Episode 71: TJ Manastersky

Episode 71: TJ Manastersky. Fellow Oswego Alumni and current Head Coach of Brock University, TJ Manastersky, stopped by the prohockeypod this week. TJ grew up in the GTA area and would end up playing 5 years in the OJHL before heading off to D3 SUNY-Oswego. We swapped stories about Oswego, the great community support the team gets, Bridge Street Runs, and some funny memories of the historic Oswego/Plattsburgh rivalry. After College, TJ would play 1 year professionally in the SPHL before transitioning to coaching. He was given a chance to get his foot in the door at Canisius College for 2 season before going to SUNY-Fredonia. He would get his first Head Coaching job at Curry College where he stayed for 9 seasons, helping to turn the program around and become a strong contender. After a brief stop with D1 Union College, TJ would find a home at Brock University. It didn’t take him long to make an impact. In his 2nd season, the team would have their best year in school program history and TJ would win Coach of the Year. One part of the interview that really stood out to me was when we talked about how TJ establishes his culture at his schools. He takes into consideration the school history/community involved as well as his players. How do they see the culture? What do they want to be viewed as? Questions like these. Ultimately this leads to teams creating their own identity and running with it. Another great episode so give it a listen and hope you enjoy!