Check Out Hockey Think Tank TODAY
The Hockey Think Tank has evolved into one of the most respected and motivating voices in hockey, engaging with players, coaches, parents, and organizations at every level around the world. Their mission is straightforward: To be a place for all players, parents, and coaches to go to get a little bit of education and a little bit of inspiration, regarding the greatest game on the planet!
The Hockey Think Tank is all about making the game better for everyone who loves it—players, coaches, and families alike. With a deep well of hockey knowledge and experience, they create impactful resources designed to elevate the youth hockey experience. From skill-building drill videos and insightful podcasts with some of the game’s brightest minds, to team culture and leadership blueprints for organizations, their work goes far beyond the ice. At the heart of it all is a belief in developing better players and better people—through collaboration, community, and a positive culture that values growth over constant competition.
What's in it for you?
* Parents and players get exclusive access to the Hockey Think Tank Players/Parents Resource Portal. This portal includes access to resources for you and your player including hot topic items like: Physical & Mental Wellness Guide, Player Goal Setting, Recruiting 101, and expert advice from hockey professionals.
* Interactive Monthly Player Life Skills Workshops is a great interactive virtual workshop that provides a supportive environment for players to hear about topics relevant to them and ask the experts who have all been there/done that.
* Coaches get exclusive access to the Hockey Think Tank Coaches Resource Portal including access to Player Development Plans, Position Specific Habits, Goalie Drills for ½ Ice, Team Building Guides, and practice planning.
* Weekly Coaches Circle interactive sessions that are an amazing resource to share ideas, ask questions, and request future topics. Free and no RSVP required.
The Hockey Think Tank Team
Topher Scott, FOUNDER
Topher’s passion is in bringing people together and making the hockey world a better place. Growing up playing youth hockey outside Chicago, Topher moved through the ranks playing junior hockey for the USHL’s Chicago Steel before enrolling at Cornell University. At Cornell, Topher was a two-year captain, scored over 100 points, and garnered NCAA Leadership recognition for his work off the ice including being a finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award in 2008.
In 2010, Topher began his college coaching career at Miami-Ohio while getting his Master’s degree in Sports Studies. The team won its first ever CCHA championship that year. From there, Topher moved to his alma mater, Cornell, where the team won two Ivy League championships. Topher also worked at the University of Michigan where he helped the program win the Big10 championship and reach the Frozen Four.
Topher is now a staple in youth hockey having spent time as a Youth Hockey director and now leading the Hockey Think Tank. His contributions to the hockey community include his work with hockey programs from the Division One college to youth levels and as a board member of Illinois’ youth hockey affiliate for USA Hockey (AHAI). His contributions continue off the ice as well, chairing two charity hockey events that have raised over $1.5 million for special needs charities.
He and his wife, Emma, reside outside Chicago with their 3 daughters Paige (7), Lucy (5), and Celia (3). His hands are full.
Matt Thomas- CEO
A New Hampshire native, Matt Thomas has been the Chief Executive Officer of The Hockey Think Tank LLC since August 2023. Previously, Matt played and coached at his alma mater, the United States Naval Academy, served as a Naval Officer during three wartime deployments, coached NCAA Division 1 Hockey at the University of Denver and the University of Alabama Huntsville, and worked as a AAA Hockey Director and Head Coach. Since his hiring, he has spearheaded efforts to build and execute concepts to serve partner clubs, including the Youth Organization Blueprint. Matt brings a wealth of experience in the areas of coaching, player development, club operations, organizational management, and leadership training.
Steph Dukesherer - PARTNER EXPERIENCE DIRECTOR
A Michigan native and resident, Steph Dukesherer has been producer of The Hockey Think Tank Podcast since 2022, and joined Topher and Matt full time in 2023. Previously, Steph served across the spectrum of youth hockey; she spent 12 years working with her local youth association in leadership and administration roles, and worked in facility operations with The Pettit National Ice Center in Milwaukee and launched the Ann Arbor Ice Cube in Michigan. Perhaps most proudly, she is also ‘Hockey Mom’ to two accomplished hockey players, with a daughter playing NCAA hockey and a son playing 18U AAA this season. Steph brings a wealth of knowledge pertaining to board function, volunteer coordination, events and fundraising, social media, and community engagement.
We are excited to kick off this partnership and take our organizational development to the next level!
You should have all received a Your a Blueprint Partner email from Hockey Think Tank on Sept 1st, if you need the unique link to sign up for your account, please email events@natickcomets.com.