Vegas Rinkside Rundown

S2: Episode 32: A Battle on Ice: Vegas State Championship Insights

Join Jim and Ron in this action-packed episode of Vegas Ringside Rundown as they dive deep into the intense state championship clash between the Vegas Junior Golden Knights and the Storm. They provide a thorough play-by-play recount of the thrilling match, highlighting key plays and standout performances from both sides.
The hosts discuss the strategic decisions made by the coaching staff, player performances, and the intense atmosphere on the ice. Special attention is given to coaching dynamics, player substitutions, and the excitement surrounding the power plays and penalty kills.
In addition to the championship game, Jim and Ron share updates from other hockey events, including results from the Vegas youth teams competing in national tournaments and the impact of player development initiatives in the region. They also delve into the community's response to the recent charity efforts to support a local player, showcasing the powerful bond within the Vegas hockey scene.
Tune in for expert analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and all the rinkside drama you won't want to miss!
 
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S2 Episode 31: Navigating Youth Hockey Choices: Insights and Challenges

In this episode of Vegas Ringside Rundown, hosts Jim and Ron, along with guest Nate Scully, engage in an in-depth discussion about the current state and intricacies of youth hockey in Vegas and beyond. They revisit the ongoing conversation from the previous week, focusing on the importance of making the right team choices and the factors influencing them.
The episode offers insights into the latter half of the hockey season, discussing upcoming tournaments, including the Dixon Cup in Troy, Michigan, and the challenges teams face in gearing up for playoffs. Through an engaging dialogue, the hosts explore critical aspects such as the significance of ice time for young players, the necessity of a good relationship with coaches, and how early tryouts in Vegas could impact player development.
Listeners will also hear about the benefits and drawbacks of playing different sports during the off-season, advice from a Division I head of scouting on the importance of ice time over the level of competition, and reflections on past personal experiences from the hosts and their families.
In the latter part of the episode, the team touches on heartwarming stories of success and community support within the hockey community, including how parents and coaches can contribute to a better environment for youth players. The episode wraps with a heartfelt message about a young player’s fight against leukemia and how the local hockey community can support him and his family. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the youth hockey landscape in Las Vegas and learn how coaches, parents, and players can work together to foster growth and success in sports.
 
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Season 2 Episode 30: Vegas Ringside Rundown Returns with a New Year Special

In this exciting episode of Vegas Ringside Rundown, hosts Jim and Ron kick off the new year with vibrant discussions and special guest Nathan Scully. The episode dives into Vegas hockey's old-school charm, discussions about local youth teams, and the ongoing challenges they face.
Listeners will learn about UNLV's monumental victory over Denver University, which is hailed as one of the biggest upsets in college hockey history. The episode explores what this means for the UNLV program and the potential ripple effects on future recruits and the move towards establishing a Division 1 team.
Jim, Ron, and Nathan also discuss the dynamics between Vegas youth hockey teams like VGK and the Storm, emphasizing the importance of inter-team matchups and the potential hurdles of organizational pride. They encourage more cross-town games and practices to benefit player development and community spirit.
As always, the episode includes 'Across the Ice,' where they cover scores and highlights from recent games including youth teams, Reno Ice performances, and Faith's journey in the California League. Dive into this episode for a comprehensive overview of Vegas hockey at all levels, from grassroots to college stardom.
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Episode W-004: Coach's Masterclass with Las Vegas Ice Warriors 14U Head Coach Tim Fassette

Join us on "Vegas Rinkside Rundown" for an insightful masterclass with Tim Fassette, head coach of the Las Vegas Ice Warriors 14U B team. In this episode, Tim shares his unique journey from securing an academic scholarship at Ohio State to playing college hockey, and now, shaping the future of hockey in Las Vegas. He dives deep into the essentials of coaching, emphasizing the importance of structure, hockey IQ, and tailored player development. Tim discusses how he helps players transition from house league to competitive travel hockey, the significance of understanding each player's role within the team, and the balance between passion for the sport and academic focus. This masterclass is packed with advice on fostering a positive team culture, the realities of youth sports aspirations, and practical tips for both players and parents. Whether you're involved in hockey or any competitive sport, Tim's insights on coaching philosophy, player psychology, and personal growth are invaluable.
 
