With only 50 days remaining until TCS Live, we present 50 reasons you should attend Hockey's Premier Coaching Conference.
The tagline for TCS Live is "Experience the Evolution of the Game." That’s our fancy way of acknowledging that hockey changes every year. From on-ice tactics to training techniques, the game has never moved faster and if you’re not on top of the latest trends, skills, tactics, drills and leadership tips, you’re falling behind.
That’s where TCS Live comes into play. This coaching masterclass, taking place at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor from June 12-14, 2025, will expose attendees to presentations from the best and brightest minds in the game.
Still not convinced? With TCS Live only 50 days away, here are 50 reasons you should attend!
1 – With keynotes, interviews and on-ice presentations, there’s something for all levels of coaching experience. You get the opportunity to learn from hockey's leading experts.
2 – You can earn coaching credits to maintain your coaching certications.
3 – There’s no better networking event around for coaches. The tightness of the hockey community is what makes it unique, and also what makes TCS Live truly valuable.
4 – Derek Jory, Director of Content at The Coaches Site, is the host of the event. He specializes in dad jokes and will keep the event lighthearted. Expect to hear about The Perfect Stick, his recently released children's book!
5 – Year after year, Daniel Broberg couldn’t fit presenting at TCS Live into his intense schedule. Until now, that is. Broberg will be presenting at TCS Live 2025 and we could not be more excited. What’s all the hype about? Grab a coffee, get comfortable and get to know one of the most reputable hockey skills coaches the game has to offer.
6 – The Exhibitor Hall will feature the latest tools & tech to make your life easier as a coach. Our world class exhibitors will ensure your toolbox is filled with the top resources available.
7 – We’re proud to have some of the biggest names in female hockey taking part in TCS Live, including Kate Whitman Annis, Laura Schuler & Jill Plandowski.
8 – “Each presenter gives you different ideas to introduce into your program.” – Bob Boughner, former NHL player and NHL Assistant Coach
9 – The first thing you notice when walking into the Power Center for the Performing Arts at the University of Michigan is that it’s the perfect size. The nearly 1,300 seat auditorium is large enough to give the impression that some memorable performances have taken place here. But at the same time the theatre is small and quaint with an intimate vibe.
10 – The facilities are top-notch. The University of Michigan campus is home to incredible facilities, offering a wide variety of presentation spaces. Including large auditoriums, breakout rooms and the iconic Yost Ice Arena for on-ice demonstrations.
11 – With a coaching record that dates back to 1982, Mike Johnston has seen it all at the highest level of the game and has created a factory of turning out NHL talent for the WHL’s Portland Winterhawks. He'll be presenting at TCS Live in 2025.
12 – Get ready for fun off-site! A short walk from the TCS Live conference space will find you in the heart of the bustling downtown Ann Arbor. Packed with local shops, restaurants, and bars, the city is the perfect location for additional networking and team building activities.
13 – Ann Arbor is easily accessible. Just down the road from Detroit, Ann Arbor is a central location for North America’s largest hockey markets. A 25 min drive from Detroit’s International Airport, the city is also highly accessible for attendees travelling by air.
14 – The TCS Live schedule is out and it’s jammed with awesome.
15 – A ticket to TCS Live is good for much more than just world class presentations. The Overtime events are almost worth the price of admission on their own, especially if you enjoy networking.
16 – TCS Live helps coaches of any level become better coaches. Learn more from Brandon Jilek & Colin Helke, Assistant Coaches with D.C. Everest Evergreens.
17 – “The Coaches Site Live has turned into our hockey holiday. It’s so rewarding to share this experience with peers and friends.” – Mike McGinnis, 4x TCS Live attendee
18 – “To have the opportunity to hear coaches in person and see them do what they do, it’s truly a thrill.” – Matt Dumouchelle, Lemington Flyers Assistant GM
19 – With a distinguished nine-year NHL goaltending career behind him, presenter Al Montoya continues to shape hockey’s future by expanding the sport into underrepresented markets.
20 – In 2024, Cognitive Behavioral Sport Specialist Larissa Mills taught attendees How Phones and Social Media Impact Athlete's Brains and Hockey IQ. Presentations in 2025 will continue to cover other important off-ice issues.
21 – Great accommodations are everywhere! We have teamed up with EventConnect again this year to make it easier than ever to access accommodations at the best rates.
22 – With over 100 passionate coaches to consider, the selection process for the first-ever TCS Live presenter application was no small feat. An internal judging panel of five TCS employees carefully reviewed each submission, evaluating proposals based on topic relevance, coaching experience, and depth of knowledge. After much deliberation, we’re proud to reveal the four presenters chosen: Lorenda Beuker (Performance Researcher & Coach / Athlete Mindset Performance, Keiser University), Pierre Allard (Assistant Coach / Red Bull Munich), Joel Becker (Assistant Coach / University of Alberta Golden Bears) & Derrick Henderson (Assistant Coach / Columbus Mavericks).
24 – Few coaches have reshaped player development like Daniel Bochner. With an innovative approach and a passion for the game, he has helped some of hockey’s top players reach their full potential.
