- 29
- Episodes
- 11
- Ratings
- Bi-weekly
- Cadence
- 2025
- First episode
About Sharpening Your Edge
Welcome to Sharpening Your Edge — the ultimate deep dive into the world of hockey, where we go beyond the ice. Chuck Verdolino, founder and lead instructor at CV3 Hockey Development. I played Tier 1 hockey through 18 on Long Island, competed at the USA Hockey Select 15 National Camp, captained my high school team to a New York State Championship appearance, and later served as a GM in pro hockey. Now, I’m bringing that lifetime of experience to the mic. Chuck sits down and brings you candid conversations with elite coaches, performance specialists, and hockey minds at every level to dig into what truly drives development — from mindset and leadership to training, nutrition, and recovery. This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
- Publisher
- CV3
- Category
- health & fitness · health & fitness · sports
- Language
- en
- Explicit
- No
- First episode
- 15 Sept 2025
- Latest episode
- 12 Oct 2026
Latest episodes
29 episodes in the feed.
12 Oct 2026
"The Journey and Its Rewards" with Elite Coach and Author Gordie Stafford
In this episode of Sharpening Your Edge, Chuck sits down with legendary hockey coach, former professional player, mindset specialist, and author Gordie Stafford. From growing up in Banff, Alberta, and playing professional hockey to building a championship culture at Shattuck-Saint Mary’s, Stafford shares the experiences and philosophies that have shaped his remarkable career. Coach Stafford dives deep into the importance of development over outcomes, building a sustainable championship culture, coachability, authenticity, and the power of incremental improvement. He also explores the mental side of adolescent athletes, reframing frustration as an opportunity for growth, and why parents and coaches should prioritize unconditional support over results. Drawing from his book The Journey and Its Rewards: Stories and Observations from a Lifetime in Hockey, Stafford shares lessons from working with some of hockey’s greatest players, including Brianna Decker, the Lamoureux twins, and Amanda Kessel. It’s an insightful conversation about competition, selfless teammates, intrinsic motivation, and ultimately learning to enjoy the journey—not just chasing the destination. Bio On this episode of Sharpening Your Edge, Chuck is joined by Gordie Stafford, a former professional hockey player, longtime English teacher, elite coach, author, and mindset and mental performance specialist. Born in Banff, Alberta, Gordie’s hockey journey included professional seasons in the WHL, CHL, and IHL, primarily with the Milwaukee Admirals. While playing professionally, he earned a Master’s degree in Human Development and Learning with an emphasis in Adolescent Motivation from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Stafford has spent much of his career at Shattuck-St. Mary’s School in Faribault, Minnesota, one of the world’s premier hockey development programs. He joined the school in 2000 and became Director of Girls’ Hockey in 2004. Under his leadership, the girls’ program has captured 17 USA Hockey National Championships, including 10 by the U19 Prep team, while Stafford has accumulated more than 1,000 career wins in USA Hockey Girls Tier 1 competition. Today, he serves as Shattuck-St. Mary’s Mindset and Mental Performance Coach. The program’s alumni include NHL stars Sidney Crosby, Jonathan Toews, Zach Parise, Nathan MacKinnon, Macklin Celebrini, and Stafford’s son, Drew Stafford, along with Olympic standouts Monique and Jocelyne Lamoureux, Brianna Decker, Amanda Kessel, Blayre Turnbull, Aerin Frankel, Hannah Bilka, and countless NCAA and professional players. Beyond championships and player development, Stafford has built his career around helping athletes develop the mindset, character, resilience, and life skills needed to succeed. Those lessons are central to his book, The Journey and Its Rewards: Stories and Observations from a Lifetime in Hockey, where he shares stories and insights on teamwork, leadership, mentorship, resilience, learning from both wins and losses, and why true success is measured by growth and effort—not simply trophies. Stafford also shares his expertise through Mosaic Sport Psychology, working with athletes, coaches, and organizations on mindset and mental performance. A proud husband, father, and grandfather, Gordie brings decades of experience as a player, teacher, coach, mentor, and hockey parent to Sharpening Your Edge, offering a unique perspective on player development and the lessons that make the journey—and not just the destination—the greatest reward. This episode is proudly sponsored by Official Partner of the Sharpening Your Edge Podcast, Roster Hub (https://rosterhub.app/) Most team management apps stop at schedules and rosters. RosterHub was built by coaches who needed more than that. You can break down game film