38:16)
The scheduling challenges of a growing league
(41:04)
How to manage conflicting schedules during the summer hockey season
(43:30)
Would you guys ever like to do a three-on-three league in Minnesota
(51:58)
Inspirations form the boys
(01:00:45)
Use code REM10 to save 10% on your Toxy Free Valet Service
(01:07:17)
Biggest takeaways from SoFlo
(01:08:46)
Wrapping things up
Connect with SoFlo Hockey
🌐 Learn more at www.soflohockey.net
Follow them on Instagram: @soflohockey
Follow Cole: @ckodsi27
🙏🏼 A big Thank You to our wonderful sponsors!
Online Hockey Training
Score 20% off your order with code GOLD20 at checkout 🚨
Toxy Free
Score 10% off of your Valet service with code REM10 at checkout 🚨
For more behind the scenes from Rem, check out his online community here!
Music Credits
Our music today was courtesy of the incredibly talented Nick Mair.
Intro music: "Lance's Song"
Outro music: "Feeling The Love"
Thank you for joining us on this journey. We hope you feel inspired and connected through the stories we share. Stay tuned for more episodes that celebrate the love of hockey and the incredible people behind it. Have a blessed day!
Welcome to another episode of the Hockey Journey podcast, where we delve into the power of language and mindset with your host Rem Pitlick from Online Hockey Training and our guest today, Sonic StoryWork Artist and our show's Producer, Mike Schwartz. Listen in as Mike and Rem explore the profound impact of words on our lives, drawing inspiration from the book "The Four Agreements" and the concept of conflict versus architect language. Discover how music, language, and personal stories intertwine to shape our experiences and relationships. Plus, hear about practical techniques for improving communication and building stronger connections. Tune in for an 'enlifted' conversation!
Find Mike in the wild as "bravebear." at https://heytherebravebear.com
And be sure to check out https://www.MusicFitRecords.com as well.
Music Credits
Intro Music: "Flutter" - bravebear.
Outro Music: "KEEPGOING" - mike. (Mike Stud)
✍️ Episode References
The Four Agreements:
Enlifted Method:
🏆 Episode Sponsors
Bon Charge - Use Code 'HOMEBODY15' Rhizal Grounding Footwear - Use Code 'HOMEBODY10'
Chapters:
(00:00) Hockey Journey podcast focuses on hockey mindset and health (00:26) A Creative Decision (01:53) What are the Four Agreements? (03:06) The most powerful of those four agreements (05:24) Are actions more powerful than words? Enlifted Language 101 (11:40) Deflecting and Projecting... (18:30) Soft talk vs solid talk (22:47) Real-world experience from Rem (32:32) The challenges when navigating personal stories (37:16) The importance of writing (42:57) How Mike discovered the language game (49:51) Some of the wildest words are their meanings (53:32) The best coaches (and people) ask for consent (58:11) How does Mike use people skills to help people make better decisions? (01:02:34) Closing remarks
This is the story of My first NHL Game. While I was the one who played the game, there was someone else from the beginning, by my side that was equally deserving of recognition that day, and that was my girl friend back in college and now wife of over 30 years. Let me tell you our story. Thanks for stopping by and have a Productive Day :)To Learn more about Coach Lance -
Online Hockey Training
Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills
https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/
In-person lessons with Coach Lance
https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/
If interested in purchasing the Stickhandling Training Aidhttps://headsuphockey.ai/Use the Code coachlance for 10% off the investment into yourself :)
My son Rem will be taking point on this episode, sitting down with a good friend of ours, who has a brilliant hockey mind, Benoit Pont.
Let me read a little info about Mr. Pont from his website ProKeyCoach - -
Benoit Pont, founder of Prokeycoach, is a pioneer in sports individualization, incorporating motor preferences and Action Types motor tests into his approach. With a background as a professional ice hockey player and expertise in sports science, he established ProKeyCoach in 2016 to help athletes maximize their potential through personalized methods.
He coaches a diverse range of athletes, from young prospects, to NHL stars. Additionally, he led hockey coach training in Switzerland for a decade and currently serves as an assistant coach for the Swiss National ice hockey team, a role he has held for 14 years.
The guy has been around the game his whole life and is in the business of helping others, which I love! All his information is below if you want to learn more about what he's got going on. Enjoy this episode and have a productive day!!
Benoit Pont Info -
https://www.instagram.com/prokeycoach/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCj1uQbU0OUKazH2lj0rrOiw
To Learn more about Coach Lance, visit -
Online Hockey Training
Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills
https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/
In-person lessons with Coach Lance
https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/
If interested in purchasing the Stickhandling Training Aidhttps://headsuphockey.ai/Use the Code coachlance for 10% off the investment into yourself :)
I really enjoyed the process of making this episode. I read most days and discuss what I learnwith the players I train here at my facility in Minnesota. I'll also ask them at some point if they read outside of their school requirements. Most answer like I would when I was their age; "No Way!"But every once in a while I'll get someone that gives a different answer that is uncommon. Meet Henry Lavery. He's a youth hockey player, reads 20-30 most days and we're going to be discussing a book we both read, Orr My Story. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! More info below. Thanks for stopping by and have a productive day!
