Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast
Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast with hosts Jeff Lerg and Chris Palmer, is a space for athletes, parents, and coaches to see the depths of hockey and the mental hurdles that come with it.
Jeff Lerg has extensive experience as a former player and current coach that propels his knowledge and life advice. Jeff has reached the ultimate pinnacle of what it means to be a successful D1 Collegiate Athlete. Playing at Michigan State University, he has won countless awards and accolades displaying his success. Also, a former professional goalie for 10+ years across the U.S. and Europe, he has had first-hand experience reaching his own goals and helping others achieve theirs.
Chris Palmer, M.A. in Psychology, is a Hockey Mental Performance Coach who trains individuals, coaches, and teams from house leagues to Pro and Amateur in the US, Europe and Canada. He trains “heart, head, and guts,” with a proven process that helps clients maximize mental toughness and motivation to develop a grinding and intense compete level. As a former NCAA runner, x2 All-American, and Nike-sponsored athlete, Chris brings a great deal of knowledge in athletics and the mental performance space to positively impact the lives of athletes all over the world.
Dialed & Driven Mentality Podcast
Johnny Hicks: 2026 National Champion & University of Denver Goaltender
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Welcome to Episode 68 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast!
In this episode, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc sit down with 2026 National Champion and University of Denver goaltender Johnny Hicks — or more famously “Johnny Bricks.” From starting the season as Denver’s third-string goalie to becoming the backbone of a national championship run, Johnny shares one of the most inspiring goalie stories in college hockey.
Johnny opens up about the mindset shifts, preparation habits, and mental discipline that helped him stay ready when nobody outside the locker room expected him to be the guy. He dives into the power of his process, journaling, staying present, and embracing adversity — lessons that every athlete, parent, and goalie family can learn from.
From going winless during his first junior season to posting one of the greatest statistical seasons in NCAA history, Johnny’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, patience, and belief.
Episode Highlights:
• Johnny’s incredible rise from third-string goalie to securing the starting spot and becoming a national champion goaltender
• The mindset shift that changed the course of his season
• How Denver stayed committed to the process despite early-season struggles
• What it felt like stepping into meaningful NCAA D1 games for the first time
• The importance of staying ready even when you’re not playing
• Why “being where your feet are” became Johnny’s biggest mental performance tool
• How journaling helped him overcome overthinking and pressure
• The story behind Denver’s unforgettable Frozen Four run
• Johnny’s experience playing in elimination games and overtime moments
• How he found peace and confidence under the biggest pressure of his career
• Lessons learned from adversity, setbacks, and doubters throughout his hockey journey
• The transition from BCHL and WHL hockey to NCAA Division I
• Superstitions, routines, and game-day habits behind “Johnny Bricks”
• Why staying level-headed is critical for long-term success
• Advice for young goaltenders chasing their dreams
• How Johnny balances hockey with life outside the rink to stay mentally fresh
AND SO MUCH MORE!
If you’re a goalie, athlete, coach, or parent looking for insight into what it truly takes to succeed at the highest level, this episode delivers powerful lessons on resilience, mindset, and preparation.
Stay present. Stay dialed. Stay driven.
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