From NHL Defender to Digital Innovation: Mike Weaver's Journey on Raw Knuckles Podcast

As part of our commitment to revolutionizing coaching across hockey, soccer, and lacrosse, we're excited to share insights from Mike Weaver's recent appearance on The Sick Podcast - Raw Knuckles with Chris Nilan, where he discussed his hockey journey and the vision behind CoachThem.

Known for his grit and honesty both on and off the ice, Nilan brings raw, unfiltered conversations to the table, giving listeners a unique look into the world of professional hockey. With over 600 NHL games under his belt and a Stanley Cup Final appearance, Nilan now channels his passion for the sport into his podcast, connecting with hockey personalities and digging deep into their stories.

In this episode, Weaver shares his journey through the hockey world—from his playing days in the NHL to founding CoachThem. He opens up about what it takes to transition from player to entrepreneur, and how the platform is built with coaches in mind.

 

 

Defying the Odds

 

At just 5'9", Weaver overcame the odds facing undersized defensemen in the NHL. "I was undrafted," he recalled. "After not being selected, my dad simply said, 'We'll find another way.'" Rather than letting his size limit him, Weaver developed exceptional hockey sense, focusing on "influencing the play, not just reacting to the opposition."

 

Education as Foundation

 

Unlike many pros, Weaver chose college hockey at Michigan State, studying telecommunications and developing skills that would later prove invaluable. "All hockey leads to out of hockey," he emphasized, advising young players to prepare for life beyond the game.

 

NHL Experiences

 

Weaver's time with the Montreal Canadiens stood out as particularly "incredible," with the Bell Centre atmosphere being "electric." His experiences with coaches like Michel Therrien and Mike Babcock influenced his own coaching philosophy and informed CoachThem's development.

 

The Post-Career Challenge

 

"When you retire, your body starts unraveling," Weaver shared, discussing the physical and psychological challenges of transitioning from NHL player to entrepreneur. His advice to current players: "Prepare early. Start looking for post-career opportunities during your playing years."

 

CoachThem: From Concept to Reality

 

CoachThem began with digital practice plans for the St. Louis Blues and has expanded to "15 NHL teams, 200+ associations, and 10,000 active subscribers." The platform transforms how coaches prepare and execute practice plans, with the iOS app putting the plans directly in coaches' pockets.

The platform offers four core benefits:

• Enhanced Efficiency: Customizable, ready-to-use drills
• Increased Flexibility: Plan and adjust practices anywhere
• Improved Team Consistency: Standardization across teams
• Greater Engagement: Intuitive practice planning

 

Building a Coaching Community

 

Beyond technology, CoachThem's Teammates program connects coaches across North America. "What sets CoachThem apart isn't just the technology—it's the community we're building," Weaver emphasized, reflecting his belief that "hockey teaches teamwork, diversity, and hard work."

 

Join the Revolution

 

Ready to experience the future of coaching? Follow us on social media (@coachthem, @coachthemsoccer, @coachthemlacrosse) to stay updated on our latest innovations. For more information on Chris and the podcast follow on social media here. 

 

 

 

April 10, 2025

Written by the CoachThem Team in collaboration with the Sick Podcast - Raw Knuckles with Chris Nilan

 

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