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Sharpening Your Edge

Sharpening Your Edge

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 2025 CV3 Hockey Hygiene & Healthy Living Psychology Psychology & Mental Health
Episodes
  • Breaking Barriers: The Heart of Trailer Park Sports Network
    Dec 8 2025

    The fervor and passion for hockey transcends geographical constraints, as elucidated in this enlightening discussion with Will Stevens, the visionary behind the Trailer Park Sports Network. Will, hailing from a region not traditionally associated with hockey—a cornfield and a cotton field in northern Alabama—shares his remarkable journey of discovering the sport amidst a predominantly football-loving community.

    Bio:

    Will Stephens is the creator and driving force behind the Trailer Park Sports Network, a rapidly growing platform known for its unfiltered passion, blue-collar humor, and genuine love for the game. Built from the belief that sports should be accessible, fun, and community-driven, Will has carved out a niche that blends relatable storytelling with sharp sports insight.

    With a background in content creation, Will brings a unique mix of authenticity and expertise to the sports media landscape. Whether he’s breaking down plays, highlighting local athletes, or delivering honest takes with a smile, Will’s mission is simple: celebrate the people and stories that make sports great.

    When he’s not crafting content from his natural habitat—a single wide trailer in between a corn field and a cotton field—Will is busy shining a spotlight on athletes, coaches, and sports stories that deserve way more attention than his fantasy teams ever got.

    Through Trailer Park Sports Network, he’s cultivated a loyal following that appreciates real conversations, real passion, and real impact—on and off the ice.

    Equal parts sports philosopher and front-porch comedian, Will has turned Trailer Park Sports Network into the go-to destination for people who love their sports, honest, hilarious, and just a little rough around the edges.

    Links:

    Website

    Takeaways:
    • The Trailer Park Sports Network represents an authentic and passionate approach to sports, particularly in non-traditional hockey markets.
    • Will Stevens emphasizes the significance of community in sports and the need for accessibility to hockey for fans in the South.
    • Through his journey, Will Stevens showcases the importance of personal growth and development within the sports industry.
    • The podcast highlights how unique experiences, such as meeting notable athletes or being featured in broadcasts, shape one's perspective on sports.
    • Creating engaging content for sports requires understanding one's audience and connecting with fans on a personal level.
    • The discussion illustrates the potential for growth in underrepresented sports and the necessity of fostering a broader appreciation for them.

    This episode is proudly sponsored by

    High Stick Hockey

    Your go-to source for premium hockey apparel

    Whether you're repping it on the ice or off, High Stick Hockey has the gear that delivers

    style, comfort, and durability. From the locker room to the streets, this is hockey lifestyle done right.

    And right now, podcast listeners can score 20% off your purchase at www.highstickhockey.co

    just use the special code CV3SAVE20 at checkout!

    Trust us, you won’t be disappointed with the quality. It’s gear that’s as tough and true as the game itself.

    High Stick Hockey

    Born from the rink. Built for the game.

    Play It Again Sports Newark

    When 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...

    Show More Show Less
    55 mins
  • Building a Brotherhood on Ice: Insights from Coach Mason Ralph
    Nov 24 2025

    The podcast episode features an in-depth discussion with Mason Ralph, a distinguished assistant coach for Our Lady of Good Counsel ice hockey and assistant captain for the Washington Capital Warriors. With nearly three decades of playing experience, Mason reflects upon the formative years of his hockey journey, beginning at an exceptionally young age when he first stepped onto the ice, captivated by the sport. This episode meticulously explores the evolution of his playing career, highlighting the impact of his childhood experiences on his current coaching philosophy. Mason discusses the importance of fostering a strong team culture and leadership among youth players, emphasizing the vital lessons learned from both hockey and his military service in the Marine Corps. Throughout the episode, he articulates the significance of discipline, teamwork, and leaving a positive impression, both on and off the ice, which correlates closely with his military training. The conversation further delves into how these principles have shaped his coaching style, particularly at Good Counsel, where he successfully led the team to back-to-back championships by instilling a sense of accountability and camaraderie among players.

