Episodes

  • EPISODE 76 : ROD BRACEFUL

    EPISODE 76 : ROD BRACEFUL
    Nov 12 2026
    Senior Director of Hockey Operations | NTDP From growing up playing hockey in Detroit to competing at the collegiate level, coaching youth hockey, scouting in the USHL, and eventually earning a role with the Chicago Blackhawks in the NHL, Rod Braceful's journey is a powerful reminder that success isn't always a straight line. What started as a passion for the game evolved into a career built on relationships, hard work, taking chances, and recognizing opportunities others might overlook. Today, as Senior Director of Hockey Operations for USA Hockey's National Team Development Program, Rod is helping shape the future of American hockey, developing the next generation of talent while creating opportunities for those coming behind him. His journey proves that you don't have to make it to the NHL as a player to make an incredible impact on the game. Sometimes the path you never imagined becomes the one you're meant to take. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • EPISODE 75 : BRYAN CRAWFORD

    EPISODE 75 : BRYAN CRAWFORD
    Nov 5 2026
    Sometimes the biggest opportunities for growth come from looking beyond the game itself. This week on Locker Room Life, we sit down with OHL Commissioner Bryan Crawford to discuss bringing fresh perspectives, innovative thinking, and leadership experience from across the sports industry into one of hockey's most historic leagues. From playing professional football in the CFL to leadership roles across basketball and golf, Bryan's journey is anything but conventional. His experiences as both an athlete and sports executive have shaped a unique vision for the future of junior hockey. We explore the importance of challenging tradition, embracing change, elevating the fan experience, and creating new opportunities for the next generation of players.Because moving the game forward doesn't mean forgetting where it came from. It means having the courage to see where it can go. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    56 mins
  • EPISODE 74 : REAGAN RUST

    EPISODE 74 : REAGAN RUST
    Oct 29 2026
    Reagan Rust's journey is a reminder that there's so much more to an athlete's story than what we see on the ice. Growing up in Mississippi, where hockey opportunities were limited, Reagan and her family made countless sacrifices to pursue her dream. Long road trips, attending five different high schools, and years of dedication led her to become the first female hockey player from Mississippi to compete at the NCAA Division I level. Her journey took her from RIT to Boston University, where she became a team captain and helped win the 2019 Beanpot, before continuing her career professionally in North America and Europe. But behind those accomplishments were challenges that weren't always visible. Reagan opened up about her battles with depression and anxiety, the pressures of competing at a high level, and the importance of finding your identity beyond being an athlete. Today, she uses those experiences to advocate for mental health, encourage honest conversations, and support the next generation of athletes. We're grateful to Reagan for joining Locker Room Life and sharing the sacrifices, struggles, and lessons that have shaped her journey. Her story goes beyond hockey. It's about finding purpose through adversity and using your experiences to make a difference in the lives of others. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    1 hr and 12 mins
  • EPISODE 73 : COLBY COHEN

    EPISODE 73 : COLBY COHEN
    Oct 22 2026
    FULL CIRCLE. FROM PLAYING THE GAME TO HELPING SHAPE ITS FUTURE. Colby Cohen's journey is a reminder that hockey is about so much more than what happens on the ice. From the USHL's Lincoln Stars to scoring the unforgettable overtime winner for Boston University's 2009 National Championship, reaching the NHL, and becoming a respected voice in hockey media, Colby has experienced the game from nearly every perspective. Now, his journey comes FULL CIRCLE. As the new Vice President of Hockey & Player Experience for the USHL, Colby returns to the league that helped shape him, with an opportunity to inspire, mentor, and create a better experience for the next generation. Beyond the accomplishments, it's the person, the relationships, the lessons, and the willingness to keep evolving that make his story special. Colby, we're grateful for your friendship, your authenticity, and your commitment to giving back to the game that gave you so much. The game is bigger than the game. THIS IS LIFE. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    1 hr and 21 mins
  • EPISODE 72 : EMILY KAPLAN

    EPISODE 72 : EMILY KAPLAN
    Oct 14 2026
    ESPN REPORTER | DEAL BREAKER | MENTOR Some people chase their dreams. Others chase them while inspiring the next generation to do the same. From her early days at Sports Illustrated to becoming one of the most prominent voices in hockey as ESPN's Senior NHL Insider, Emily Kaplan has built an incredible career through passion, perseverance, and authenticity. From covering Stanley Cup Finals and historic NHL moments to breaking major stories, appearing on Around the Horn, and being recognized among hockey's most influential figures, Emily's accomplishments speak for themselves. But what makes Emily truly special goes far beyond her résumé. It's her character, humility, willingness to mentor others, and genuine desire to make a difference. Her journey is a reminder to chase your dreams, believe in your passion, and never forget the importance of lifting others up along the way. Success isn't just about what you accomplish, but the impact you leave on the people around you. We're incredibly grateful for her friendship, her perspective, and the opportunity to share her story. Emily, you're family. And that's what Locker Room Life is all about. THIS IS LIFE. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    1 hr and 7 mins
  • FOUNDER SERIES : HOCKEY STICK VENTURES

