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In episode 208 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we’re joined by Head Coach of the WHL’s Seattle Thunderbirds, Matt O’Dette. Coming off a season where he led the TBirds on an epic run to the WHL Finals, O’Dette has Seattle back in contention, currently sitting atop the Western Conference and ranked #4 in the CHL rankings with a roster full of talent.
While coaches all talk about being player focused, O’Dette has made supporting players in all aspects of their development the core value of his program. Winning almost seems like an afterthought, or perhaps there is simply enough confidence that winning is preceded by nurturing the individuals who make up the team.
For O’Dette, it starts before a player even steps on the ice, with making sure a player’s personal habits and mental health are in a good place.
“How are they becoming better athletes, how are they taking care of their body, are they practice mindfulness and visualization, are they getting outside. We live in the Pacific Northwest. Get out and enjoy some of that. Get away from the screens.”
Aaron Wilbur
I’m a husband, father, sports nut and Founder of The Coaches Site. I enjoy cooking, watching live music and hiking the North Shore mountains with my family. My son is a football player, which has turned me into a big football fan. It’s helped me appreciate what hockey parents go through, especially those who have little experience with the sport, when trying to navigate their child up the hockey ladder.
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