    Takeaways:
    • Mason Ralph's journey in hockey began at an extraordinarily young age, as he started skating at the tender age of three, which laid the foundation for his extensive hockey career.
    • With nearly three decades of experience, Mason emphasizes the significance of leadership and discipline, both in hockey and military service, in shaping his coaching philosophy.
    • The camaraderie established within the USA Warriors hockey team fosters a profound sense of belonging and support, which is vital for the mental well-being of its members.
    • Mason's coaching approach combines rigorous training with an emphasis on fun, ensuring that players develop both skills and a love for the game.
    • The transition from military service to civilian life can be challenging, yet hockey provides a unique avenue for veterans to reconnect and support one another.
    • Mason attributes his successful coaching style to lessons learned from both his playing days and his time in the Marine Corps, focusing on the importance of collective responsibility and care for teammates.



    Bio

    Mason Ralph — Assistant Coach for Our Lady of Good Counsel Ice Hockey and Assistant Captain for the Washington Capitals Warriors. With nearly three decades of playing experience and four years behind the bench, Mason brings a rare blend of passion, discipline, and leadership to the game.

    After a brief stint coaching before joining the U.S. Marine Corps, Mason returned to the rink three years ago — helping lead Good Counsel to back-to-back championships and developing players who’ve earned multiple individual honors. Known for his energy and attention to detail, Mason serves as the team’s skills development coach, special teams strategist, and self-described “hype man”, keeping the locker room culture positive and focused.

    For Mason, Warrior Hockey represents far more than competition — it’s about camaraderie, healing, and purpose. As part of the Washington Capitals Warriors, he’s seen firsthand how the program unites veterans from across the country, restoring the sense of brotherhood and belonging that defines both service and sport.

    Among his proudest moments are coaching Good Counsel to a surprise championship run and capturing back-to-back national titles with the Warriors. Off the ice, Mason is a strong advocate...

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    40 mins
  • Return to Play Protocols: What Every Coach and Player Must Know
    Nov 10 2025

    The podcast episode presents a profound discussion on the multifaceted nature of concussion rehabilitation, specifically targeting the demands placed on youth athletes engaged in contact sports. Dr. Chris Serrao, a distinguished physical therapist and strength conditioning coach, elaborates on the prevalent mechanisms of concussion injuries within the context of hockey, emphasizing the paramount importance of immediate and appropriate assessment following such incidents

    Bio

    Chris is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and Strength & Conditioning Coach with experience in concussion rehabilitation as well as orthopedic and sports physical therapy. He is the president and primary physical therapist for RPE Physical Therapy in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where he was born and raised (Go Steelers). He has previously served as a Performance Physical Therapist and clinic director at Rehab 2 Perform in Frederick, Maryland. Chris has a special interest in treating patients suffering from concussions. He has co-developed an online continuing education course directed at physical therapists interested in learning about concussion management and has delivered in-person concussion management courses to therapists and physicians. He is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh's Health and Physical Activity program and the University of Pittsburgh's Physical Therapy program.

    Takeaways:

    • In this episode, Dr. Chris Serrao elucidates the significance of early assessment following a concussion, emphasizing that prompt medical attention can significantly expedite recovery.
    • We delve into the intricate relationship between concussions and neck injuries, highlighting how both can present overlapping symptoms that complicate diagnosis.
    • Dr. Serrao outlines the critical importance of maintaining a comprehensive approach to rehabilitation that includes strength and conditioning tailored to the needs of athletes recovering from injuries.
    • Athletes are strongly encouraged to engage in multiple sports during their developmental years to foster diverse physical competencies and mitigate the risk of overuse injuries.
    • The discussion touches upon the necessity of proper hydration, nutrition, and sleep, which collectively contribute to enhanced athletic performance and recovery post-injury.
    • Dr. Serrao stresses the importance of utilizing validated assessment tools, such as the SCAT6 and CRT6, to ensure comprehensive evaluation and management of concussions in youth sports.


    This episode is proudly sponsored by

    High Stick Hockey

    Your go-to source for premium hockey apparel

    Whether you're repping it on the ice or off, High Stick Hockey has the gear that delivers

    style, comfort, and durability. From the locker room to the streets, this is hockey lifestyle done right.

    And right now, podcast listeners can score 20% off your purchase at

    www.highstickhockey.co

    just use the special code CV3SAVE20 at checkout!

    Trust us, you won’t be disappointed with the quality. It’s gear that’s as tough and true as the

    game itself.

    High Stick Hockey

    Born from the rink. Built for the game.

    Play It Again Sports Newark

    When 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...

    Show More Show Less
    59 mins
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