Contact Us: For more insights or to ask Tim your hockey-related questions, email us at info@vegasringside.com.
 
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Episode 29: Pucks, Players, and Progress

Welcome to "Vegas Rinkside Rundown," where hosts Jim and Ron dive into the vibrant world of hockey in Las Vegas. Each episode offers an in-depth look at local youth hockey, from house leagues at America First Center to travel teams competing nationwide. This podcast features exclusive interviews with coaches like Wally Lacroix from the Vegas Junior Golden Knights, providing insights into team dynamics, player development, and the unique challenges and joys of growing hockey in the desert. Listeners get a comprehensive rundown of weekend games, scores, standout performances, and upcoming events like the NHAH camp and various local tournaments. Whether you're a parent, player, or hockey enthusiast, this podcast serves as your go-to source for all things related to Vegas youth hockey, offering educational content, community news, and a platform for discussing the sport's growth and culture in Las Vegas. Tune in for updates, educational segments, and the latest on how hockey is shaping the lives of young athletes in the city.
 
Contact Us: For questions, comments, or to get involved with the show, email us at info@vegasringside.com (mailto:info@vegasringside.com).

Episode W-003: Coach’s Masterclass with Justin Walters (18U HC) – Building Champions Beyond the Rink: A Strength Coach’s Perspective

Join us for an insightful episode of the Vegas Rinkside Rundown with strength and conditioning coach Justin Walters from the Monument Hockey Club. In this special Coach's Master Class, Justin shares his extensive experience across various sports, detailing his journey from high school sports to professional leagues including MLB, NBA, WNBA, and the Olympics. He discusses the critical aspects of athletic development, focusing on how tailored strength and conditioning programs can dramatically improve performance, especially in the high-stakes environment of youth hockey. Learn about the unique challenges of training for hockey, such as dealing with altitude, the importance of off-ice training, and how data-driven approaches can lead to fewer injuries and better on-ice results. Justin also imparts wisdom on fostering not just athletes, but well-rounded individuals through sports, emphasizing the values of hard work, community, and personal growth. This episode is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and young athletes looking to understand the synergy between physical training, mental resilience, and personal development in sports.
 
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Episode 28: From Practice to Playoffs: A Week in Vegas Hockey

This week's "Vegas Rinkside Rundown" hosted by Jim and Ron dives into the vibrant world of local and travel hockey. The episode begins with an overview of youth practices at City National Arena, spotlighting the 12U and 14U teams.
 
The podcast then transitions to "Across the Ice," where they review the standout performances from the Tulsa Winter Classic, with the Vegas Junior Golden Knights teams excelling in their divisions. Listeners get an update on upcoming tournaments, including the team's trip to the cold of Blaine, Minnesota, where they'll face stiff competition.
 
A detailed recap of the recent matches highlights the intense local rivalry between the Storm and VGK teams, showcasing a one-goal game at America First Center. The hosts share insights from their Denver trip, discussing games against the Rampage and Thunderbirds, alongside updates on injuries like Ethan's unfortunate wrist break.
 
UNLV's impressive twelve-game winning streak in college hockey gets its moment, with upcoming challenges against top Division I teams. The episode also covers the Faith Lutheran teams' dominance in the Anaheim Ducks High School League in California.
 
Lastly, the hosts introduce exclusive interviews with coaches Justin Walters of the Monument Hockey Club and Tim Fassette of the Ice Warriors, offering deep dives into coaching philosophies and player development. This episode encapsulates the passion, challenges, and community spirit of Vegas hockey.
 
For more insights, stories, or to share your hockey experiences, reach out to us at info@vegasrinkside.com or visit our website at www.vegasrinkside.com.

Episode 27: Rinkside Reflections: A Thanksgiving Hockey Story

Welcome to the "Vegas Rinkside Rundown" podcast, where hosts Jim and Ron bring you the latest in youth and college hockey in Las Vegas. In this episode, we dive into the thrilling world of local hockey with a mix of Thanksgiving reflections, tournament recaps, and exciting previews of upcoming games.
 
