Seminar Schedules

Seminar Schedules



2026 GLOBAL LAS VEGAS SEMINAR SCHEDULE

Global Las Vegas Seminar Schedule 

Brooksy Bar- north rink 


These seminars will feature Mike Butters and special guests in fire side chat type format. Each seminar will cover various topics with parents being able to ask questions at the end.


Mike is widely known to his peers as the "Renaissance Man" of hockey. As an amateur player, Mike played Junior B, Junior A, Major Junior and Canadian University before embarking on a 9 year pro career, which saw him earn NHL contracts with Detroit, Quebec and Montreal during that time. He played for teams in the AHL, IHL, ECHL, Europe. and also represented his country on 4 different occasions at international tournaments. Mike then coached in junior (AWHL, NAHL, NPHL), pro (AHL, WCHL) and two national teams. Mike was the GM of the Tampa Bay Lightning's AHL affiliate, and oversaw Tampa's minor league system. During his years with the Lightning, he also served as both a professional and college scout. Mike's hockey experience is far reaching. He has served USA Hockey in many capacities. Notably, he was the commissioner of 2 junior leagues and served on the USAH Junior Council for 10 years


TUESDAY

9:00 AM – THE BIGGEST HOCKEY DECISIONS FAMILIES FACE

  • What if your son wants college hockey (NCAA Division I, Division III, or ACHA), but isn't a star player? What pathways exist that many families overlook (AJHL, SJHL, NCDC, NAHL, and others)?

  • What if my son's goal is higher-level hockey, but he's not getting the attention he hoped for?

  • What if he's playing on a good team, but isn't getting the opportunities he wants?

  • What if a higher level comes calling, but it means less ice time?

  • What if he's behind his peers?

  • What if he's considering leaving home for hockey?

  • What if you had to make a major hockey decision tomorrow?

Join members of our panel as they tackle real-world player scenarios and share the advice they would give if the player was their own son. No presentations. No recruiting pitches. Just honest perspectives from people working throughout the game.

11:00 AM – OWN YOUR MIND. OWN THE ICE
A Mental Performance Talk for Hockey Parents
Presented by Sandy Cohan, Mental Edge Hockey

Your child has the skill. You've seen it in practice. So why does it sometimes disappear in the games that matter most—the tryout, the playoff shift, or the moment a coach is watching? It's not their hands. It's not their conditioning. It's what's happening between their ears.

Sandy Cohan is the founder of Mental Edge Hockey, a two-time bestselling author, and a nationally recognized speaker who has spent more than 15 years coaching the mental side of performance with professional athletes, Olympians, NCAA players, and elite youth hockey players.

In this session, Sandy will discuss:

  • How elite players respond to mistakes and adversity

  • The difference between motivation and discipline

  • Why talent alone rarely determines long-term success

  • How parents can support development without adding pressure

  • Practical mental performance tools players can use immediately

If you've ever watched your child play below their potential, struggle with confidence, or become overwhelmed by mistakes, this seminar is for you.

Own Your Mind. Own The Ice.
mentaledgehockey.com

1:00 PM – QUESTIONS FAMILIES ARE AFRAID TO ASK

Some questions rarely get asked in public—but they're often the questions families want answered most. Join our panel for an open discussion on some of the most common concerns they hear from players and parents.

Topics include:

  • Do I need an advisor? When does an advisor add value, what should families expect, and what warning signs should they watch for?

  • Is my son actually on the path he thinks he's on?

  • How do coaches know when a player is actually ready for the next level?

  • What hard truths do players and families sometimes need to hear?

  • When should a family seriously consider changing teams, leagues, schools, or organizations?

  • If our goal is junior or college hockey, what should we be focusing on over the next 12–24 months?

  • What are the biggest misconceptions families have about development, recruiting, and advancement?

  • What are coaches seeing that families often miss?

WEDNESDAY

9:00 AM – WHY PLAYERS GET STUCK
The Development Traps That Hold Players Back

Not every player who works hard continues to progress. Some players plateau. Others accelerate. Why?

Join our panel as they discuss the common development traps that prevent players from reaching their potential and the decisions that often separate those who move forward from those who stay stuck.

Topics include:

  • Staying too long at the wrong level

  • Chasing status instead of development

  • Knowing when a change is actually necessary

  • Real examples of players who advanced by taking a step sideways before taking a step forward

  • Understanding long-term development versus short-term recognition

  • Why some players accelerate while others plateau despite working just as hard

11:00 AM – THE BIGGEST MISTAKES WE SEE EVERY YEAR

Every season, coaches see talented players create unnecessary obstacles for themselves.

This candid discussion highlights some of the most common mistakes made by players and families—and how to avoid them.

Topics include:

  • Advisor and representation mistakes

  • Social media missteps

  • Poor communication with coaches

  • Unrealistic expectations and timelines

  • Damaging relationships and burning bridges

  • Misunderstanding development pathways

  • Focusing on the wrong priorities at the wrong time

Learn from the experiences coaches see every year and leave with practical insights that can help players make better decisions moving forward.