The Next Next

In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the complexities of athlete development with Ryan Blair, who has extensive experience in hockey from various roles such as player, coach, and hockey operations manager. Ryan shares his journey from playing four seasons at UMass Lowell to coaching in the EHL and ECHL, and ultimately becoming the hockey operations manager at the Carolina Ice Palace. They discuss the different phases of hockey careers, the importance of balance in player development, and the impact of family dynamics on career choices. The episode also explores the benefits and challenges of specialized coaching, the role of video analysis in player development, and the importance of making educated decisions for young athletes. 00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host 00:18 Guest Introduction: Ryan Blair's Hockey Journey 03:12 Ryan Blair's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings 04:36 The Challenges and Decisions in Youth Hockey 13:12 College Hockey Experience and Transition to Professional Play 20:11 Post-Playing Career: Coaching and Operations 24:57 Current Role and Reflections on Hockey Development 33:52 The Importance of Video in Hockey Training 34:23 Implementing Video Sessions for Youth Teams 35:37 Challenges in Providing Individual Attention 36:40 Balancing Skill Development and Decision Making 38:31 Parental Guidance in Youth Hockey 41:27 Team vs. Individual Development 43:15 Future Directions for Charleston Hockey 48:09 The Debate on Specialized Coaching 56:30 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the complexities of athlete development through a conversation with former professional hockey player Hunter Bishop. Hunter discusses his unique journey from playing in junior leagues to founding Hunter Bishop Hockey, which offers development programs for players of all ages. The discussion touches on the importance of maintaining passion for the game, the balance between specialized and translatable skills, and the role of video analysis in player development. Hunter also reflects on his own career decisions, such as leaving the University of North Dakota to return to junior hockey, and provides advice for both aspiring athletes and their parents on navigating the challenging path to professional sports while also preparing for life beyond the rink. 00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host 00:21 Guest Introduction: Hunter Bishop's Hockey Journey 01:29 Hunter's Early Career and College Decisions 05:06 Hunter Bishop Hockey: From Player to Coach 10:12 The Importance of Multi-Sport Athletes 15:19 Balancing Passion and Structure in Player Development 21:34 The Decision to Leave North Dakota 27:42 Navigating High School and Junior Hockey Decisions 28:39 Balancing Hockey Dreams with Life Goals 29:12 The Role of Hockey in Personal Development 31:28 Transitioning Out of Professional Hockey 33:19 Building a Post-Hockey Career 37:15 The Importance of Skill Development in Hockey 42:24 Leveraging Video for Player Development 52:31 Future of Player Development and Technology 56:12 Final Thoughts and Parting Words

Pioneering Modern Hockey Strategies with Coach Luke Strand from Minnesota State In this episode of 'The Next. Next.', host Jason Jacobs dives deep into the intricacies of athlete development with seasoned hockey coach Luke Strand, currently head coach at Minnesota State. As the episode unfolds, Jason and Coach Strand explore topics such as the evolution of coaching styles, the increasing role of data and technology in sports, player and coach development, and the balance between maintaining consistent standards and personalizing coaching approaches. Coach Strand shares his journey, the importance of competitiveness and character in players, and his philosophy on maintaining the joy of the game while striving for excellence. They also discuss the changing landscape of hockey, recruiting considerations, and the value of community and relationships in achieving success. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the nuances of modern coaching and athlete development. 00:00 Introduction to the Show 00:23 Meet Coach Luke Strand 01:01 Coach Strand's Journey and Achievements 01:35 Starting the Interview: Jason's Hockey Focus 04:26 Luke Strand's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings 06:52 Influence of Coaches and Early Aspirations 08:28 Coaching Philosophy and Evolution 19:17 Balancing Fun and Competition 22:11 Standards and Personalization in Coaching 28:00 The Unpredictability of Young Athletes 28:25 Attributes of Successful Hockey Players 29:51 Recruiting and Character Evaluation 30:33 The Story of Jake Genzel 31:38 Competitiveness and Player Development 33:21 Coaching Philosophies and Hiring 39:17 Technology in Hockey 42:45 Transitioning to Minnesota State 49:28 Future of College Hockey 52:09 Conclusion and Parting Words

