Rinkside

Rinkside hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves sit down with Greg Skotnicki, Executive Director of Ottawa’s Maverick Volleyball Club, to talk growth, athlete development, and creating a positive, competitive environment for players and families.

In this week's episode of Rinkside, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves sit down with Patrick Grandmaître, the coach of the University of Ottawa men's hockey team. With a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success, Grandmaître shares his journey in transforming the U of O hockey program and the invaluable lessons he's learned along the way.

Emma Miskew reflects on Team Homan’s Olympic Trials experience, breaking down the pressure, emotions, and challenges that led them to qualify for the Olympics in Italy.

In this week’s episode of Rinkside, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew sit down with veteran hockey scout Justin Sproule.Justin opens up about what scouts actually look for in young athletes hint: it’s not goals, flash, or TikTok moves. From compete level and hockey sense, to character, accountability, and resiliency, he breaks down the true building blocks of long-term success.The trio also dives into youth sports trends, early specialization, development burnout, analytics, multi-sport benefits, and the role parents play (and how they can sometimes sink a player’s future without even knowing it).

What’s harder: coaching Olympic athletes or coaching kids? Ryan Fry has done both, and he joins Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves to break down the surprising similarities. From managing emotions to building confidence and choosing the right moment to give feedback, this episode dives into the coaching skills that matter most.Plus, Emma and Ryan share their own stories from the ice, and from the car rides home.

Join Olympic curler Emma Miskew and sports insider Ryan Steeves as they chat with former NHL player Brendan Bell about youth sports and the role of parent coaching. Tune in for expert insights and valuable advice!

Rinkside is back for Season 2! Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves return to the mic to share what’s new, what’s changed, and what they’ve been up to since you last heard them.

In this special episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew tackle topics submitted by you, the listeners. From team dynamics to selection politics, they dive into the real-life pressures athletes face—like whether chemistry or individual skill matters more, the stress of performance anxiety, and the tough decisions young athletes make when chasing opportunity in bigger cities. It's an honest, wide-ranging conversation rooted in your questions, with one constant theme: the joy of playing, and the importance of enjoying the ride—not just chasing the result.Chapters00:00 Welcome and Current Sports Buzz03:02 Fan Questions and Team Building Dynamics05:57 Team Selection: Skill vs. Chemistry09:06 The Importance of Team Dynamics12:01 Curling Team Dynamics and Player Selection14:58 Managing Team Changes and Chemistry18:02 Performance Anxiety and Game Day Concerns20:40 Navigating Pre-Game Anxiety23:03 The Importance of First Shifts24:54 Recreational Play and Competitive Pressure29:03 The Pressure to Move for Success33:02 Finding Success Locally vs. Moving37:05 The Importance of Enjoying the Game

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the complexities of social media in the context of youth sports, featuring guest Jess Szabo, the VP of Marketing for The Curling Group. They explore how young athletes can navigate social media positively, the importance of authenticity, and the challenges of managing online presence. They also address how parents can support their children in building a personal brand while dealing with negative comments and the pressures of social media.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Social Media in Sports02:45 The Role of Social Media for Athletes05:33 Building a Personal Brand Online08:33 Authenticity vs. Perfection in Social Media11:35 Navigating Social Media as Young Athletes17:51 Navigating Hate in Social Media21:38 Choosing the Right Social Media Platform24:09 Parental Involvement in Athlete Branding26:07 The Impact of Social Media on Young Athletes29:54 Tips for Parents and Young Athletes32:21 Embracing Authenticity in Content Creation34:04 Navigating Social Media in Youth Sports36:48 Building Confidence Through Authenticity38:15 Empowering Young Athletes in the Digital Age

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew welcome Greg Pollock from Gladiator Strength and Conditioning to discuss the importance of strength training for athletes, particularly during the off-season. Greg shares insights on how to structure training programs for young athletes, the importance of balancing strength and skill, and innovative techniques such as mobility and breathing exercises. The conversation also touches on the transition from training to coaching and the impact of Gladiator Strength and Conditioning on the local community.Chapters00:00 The Off-Season Journey02:51 Training Dynamics and Goals05:54 Finesse and Physicality in Sports08:47 Individual Training Needs11:56 Expert Guidance for Young Athletes12:38 Introduction to Gladiator Strength and Conditioning14:24 The Influence of Martial Arts on Training17:15 Transitioning into Coaching and Early Experiences20:16 Training Young Athletes: Techniques and Philosophy24:16 Injury Prevention and Proper Technique27:15 Off-Season Training Strategies31:16 In-Season Training and Maintenance34:08 Innovative Training Techniques: Mobility and Breathing37:15 Expansion and New Facilities

