The Face-Off Spot with Adam Larson

This week we have a very special Championship episode with Coach Braden Brown, Kenny Tyler, and Garrett Lindley! Tune in!

In this deeply personal and refreshingly unconventional episode, Adam sits down with former NHL player Kurtis Gabriel to explore the journey from fighter to seeker. Gabriel shares how suffering, self-inquiry, and a transformative psychedelic experience opened the door to spirituality, the redefinition of ego, and a new identity centered on awareness rather than athletics. The conversation moves through his unlikely rise to the NHL, his groundbreaking Pride Tape moment, the value of yoga and union, and the belief that all people are fundamentally connected. Blending hockey stories with introspection and humor, this episode offers listeners a powerful look at growth, compassion, and what Gabriel calls “permanent happiness.”

Adam sits down with returning guest and hockey media personality Jeff Fink to talk about the rise of Texas hockey, adult-league culture, and the journey from fan to podcaster to industry insider.A nostalgic, funny, and heartfelt conversation about creativity, community, and why hockey people are just built differently.

We've hit 200 episodes, with a heartfelt reunion of original guests and a deep dive into coaching, friendship, and the life lessons hockey teaches. Join Adam, Newman, Garrett, and Steve as they reflect, laugh, and celebrate the journey.

On this episode of The Faceoff Spot, Adam chats with hockey creator Babs about content, coaching in the Fed, and embracing failure as part of growth. They dive into real stories, real advice, and what it means to stay authentic in a fast-moving media world.

This week on The Faceoff Spot, hockey dad Brandon Wilson joins Adam Larson to share his journey from rookie parent to goalie guru and team manager. He also spotlights Mission Equipped, a nonprofit empowering military and first responder families through youth sports.

This week on The Face-Off Spot, Adam sits down with four rink operations veterans from across North America for a roundtable full of ice talk, inside jokes, and behind-the-boards wisdom. From Zamboni blades to figure-eight cuts, the crew shares what really goes into keeping the ice perfect — and why the rink community feels like family. A must-listen for anyone who’s ever laced up skates or wondered how the magic happens before puck drop.

From quitting hockey at age 8 to launching one of the South’s most inspiring hockey brands, Hunter Bemies shares his journey on The Face Off Spot. Tune in for a conversation on southern pride, youth development, and growing the game where it’s needed most.

USA Today’s Kenny Jacoby returns to the show to discuss his explosive follow-up investigation into the Dallas Stars’ control over Texas youth hockey. From monopolistic practices to skyrocketing costs, Adam and Kenny dig deep into the ethics, legality, and community impact of one team’s dominance.

Ever wondered what it’s really like to be a hockey referee? In this roundtable episode, veteran officials share wild stories, hard truths, and plenty of laughs about the highs and lows of life in stripes.

Sean Connors returns to share insights on building resilient hockey players and supporting out-of-market programs in the Texas Hockey League. A must-listen for anyone passionate about growing the game in Oklahoma and beyond!

Steve Martinson joins The Face Off Spot to share his comeback story with the Allen Americans, revealing how new ownership is helping him rebuild a skilled, tough, and exciting team. Tune in to hear how Martinson plans to make Allen a force again both on and off the ice!

Adam Larson talks with Patrick Warrington, Deputy Commissioner of the Texas Hockey League, about rule enforcement, discipline, and building a positive hockey culture. Learn how the league is collaborating to make the game safer and more fun for everyone!

Commissioner Andy Gibson joins The Face Off Spot to discuss the new Texas Hockey League and its mission to bring transparency, inclusion, and structure to youth travel hockey. Hear how the league is evolving and what’s next for Texas and Oklahoma hockey communities.

Brenden Butler’s journey from youth hockey standout to cancer survivor is nothing short of inspirational. Tune in to hear how he turned life-altering adversity into a powerful coaching mission with the Texas Heat 14U team.

This week Adam talks with Doug “The Thug” Smith, the real-life inspiration behind the movie Goon. Doug shares his incredible journey from never skating as a kid to becoming a professional hockey enforcer, thanks to grit, boxing skills, and a supportive friend who helped tell his story in the book Goon. The conversation dives into Doug’s late start in hockey, his balancing act between law enforcement and pro fighting, and how Hollywood came knocking. It’s a raw, honest look at chasing unlikely dreams—and punching through every obstacle.

