Ep. 155 - Burt Henderson- Competing at Every Level: Bert's Path Through Professional Hockey

Up My Hockey with Jason Podollan

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Bert Henderson shares his remarkable hockey journey from BCHL champion to WHL captain to playing professionally in Japan, before becoming a coach and hockey dad with sons following in his footsteps.
• The importance of compete level in practice and how championship teams are built through daily intensity
• Transition from wanting to be an offensive defenseman to understanding his true strengths and value as a player
• Decision to play professionally in Japan despite NHL aspirations, leading to an eight-year international career
• Experience coaching in the BCHL as GM/head coach while balancing family responsibilities
• The emotional journey of watching his son play for his former WHL team, the Kelowna Rockets
• Coaching philosophy focusing on development, accountability and play away from the puck
• The inspiring story of his youngest son playing competitive hockey despite being legally blind with Stargardt's disease
• How today's game values different player types, with power forwards becoming increasingly rare but valuable
Whether you want to improve as a player, coach, or hockey parent, focus on compete level, character development, and maintaining joy for the game.

Chapters

1. Bert Henderson on Championship Mentality (00:00:00)

2. Introduction to Bert Henderson (00:07:28)

3. Junior Hockey Years in BCHL and WHL (00:17:50)

4. The Pro Journey and Decision to Play in Japan (00:38:22)

5. BCHL Coaching Experience (01:05:30)

6. Hockey Dad Journey with WHL Son (01:22:08)

7. Coaching Youth Hockey and Player Development (01:39:23)

8. Playing Through Adversity: Son with Visual Impairment (01:45:42)