To Learn more about Coach Lance, visit -
Online Hockey Training
Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills
https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/
In-person lessons with Coach Lance
https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/
If interested in purchasing the Stickhandling Training Aidhttps://headsuphockey.ai/Use the Code coachlance for 10% off the investment into yourself :)Bobby Orr links - Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bobby_Orr#Career_achievementsStats Hockeydbhttps://www.hockeydb.com/ihdb/stats/pdisplay.php?pid=4085Agent Infohttps://www.orr.hockey/Hall of Famehttps://bobbyorrhalloffame.com/1st NHL Shifthttps://youtu.be/McbDy9edYmc?si=WPL-trTpfrUkf6cf
If there's one guarantee from my experiences being a hockey player, there's going to be a few times during your career where you had an injury or got dinged up. After a while, and going through the normal therapy & healing protocols, things don't improve as planned, resulting in you not being able to get back on the ice. What do you do then? I'll tell you, you search everywhere for a possible solution, sometimes months will go by without finding a resolution.
That's where someone like Dr. Johnson comes to the rescue. Solving the unsolvable is the best way I can describe what I witnessed with my wife and kids seeing Doc Johnson. I can't remember how we found him, but I know it wasn't me. We're going to get a bunch of questions answered and then some. Thanks for stopping by. Have a productive day and enjoy this fantastic episode, co-hosted with my son Rem Pitlick :)
To Learn More about Dr. Kerry Johnson -
https://www.instagram.com/johnsonspinalcare/?hl=en
https://johnsonspinalcare.com/team/dr-kerry-johnson/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/NUCCA
To Learn more about Coach Lance -
Online Hockey Training
Largest Online Data-Base Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing and Shooting Drills
https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/
In-person lessons with Coach Lance
https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/
Today’s conversation is with someone I'm grateful is in my life and respect immensely, Michael O'Neill. Mr. O'Neill has worn many hats over the years: a club hockey player during his college days, a dedicated youth hockey coach, and a respected attorney who once helped me through a significant business legal matter. Today, our conversation comes full circle, as our sons face off against each other in college hockey this weekend—a moment that marks just how much our hockey journeys have intertwined.
Mike didn’t accomplish anything of significance as a hockey player, but his contributions in the past as a youth hockey coach are immeasurable. The hockey diamond in the rough connection that puts Mr. O'Neill at the highest level is his contributions to Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services (SMRLS), which helps people that are in need of legal services but can’t afford it. We have a lot to talk about so settle in and enjoy the episode! Thanks for stopping by and have a productive day :)
Mr. Michael O'Neill InfoLearn more about Michael O'Neill
(SMRLS) Information & DonationsSupport Southern Minnesota Regional Legal Services
Learn More About Coach LanceWe wrap up his college career with the Minnesota Gophers and transition into life as a professional goalie. Like most players, there are some great years and some very challenging seasons.
From there, we'll weave in and out of his life as a hockey coach, where it seemed every team he was associated with won, including a gold medal as the head coach of the 2018 USA Women's Olympic hockey team. Fantastic messaging, what a super human being! Thanks for stopping by, have a productive day and enjoy this gem of an episode!
To learn more about Robb, click on the links below:
Online Hockey Training
Largest Online Database for Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing, and Shooting Drills
https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/
In-person Lessons with Coach Lance
https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/
Interested in Purchasing the Stickhandling Training Aid?
https://headsuphockey.ai/
Use the code coachlance for 10% off the investment into yourself!
Hi everyone, this is going to be an awesome day, as my son Rem is sitting in on this episode, and I am pumped to visit with a former teammate of mine from the University of Minnesota – goaltender Robb Stauber.
I'm not kidding you when I say he was the most talented goalie I got to play in front of. Maybe I think that because he saved my butt probably hundreds of times after a bad read or when I coughed up the puck for a breakaway. Mr. Stauber was always there for me! By my sophomore year, I’d hardly backcheck when I made a bonehead play, because I knew Robb was there.
He’s the 1st goalie to ever win the Hobey Baker Award, made it to the top of the hockey mountain as a player with NHL stops in LA and Buffalo, and has pursued equally impressive coaching and entrepreneurial ventures. This is Part One of an incredible hockey journey. I hope you enjoy it!
Learn More About Robb StauberOnline Hockey Training
Largest Online Database of Off-Ice Stickhandling, Passing, and Shooting Drills
https://www.onlinehockeytraining.com/
In-Person Lessons with Coach Lance
https://www.sweethockeycoach.com/
Stickhandling Training Aid
https://headsuphockey.ai/
Use the code coachlance for 10% off your investment in yourself!
My next guest, Andy Blaylock, is here for the second time on the Hockey Journey Podcast. Round One was back when I was just getting my feet wet with the podcast gig, and Mr. Blaylock was my 19th episode. He's been bringing his knowledge, experience, and creativity to the rink week after week, helping hockey players elevate their skills both on and off the ice for close to 20 years.
Known for creating The Cross-Over Flywheel, The Stride Matrix, his NeuroStream Training Program, as well as a number of stick skill training aids he's recently developed with a 3D printer. He's my "Mad Scientist" friend, and we have an awesome conversation about how technology is changing the game of hockey, from what players can be doing to get better in addition to their team practices and games.
Thanks for stopping by, enjoy this episode and have a productive day :)
Learn More About Andy Blaylock:
Learn More About Coach Lance:
© 2024 Hockey Journey Podcast. All Rights Reserved.
My next guest holds a special place in my heart, as we spent years training together on a regular basis. When that happens, you really get to know the person, going through the ups and downs that life throws at us. Lacey Martin set a goal with me back in 2016 to one day play college hockey; she did it, and I want to know how she did it. The great and not-so-great, the power of the mind in times of adversity, and the reward for being a great teammate and human being—we're going to cover it all. Enjoy hearing the hockey journey of former Boston University Terrier and Minnetonka Skipper Lacey Martin!! Thanks for stopping by and have a productive day!