with drawing tools and voiceover, diagram plays on a digital whiteboard, assign and track fitness programs, manage your team budget and coordinate carpools and volunteers. There's even a global game finder that connects you with opponents nearby — and for hockey teams, it ties right into MyHockeyRankings to identify the perfect opponent. All that plus the stuff you'd expect — scheduling, roster management, announcements and reminders. RosterHub is one app that covers the full coaching job, not just the administration. Create your account at rosterhub.app and download today on iOS and Android. Your first month is free — open the iOS App Store, tap your profile, tap Redeem Code and enter CV3ONEMONTH. Check out RosterHub today! Play It Again Sports Newark When the ice calls, you answer. But to answer, you need the right gear. Play It Again Sports Newark has everything you need to take your game to the next level. From quality used gear at a great price to get you started, to top of the line new products for your semi-pro tournament season, Play It Again Sports Newark has you covered. Expert advice, custom fittings, gear that works as hard as you do, not to mention on demand skate sharpening services, their team will make sure you have what you need to dominate the ice. Plus, save even more when you sell them the gear you no longer need. We all know hockey is expensive, so buy more while paying less at Play It Again Sports Newark. Tell them you heard it from us and get an extra 15% off with code EDGE15 Hockey Wrap Around Hey everyone, it's Lee Elias from Hockey Wraparound. If you've been listening to Sharpening Your Edge for a while, you've probably heard our ads before, but I wanted to jump in personally because we've added a lot since you may have last checked us out. We've still got our original Wraparound blade protectors, our Puckaround training pucks, and now our team-inspired Blade Shades sunglasses that hockey fans have been loving. So do me a favor—head over to HockeyWraparound.com, take a look around, and see what's new. And while you're there, use promo code CV3 to save 15% on all Hockey Wraparound products. --- Looking to improve your game off the ice? Hockey Wraparound has the training tools to help you get more reps anytime, anywhere. Check out the original Wraparound blade protector, the Puckaround training puck, team-inspired Blade Shades sunglasses, and more. Visit HockeyWraparound.com and use promo code CV3 to save 15% on all Hockey Wraparound products. For more Sharpening Your Edge episodes, go to https://cv3hockeydevelopment.com/podcast/ (https://cv3hockeydevelopment.com/podcast/) This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
28 Sept 2026
“Fuel Better, Play Better: Nutrition for Hockey Players” with Val Hannahs
In this episode of Sharpening Your Edge, sports dietitian Val Hannahs joins Chuck to break down what it really takes to fuel a hockey player for performance, recovery, and long-term development. From early-morning games and demanding tournament schedules to hydration, electrolytes, protein, and supplements, Val provides practical strategies that athletes and families can actually use. They also explore the unique nutritional needs of young and female hockey players, the dangers of under-fueling during growth, and how parents can help athletes develop independence and healthy food habits. Most importantly, Val explains why nutrition shouldn’t make an athlete’s life more complicated—it should make it better. Bio Val Hannahs is a sports dietitian with 20 years of experience in sports nutrition. She has worked in a variety of clinical and sports nutrition settings and as a consultant with athletes since 2006. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Dietetics and a Master’s degree in Exercise Science and Health Promotion. Val has worked with athletes across a variety of sports and levels, from youth and developing athletes to those competing at the elite level, including her work with IMG Academy +, where she serves as Manager of Performance Nutrition. Over the past five years, she has focused on growing her sports nutrition private practice, with a particular focus on ice hockey athletes. As an athlete herself and a busy mom of three athletes, two of whom play hockey, Val understands sports nutrition from both professional and real-life perspectives. She not only teaches athletes what they need to fuel but has also tested these strategies through her own training and has experienced the day-to-day realities of supporting her own athletes. She understands the demands of hockey, as well as the packed schedules, travel, practices, school, and logistics that families are balancing. Val combines evidence-based sports nutrition with practical strategies that work in real life, helping athletes and their families build fueling habits that support energy, recovery, performance, and long-term development. This episode is proudly sponsored