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the importance of injury prevention in sports with physiotherapist Paul Colebrook. They discuss the significance of assessments, the multidisciplinary approach to injury management, and the evolving strategies for recovery. The conversation highlights the challenges faced by young athletes, the impact of asymmetries in sports, and the necessity of tailored strength programs. They also touch on the trends in youth sports injuries and the benefits of multi-sport participation.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Overview of Injury Prevention01:25 The Role of Physiotherapy in Injury Prevention03:54 Multidisciplinary Approach at Auto Orthopedic Center06:19 Managing Youth Sports Injuries08:54 Evolving Approaches to Injury Recovery11:10 Addressing Asymmetries in Sports13:42 Trends in Youth Sports Injuries16:21 Youth Athlete Screening and Assessment20:32 Injury Trends in Contact Sports23:15 Preventing Injuries in Contact Sports24:56 Passion for Sports and Athlete Treatment25:40 Multi-Sport vs. Single-Sport Athletes

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew share their journeys in sports, discussing their backgrounds in curling and hockey, the importance of teamwork, the highs and lows of competition, and the lessons learned from both victories and defeats. They reflect on Olympic experiences, the pressure of performance, and the significance of enjoying the journey as athletes. The conversation emphasizes the value of resilience, growth, and the bonds formed within teams, ultimately highlighting that success is not solely defined by medals but by the experiences and relationships built along the way.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds02:16 Emma's Journey in Curling04:59 Ryan's Hockey Beginnings09:58 The Importance of Resilience in Sports14:59 Team Dynamics and Relationships18:18 Transitioning to Women's Curling22:36 The NHL Combine Experience25:53 Draft Day Disappointment and Lessons Learned27:32 The Journey to Signing an NHL Contract31:09 Emma's Path to Olympic Success33:06 The Pressure of Olympic Expectations35:20 Facing Media Pressure and Performance Anxiety36:57 Post-Olympic Reflection and Growth40:30 Managing Pressure and Enjoying the Moment

SummaryIn this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the importance of creating inclusive sports environments for children with disabilities and neurodivergent individuals. They are joined by Dr. Amy Latimer-Cheung, who shares her research on quality participation in sports and the building blocks necessary for creating positive experiences. The conversation emphasizes the role of coaches in fostering inclusivity and adapting their strategies to meet the diverse needs of all athletes.Chapters00:00 Creating Inclusive Sports Environments02:49 Understanding Quality Participation08:22 Building Blocks of Quality Participation14:05 Coaching for Inclusivity19:51 Transformational Leadership in Coaching25:02 Innovative Approaches to Coaching27:08 The Possibilities of Sport for All

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew engage in a comprehensive discussion with Thomas Muir, a high-performance coach at the West Ottawa Soccer Club. They explore the landscape of youth soccer in Canada, focusing on the Ontario Provincial Development League (OPDL), the transition from player to coach, and the unique challenges faced by non-parent coaches. The conversation delves into the importance of player development over winning, the role of parents in youth sports, and the benefits of multi-sport participation for young athletes. Thomas shares insights on how to keep athletes engaged and the future of soccer in Canada, emphasizing the need for a supportive environment that fosters growth and passion for the sport.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Seasonal Transition02:52 Exploring Youth Soccer Coaching04:15 Understanding the Ontario Player Development League04:15 Introduction to Soccer Coaching in Ottawa07:00 Thomas's Journey in Soccer09:58 Transitioning from Player to Coach12:56 The Challenges of Coaching Youth15:50 Navigating Parent-Child Dynamics in Coaching18:55 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports21:47 Concluding Thoughts on Coaching and Development24:35 Navigating Coaching Challenges25:47 The Importance of Player Development27:29 Balancing Individual and Team Goals29:50 Understanding Competition and Development34:33 The Role of Multi-Sport Participation39:28 Addressing Financial Barriers in Youth Sports

SummaryIn this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew engage with Tim Powers, discussing the profound impact of sports on personal and professional life. They explore Tim's journey from being a national-level rugby player to his current role with the Canadian Olympic Committee. The conversation highlights the importance of grassroots development, the balance between performance and participation, and the role of social media in shaping the athlete experience. Tim emphasizes the need for youth to engage in multiple sports and the value of coaching in fostering a love for the game.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Personal Updates02:29 The Impact of Sport on Life05:01 Transitioning from Player to Administrator07:43 Balancing Performance and Participation10:28 Grassroots Development in Sports13:15 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports16:01 Promoting Rugby to Families18:31 Accessibility and Community in Rugby21:29 The Impact of Rugby on Youth and Community24:07 The Role of Social Media in Sports27:07 The Evolution of Athlete Representation and Rights28:56 Insights from the Canadian Olympic Committee35:46 Coaching and Mentorship in Youth Sports

