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Welcome to another episode of the “Beyond the X’s and O’s” podcast, your go-to destination for discussions on mindset and leadership within the world of sports. In this episode, hosts Dr. Cassidy Preston and Chris DiPiero take a unique turn as they welcome Scott Oakman, a seasoned referee with almost a thousand games under his belt and the Executive Director of the Greater Toronto Hockey League (GTHL), the world’s largest minor hockey league.
Here’s a brief overview of what to expect in this insightful conversation:
- Journey of a Referee: Scott shares his experiences as a referee, delving into the challenges and mental fortitude required to officiate in the high-stakes world of hockey. The hosts discuss the evolution of officiating and the crucial role referees play in the game.
- Behind the Scenes of the GTHL: Gain an exclusive look into the operations of the Greater Toronto Hockey League as Scott discusses his role as the Executive Director. Understand the initiatives and changes being implemented to enhance the hockey experience for players, parents, and coaches.
- Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: Scott provides insights into the GTHL’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive and welcoming environment for everyone involved in the sport.
- Safety Measures and Player Wellbeing: Explore the safety measures and protocols implemented by the GTHL under Scott’s leadership to prioritize the wellbeing of young players.
This episode offers a fresh perspective on the game of hockey, going beyond the player and coach dynamic to explore the critical role of referees and the intricacies of managing a major hockey league. Scott Oakman’s wealth of experience and leadership insights make this episode a must-listen for anyone passionate about the sport.
Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on future episodes. Reach out with your questions and thoughts, and join the conversation as we continue to explore the world “Beyond the X’s and O’s.”
The Beyond the X’s & O’s Podcast is hosted by Dr. Cassidy Preston, a Mental Performance Coach & founder of CEP Mindset, & Chris De Piero, a High-Performance Coach that has spent the past 30+ years in the game of hockey within the NHL, Hockey Canada, OHL, and European pro hockey. Cassidy is one of Chris’ former players where they won OPJHL Championship together in 2006. This podcast was born from their shared passion for helping coaches and leaders to go Beyond the X’s & O’s and develop the ‘human’ skills of leadership. Outside of the podcast they work together at CEP Mindset where they coach elite athletes, coaches, teams, and high-performing executives to achieve Consistent Elite Performance.
Blair has over 13 years of experience as a Professional Dancer, Assistant Dance Captain & Cast Manager, as well as an additional 17 years of training. Over the last 3 decades, she has lived and experienced first hand the highest of highs & lowest of lows that come with pursuing a career in the Performing Arts.
Alexis Woloschuk is a name synonymous with mental fortitude in the world of professional hockey. Throughout her career originating playing boys hockey, going to an academy away from home, playing her four years at Boston University and 7+ years in pro hockey she’s learned the importance of resilience, confidence, and dismissing both fear and other’s opinions. With a blend of relatability, confidence, and an acute understanding of playing to one’s potential, Alexis helps athletes reshape the way they perceive and harness the power of their minds.
Sean Mahoney is a member of the Association for Applied Sport Psychology (AASP), and a Master’s candidate in the Sport and Performance Psychology program at the University of Denver. For as long as he can remember, Sean has been fascinated by human performance and how to gain an edge over the competition. For most of his athletic career, he focused on the physical aspect of performance but neglected the mental. Because of this, he struggled with performance anxiety, focus issues, and limiting beliefs pertaining to confidence and self-doubt. His lack of focus on optimizing his mental game prevented him from reaching his full potential.
As a former member of McMaster University’s women’s soccer team, Emilie intimately understands the demands and challenges athletes face on and off the field. Although she encountered many challenges as a high-level athlete, particularly struggling with self-doubt and overthinking, Emilie was able to make a remarkable transformation when she began to embrace the principles of sports psychology.
Danielle Hanus, MA
Monica Russell, MA
