The Curious Competitor with Connor Carrick Connor Carrick

In this episode, I sit down with Sylvie Tetrault, sports nutritionist, about all things nutrition for athletes. We discuss her experience working with Gary Roberts and the NHL, the importance of good nutrition, systems or habits you can implement to help you achieve your nutrition goals, and staple foods to have on hand. We reflected on the changes in food systems that have led to food intolerances, and why the quality of food you eat is important. She breaks down why fasting may not be beneficial for all athletes and the cyclical nature of athletes, how to wind down after a late-night game, and why you should take responsibility for your own health.

In this episode, I sit down with a former teammate and NHL veteran, Aaron Volpatti, high-performance coach and author-to-be. We spoke about Aaron’s story of adversity and perseverance that got him into the NHL, his relationship with high-stress environments and tolerance to pain, working through the fear of failure, and how to use the power of visualization to get to where you want to be.

In this episode, we welcome former national taekwondo champion and founder of Pain Station, David Arsenault. We discuss how to find joy in the process of showing up every day to training, leaning into adversity, the importance of remaining consistent in your effort as an athlete, and how physical literacy can improve your life.

In this episode, I sit down and reflect on this season so far as well as my brief experience being called up to the Seattle Kraken. We chat about my experience of how not to engage with NHL referees, the elements that make up a strong hockey team, working through minor injuries, and how my meditation practice has allowed me to lean further into my practice as an athlete.

How to surprise everyone to make the NHL, and then do it again, with the Ultimate edge finder and teammate, Liam OBrien. In this episode, we discuss how adversity challenged Liam’s growth and belief in himself, strategies that Liam uses to reflect let go and prepare for the next battle. We also discuss the evolution of the sport in youth, as well as, some secret stories from Hersey Bears during their time as roommates.

In this episode, we welcome Arizona Coyotes Performance Director Devan McConnell to the show. We discuss how to prepare for the demands of a training camp, how to approach training during a season, and the power of intention on meeting your goals. We also discuss specific considerations for the youth athlete, and why nutrition and recovery is key to performance.


 


0:12 Introduction

2:00 What Makes Devan Different? 

6:30 How Devan Approaches Working With New Athletes?

9:20 Preparing For The Demands Of Camp

13:47 The Power Of Intent In Training

21:13 How To Approach In-Season Training 

29:34 Considerations For Youth Athletes Off-Season Training

38:05 How To Find Balance in Training - On-ice Vs. Off-Ice 

43:19 One Thing Devan Would Change In NHLer’s Approach 

45:30 Recovery Techniques & Strategies 

49:28 Nutrition in Youth Athletes & Mental Health 

57:10 Creative Solution To A Training Restriction 

1:00:00 Devan’s Favorite Success Story

1:03:57 Conclusion 








Devan’s Book 


Food What The Heck Should I Eat?


Food Rules