by Official Partner of the Sharpening Your Edge Podcast, Roster Hub (https://rosterhub.app/) Most team management apps stop at schedules and rosters. RosterHub was built by coaches who needed more than that. You can break down game film with drawing tools and voiceover, diagram plays on a digital whiteboard, assign and track fitness programs, manage your team budget and coordinate carpools and volunteers. There's even a global game finder that connects you with opponents nearby — and for hockey teams, it ties right into MyHockeyRankings to identify the perfect opponent. All that plus the stuff you'd expect — scheduling, roster management, announcements and reminders. RosterHub is one app that covers the full coaching job, not just the administration. Create your account at rosterhub.app and download today on iOS and Android. Your first month is free — open the iOS App Store, tap your profile, tap Redeem Code and enter CV3ONEMONTH. Check out RosterHub today! Play It Again Sports Newark When the ice calls, you answer. But to answer, you need the right gear. Play It Again Sports Newark has everything you need to take your game to the next level. From quality used gear at a great price to get you started, to top of the line new products for your semi-pro tournament season, Play It Again Sports Newark has you covered. Expert advice, custom fittings, gear that works as hard as you do, not to mention on demand skate sharpening services, their team will make sure you have what you need to dominate the ice. Plus, save even more when you sell them the gear you no longer need. We all know hockey is expensive, so buy more while paying less at Play It Again Sports Newark. Tell them you heard it from us and get an extra 15% off with code EDGE15 Hockey Wrap Around Hey everyone, it's Lee Elias from Hockey Wraparound. If you've been listening to Sharpening Your Edge for a while, you've probably heard our ads before, but I wanted to jump in personally because we've added a lot since you may have last checked us out. We've still got our original Wraparound blade protectors, our Puckaround training pucks, and now our team-inspired Blade Shades sunglasses that hockey fans have been loving. So do me a favor—head over to HockeyWraparound.com, take a look around, and see what's new. And while you're there, use promo code CV3 to save 15% on all Hockey Wraparound products. --- Looking to improve your game off the ice? Hockey Wraparound has the training tools to help you get more reps anytime, anywhere. Check out the original Wraparound blade protector, the Puckaround training puck, team-inspired Blade Shades sunglasses, and more. Visit HockeyWraparound.com and use promo code CV3 to save 15% on all Hockey Wraparound products. For more Sharpening Your Edge episodes, go to https://cv3hockeydevelopment.com/podcast/ (https://cv3hockeydevelopment.com/podcast/) This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
14 Sept 2026
The Habits of a Stanley Cup Champion: Rob Scuderi
In this episode of Sharpening Your Edge, two-time Stanley Cup Champion and NCAA National Champion Rob Scuderi joins Chuck and Erik to share the remarkable journey that took him from public skating sessions and ponds on Long Island to the NHL. Scuderi reflects on the evolution of the game, what it takes to endure the physical and mental grind of a championship run, and the habits, resilience, and mindset that helped him succeed at the highest level. He shares insights from his playing career, including the importance of role players, blocking shots, doing the nitty-gritty work, handling pressure, and understanding that every player has a role in building a winning team. Scuderi also dives into what separates an NHL defenseman from everyone else, discussing defensive awareness, staying level-headed, patience in development, and the importance of being a multi-sport athlete. As a player-turned-coach and current Defense Development Coach with the Nashville Predators, he offers a valuable perspective on youth hockey development, sports burnout, team chemistry, and the transition from player to coach. Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this episode is packed with lessons on hockey development, mental toughness, championship culture, and why developing better people is just as important as developing better hockey players. Bio Rob Scuderi is a two-time Stanley Cup Champion, former NHL defenseman, and one of the most respected defensive specialists of his era. Drafted by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the fifth round (134th overall) of the 1998 NHL Draft, Scuderi carved out a remarkable 12-year NHL career by earning every opportunity through consistency, toughness, and an unwavering commitment to team success. He appeared in 783 regular-season NHL games with the Pittsburgh Penguins, Los Angeles Kings, and Chicago Blackhawks, capturing Stanley Cups with Pittsburgh in 2009 and Los Angeles in 2012. His