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Sharpening Your Edge

Sharpening Your Edge

Written by: CV3
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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. Erik Melanson, a recently retired Marine Corps officer. I spent the majority of my distinguished military career serving in special operations, where I developed and applied extensive leadership skills in high-stakes, high-performance environments. A lifelong hockey player who grew up on the rinks of Boston, I now bring that same discipline, resilience, and team-first mentality to the sport as a coach for the Philadelphia Little Flyers and as a player for the USA Warriors. My unique blend of elite military experience and deep hockey roots offers a rare perspective on performance, leadership, and the culture of the game. As co-hosts with a passion for the game, we sit down and bring 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.Copyright 2026 CV3 Hockey Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • It’s About Building Something”— Redefining Development and Creating a Lasting Legacy in Women’s Hockey with Kathy Pippy.

    It’s About Building Something”— Redefining Development and Creating a Lasting Legacy in Women’s Hockey with Kathy Pippy.
    May 25 2026
    The Trailblazer’s RoadmapHow do you go from starting a local 12U team to scouting for the PWHL? In this episode, we sit down with Kathy Pippy, a pioneer who helped build the Pens Elite Girls Program and founded Premier Ice Prospects (PIP). Kathy shares her "lead by example" philosophy and explains why building a lasting legacy for girls is more important than simple wins and losses.BioKathy Pippy brings an unparalleled level of experience to the girls' game. Over 18 years ago, she started the girls' hockey program, which has evolved into Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Girls, who have won two USA Hockey National Championships. In 2010, Kathy took her efforts full-time to Selects Hockey. Under the Legacy Global Sports platform, she created some of the most elite experience and exposure opportunities for North American female hockey players, in locations such as France, Spain, Sweden, Italy, Germany, Toronto, Nashville, Vegas, Pittsburgh, and Rochester.For exposure events, Kathy brings together elite-level talent and relationships with top NCAA coaches, creating the most high-level "quality over quantity" competitive opportunities for players. Some of the experiences created include the World Selects Invitational, Hockey Hall of Fame Future Legends, Mrs. Hockey Invite, and the Music City Showcase. Over the years, hundreds of NCAA D1 & D3 players from across North America and even Europe played in the Selects program. On average, 25 girls who play on Team USA & Hockey Canada combined U18 National teams have played in Selects Hockey.In 2020, Kathy brought her passion for promoting and growing the girls' game to Premier Ice Prospects, where she continues the sought-after showcase-style events and creates new experiences for the next generation of female players!Pippy is an experienced scout in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), bringing three seasons of expertise at the highest level of the women’s game. She began her PWHL career with Ottawa, where she spent two seasons contributing to the organization’s scouting efforts, including playing a key role in the 2024 draft class that featured 2025 Playoff MVP, Gwyneth Philips.Following the announcement of league expansion, Pippy joined PWHL Vancouver as Head Scout. In this role, she led scouting efforts for both the expansion draft and the 2025 PWHL Draft, helping build the foundation of the Goldeneyes’ inaugural roster.This episode is proudly sponsored byOfficial Partner of the Sharpening Your Edge Podcast, Roster HubMost 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 NewarkWhen the ice calls, you answer. But to answer, you need the right gear. PlayIt Again Sports Newark has everything you need to take your game to thenext level. From quality used gear at a great price to get you started, to topof the line new products for your semi-pro tournament season, Play It AgainSports Newark has you covered. Expert advice, custom fittings, gear thatworks as hard as you do, not to mention on demand skate sharpeningservices, their team will make sure you have what you need to dominate theice. 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 ItAgain Sports Newark.Tell them you heard it from us and get an extra 15% off with code EDGE15Hockey Wrap AroundMy name is Lee Elias, and I am the CEO of Hockey Wrap Around. We've been in business for over 10 years. We're an American-made company, and we basically make. Off-ice solutions for your ice hockey player, including our flagship product.The hockey wraparound it's the original. It's the longest-lasting blade protector on the market, and what it does is it allows your ice hockey player to use their ice hockey stick outside on rough pavement without any fear of damaging their stick. We have thousands of positive reviews. It has been a major solution for a lot of hockey players looking to train outside.We also recently introduced. The puck around, which is the first off-ice puck. That's the same weight, the same size as an ice hockey puck that you can shoot puck handle and practice with. At the end...
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    1 hr and 10 mins
  • Exploring the Legacy of Gordie Howe: Life Lessons from his son Dr. Murray Howe

