Good People in Hockey

Episode 7 - Brave Spaces and Better Systems: Changing Hockey Culture with Mary Lobson

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 accountability This is an episode about leadership, trust, and what it takes to make meaningful cultural change inside the game.

Episode 6- From the Lens to the Locker Room Capturing Opening Night With Purpose

What does opening night feel like when you're not on the ice—but behind the lens? In this episode of Good People in Hockey, host Tatiana Rafter sits down with Washington Capitals team photographer John McCreary to explore what it means to document the soul of the game. From shooting the high-stakes intensity of NHL debuts to capturing the raw, early days of the NWHL, John shares the journey of building a creative career in sports on hustle, heart, and storytelling. Together, they reflect on how powerful it is when someone sees—and values—the work being done on and off the ice. They talk about the challenges of turning passion into a profession, the evolution of women's hockey through the lens, and what it means to stay purposeful in a fast-paced industry. Whether you're a player, coach, creative, or fan, this conversation will leave you thinking about the moments that matter—and the people who make sure we remember them.    Subscribe, rate, and share to help us spotlight more Good People in Hockey.

Episode 5 - Courtney Mahoney of the Chicago Wolves on Building the Game With Purpose

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.

Episode 4 - Rachel Flanagan on Coaching with Purpose, Advocacy in Action, and Building Culture in the PWHL

In this episode of Good People in Hockey, host Tatiana Rafter sits down with Rachel Flanagan, assistant coach with PWHL Toronto and one of the most respected leaders in Canadian women’s hockey. From guiding U SPORTS athletes at the University of Guelph to shaping the culture of a brand-new professional team, Rachel brings insight, heart, and a legacy of purpose-driven coaching. She opens up about the transition to pro, the values behind her leadership, and what it truly means to build something that lasts—on and off the ice. This conversation dives into:     •    The cultural pillars being built in the PWHL     •    Mentorship, inclusion, and player-driven environments     •    Lessons from 16+ years at Guelph     •    Barriers facing women in coaching—and how to break them     •    What legacy looks like beyond just wins Whether you're a coach, a player, or simply someone who loves the game, this episode will leave you thinking about what it means to lead with purpose.  Good People in Hockey is where grassroots meets pro—celebrating values-driven leadership and the people making hockey better.  Don’t forget to follow, rate, and share if you enjoy the episode! #GoodPeopleInHockey #PWHL #RachelFlanagan #WomensHockey #CoachingLeadership #HockeyCulture

Episode 3 - Introverts Unite Kevin Henry and Brian Idalski on Leading with Purpose in the Hockey World

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."