memorable assist on Max Talbot's Game 7 Stanley Cup-winning goal in 2009 remains one of the defining moments of his playing career. Before reaching the NHL, Scuderi starred at Boston College, where he helped lead the Eagles to the 2001 NCAA National Championship. A Hockey East All-Rookie Team selection, three-time Hockey East Champion, and member of the NCAA All-Tournament Team, he finished his collegiate career as Boston College's all-time leader in games played with 169 while recording 70 career points. In recognition of his outstanding collegiate career, he was inducted into the Boston College Athletic Hall of Fame in 2024. Known throughout his playing career as a dependable stay-at-home defenseman, Scuderi built his reputation through elite positioning, shot-blocking, penalty killing, and the little things that help teams win championships. He consistently matched up against opponents' top players and became known as one of the NHL's premier defensive defensemen. Since retiring in 2017, Scuderi has dedicated himself to developing the next generation of players. He currently serves as the Defense Development Coach for the Nashville Predators, where he works with NHL players and prospects to strengthen their defensive habits and overall game. He also coaches youth hockey with the Nassau County Lions 15U AA program on Long Island, sharing the lessons he learned from legendary coaches throughout his career while emphasizing not only skill development, but also character, patience, and helping young athletes grow into successful adults. In this episode of Sharpening Your Edge, Rob discusses the habits that defined his championship career, the transition from player to coach, what it takes to become an elite defender, and why creating better people is just as important as developing better hockey players. This episode is proudly sponsored by Official Partner of the Sharpening Your Edge Podcast, Roster Hub (https://rosterhub.app/) Most team management apps stop at schedules and rosters. RosterHub was built by coaches who needed more than that. You can break down game film with drawing tools and voiceover, diagram plays on a digital whiteboard, assign and track fitness programs, manage your team budget and coordinate carpools and volunteers. There's even a global game finder that connects you with opponents nearby — and for hockey teams, it ties right into MyHockeyRankings to identify the perfect opponent. All that plus the stuff you'd expect — scheduling, roster management, announcements and reminders. RosterHub is one app that covers the full coaching job, not just the administration. Create your account at rosterhub.app and download today on iOS and Android. Your first month is free — open the iOS App Store, tap your profile, tap Redeem Code and enter CV3ONEMONTH. Check out RosterHub today! Play It Again Sports Newark When the ice calls, you answer. But to answer, you need the right gear. Play It Again Sports Newark has everything you need to take your game to the next level. From quality used gear at a great price to get you started, to top of the line new products for your semi-pro tournament season, Play It Again Sports Newark has you covered. Expert advice, custom fittings, gear that works as hard as you do, not to mention on demand skate sharpening services, their team will make sure you have what you need to dominate the ice. Plus, save even more when you sell them the gear you no longer need. We all know hockey is expensive, so buy more while paying less at Play It Again Sports Newark. Tell them you heard it from us and get an extra 15% off with code EDGE15 Hockey Wrap Around Hey everyone, it's Lee Elias from Hockey Wraparound. If you've been listening to Sharpening Your Edge for a while, you've probably heard our ads before, but I wanted to jump in personally because we've added a lot since you may have last checked us out. We've still got our original Wraparound blade protectors, our Puckaround training pucks, and now our team-inspired Blade Shades sunglasses that hockey fans have been loving. So do me a favor—head over to HockeyWraparound.com, take a look around, and see what's new. And while you're there, use promo code CV3 to save 15% on all Hockey Wraparound products. --- Looking to improve your game off the ice? Hockey Wraparound has the training tools to help you get more reps anytime, anywhere. Check out the original Wraparound blade protector, the Puckaround training puck, team-inspired Blade Shades sunglasses, and more. Visit HockeyWraparound.com and use promo code CV3 to save 15% on all Hockey Wraparound products. For more Sharpening Your Edge episodes, go to https://cv3hockeydevelopment.com/podcast/ (https://cv3hockeydevelopment.com/podcast/) This podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: OP3 - https://op3.dev/privacy
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- 5 ratings
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