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The Rink Shrinks

The Rink Shrinks, Bleav
NHL
Youth Hockey
Hockey
Player Development
NHL Playoffs
USA Hockey
Stanley Cup
College Hockey
Youth Hockey Development
Youth Sports
Junior Hockey
Olympics
NHL Draft
Hockey Development
Neutral Zone
Boston Bruins
Coaching
NCAA
Fanduel
Parenting In Sports

The Rink Shrinks features special guests from the hockey world. They're keeping it real in the rink, helping our listeners navigate their way through it in a humorous and educational format.

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes303Founded6 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
HockeySports

Listen to this Podcast

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Latest Episodes

Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with a mailbag episode where the guys break down another question from Grumpy Hockey Dad who is wondering about ways to improve away from the puck at higher levels. Another question includes mindset evo... more

Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with an interview with Hanover, MA native and former BC Eagle, Mike Hardman! Mike joins the boys after being a long time follower on the gram to chat about his days in college, going pro, and what his o... more

Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week with a mailbag episode where the guys break down another question from Worried Hockey Mom who is wondering if the current Massachusetts split season model is on borrowed time. Another question includes ... more

Brian Yandle and Mike Mottau are back this week and are joined by Edmonton Oiler Ryan Shea! Ryan and the guys talk about his time in the minors and in Pittsburgh since our last interview with him and his new contract with the Oilers and BY & Motts al... more

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
Podcast Host
Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

Mike Hardman
Former hockey player, Hanover, MA native
NHL player (Chicago Blackhawks, New Jersey Devils)
Episode: Former BC Eagle, Mike Hardman
Ryan Shea
Professional hockey player, Edmonton Oilers
Edmonton Oilers
Episode: Ryan Shea on his excitement to play with the Oilers
Colin White
Former hockey player, guest on episode
NHL/Collegiate hockey
Episode: Catching Up on a Busy Summer
Robby Concannon
Dorchester, MA native; president of the South Carolina Stingrays; former ECHL player
South Carolina Stingrays
Episode: NHL Draft & Free Agency + Rob Concannon
Brian Boyle
Retired NHL player, NHL Network analyst, and MSG Network broadcaster
NHL Network, MSG Network
Episode: Carolina Are Champions with Brian Boyle
Grumpy Hockey Dad
Online persona delivering commentary on youth hockey development and parental perspectives
Episode: Stanley Cup Final + A Novel By Grumpy Hockey Dad
Chris Nilan
NHL player known for toughness and scoring ability; Hall of Famer in Massachusetts class of 2026
Montreal Canadiens
Episode: Chris "Knuckles" Nilan, Thanks to the Judge, NHL Playoffs
David Clarkson
Former NHL player, undrafted, later played for multiple teams and now youth coach
NHL alumni/coach
Episode: Former NHL Tough Guy Turned Youth Hockey Coach: David Clarkson
Chris Pronger
NHL Hall of Famer, author of Earned: The True Cost of Greatness
NHL
Episode: Hockey Hall of Famer Turned Author, Chris Pronger

Host

Motts
Host and primary co-host of the show with broad involvement in hockey discussions and development topics.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 557 ratings
  • best rink shrinks

    love it best podcast

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    frank jim kevin
    United States3 months ago
  • Great resource

    The pods are always interesting and informative and Matts and BY are a fun listen (even for a non New Englander). The mailbags are especially helpful for hockey parents.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Midwest hockey dad
    United Statesa year ago
  • Hockey Parents

    This is a must listen!!!! Love this show for all sports parents!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    EricLouis5
    United Statesa year ago
  • Ad Takeover

    Loved the pod and have been an OG listener since Ep.1 but seems like recently it’s more of an AM radio style of ads everywhere with content blended throughout. Worst is right in the middle of an interview, an ad kicks in.

    Apple Podcasts
    3
    D Mac 52
    United States3 years ago
  • Best Pod out in the game today!

