New England Hockey Journal’s RinkWise

BK Selects’ Chris Collins Talks Culture and Commitment

Chris  Collins, the Bishop Kearney Selects program director, joins us to talk about his philosophy for winning at the Rochester, New York, school. Collins has had a long history in the sport at many levels, including playing as a star at the BC Eagles, and is now looking for students with character, good grades and a strong commitment to the team’s culture. 

Coach Paul Mara on His Journey to Leading the Boston Pride

We’re joined in studio by hockey veteran Paul Mara, head coach of the NWHL’s Boston Pride. Coach Mara grew up in Belmont, Massachusetts, and worked his way through the NHL, including a stint with the Bruins. He’s now leading the women of the Boston Pride, and provides insight on his latest challenge, as well as players to look out for.

Hockey Veterans Teach Young Talent New Way To Train

We’re lucky to have three experienced veterans of the game on who are now giving back to young hockey players. Torrey Mitchell, Pete “Swaggy P.” Lenes and Kevin Sneddon, all of whom played or coached at various levels of the game, are now working at Elev802, a Vermont-based company dedicated to helping young hockey players achieve their potential. Visit elev802.com/camp to learn about their hockey camps around the country.

Dartmouth Asst. Men’s Hockey Coach Troy Thibodeau

Troy Thibodeau joins Kirk to talk about his fascinating journey to coaching at Dartmouth College and why he loves the off days from hockey as much as game days. Prior to joining Dartmouth, Thibodeau spent the last three seasons as part of the coaching team of the Tri-City Storm in the USHL. The Danvers native has made stops at UMass Lowell, Merrimack College and Wentworth.

UMaine‘s Ben Barr on Building a Winning Culture

Ben Barr, first-season head coach of the University of Maine Black Bears, joins Kirk Luedeke to talk about his rising career. Coach Barr, a graduate of RPI, has been working with collegiate teams for 15 years. He shares with us the lessons he has learned along the way, including how he helped to lead the UMass Minutemen to their first national championship this past April and his strategy for building the Black Bears.

New Jersey Devils Chief Amateur Scout Mark Dennehy

We’re joined by Mark Dennehy, Chief Scout, Amateur Scouting, for the New Jersey Devils. Dennehy is a familiar face to New England hockey fans, having played four seasons at Boston College and coached for 13 seasons at Merrimack College. Now, he shares with us what it is he’s looking for at the professional level as well as his experiences with great players along the way.

Kent Hughes - Quartexx Management

Kent Hughes, managing director of Quartexx Management. joins the show to talk about what he looks for in players to represent. He discusses with host Kurt Luedeke about his experiences with young hockey players and his advice: "Dream big and don't have a fear of failure."

Episode 6 – Cushing Academy‘s Steve Jacobs and Paul Pearl

Cushing Academy’s Steve Jacobs and new boys hockey coach Paul Pearl join NEHJ's RinkWise podcast.

Episode 5 – Bobby Farnham

Bobby Farnham (North Andover, Mass.) explores his journey to the NHL and being a mentor for young players during his post-playing career.

Episode 4 – Jordan Harris

Northeastern captain Jordan Harris (Haverhill, Mass.) joins before the Huskies' 2021-22 season begins. He discusses everything from his NHL aspirations to the impending Hockey East race.