What does it really take to build a team that can win at the highest level?

In this episode of Tom Talks, Tom Renney sits down with longtime NHL coach Peter DeBoer for a candid conversation about more than three decades behind the bench.

Peter shares the unexpected path that took him from professional hockey and law school into coaching, including the opportunity alongside Paul Maurice that changed the direction of his career. He reflects on making the jump from junior hockey to the NHL, dealing with imposter syndrome, learning from mistakes, and navigating the difficult reality of being fired.

The conversation also explores the mentors who shaped Peter's approach to leadership, including Lou Lamoriello, Larry Robinson, and Adam Oates, and why great leaders surround themselves with people who challenge them and make them better.

Tom and Peter dig into what separates good teams from great ones. For Peter, it starts with your best players being honest, hardworking leaders, combined with the kind of chemistry that makes people genuinely enjoy showing up, competing, and working together.

They also discuss how hockey has evolved, the importance of mentorship, and why a coach's greatest legacy may have less to do with championships and more to do with the people they help develop along the way.

It's a conversation about hockey, but also about leadership, resilience, relationships, and making a lasting impact on people.