    FOUNDER SERIES : HOCKEY STICK VENTURES
    Oct 12 2026
    THE GAME DOESN’T END WHEN YOU HANG UP THE SKATES. THE OPPORTUNITY IS JUST BEGINNING. Another installment of LOCKER ROOM LIFE: FOUNDER SERIES, where we spotlight the entrepreneurs, innovators, and visionaries building something bigger than themselves. What happens when the hockey community meets the world of venture capital? HOCKEY STICK VENTURES IS CHANGING THE GAME. Founded by former hockey player and investor Sean Hershman, Hockey Stick Ventures is connecting the hockey community with emerging brands, entrepreneurship, and investment opportunities beyond the rink. From brands like Liquid Death, Recess, and Coconut Cult, the vision goes beyond investing. It's about identifying opportunities, backing innovators, and leveraging the relationships, discipline, and mentality built through hockey. The same mindset that builds great hockey players can build great entrepreneurs. This is what our FOUNDER SERIES is all about. Highlighting the people who take a vision, bet on themselves, and build something extraordinary. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    50 mins
  • EPISODE 71 : JAMES MURRAY

    EPISODE 71 : JAMES MURRAY
    Oct 8 2026
    FOUNDER | CREATOR - EVERYTHING COLLEGE HOCKEY What started as a passion for the game in 2016 has grown into one of the recognizable independent media platforms dedicated to college hockey. We had the opportunity to sit down with James Murray, founder and creator of Everything College Hockey (ECH), to talk about his journey from former college hockey player to entrepreneur, building a brand and business around the sport he loves. Everything College Hockey has become much more than a social media platform. Through player interviews, game highlights, behind-the-scenes access, college hockey news, original content, merchandise, and the Pucks in Deep podcast, ECH continues to give players, programs, and fans a voice while bringing greater attention to the college game. But behind the content, partnerships, and growing business is a story of persistence, sacrifice, relationships, and an incredible amount of hard work. What makes James's journey special is his humility. He doesn't take sole credit for what he's built. Instead, he continually recognizes the players, coaches, fans, partners, and hockey community who have supported ECH and helped turn his passion into something much bigger. And that's what makes this conversation so meaningful. The lesson for every entrepreneur is simple: Building something worthwhile takes time. It takes sacrifice. It takes believing in your vision when the results aren't immediate. And most importantly, it takes people who believe in what you're building. James is proof that you don't need to start with a massive company or unlimited resources. You need passion, consistency, a willingness to learn, and the determination to keep showing up. Much respect to James and the entire Everything College Hockey community for continuing to grow the game, create opportunities, and remind us that the greatest success isn't just what you build, but the people you bring along the way. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    54 mins
  • EPISODE 70 : MODERN HOCKEY

    EPISODE 70 : MODERN HOCKEY
    Oct 1 2026
    Mike Rabideau’s story is so much bigger than hockey. Mike’s journey through the game has taken him from playing professionally in the FHL, including time with the Brewster Bulldogs, to becoming a shooting consultant, trainer, coach and mentor helping the next generation of players develop their game. But the most powerful part of Mike’s story has nothing to do with goals, statistics or what happened on the ice. It’s what he had to overcome away from it. Mike has openly shared his battle with addiction and the personal challenges that came with it. At some of the lowest points of his life, hockey remained a foundation he could lean on. Eventually, the game became more than something he played. It became part of his recovery, his purpose and his opportunity to give back. Instead of allowing his past to define him, Mike turned his experiences into purpose. That purpose ultimately led him to create Modern Hockey, a platform built around coaching, mentoring and developing the next generation of hockey players. It’s about more than developing a better shot or becoming a better player. Mike has the opportunity to take everything the game and life have taught him and pass those lessons on to young athletes chasing their own dreams. His journey has also brought him to an incredible position working with the Edmonton Oilers organization in the NHL. Think about that journey. From battling addiction and facing some of the darkest moments of his life to creating Modern Hockey, mentoring the next generation and working at the highest level of hockey in the world. Mike’s story is proof that your mistakes do not have to define you. Your darkest chapter does not have to be your final chapter. Believe in yourself. Believe in the work. Believe in the vision you have for your future, even when your current circumstances make that future feel impossible. Sometimes the things you battle through become the exact experiences that allow you to make a difference in somebody else’s life. Mike Rabideau is an example that recovery is possible, purpose can come from struggle, and where you have been does not determine where you are going. The future can always be brighter. This is bigger than hockey. This is LIFE. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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    59 mins