We start with personal anecdotes, sharing how both hosts spent their Thanksgiving, highlighting the joy of family time and the excitement of the hockey season. The episode then transitions into the heart of the action, detailing the performances of various local teams at tournaments like the Mile High Invitational and Silver Sticks. The 12U, 14U, and 19U girls teams from the Vegas Junior Golden Knights showed their prowess, with some teams reaching the finals but facing stiff competition from teams like the Arapahoe Lady Warriors.
 
The Las Vegas Ice Warriors also made headlines by going undefeated at the Arizona Turkey Shootout, capturing the spirit of victory for the 14U team. The episode also celebrates the Storm 12U boys team's streak, having won all five tournaments they've entered this year.
 
Looking ahead, we preview the VGK 15U AAA team's trip to Denver, where they'll face off against formidable opponents like the Rampage and Thunderbirds. We also touch on UNLV's upcoming hockey games and the community's involvement through listener questions for upcoming coach interviews.
 
Join us by visiting our website at www.vegasrinkside.com for more updates, or interact with us directly via email at info@vegasrinkside.com (mailto:info@vegasrinkside.com). Follow us on X, Instagram, or join our community on our dedicated Facebook group for all things Vegas hockey.
 
Tune in for your weekly dose of hockey stories, insights, and celebrations, only on "Vegas Rinkside Rundown"!

Episode 26: Gobble Up the Ice: A Thanksgiving Hockey Feast

Vegas Rinkside Rundown Thanksgiving Special Summary
In this Thanksgiving episode, hosts Jim and Ron delve into the vibrant hockey culture of Las Vegas. They discuss UNLV's 3-0 hockey weekend, highlighting their collegiate success. The Henderson Force's competitive series against the Lake Tahoe Lakers is analyzed, showcasing the intensity of hockey.
We feature young players Oakley and Eddie, who share their journey into hockey, emphasizing the sport's growth at the grassroots level. Coach Wally LaCroix joins to discuss recent games, including a notable incident with a goalie's helmet, offering insights into player and referee dynamics.
The show also explores the development of girls' hockey with coaches Ryan Madison and Matt Coles, who share their experiences and the opportunities for female players. Upcoming tournaments like Silver Stick and NGHL are previewed, focusing on team preparation and development.
The episode concludes with reflections on coaching strategies, the importance of practice, and how Thanksgiving brings the hockey community together.
 
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Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

Episode 25: Rink Roundup: The Fall Classic Frenzy in Vegas and Beyond!

Welcome to the Vegas Rinkside Rundown, where hockey takes center ice in the desert city! Each episode, your hosts Jim and Ron dive deep into the heart of Vegas hockey culture, bringing you the latest scores, player performances, and behind-the-scenes insights that every hockey enthusiast craves.
 
In this episode, we lace up our skates and hit the ice running with a detailed recap of the thrilling My Weekend Hockey Fall Classic. We've got exclusive scores, unexpected victories, and highlight moments that had the crowds roaring. From the fierce battles of Bishop Gorman's D1 team clinching yet another banner to the spirited play of the Vegas Junior Golden Knights, you'll hear firsthand about the local heroes on ice.
 
We're not just about the games; we delve into the community's heart, discussing critical topics like whether to stay local or venture out for hockey development. Hear about the experiences of players who've moved away, and what local coaching legends like Matt Johnson have to say about nurturing talent right here in Vegas.
 
Our episode also features a special segment, "Across the Ice," where we tour through the latest scores and standout moments from various teams across different levels, celebrating not just the victories but the spirit of hockey that thrives in Las Vegas.
 
Whether you're a parent, a coach, a player, or just a fan of the game, "Vegas Rinkside Rundown" connects you to the pulse of Vegas hockey. We're here to answer your questions, share your stories, and keep you updated with the vibrant hockey scene.
 
Missed a game? Want to know more about a player's journey? Or perhaps you have suggestions for our next guest or topic? Reach out to us. Your voice matters in our rinkside community.
 
Website: www.vegasrinkside.com
Email: info@vegasrinkside.com (mailto:info@vegasrinkside.com)
 
Don't miss out on the action, the stories, and the passion for hockey in Vegas. Subscribe, listen, and join the conversation with Jim and Ron on Vegas Rinkside Rundown. Whether you're looking to get involved or just stay updated, we're your go-to source for all things hockey in the Vegas area. Let's keep the spirit of the game alive together!