
Hockey
Listen now
Listen in the appEpisode context
Listen here or keep browsing the show and related sport coverage from here.
Denver Barkey returns to The Hockey Lab Podcast to break down the moment every player dreams of — getting the call to the NHL.
From packing his bags in under an hour… to skating at Madison Square Garden… to learning how to be a pro every single day, Barkey shares what the jump from junior to the AHL — and then to the NHL — actually feels like.
This episode dives deep into:
• Coachability at the highest level
• Why he stopped using the iPad mid-game
• The mental performance work that changed his career
• Compete habits that separate players
• How goals are really scored in today's NHL
• Why the next two years matter more than the last ten
For young players chasing the dream — this is a blueprint in real time.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Hosts
Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle
Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance.
Fun Fact – Fought professionally in MMA for nearly a decade.
Coach Ryan (Gards)
On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance. Veteran of over 1000 NLA (Switzerland's Top League) games, 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics.
Fun Fact – His grandfather Cal is a "Top 100 Leaf of All Time."
Gary Roberts Performance hosts this podcast. If you're looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for elite hockey players.
👉 Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach.
IG: @garyrobertshpt
#TheHockeyLabPodcast #HockeyNutrition #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyTraining #AthleteFuel
Next listen
All from The Hockey Lab Podcast →
Next listen
#65 - Gary Roberts | Minor Hockey Problems, The Olympics & Why Sacrifice Is The Only Shortcut
Listen guide
"#63 - Denver Barkey| The NHL Call, Mental Game & What It Really Takes to Stick" is an episode of The Hockey Lab Podcast. Runtime 27 min. Published February 16, 2026. Hit play above to stream it here, or open the free Spot Sports app for background play and offline downloads.