USA Hockey's Bob Mancini: The American development model, growing the grassroots level and creating smart hockey players

In episode #173 of the Glass and Out podcast, we're joined by Bob Mancini, Assistant Executive Director of USA Hockey, who oversees hockey development.

Mancini has done it all in hockey, coaching and overseeing programs as an administrator at just about every level. In the process, he has accumulated a diverse set of experiences that make him uniquely suited for his current role.

Following his collegiate playing career at Colorado College, he embarked on a collegiate coaching career that included time with Lake Superior State University, Ferris State University, and Michigan Tech University.

He was then a part of the inaugural US National Development Team Program coaching staff in 1996, where he coached at the U17, U18, and U20 levels for four seasons.

His only stop in the NHL (so far) came with the Edmonton Oilers on two different occasions, as a scout and development coach. He also spent three years as the Head Coach and General Manager of the Saginaw Spirit of the Ontario Hockey League.

In addition to his pro and junior hockey experience, Mancini has coached minor hockey and has spent countless hours on the ice with youth teams across the US.

Find out about the origins of the USA hockey National Development Team Program, hear how the growth of the American Development Model is creating some of the top players in hockey, and his advice to coaches on how to keep their players more engaged during practices and games.

If you enjoy this conversation, Mancini will be presenting at TCS Live, our hockey coaches conference taking place June 15-17th at the University of Michigan. He’ll be joined by a collection of some of the top coaches and performance experts in our game; get your ticket today so you don’t miss out!