I had the chance to skate with Boo Nieves and Justin Selman at Madison Square Garden while their company, Topline Hockey, ran a clinic for the Puerto Rico Ice Hockey Association.

One thing that every hockey player has in common is that one day, whether you see it coming or not, you have to decide when it's time to hang up the skates. 

Former New York Ranger Boo Nieves' playing days might be over, but he hasn't hung those skates up for good just yet. Nieves along with his friend and teammate at the University of Michigan, Justin Selman, have helped build their own hockey company called "Topline Hockey".

Nieves and Selman, along with their other colleagues like Connor Leen, have done a fantastic job at providing next level coaching as well as knowledge to this generation of youth hockey players. 

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to not only take part in one of their clinics, but also ask Nieves and Selman a series of questions about how they've created the brand and how their own hockey experiences add value to teaching younger kids the game. 

Below is our conversation: 

Jonny Lazarus: When you initially formed Topline Hockey, what was the one thing that you would say is different from other youth programs?

Justin Selman: We are different than most programs in the sense that we are working with the full spectrum of athletes from mites to pro, both on and off the ice. We offer a wide range of resources from on-ice development, off-ice performance training to mental coaching and leadership workshops.

Since Day 1, our training has been delivered to these players from the perspectives of former and current professionals and NCAA players. We are giving players access to information and training methods that until now we’re secrets of the pros or elite elite levels.

JL: What has the growth of the company been like since you first started?

JS: The growth has been something we are passionate about and it’s the driving force of our staff. We are passionate about influencing and improving the game of as many players as possible! What started as a private lessons business has turned into a full movement. We work with over 2,000 players and put as much passion into our brand and values as we do the on- and off-ice training.

JL: Talk about each other as teammates when you played together in college, how has working together affected your friendship?

JS: It feels very similar to be be honest. As co-captains at Michigan, our leadership styles complemented each others. Boo and I have been like brothers for almost 10 years now. We can read off each other and that carries into our sessions and training. When you genuinely enjoy doing what you do the way we feel about “work” every day is as enjoyable as the one before. We are always pushing each other to innovate and sharing drills, concepts and styles so we can further drive the needle.

Boo Nieves: I would say being in business with one of your closest friends is an advantage. Think about it: if you’re able to work with someone you’re that close with then you can say things you can’t really say to someone else! Yes, there are times where we butt heads, but we are able to get back to a middle ground quickly with a joke or two in-between conversations.

JL: What is the biggest difference in the youth game today as opposed to when we were growing up?

JS: Skill. Today's game and training is hyper-focused on skill development and skilled possession play. Hard work and grit still has a place and we’re clear about that. What we do is give the players a toolbox of skills to add when they feel appropriate. By no means are we preaching selfish hockey or hot-dog hockey. We are just improving the optionality of the player and giving them confidence to play multiple roles within a given system.

BN: I would say the biggest difference between us as kids and the generations coming up now are the skill levels and attitude towards the game. In terms of skill, I was not working on the things these kids are. At Michigan, our assistant coach Brian Wiseman would run us through some drills after practice that are similar to sessions we now run consistently, but with kids six and seven years younger than we were. 

The second part is the attitude these kids have towards the game. They have a curiosity towards the game that I think fuels their creativity. For example, if a coach gave me a drill as a kid I would do it exactly as he demonstrated to the best of my ability. When we give our kids a drill they add fake passes, fake shots, extra turns, weight shifts and other facets of the game that we were never truly taught. It’s very cool to see them not only pull this off but with confidence and conviction.

JL: If you could tell the 13-year old version of yourself one thing to work on both on and off the ice, what would those things be?

JS: Practice the things you struggle with — not what you’re good at. I was always afraid to be “exposed” so I’d highlight my strengths and hide my weakness.

Off the ice, I’d say worry less about the opinions of others and just focus on your own development as a player and person. Teammates come and go. The ones who are on board with you will always support you. The others won’t matter.

JL: How special is it to work with the New York Rangers and teach hockey on the big stage at MSG?

JS: This was a surreal moment and really a special day for us as a company and former Wolverines. The last time I was on that ice we beat Penn state in front of a sold-out crowd. To be able to see the smiles and energy these young players had brought me right back to the moment. For Topline, especially now that we’ve planted our flag in NYC , it was so surreal to see our TL on center ice at the world's most famous arena.

BN: Being able to get back on the ice at MSG gave me chills if I’m being honest. Once I retired I thought I would never be on that ice again. The Rangers have gone above and beyond for us. They are truly a world class organization that help make New York City feel more like a home to us at Topline. From running sessions at MSG to working with the Pee-Wee Quebec tournament teams has me feeling like one of the kids on the ice again. All of the legends like Adam Graves, Brian Mullen, Tom Laidlaw, Ron Greschner and many others have made me feel a part of the New York Rangers family every time I see them. These guys are a riot! I could not be more excited to continue working with the Rangers!

JL: What is the most important age for a youth hockey player? There are some early bloomers and late bloomers, but when can you truly tell if a kid has what it takes?

JS: I think there are two stages that players “pop”.

Pre-contact, maybe nine-to-11 years old and then again after they’ve developed through or at least into puberty and have adapted to the physical demands of the game.

JL: Knowing what you know now, is there something you wish you had done differently in your career?

JS: I wish I had played one extra year of junior hockey post-grad — and focused only on my skill and physical development. Growing up in the game, there’s always outside forces pulling you in every direction and I wish I had spent one year without school to really find my game. I think my senior year of college I found that and there was no better feeling.

JL: How much has the college game grown since the two of you left Michigan? 

JS: Oh, it’s massive now! Between social media and the NIL these guys have a national presence. Especially Michigan they have taken over as true rock stars on campus and rightfully so. Unbiased opinion of course, but a game at Yost beats a game at the Big House!

The impact these guys are having immediately upon arriving in the NHL is incredible and it’s only growing the game for these NCAA stars. 

JL: You played with a ton of former Rangers during your time as Wolverines. Can you talk about those guys and that experience?

JS: Playing with [Jacob] Trouba, [Tyler] Motte, Boo, Phil Di Giuseppe and all the guys at Michigan, who are still NHL mainstay guys was really almost something I took for granted at school. They were part of the team but you could always tell they had that extra level. Practice or games they had an it factor and it was contagious. I’m always grateful for that and it’s something I try to recall and reference as much as I can in sessions. They were also all such unique in their playing styles and it’s amazing to see what they’ve done and continue to do at the highest level.

JL: What is the one memory from your pro career that always puts a smile on your face when thinking about it?

JS: Scoring my first pro goal. My dad was there, sold-out arena in Chicago, I’ll never forget that breakaway goal.

JL: What's been the most rewarding part about working with the Puerto Rico Hockey Association in order to help grow the game?

JS: Being my first time with this group, I was really impressed with the eagerness to learn and improve. All these players were so excited to be learning and growing their game and it was contagious. The way Boo has been able to be a role model and a lifeline for this group is so special. I know they are setting up for the international stage, and with Boo and his expertise along with Topline we can help get them there! I’m looking forward to the bright future of these young stars!!