In-Depth with Mike Jamieson: From College Hockey to Player Development and AI Analytics Host Jason Jacobs sits down with Mike Jamieson to discuss his journey from growing up in Billerica, Massachusetts, to playing college hockey at Northeastern, and eventually playing professionally in Germany. Mike shares insights from his experiences as a Director of Hockey Operations and his current role at 49 ing, a sport data and analytics company. They explore various aspects of player development, the role of analytics in hockey, and the balance between nurturing talent and raw determination. Mike also provides advice for young athletes and their families navigating today's increasingly competitive landscape. 00:00 Introduction to the Show 00:35 Guest Introduction: Mike Jamieson 02:18 Mike's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings 05:03 College Hockey Experience at Northeastern 10:44 Professional Hockey Journey in Germany 13:09 Transition to Coaching and Hockey Operations 15:42 Advice for Aspiring Hockey Players 22:11 Role of Director of Hockey Operations 29:46 Betting on Talent and Drive 31:31 Parental Influence on Success 34:00 Personal Reflections and Coaching Philosophy 36:00 Introduction to 49-ing 40:12 The Role of Technology in Hockey 51:03 Future of AI in Player Development 58:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections

In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the multifaceted world of athlete development with guest Freddy Meyer. Freddy shares his storied career in hockey, including playing at Boston University, ~300 NHL games, and coaching at various levels. Now the head coach at the Rivers School and founder of Dream Big Hockey Stars, Freddy discusses the balance between playing and coaching, the evolving landscape of youth hockey, and his philosophies on player development. The conversation also touches on Freddy's personal journey as a hockey dad, raising two sons who are deeply immersed in the sport. 00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 00:16 Meet Freddy Meyer: From College Hockey to the NHL 00:42 Freddy's Coaching Journey and Family Life 02:42 Freddy's Early Years in Hockey 04:03 The Path to Professional Hockey 15:01 Transitioning from Player to Coach 26:17 Balancing Family and Career 28:39 Dream Big Hockey Stars and Coaching Philosophy 31:09 The State of Hockey: New England vs. Minnesota 33:16 The Massachusetts Hockey Dilemma 34:19 Cost of Entry and Talent Distribution 35:51 Philosophy on Youth Development 37:57 Balancing Multiple Sports 39:20 Nature vs. Nurture in Athletic Development 43:06 The Importance of Passion and Fun 45:59 Navigating Distractions and Maintaining Focus 47:54 Deciding When to Develop or Move On 51:08 The Challenges of College Hockey 58:49 The Role of Video in Player Development 01:01:28 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents

Optimizing Athlete Development Through Load Management with Dr. Stephen McGregor In this episode of 'The Next Next', host Jason Jacobs engages in a detailed discussion with Dr. Stephen McGregor, a professor of exercise science at Eastern Michigan University and an expert in sensor technology for sports performance. Dr. McGregor shares insights from his 25+ years of experience in using sensors for monitoring athlete performance, particularly in hockey. The conversation covers a range of topics including load management, the application of sensor data for both team and individual athlete development, and the unique challenges of measuring physical exertion in sports settings. Dr. McGregor also discusses how his company, Sport Performance Technologies, under the brand Achieve, uses data to help teams optimize training loads and performance metrics. The episode delves into how different sensors and metrics can be used to tailor training regimens to individual athletes’ needs, ensuring optimal performance without overtraining. 00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 00:17 Meet Dr. Stephen McGregor: Expert in Sports Performance 01:26 The Role of Sensors in Sports 04:02 Steve's Journey from Soccer to Cycling 06:49 Innovations in Hockey Performance Tracking 12:12 Balancing Customization and Standardization 15:07 Achieve's Unique Approach to Load Management 20:22 Comparing Achieve with Other Wearables 25:57 Practical Applications and Success Stories 31:50 Balancing Rest and Performance 32:12 The Importance of Not Being Too Fresh 32:23 Case Study: Collegiate Team Experience 33:48 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Rest vs. Sharpness 35:05 Modeling and Metrics for Optimal Performance 36:30 Contextual Load Management 37:15 Team Characterization and Individual Needs 37:46 Practical Applications of Load Management 38:45 High Capacity Players and Workload 41:19 International Tournaments and Player Workload 43:24 Technology in Hockey: Adoption and Challenges 46:31 Comparing Sensor Systems in Hockey 50:57 Achieve's Role in Player Development 58:41 Integrating AI and Big Data in Hockey 01:04:58 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs dives into the intricacies of athlete development with Cason Hohmann, a former professional hockey player turned agent. The discussion explores Cason's journey in hockey, from a late start in roller hockey to captaining the Boston University hockey team. The episode delves into the role of parents, the balance between pushing for excellence and avoiding burnout, and how technology and video analysis are transforming player development. Cason shares insights on the evolution of advisory roles in player development and his vision for making elite player development more accessible. 00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 00:31 Guest Introduction: Cason Hohmann 01:15 Cason's Early Hockey Journey 03:41 Parental Influence and Player Development 10:22 High School and Junior Hockey Experience 22:00 The Importance of Individual Development 28:26 The Role of Video Analysis in Hockey 38:08 Natural Hockey IQ: Innate or Taught? 40:29 The Importance of Skating in Youth Hockey 41:22 Understanding the Game: A Math Test Analogy 45:24 The Role of Advisors in Hockey Development 45:55 Balancing Accessibility and Cost in Hockey 47:34 Parental Involvement in Player Development 50:13 The Evolution and Importance of Hockey Advisors 59:10 Future Goals and Professional Aspirations 01:15:26 Closing Thoughts and Future Collaboration

