Denver Barkey On His Nhl Call Up, Mental Game & What The Ahl Doesn’t Teach You

Author: Coach Rox

Posted on: February 17, 2026

Summary

Denver Barkey joins Coach A & Gards to break down his first NHL call-up, what the jump from the AHL really feels like, and the habits that separate players who stick from those who fade.

From getting “the call” from Danny Brière… to moving in with Trevor Zegras… to learning how to stop over-using the iPad on the bench — this episode is a masterclass in coachability, detail, and the mental side of making the NHL.

If you’re a player trying to level up — or a parent navigating the path — this one matters.

In This Episode: • The emotional moment Barkey got the call to the NHL • Living on his own & adjusting to pro life • Why being coachable matters more than skill • The mental game: short-term memory & “goldfish mindset” • Why he stopped using the iPad mid-game • AHL vs NHL — what’s actually different • Compete habits that can’t be faked • What NHL players REALLY focus on to score goals • Not getting comfortable after your first taste of success

00:00 – Special Guest: Denver Barkey 01:05 – The Call From Danny Brière 02:30 – First NHL Game at MSG 04:05 – Parents Flying In & Emotional Moment 06:10 – Moving In With Trevor Zegras 08:00 – Biggest NHL Adjustment 10:15 – AHL vs NHL: Speed & Structure 13:00 – Mental Game: Goldfish Mindset 15:00 – Why He Stopped Using the iPad 17:20 – Compete Level & Winning Pucks 20:00 – How Goals Are Scored in the NHL 22:30 – Staying Uncomfortable After Success 24:30 – Final Advice for Young Players

Coach Adrian (A) @championshiplifestyle From growing up in a small blue-collar Canadian city to becoming the Head Strength Coach at Gary Roberts Performance hockey has taught me many of life’s lessons. I’ve been blessed to spend the last 12 years helping some of the top NHL players – like McDavid and Stamkos – prepare for the season. Fun Fact – I fought MMA professionally for nearly a decade.

Coach Ryan (Gards) Gards is the real star of the show. He is our On-Ice Coach at Gary Roberts Performance he’s a veteran of over 1000 NLA games. Gards has played in 5 Spengler Cups, 3 World Championships, and 1 Olympics. Fun Fact – Gard's grandfather Cal is a “Top 100 Leaf of All Time.”

Gary Roberts Performance hosts this podcast. If you’re looking to take your game to the next level, GRP offers comprehensive training programs for the elite hockey player.

Click the link below to Book a Call with a GR Coach. Book A Call With A GR Coach

IG: @garyrobertshpt

#TheHockeyLabPodcast #DenverBarkey #NHLCallUp #HockeyDevelopment #Coachability #MentalPerformance #NHLJourney