Good People in Hockey

In this episode of Good People in Hockey, host Tatiana Rafter and co-host Mike sit down with Mary Lobson, Founder and CEO of REES (Respect, Educate, Empower Survivors)—the organization behind the Respect Hockey Culture Center, an independent and anonymous reporting platform created in partnership with the AHL, ECHL, CHL, USHL, and PWHL.Mary shares how REES is transforming how hockey—and other industries—respond to and prevent harm.From building trauma-informed reporting systems to creating environments where trust comes before tradition, this conversation dives deep into what it means to build safer, more respectful spaces in sport.You’ll hear: • Why Mary created REES and how it’s changing reporting culture • How the Respect Hockey Culture Center empowers players, staff, and teams • What prevention looks like in practice—and how leaders can start today • How organizations can balance confidentiality with accountabilityThis is an episode about leadership, trust, and what it takes to make meaningful cultural change inside the game.

In episode 5 of Good People in Hockey, Tatiana Rafter and co-host Mike sit down with Courtney Mahoney, President of Operations for the Chicago Wolves, one of the AHL’s most successful and community-driven organizations.With over 30 seasons under her belt, Courtney shares what’s kept her with the Wolves for more than three decades—and how the team has consistently blended on-ice excellence with off-ice impact. From the beloved Adopt-A-Dog program(which has found homes for nearly 2,000 dogs!) to award-winning literacy and health campaigns, Courtney dives into what it means to lead with heart in the hockey world.Also in this episode: • Tat shares updates on her work with Hockeyball, a new accessible version of the game being introduced in schools and Indigenous communities • Mike reflects on grassroots team-building and why community is a skill Whether you’re coaching, playing, or dreaming of a career in sports, this episode is a masterclass in building a purpose-driven legacy. Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the show—it helps us spotlight more good people in hockey! Know someone making a difference in the game? Reach out—we’d love to feature their story.

In this special double-feature episode of Good People in Hockey, host Tatiana Rafter welcomes two influential voices who are shaping the future of the sport both on and off the ice. First, Kevin Henry, Executive Director of Hockey Players in Business (HPIB), joins to discuss the power of community within the hockey world. He shares how HPIB is activating alumni and professionals to give back, highlighting their upcoming charity golf outing in Columbus benefitting the John and Matthew Gaudreau Foundation. Kevin talks about the meaning behind the event, the importance of storytelling, and how the hockey community can rally to support one of its own. Then, Brian Idalski, the inaugural head coach of PWHL Vancouver, offers a behind-the-scenes look at what it means to build a professional team from the ground up. With experience spanning NCAA, international competition, and now the PWHL, Brian speaks candidly about culture-setting, leadership identity, and the values that shape winning environments. He also reflects on his transition from St. Cloud State, the role of mentorship, and how he defines success beyond the scoreboard.This episode dives deep into leadership, definitions goals away from legacy, and what it really means to be a "good person in hockey."

Welcome to Episode 1 of Good People in Hockey — hosted by former pro player and coach Tatiana Rafter.In this premiere, ESPN’s Arda Ocal joins to help introduce Tatiana as the host — and in true “good people” fashion, she flips the mic to share Arda’s journey, too.You’ll hear about: • Tatiana’s bold move to play in the women’s KHL in Russia • Arda’s unlikely path from local Canadian TV to ESPN • Behind-the-scenes moments from ESPN’s "Experience" trip • The story behind launching Good People in Hockey Produced by Michael Gerl, this episode sets the tone for a podcast that goes deeper than stats — into the real stories and people shaping hockey culture. New episodes every week! Subscribe now and be part of the movement.