Show Notes

00:00–01:30 – Intro & Sponsorships

Host Adam Larson welcomes listeners back and thanks sponsors: Howie's Hockey Tape and Play It Again Sports Mansfield.

01:30–02:32 – Guest Introduction

Introduction of Steve Jeffers, Texas Heat Hockey Director and owner of Top Shelf Training.

02:32–05:08 – Early Hockey Journey

Steve discusses growing up in Northern New Jersey, playing for Junior Devils and New Jersey Colonials, turning down DIII offers to attend Villanova, and eventually beginning to coach.

05:08–07:17 – Coaching His Brother

Unique story about coaching his younger brother and the family dynamic involved.

07:17–08:55 – Move to Texas via Chicago & Nashville

Coaching stints in Chicago and Nashville before moving to Texas due to his wife’s job.

08:55–11:29 – Adapting to the Texas Hockey Scene

Differences in hockey culture between North and South; recruiting challenges and building relationships in Texas.

11:29–13:30 – Brahmas & Strength Training

Starting with the Brahmas, noticing a need for strength conditioning, getting certified, and beginning Top Shelf Training.

13:30–16:28 – Top Shelf Training Origins & COVID Challenges

Business launch in Jan 2020, shutdowns, and pivoting to outdoor workouts during lockdown.

16:28–21:19 – What Top Shelf Offers

Overview of the facility's unique offerings: synthetic ice, RapidShot system, skating treadmill with real-time analytics, and a flexible training structure.

21:19–24:50 – The Creation of Texas Heat Hockey

How Steve got involved with the Heat, his role, and how the organization was started from scratch.

24:50–26:15 – Organizational Culture & Coaching Cohesion

Emphasis on collaboration among coaches like Matt Houck and Kevin Colley to ensure consistency across age groups.

26:15–30:36 – Staff Overview & Roles

Detailed breakdown of coaching staff and team assignments for the upcoming season.

30:36–33:28 – Kevin Colley’s Background

Discussion of Kevin’s NHL experience and professional coaching background; his impact on Heat Hockey.

33:28–37:32 – Shoutouts

Jeffers shouts out his family, Top Shelf community, and the Heat organization.

Adam’s shoutout honors "builders"—those creating and supporting new hockey initiatives.

Community Partners

Fort Worth Barracudas Hockey
Podcast Mansfield