Let's Play Hockey

We discuss Game 1 between the Wild and Aves and preview Game 2. Was this the fastest hockey game since the Gold Medal game of the Olympics? Should the Wild have a different game plan for Game 2? How big are the absences of Eriksson Ek and Brodin? Should Hynes ride Wallstedt in Game 2? How do you contain the Avalanche's team speed?So many questions after a crazy Game 1 that saw 15 goals scored. Bryan Zollman, Brian Bonin and Tom Holler discuss Game 1 and look forward to Game 2

Bonin, Holler, and Zollman discuss the tourney from LPH Expo. Did their predictions come to fruition? Give a listen to find out. 

It's the best time of year and LPH breaks down Boys Section Hockey, and also discusses the Olympics and questions the 3-on-3 format in a Gold Medal game. 

We digest the phenomenal Olympic Gold win by the USA Men's Hockey Team and give our taks on epic morning of Sunday February 22, 2026. We also delve into the Minnesota Wild, the Quinn Hughes factor and whether he needs an enforcer to protect him come playoff time. We talk girls hockey post High School Girls Hockey season and Ms. Hockey Banquet. Don't miss this one!

Zolllman, Bonin, andin Holler discuss the announcement of USA Hockey's new development league, talk high school hockey and the Minnesota Wild. 

From Minnesota high school boys hockey to World Juniors buzz and a check-in on the Minnesota Wild, we break down what’s catching our attention and what fans should be watching right now. Quick takes, real reactions, and plenty of Minnesota hockey talk.

High school hockey players have been leaving early for juniors for three decades. The question that remains is...is it worth it? 

Bryan talks to CHL scout and former Mankato Maverick Ryan Rintoul about the current state of college hockey, the Canadian Junior A system, and the Landmark decision allowing CHL players to have NCAA eligibility.

Bryan Zollman flies solo while running the Let’s Play Hockey Expo with three distinguished guests. Tom Pederson founder Green Biscuits and former Jefferson, Gopher, and NHL player shares his career and revolutionary off-ice training product. Greg Glynn from Pliable Marketing explains the pathways for young hockey players to make NIL money. To round it out, Scott Bjugstad, former Gopher and Northstar, discusses his hockey career and shares shooting advice from the Scott Bjugstad shooting school.

In this episode of Let's Play Hockey, Bryan and Brian welcome special guest Lee Erickson (GM & Director of Hockey at Lumberyard Hockey Sports Center) for a deep dive into Minnesota's hockey scene. They discuss the impact of rink sizes on the game, how different ice surfaces shape a player's style, and the role of facilities like the Lumberyard Hockey and Sports center and Hippodrome in player development. The conversation takes a nostalgic turn with childhood hockey stories, highlighting the importance of teamwork over individual play. Whether you're a coach, player, hockey enthusiast or just love a good rink-side story, this episode is packed with insights and memories from the ice! 

In this episode of Let's Play Hockey, co-hosts Bryan and Brian dive into the heart of Minnesota High School Hockey. They break down the unique dynamics of the two-class system, explore the disparities between programs, and discuss what makes this state's hockey culture so special. The guys also tackle the mental side of the game, sharing insights on building confidence both on and off the ice. Plus, they touch on the positives and negatives of rollerblade cross-training during the off season to elevate performance and prevent burnout. Whether you're a player, coach, or fan, this episode is packed with valuable takeaways for anyone invested in high school hockey. Don't miss it! 

In this episode of Let's Play Hockey, cohosts Bryan and Brian sit down with former Minnesota Wild strength and conditioning coach and owner of Skahan Sports Conditioning, Sean Skahan to talk all things hockey strength training. With decades of experience working with athletes from youth level to the pros, Skahan shares his insights on how strength training can elevate performance at any stage of a hockey career. From stories of hardworking captains leading their teams to victory, to the challenges and rewards of training elite NHL players, Sean gives a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to build a strong team on and off the ice. Plus, he talks about his journey to writing a book that outlines his personal philosophies on strength and conditioning in the hockey world. Whether you're a player, coach, or fan, this conversation is packed with valuable lessons and inspiring stories you won't want to miss. Tune in now and get ready to level up your hockey game! 

The Guys discuss  the college hockey portal and youth hockey and the future of youth hockey.

it is the essential skill every player must have. Let's Play Hockey welcomes MINNESOTA WILD skating instructor Andy Ness to the show to talk about the importance of skating technique and how important skating is in becoming a complete hockey player. Andy dives deep into his experience working with some of the world's best skaters like MINNESOTA WILD star Kirill Kaprizov to provide insight on what separates some players form others, and also provides tips on how young players can work on improving their skating skills. 

With the puck about to drop on college hockey, Brian and Bryan discuss the college hockey landscape. With transfer portals, NIL money and now the current litigation of Canadian Hockey League players possibly becoming NCAA eligible, your college hockey is not your uncles' college hockey!

Zollman and Bonin's perspectives on summer hockey and summer training can be quite insightful, given their expertise. Let’s break down the pros and cons of summer hockey and training based on their views and general knowledge. Overall, Zollman and Bonin provide a balanced view of the benefits and drawbacks of summer hockey and training. It’s essential for players to weigh these factors and find a schedule that supports their development while maintaining overall enjoyment and being a kid. Also an inside look at T R Holler perspective on " The four S's that matter. Skill Skating Smarts Speed. NOT SIZE.

Riding the Tourney high, the guys cover hockey, hair, refs, and expo! There's too much to love from this year's tourney to have just one episode about it.

Bryan Zollman is joined by former Gopher, Hobey Baker winner Brian Bonin, and Pulltab Sports Editor-in-Chief and All Hockey Hair Team creator John King to talk all things Minnesota hockey! The guys are coming live from the Let’s Play Hockey Expo and are joined by USHL Vice President Ian Gentile.

Bryan Zollman is joined by former Gopher, Hobey Baker winner Brian Bonin, and Pulltab Sports Editor-in-Chief and All Hockey Hair Team creator John King to talk all things Minnesota hockey! Hear the wrap up of the girls tournament, Mr. and Ms. Hockey Awards, and boys sectionals!

Bryan Zollman is joined by former Gopher, Hobey Baker winner Brian Bonin, and Pulltab Sports Editor-in-Chief and All Hockey Hair Team creator John King to talk all things Minnesota hockey! Why are sectionals better than the actual tournament and what restructuring needs to be done to create a even but competitive playing field?

The Let’s Play Hockey pod takes a solo lap making its debut as a show! Bryan Zollman is joined by former Gopher, Hobey Baker winner, White Bear Lake legend and Hill Murray hockey dad Brian Bonin, and Pulltab Sports Editor-in-Chief and All Hockey Hair Team creator John King. The guys discuss Minnetonka’s super team, recruiting, the changing landscape of high school hockey, and the P-Dub’s promising start.