The Hockey Lab Podcast

Gary Roberts Performance Productions

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.

  1. 10 OCT

    #54 - Karl Stewart | Undrafted to NHL Scout: Finding Your Identity in Hockey

    In this episode of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A and Coach Gards sit down with Karl Stewart — former NHL player and current NHL scout — to talk about what it really takes to make it in hockey. From the disappointment of going undrafted to carving out a career through grit, adaptability, and identity, Karl shares stories from his time in the OHL, the NHL, and overseas — and the lessons that shaped his approach to scouting and player development today. 💬 Topics include: The long car ride home after going undrafted How finding an identity became his biggest advantage What separates players who last from those who fade Why "super teams" and early hype don't guarantee success The role of heart, culture, and leadership in long-term growth Lessons learned transitioning from player to NHL scout Whether you're a young player, parent, or coach, this episode breaks down what real development looks like — on and off the ice. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPONSORS OF THE POD This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP) — the ultimate training destination for elite athletes. If you're serious about taking your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive programs designed to unlock your full potential. 28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve 📲 Click the link below to book a call with a GR coach and start your journey today! [Book A Call With A GR Coach] Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt Subscribe on YouTube: @garyrobertsperformance #TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyDevelopment #AthleteMindset #TrainingCamp #InSeasonTraining #HighPerformanceHabits

    41 min
  2. 6 OCT

    Mindset Monday #77 | The Thief of Joy: Why Comparing Yourself to Others Kills Growth

    In this episode of Mindset Monday, Coach A breaks down one of the biggest mindset traps in sports — comparison. We live in a world of constant metrics, rankings, and highlights. It's easy to compare yourself to teammates, players in the league, or even the best in the world. But comparison kills growth. Sports should be about personal development — becoming a better version of yourself each day. When you stop comparing and start focusing on your own progress, everything changes. 🎯 In this episode: Why comparison is the thief of joy The difference between healthy competition and unhealthy comparison How to shift your focus inward and measure your growth What happens when you block out the noise and trust your own process You don't need to be better than everyone else. You just need to be better than you were yesterday. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPONSORS OF THE POD This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP) — the ultimate training destination for elite athletes. 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! [Book A Call With A GR Coach] Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt Subscribe on YouTube: @garyrobertsperformance #MindsetMonday #AthleteMindset #TrustTheProcess #TheHockeyLabPodcast #HighPerformanceHabits #FocusOnYou

    2 min
  3. 1 OCT

    #53 - Sylvie Vilaca | Game Day Fuel, Recovery Meals & Nutrition Habits with Sylvie

    In Episode 54 of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A, Coach Gards, and Coach Sylvie (Director of Nutrition at GRP) break down how athletes can fuel properly during the season — from game day meals to recovery strategies, and even how parents can help set their kids up for success. From keeping weight on during a busy schedule, to late-night tournament meals, to why sleep is just as important as protein, this episode delivers practical advice for players and parents who want to get the most out of all the work put in during the offseason. 🎯 In this episode: The shift from offseason nutrition → in-season performance fueling Game day nutrition: what to eat before, during, and after Recovery meals & late-night post-game options Why calories and sleep are the real growth drivers for young athletes How to get kids more involved in their own nutrition habits Sometimes the most valuable piece of equipment isn't a stick or skates — it's learning how to fuel the body the right way. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPONSORS OF THE POD This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP) — the ultimate training destination for elite athletes. If you're serious about taking your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive programs designed to unlock your full potential. 28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve 📲 Click the link below to book a call with a GR coach and start your journey today! [Book A Call With A GR Coach] Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt Subscribe on YouTube: @garyrobertsperformance #TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyDevelopment #AthleteMindset #TrainingCamp #InSeasonTraining #HighPerformanceHabits

    33 min
  4. 24 SEPT

    #52 - Coach Brian | Offseason Wins, Training Camp Chaos & Smarter In-Season Training

    In Episode 53 of The Hockey Lab Podcast, Coach A, Coach Gards, and Coach Brian break down the full cycle — from how this offseason shaped up at GRP HQ, to the chaos of training camps, and what smarter in-season training should actually look like. From injuries and nagging issues that players carry into summer, to the demands of junior and pro camps, the guys share stories, lessons, and practical takeaways for players, parents, and coaches who want to do things right. 🎯 In this episode: Why this past offseason sent players to camp more prepared than ever The reality of injuries: why almost nobody enters summer 100% Why training camps can be a "gong show" — and what smarter testing should look like How to structure team training sessions that actually build speed, power & longevity The importance of schedules and communication for young athletes If you've ever wondered what really goes on behind the scenes — this one pulls the curtain back. SPONSORS OF THE POD This podcast is proudly sponsored by Gary Roberts Performance (GRP) — the ultimate training destination for elite athletes. If you're serious about taking your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive programs designed to unlock your full potential. 28 Days, 28 Tips & 28 Ways to Help Your Young Athlete Improve 📲 Click the link below to book a call with a GR coach and start your journey today! [Book A Call With A GR Coach] Follow GRP on Instagram: @garyrobertshpt Subscribe on YouTube: @garyrobertsperformance #TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyDevelopment #AthleteMindset #TrainingCamp #InSeasonTraining #HighPerformanceHabits

    35 min

About

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.

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