The USA Hockey Podcast: A Youth Sports Conversation

In episode 33, we have Gillian Jackson. Gillian is a Neighborhood leader/senior coordinator at the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, whose mission is to create opportunities for under-resourced youth of the Greater Philadelphia Region to prosper in life. Gillian comes on the podcast here to talk about what she is currently doing with the foundation, how hockey saved her life, and how YOU can give back For more information on the foundation: https://sniderhockey.org/ To get in contact with Gillian: gjackson@sniderhockey.org Continue the conversation on X: @USAHockeyCoach

In episode 32, we have Jean Cote on the podcast to talk about transformational leadership and coaching. Jean is a Professor and researcher in the areas of children in sport, coaching, sports expertise, and positive youth development. He works in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queens University in Canada. He has also published quite a bit of research in the area of sport, one of which is the idea of Transformational Coaching and Leadership. Reach out to Jean: Email: jc46@queensu.ca X: @jeancote46 Learn more about Transformational Leadership: Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWTsPcaebKo Applying transformational leadership theory to coaching research in youth sport: A systematic literature review: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1612197X.2016.1189948 Join the discussion on X at @USAHockeyCoach

In episode 31, we examine recent research on who makes it to the NHL early, on time, or late developers. To have this discussion, we have John Lind on the podcast. John is the Head of Education and Research for the Swedish Ice Hockey Association. John worked firsthand on this research project and shared his insights on their process, what they learned, and how we can use this data for future projects. To get in contact with John: john.lind@swehockey.se Resources discussed: The Research: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-023-01985-z Khamis–Roche method Calculator: https://www.calculator.net/height-calculator.html

Skill Acquisition Specialist Rob Gray discusses the Constraints Led Approach (CLA) in sports training, its history, benefits, and application in hockey. They explore how environmental factors affect player performance, how constraints influence player behavior, and the evolution of coaching in youth sports. The conversation also covers training for awareness and injury prevention in hockey, and specific tips for applying the CLA in coaching.

In episode 29, we chat with USA Hockey's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael Stuart, and Manager of Player Safety, Kevin Margarucci, about the changes in neck laceration protectors, other types of lacerations, and reactive ways that players, parents, and coaches can keep the sport of ice hockey safer for everyone. Stop The Bleed: https://www.stopthebleed.org/ US Council for Athletes Health: https://uscah.com/ Red Cross First Aid Training: https://uscah.com/ Make sure to join the discussion on Twitter @USAHockeyCoach

In episode 28, returning guest Heather Mannix discusses the #1 reason kids play sports: to have FUN! This is also the number 1 reason kids drop out of sports. In this episode, we explore what kids find fun in sports and how we, as coaches, can encourage a more fun environment for better retention and player development. For information on Fun Integration Theory: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4201634/ USA Hockey Webinar with Dr. Amanda Visek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF4XGWO8Jro Dr. Visek on X: @ajvisekHeather Mannix on X: @Hmannix14 Follow us on X: USAHockeycoach

In episode 27, we talk about resiliency with Dr. Larry Lauer. Dr. Lauer is the Director of Mental Performance at United States Tennis Association Player Development. He has a history of working with USA Hockey's NTDP program and presenting at many USA Hockey events. In this episode, we chat about... -What is resiliency? -Is it trainable? -The 3 pillars of resiliency -How can we support our players Compete Like a Champion Podcast: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/ USA Hockey Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZFSkETx0FY On Twitter: https://twitter.com/larrylauer?lang=en

In episode 26, we sit down and chat with the Youth Olympic Coaching Staff to discuss the upcoming tournament. The 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games are set to be played from Jan. 19 - Feb. 1 in Gangwon, South Korea. From the Youth Olympic Coaching Staff, we chat with Head Coach Joe Bonnett (Player Development Manager, USA Hockey) and Assistant Coaches Matt Gilroy (Asst. Coach NTDP), Jason Guerriero (Asst. Coach Northeastern) and Dave Caruso (Columbus Blue Jackets) In this episode, we chat about the coaching staff and their backgrounds in hockey, the difficulty in the selection process, how to manage a young team with high expectations, keeping the team in the moment, and much more. Episodes are live on Spotify, Amazon, and Apple Podcasts.

In episode 25, we return for the second installment of Coaches Corner, where we are chatting about a much-requested topic from parents and coaches, which is strategies for coaching kids with different learning needs. The host of the podcast, Zachary Nowak, is a former Elementary Intervention Specialist who has worked for many years to support kids with mild to intensive learning needs. Listen in as we chat about different ways we can support each individual kid on their learning journey. Join the discussion on Twitter @USAHockeycoach Reach out to Zack at Zachary.nowak@usahockey.org

For the 1 year anniversary episode, we are pleased to welcome Joe Bertagna. Joe has served in many capacities in hockey, from NCAA D1 goalie to NHL Goalie Coach and the longest-serving commissioner in college hockey. In episode 24, we chat with Joe about his journey and how he got to this point. We also chat about the state of goalie coaching and where the future lies in encouraging creativity.