In this episode of Rinkside, Ryan Steeves and guest co-host Eric Macramalla cover youth sports, focusing on tryouts, player development, and the emotional challenges faced by young athletes. They discuss the importance of proper placement in sports, the impact of social media on youth sports culture, and the need for transparency in coaching decisions. The conversation emphasizes the significance of fostering a positive relationship between children and their sports, ensuring that the focus remains on enjoyment and growth rather than solely on competition.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Co-Host Dynamics01:57 The Art of Unprepared Conversations03:25 Navigating Tryouts: Insights and Experiences07:12 Sorting Out Players: The Right Level Matters11:25 Building Relationships Through Sports15:01 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports18:38 Evaluating Talent: The Tryout Dilemma22:41 Inclusivity in Sports: Casting a Wider Net23:48 The Dynamics of Team Changes in Youth Sports25:51 The Impact of Parental Expectations on Youth Athletes28:50 Understanding the Role of Fun in Youth Sports31:07 The Cost of Youth Sports: A Parent's Perspective34:05 The Dangers of Overemphasis on Competition35:45 The Influence of Social Media on Youth Sports39:28 Consumption vs. Learning in Youth Sports

In this episode, Ryan Steeves and Emma Miskew discuss the pressures faced by athletes in high-stakes situations, particularly in professional sports. They explore the psychological aspects of performance under pressure, the impact of fan expectations, and the importance of support systems. The conversation delves into mental strategies for handling pressure, the role of coaches, and the significance of resilience and self-forgiveness in sports. They also touch on the challenges of perfectionism and how to train young athletes to cope with pressure effectively.Chapters00:00 Introduction to High-Performance Pressure02:32 The Impact of Pressure on Performance05:27 Understanding the 'It Factor' in Athletes08:05 The Role of Mental Preparation10:35 Fan Expectations and Athlete Performance13:29 The Human Side of Athletes15:59 Training Under Pressure20:26 The Psychology of Performance Under Pressure23:01 Training Techniques for Pressure Management25:47 The Impact of Parental Influence on Athletes30:12 Coping with Pressure in Sports35:25 Building Resilience and Support in Young AthletesFrom grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.Follow Rinkside PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinksidepodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tBBhYO6q3u8IyQVOrk9C0?si=37408da8ea704f2e&nd=1&dlsi=7391af3161294056Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rinkside/id1796037246

In this episode, Ryan and Emma discuss the evolving landscape of youth sports, particularly focusing on baseball. They are joined by Brian Storseth, who shares insights from his extensive experience in youth baseball coaching and administration. The conversation covers various themes including the importance of affordability and accessibility in youth sports, the benefits of multi-sport participation, the challenges posed by specialization, and the significance of fostering a positive team culture. Brian emphasizes the need for injury prevention and long-term athlete development, while also highlighting the growth of girls' baseball programs. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of youth baseball and the importance of creating a supportive environment for young athletes.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Youth Sports and Coaching03:29 The Role of Affordability in Youth Baseball06:11 Accessibility and Retention in Youth Sports08:48 Balancing Multi-Sport Participation11:27 The Importance of Fun and Team Dynamics14:15 Injury Prevention and Overuse in Youth Baseball22:03 Building Arm Strength in Young Athletes26:49 Long-Term Athlete Development in Baseball33:40 Challenges Facing Youth Baseball38:00 Empowering Girls in Baseball

