

Hockey, Hard Work, and Heart: Jesse Winchester's Story
In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason converses with Jesse Winchester, a former NHL player and player development coach for the Ottawa Senators. Jesse shares his unconventional journey to the NHL, emphasizing the importance of work ethic and passion. They discuss the evolution of the game, contrasting Jesse's development era with the present, and the increasing role of skill at the expense of hockey IQ. The conversation also delves into the challenges of raising young athletes today, balancing ambition, intrinsic motivation, and healthy development. The episode explores the potential for new platforms to better support youth athletes in their development, focusing on skill-building, competition, and balancing passion with structured growth.
00:00 Introduction to Jesse Winchester
00:43 Jesse's Journey to the NHL
01:10 Comparing Past and Present Hockey Landscapes
03:43 Early Influences and Work Ethic
15:32 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports
24:27 Balancing Structure and Freedom in Development
29:30 Building a New Athlete Development Platform
31:04 Emphasizing Joy in Skill Development
32:11 Balancing Development and Joy
33:59 Intrinsic Motivation and Gameplay
35:03 Challenges of Home Training
37:28 The Role of Parents in Development
38:47 Hockey IQ and Skill Development
42:25 The Importance of Video Analysis
44:44 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development
50:04 The Role of Agents in Player Development
52:15 Balancing Competitive and Personal Goals
57:37 Reflections on Personal Development
01:00:52 Future Plans and Advice for Parents