    Best pod in the game today!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    shoulder slasher 91
    United States3 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Hosts' chemistry and guest variety keep the topics engaging and informative for hockey families.
Listeners prize the practical, parent-friendly lens on hockey development.
Shows are highly recommended for parents seeking to navigate youth sports and development without the hype.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#22
United States/Sports/Hockey
Apple Podcasts
#57
Canada/Sports/Hockey
Apple Podcasts
#90
United Kingdom/Sports/Hockey
Apple Podcasts
#180
Australia/Sports/Hockey
Apple Podcasts
#20
Philippines/Sports/Hockey
Apple Podcasts
#31
Finland/Sports/Hockey

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Mailbag + Summer Time Rink Atmospheres
Q: Is Massachusetts splitting season on borrowed time given the rise of prep schools and academies?
The hosts acknowledge a shifting landscape with more prep schools and academy programs drawing talent, but they argue the split-season model isn't disappearing entirely; it may shrink in some contexts while still providing value for players who benefit from multiple competitive environments. They stress evaluating on a family-by-family basis and staying flexible as programs adapt.
Benefits of Soccer, Avoiding Burnout, & Offer Sheets
Q: In your opinion, what separates the happiest hockey families from the ones who burn out?
The families that stay present, enjoy the process, and avoid over-scheduling or chasing every tournament tend to be happiest; burnout often comes from unrealistic expectations and trying to do too much.
Ryan Shea on his excitement to play with the Oilers
Q: What was it like entering the Penguins' locker room and learning from veteran leaders?
He highlights mentorship from veterans like Sidney Crosby and Evgeni Malkin, who helped him stay calm, trust his abilities, and grow within a high-caliber system.
Ryan Shea on his excitement to play with the Oilers
Q: What was the transition like from college to pro hockey, and how did you adapt to the faster game?
Shea explains that the speed and strength increased dramatically, but he stayed true to his core game, focusing on learning a specific role early on rather than trying to be a power-play specialist right away; with guidance from coaches, he matured and found his fit.
NHL Draft & Free Agency + Rob Concannon
Q: What workplace and educational balance is important for players and their families when choosing an academy or prep route?
The guests stress prioritizing education, structured training, and realistic expectations about competing at higher levels, with a focus on long-term wellbeing and opportunities rather than chasing a single season's glory.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

Listeners per Episode
Gender Skew
Location
Interests
Professions
Age Range
Household Income
Social Media Reach

Frequently Asked Questions About The Rink Shrinks

What is The Rink Shrinks about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A candid, hockey-focused show that leans into development, youth hockey dynamics, and pro-to-youth transitions. Listeners will find practical guidance on pathways from prep schools and USHL to college hockey and the pros, along with real-world coaching insights, parental perspectives, and behind-the-scenes PR-ready anecdotes from players and staff. The format mixes in-depth guest conversations, mailbag-style Q&A, and frequent sponsor reads, making it a pragmatic resource for families navigating youth hockey, while still delivering entertaining banter and local hockey culture. A standout element is its emphasis on development over prestige and its willingness to tackle tough topics like ice time, affordability, and the business side of grass... more

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How many listeners does The Rink Shrinks get?

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To see how many followers or subscribers The Rink Shrinks has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to The Rink Shrinks?

These podcasts share a similar audience with The Rink Shrinks:

1. The Hockey Think Tank Podcast
2. Crazy Hockey Dads Podcast
3. Spittin Chiclets
4. Missin Curfew
5. The Cam & Strick Podcast

How many episodes of The Rink Shrinks are there?

The Rink Shrinks launched 6 years ago and published 303 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact The Rink Shrinks?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for The Rink Shrinks?

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What guests have appeared on The Rink Shrinks?

Recent guests on The Rink Shrinks include:

1. Mike Hardman
2. Ryan Shea
3. Colin White
4. Robby Concannon
5. Brian Boyle
6. Grumpy Hockey Dad
7. Chris Nilan
8. David Clarkson

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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