Why are so many young girls dropping out of sport—and what can we do to stop it?In this candid episode, Emma opens up about what it’s really like to grow up as a girl in the world of competitive sport. From being told to “smile more” on the ice to having her achievements reduced to comments on her appearance, Emma shares her personal experiences of gender bias, burnout, and the invisible pressures that female athletes face every day.Alongside Ryan, they explore the social and systemic reasons behind the high dropout rate in girls’ sports, the importance of supportive coaching, and the role of women in leadership and visibility—from Curling Canada to the NHL.If you’re a coach, parent, or young athlete, this episode is an essential listen on how we can build a more equal, empowering future for girls in sport.⏱️ Timestamps00:00 – Intro: Why This Topic Matters00:42 – Growing Up in Sport as a Girl01:53 – Coaching Girls vs. Coaching Boys03:15 – Emma’s Early Experiences with Criticism04:30 – “Smile More”: The Gendered Feedback Gap06:07 – Going Viral for Pushing Back07:12 – Media Bias: Appearance Over Achievement08:52 – Social Media Comments & Gendered Narratives10:56 – Abuse & Anxiety in the Spotlight12:42 – The Impact of Online Criticism on Young Girls13:34 – Why Fewer Parents Encourage Girls to Compete14:14 – Sacrifice, Social Struggles & Isolation15:36 – The Dropout Rate: 1 in 3 Girls Leave Sport16:35 – Sport Builds Confidence, Leadership, and Life Skills17:51 – Emma on Learning Resilience Through Sport18:49 – The Investment Gap & Lack of Opportunity20:01 – The Rise of the PWHL & Community Support21:37 – Curling's Progress Toward Equal Pay22:58 – Revenue, ROI & Changing the Conversation23:55 – Cultural Shifts in Women’s Sport (WNBA, PWHL, NCAA)25:29 – Why Strength Doesn’t Tell the Whole Story26:56 – Playing Men's Teams: What It Reveals28:12 – The Power of Representation in Coaching & Leadership29:29 – Why More Women in Leadership Matters31:17 – Cathy Henderson, Curling Canada & Hockey Canada33:30 – Emma’s Message to Young Girls in Sport34:32 – The Friendship, Growth & Rewards Sport Can Offer36:06 – Closing Advice: If You Love It, Keep GoingFrom grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.Follow Rinkside PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinksidepodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tBBhYO6q3u8IyQVOrk9C0?si=37408da8ea704f2e&nd=1&dlsi=7391af3161294056Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rinkside/id1796037246

How young is too young to start lifting?This week on Rinkside, Emma and Ryan sit down with Andre Signoretti—former pro hockey player and co-owner of Ottawa’s Fitness Lab—to unpack the myths, realities, and best practices around strength and conditioning for youth athletes.Andre shares the difference between training right and training early, explains why mobility and movement quality come before heavy lifting, and discusses how to avoid the all-too-common injuries caused by ego or overtraining. Whether your child is chasing a scholarship or simply wants to feel strong and confident, this episode delivers insight for athletes, coaches, and sport parents alike.Emma also reflects on how her own strength training journey helped transform her curling career, and the hosts explore how strength, recovery, and confidence go hand in hand—at any age.Timestamps00:00 – Intro: The Physical Side of Sport00:47 – Meet Andre Signoretti: From Pro Hockey to Fitness Lab02:24 – How Andre Fell Into Personal Training04:11 – Emma’s Experience: Changing Positions, Changing Strength04:39 – Lifting as a Youth Athlete: Then vs. Now06:05 – Foundational Movement vs Heavy Weights07:04 – Why Proper Form Comes First08:17 – Individual Assessments & Mobility Testing09:26 – Managing Overload & Early Specialization10:58 – Balancing Strength Training with Multi-Sport Schedules12:08 – Peer Pressure, Comparison, and Gym Culture13:42 – “Less Is More” for Growing Athletes14:13 – Sport-Specific vs. Strength-Specific Training15:00 – Setting Expectations: Measurable Results for Youth16:55 – What Gains Look Like: Power, Pushups, Chin-Ups17:17 – The Importance of Mobility for Injury Prevention18:50 – Stretching, Recovery & Long-Term Habits20:04 – Teaching Ownership: Self-Guided Mobility in Kids21:24 – NCAA Model & College Hockey Conditioning22:00 – Development over Destination23:04 – Training as Life Prep, Not Just Sport Prep24:44 – Building Confidence Through Competence25:15 – The Value of Guided, Supervised Strength Training27:31 – Learning It Late vs. Learning It Right29:15 – Adding Strength Doesn’t Mean Adding Stress30:25 – Closing Thoughts: Development, Balance, and Self-ComparisonFrom grassroots to greatness, hosts Emma Miskew and Ryan Steeves dive into the world of youth and competitive sports, on and off the ice. With honest, insightful conversations, they explore coaching, performance, mental health, parenting, and the real-life stories that shape athletes at every level.Whether you're a coach, athlete, parent, or passionate fan, Ringside brings you closer to the moments that matter—from the first team practice to the world stage.Follow Rinkside PodcastInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/rinksidepodcast/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6tBBhYO6q3u8IyQVOrk9C0?si=37408da8ea704f2e&nd=1&dlsi=7391af3161294056Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/rinkside/id1796037246#sportperformance #youthsports