25 – You can connect with leaders from around the globe. TCS Live is built around sharing ideas and connecting with the leaders in our sport. Learn unique perspectives on how other clubs, leagues and federations are building their programs and pushing the game forward.
26 – Success in team sports isn’t just about skill—it’s about trust, selflessness, and commitment. Duante Abercrombie embraces this, making vulnerability and authenticity the foundation of his coaching philosophy.
37 – Ann Arbor is a fantastic city. It recently was voted tops for quality of life in U.S. News & World Report’s 2024-2025 rankings, offering a unique blend of urban and natural attractions.
28 – “The room is full of coaches committed to getting better and it creates a fun atmosphere.” – Glen Gulutzan, Edmonton Oilers Assistant Coach
29 – Zingerman’s Deli. If you don’t know, now you know. Every year a list is released of the best delicatessens in America and every year Zingerman’s Deli is in the top 5. Do yourself a favour and pay it a visit.
30 – The Detroit Tigers host the Cincinnati Reds during the week of TCS Live. Regardless of when you arrive in Michigan, there’s denitely some MLB action to take in.
31 – The idea behind The Coaches Site Live was to bring coaches together to learn, share, and bond with others who share the same passion. Aaron Wilbur and team have achieved that.
32 – "My earliest fan moment was watching Bill Ranford lead the Oilers on a Cinderella run to the Stanley Cup and winning the Conn Smythe as playoff MVP. I stayed up past my bedtime to watch the clinching game and my mom has pictures of me sliding around the linoleum floor in our kitchen performing skate saves and pad stacks in my pajamas after the Oilers raised the Cup. I was 10 years old and had a Bill Ranford poster above my bed from that moment until I left home to play Jr. He just committed to speak at TCS Live. Pretty cool." That was the message TCS Founder Aaron Wilbur posted to staff a few weeks ago. He speaks for everyone - we're pumped to learn from Ranford!
33 – A2SF is taking place in Ann Arbor. Check out their schedule of events – there’s denitely something fun to take part in after learning during TCS Live.
34 – Get some TCS swag! You'll leave the event with something to protect you from the sun this summer - an exclusive TCS hat! Special colours and design? Perhaps.
35 – The nightlife in Ann Arbor is fantastic. Or so we've heard.
36 – Tobias Johansson has long been regarded as one of hockey’s most innovative coaching minds, redefining player development with his outside-the-box approach. From his roots in Sweden to his current role as the Head Coach of Norway’s National Team, Johansson’s influence on the sport continues to grow. His presentation is highly anticipated.
37 – "TCS Live provided a great platform and environment for sharing and learning as a professional coach. Hearing different perspectives from across the globe allows you to affirm what you are doing, or make adjustments with new elements from the variety of presentations. 10/10 recommend!" – Coach Chris. L / Attendee of 2024 TCS Live
38 – Unlike most presenters at TCS Live this year, Craig Custance does not coach hockey. He is Head of Creative Development at The Athletic, and the author of two books The Franchise: The Business of Building Teams, and Behind the Bench: Inside the Minds of Hockey’s Greatest Coaches. His work has been featured at ESPN, the New York Times, Atlanta Journal-Constitution among many other publications. He'll offer a very unique perspective to the event.
39 – “The content is diverse, and no matter how long you’ve been coaching, you’re going to walk away a better coach.” – Steve Spott, Dallas Stars Assistant Coach.
40 – After an impressive collegiate career and dynamic professional journey, Jeff Tambellini continues to shape the future of the Seattle Kraken as their Director of Player Development. He'll share his secrets for success at TCS Live.
41 – What is the best way to design a minor hockey practice and why should you be coaching habits, not positions? Those were just a couple of the pain points covered at this year's event that every youth coach faces.
42 – You can tour the Big House. The tour features access to restricted areas such as the team locker room, the press box, and premium seating. Wild!
43 – Exhibitors everywhere. “Attendees at TCS Live are there specically for the purpose of taking in new info and ideas. It’s the ideal state for our ideal audience.”
44 – Ann Arbor is surrounded by incredible golf courses. If you’re a golfer, your visit to TCS Live should denitely involve hitting the links.
45 – When the time comes to unwind after a fulfilling day of presentations, The Circ Bar is where it’s at. Their rooftop patio is second to none, as is the underground root bar.
46 – Yost Arena is a must-see rink. Jesse Pollock shows you why in this behind the scenes tour.
47 – “The conference is great opportunity to connect with fellow coaches. Everyone in attendance has something to offer.” – Willie Desjardins, Medicine Hat Tigers, Head Coach & GM
48 – Watching on-ice presentations live, in-person, will arm you with drills you can use immediately with your team. Bring a pen, bring paper and have your phone charged!
49 – Steve Thompson is Manager of Goaltending Development with USA Hockey, where he is responsible for the development and management of the American goaltending program, including player development, coach development, parent education, and more. His insights into how to work with goaltenders is going to be excellent.
50 – Michigan Creamery. No added details needed.