Steve Jeffers joins us to discuss his journey from coaching in the Northeast to building the Texas Heat and Top Shelf Training. From pandemic pivots to youth development, this episode celebrates the builders of Texas hockey.

Coach Eric Silverman of Dallas Stars Elite joins Adam Larson to talk youth hockey, late bloomers, and how Dallas became a hockey hotbed. And yes—how to avoid falling for fake AAA hype.

This week we welcome THL Hockey Director, Mike Salekin. Tune in to learn more about the new league!

This week we welcome Mansfield Barracudas defenseman, Trenton Lee!

This week we welcome investigative journalist, Kenny Jacoby.

This week we welcome former NHL Goaltender, Steve Passmore.

This week we welcome two time Stanley Cup winner, Chris Dingman

This week we welcome former Senior Vice President of Fox Sports International and pro hockey player, Jack Stanfield.

This week we welcome Washington Capitals Assistant Coach, Scott Allen to the show

This week we welcome former NHL player and coach, Rich Preston

This week we welcome former Colorado Avalanche Vice President of Administration, Charlotte Grahame and Former NHLer / Athletic Director at the University of Denver, Ron Grahame.

Mark and Marty Howe share incredible stories from their legendary hockey journey, including their time with their iconic father Gordie Howe, behind-the-scenes moments, and the legacy of family and resilience.

This week we welcome the committee members of Hockey Day in Houston, T.C Lewis, Lance Rosenberg, and Marc Tushnet.

This week we welcome former Martin Hockey coach, Louie Greco

We're back with another Coaches Roundtable, this week featuring Kelly Clymer and Cosmo Clarke.

This week we welcome the Commissioner of the Beer League Players Association, Nick Fleehart

This week we welcome Mansfield High School Coach, Braden Brown.

This week we welcome our Hockey Moms. In our first ever Hockey Moms Roundtable hear about what life is like for all the moms that get us to the games.

This week we welcome Texas Tigers Head Coach, David Fry

We welcome Garry Unger (NHL Ironman, St. Louis Blues Hall of Famer, HC Tulsa Jr. Oilers 14AA), Derek Toninato (HC 2015 Dallas Stars Elite), and Klage Kaebel (Tulsa Hockey Director, HC Tulsa Jr. Oilers 12AA)

This week we have a Collegiate Coaches Roundtable with Tom Winkler (HC Missouri State), Alain Savage (HC East Texas Baptist University), and David Cullen (NCAA Champion with the University of Maine and Texas Warriors Coach).

This week we welcome Matt Houk (Texas Heat 18AA / Colleyville Grapevine HC), Anthony Booth (Hockey Director Texas Warriors), and D.J Graham (Coppell High School HC) for our second Coaches Roundtable Episode.

This week we welcome back Head Coach of Coppell High School and owner of Graham Hockey Skills, DJ Graham.

This week we welcome the Director of Hockey Development for the Dallas Stars, Dwight Mullins.

This week we have our very first Coaches Roundtable featuring Ryan Pfieffer (Dallas Stars Elite 2014s / DJHA 16U), Scott Dutertre (Tulsa Oilers Associate Coach), and Kyle Froese (Texas Heat 12UA).

This week we welcome former NHLer and Texas Warriors Coach, David Cullen

This week we welcome Pensacola Flyers Forward, Ivan Bondarenko.

This week we welcome back Head Coach of 19U Dallas Stars Elite Girls and owner of Bellz Edge Elite Hockey Camp, Gord Bell.

This week we welcome former pro, Marco Cefalo.

This week we welcome, DFW native and Rögle Forward, Brady Ferguson.

This week we welcome back Head Coach and General Manager of the Lone Star Brahmas, Dan Wildfong.

This week we welcomed the founder of the Winnsboro Hockey Club, Justin Duplantis

This week we welcome Coach Kurtis Elofson

This week we welcome the Executive Director of Dallas Stars Adaptive Sports, Andy Gibson and Director of Warrior Hockey, Frank Demma.