    Exploring the Legacy of Gordie Howe: Life Lessons from his son Dr. Murray Howe
    May 11 2026
    What does true greatness look like beyond fame and success? In this powerful episode, Dr. Murray Howe shares the deeply personal story behind his book Nine Lessons I Learned from My Father. More than a memoir, this conversation reveals timeless lessons on humility, generosity, and purpose passed down from hockey legend Gordie Howe. If you're searching for inspiration, leadership wisdom, or meaningful life lessons, this episode will move you—and leave you wanting to dive deeper into the book.BioDr. Murray Howe is the author of the National Bestseller, Nine Lessons I Learned from My Father. He is also a recipient of the University of Michigan’s prized Avery Hopwood Award for journalism. He is the head of Sports Medicine Imaging for Toledo Radiological Associates and Promedica Health System's Sports Care program. He is an associate clinical professor at the University of Toledo Medical Center. He has four decades of experience as a keynote speaker across Canada and the US, covering various topics including sports medicine, health and wellness, and hockey. He happens to be the youngest son of hockey legend Gordie Howe. The author lives in Ohio.Takeaways:The podcast features Dr. Murray Howe, son of the legendary hockey player Gordie Howe, discussing life lessons learned from his father.Dr. Howe emphasizes the importance of living honorably and treating everyone with respect, regardless of their status.A key takeaway from the discussion includes the significance of gratitude in sports and life, fostering enjoyment and appreciation.The conversation highlights the value of generosity and how it builds positive interactions between individuals in both sports and life.This episode is proudly sponsored byOfficial Partner of the Sharpening Your Edge Podcast, Roster HubMost 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 NewarkWhen 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 EDGE15Hockey Wrap AroundMy name is Lee Elias, and I am the CEO of Hockey Wrap Around. We've been in business for over 10 years. We're an American-made company, and we basically make. Off-ice solutions for your ice hockey player, including our flagship product.The hockey wraparound it's the original. It's the longest-lasting blade protector on the market, and what it does is it allows your ice hockey player to use their ice hockey stick outside on rough pavement without any fear of damaging their stick. We have thousands of positive reviews. It has been a major solution for a lot of hockey players looking to train outside.We also recently introduced. The puck around, which is the first off-ice puck. That's the same weight, the same size as an ice hockey puck that you can shoot puck handle and practice with. At the end of the day, we try and bring ice hockey off ice, and that's something we've been proud to do for the last decade.Brite LegacyParents—if you’ve got a young hockey player, whether they’re just starting out or chasing big goals at the high school or college level—this is something you need to hear.Brite Legacy has created a brand-new product called The Fold… and it’s an incredible way to capture and celebrate a milestone season.It's a unique Tri-Fold memorabilia piece starting with an eye-catching custom mosaic cover. Inside, you’ll find three panels: a built-in video highlights screen that brings their biggest moments to life, an accolades page to showcase stats and achievements, and a booklet ...
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    55 mins
  • Resilience Isn’t Something You’re Born With — It’s Something You Build with Topher "Toph" Scott

    Resilience Isn’t Something You’re Born With — It’s Something You Build with Topher "Toph" Scott
    Apr 27 2026
    Hockey development expert Topher Scott dives deep into the importance of resilience for young athletes. In a world where youth sports are becoming more intense and competitive, he explains why learning how to handle setbacks, pressure, and failure may be the most important skill athletes can develop. This episode explores how adversity shapes stronger competitors and stronger people.BioTopher’s passion is in bringing people together and making the hockey world a better place. Growing up playing youth hockey outside Chicago, Topher moved through the ranks playing junior hockey for the USHL’s Chicago Steel before enrolling at Cornell University. At Cornell, Topher was a two-year captain, scored over 100 points, and garnered NCAA Leadership recognition for his work off the ice including being a finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award in 2008.In 2010, Topher began his college coaching career at Miami-Ohio while getting his Master’s degree in Sports Studies. The team won its first ever CCHA championship that year. From there, Topher moved to his alma mater, Cornell, where the team won two Ivy League championships. Topher also worked at the University of Michigan where he helped the program win the Big10 championship and reach the Frozen Four.Topher is now a staple in youth hockey having spent time as a Youth Hockey director and now leading the Hockey Think Tank. His contributions to the hockey community include his work with hockey programs from the Division One college to youth levels and as a board member of Illinois’ youth hockey affiliate for USA Hockey (AHAI). His contributions continue off the ice as well, chairing two charity hockey events that have raised over $1.5 million for special needs charities.He and his wife, Emma, reside outside Chicago with their 3 daughters Paige (7), Lucy (5), and Celia (3). His hands are full.Takeaways:Topher Scott emphasizes the importance of resilience in youth sports, encouraging athletes to view challenges as opportunities for growth.The podcast discusses the evolution of youth hockey, highlighting the increased pressure and competition faced by young players today.Coaches and parents are urged to foster environments where children can develop a love for the game without the burden of excessive expectations.Topher advocates for the necessity of parent education in youth sports, suggesting that informed parents contribute to a healthier athletic culture.This episode is proudly sponsored byPlay It Again Sports NewarkWhen 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 EDGE15Hockey Wrap AroundMy name is Lee Elias, and I am the CEO of Hockey Wrap Around. We've been in business for over 10 years. We're an American-made company, and we basically make. Off-ice solutions for your ice hockey player, including our flagship product.The hockey wraparound it's the original. It's the longest-lasting blade protector on the market, and what it does is it allows your ice hockey player to use their ice hockey stick outside on rough pavement without any fear of damaging their stick. We have thousands of positive reviews. It has been a major solution for a lot of hockey players looking to train outside.We also recently introduced. The puck around, which is the first off-ice puck. That's the same weight, the same size as an ice hockey puck that you can shoot puck handle and practice with. At the end of the day, we try and bring ice hockey off ice, and that's something we've been proud to do for the last decade.Brite LegacyParents—if you’ve got a young hockey player, whether they’re just starting out or chasing big goals at the high school or college level—this is something you need to hear.Brite Legacy has created a brand-new product called The Fold… and it’s an incredible way to capture and celebrate a milestone season.It's a unique Tri-Fold memorabilia piece starting with an eye-catching custom mosaic cover. Inside, you’ll find three panels: a built-in video highlights screen that brings their biggest moments to life, an accolades page to showcase stats and achievements, and a booklet filled with news articles and photos.You can send in your own highlights, pictures, and press clippings—and they’ll combine it with content from their massive media library to build ...
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    1 hr and 3 mins
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