A Referee’s Journey in Hockey: Brian Thul
In this episode of the 'Love Your Inner Athlete' podcast, host Hans Skulstad sits down with longtime friend and accomplished hockey referee Brian Thul. They delve into Brian's journey from a multi-sport youth athlete in Hutchinson, Minnesota, to becoming a referee in high-level stages including college hockey and the World Junior Championship. Brian shares insights on mental fitness, the culture within hockey, challenges in youth sports, and how his vast experiences from officiating to coaching have shaped his approach. Key topics include effective communication, maintaining composure under pressure, and fostering a love for the game while upholding integrity and respect for referees - all lessons he has learned from a wealth of diverse experiences. The discussion also highlights the balance between personal passion and professional responsibility in contributing positively to the community and the sport of hockey.
Key Moments:
00:50 Meet Brian Tool: A Journey in Hockey
02:47 Brian's Early Years and Career Beginnings
05:05 Refereeing at High Levels: Challenges and Experiences
14:34 Lessons from Refereeing and Transition to Teaching
19:01 Youth Hockey Leadership and Philosophy
25:33 Coaching, Mental Fitness, and Respect in Sports
36:29 Final Thoughts and Reflections
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