The Intricacies of Player Development with Matt Whitney of IPH Hockey In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs interviews Matt Whitney from IPH Hockey, a skills organization in Connecticut. They delve into Matt's journey from playing youth hockey to becoming a player development coach. The discussion covers IPH's inclusive approach to training, the balance between fun and skill development, and the influence of technology and social media on the sport. Jason and Matt also talk about the changing landscape of hockey, the importance of confidence-building, and maintaining a balance between individual skills and team play. The episode ends with insights on the future direction of IPH Hockey and Matt's personal reflections on coaching. 00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 00:29 Guest Introduction: Matt Whitney of IPH Hockey 01:02 Matt's Journey in Hockey 01:42 The Evolution of Player Development 02:48 Starting IPH Hockey 05:22 Philosophy and Training Approach 09:03 Balancing Fun and Skill Development 12:56 Parental Involvement and ROI 16:59 State of Hockey Development 19:35 Valuable Resources for Coaches and Parents 19:52 The Importance of Watching Hockey and Learning from Staff 20:57 Balancing Creativity and Consistency in Coaching 21:33 Training and Development of Coaches 22:47 Technology in Hockey: The Good and the Bad 26:17 The Role of Video and Data in Player Development 32:00 Future of IPH and Personal Reflections 34:09 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

Creating the Next Level in Hockey: A Deep Dive with Player Development Expert Tyler Dittmer In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs talks with Tyler Dittmer, a seasoned player development coach from Brandon, Manitoba, who has an extensive background in both playing and coaching hockey. Tyler delves into his philosophy surrounding effective player development, the balance between individual skills and team dynamics, and the importance of mental training and holistic approaches in athletics. He also discusses his current work at the Western Canada Hockey Academy, the collaboration between different coaches, and his role as a consultant for an NHL agency. Tyler provides insights into optimizing hockey IQ and the nuances of integrating unstructured play with structured training. In the latter part of the episode, Jason and Tyler brainstorm innovative ways to make advanced player development more accessible and effective for young athletes and their families. 00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host 00:33 Guest Introduction: Tyler Dittmer's Background 02:57 Tyler's Journey in Hockey 05:08 Transition to Player Development 10:30 Balancing Skills and Team Play 15:30 Parental Involvement in Player Development 18:14 Optimizing Training and Development 20:15 Video Analysis and Skill Application 36:46 Collaborative Coaching and Future Prospects 42:01 Peer Collaboration in Player Development 42:46 Resuming the Discussion with Tyler 43:45 The Importance of Collaboration and Peer Groups 46:24 Specific Examples of Collaboration in Action 47:30 Balancing On-Ice and Off-Ice Development 49:07 The Role of Academies in Player Development 52:35 Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Participation 57:25 Personal Reflections and Career Aspirations 01:00:34 Leveraging Video and AI in Player Development 01:00:44 Hockey Canada Master's Coaching Program 01:02:07 Consulting and Agency Work with Matt Calvert 01:03:07 Challenges and Opportunities in Player Development 01:23:13 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

Unpacking Youth Athlete Development with Nathan Bowen of Total Package Hockey In this engaging episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the complexities of youth athlete development with Nathan Bowen, co-founder of Total Package Hockey and TPH Academy. The discussion explores Bowen's founding journey, the expansion of TPH Academy, the balance between sports specialization and sampling, and the importance of holistic development. They also touch on the evolving role of technology in sports, the critical traits of successful athletes and coaches, and strategies for navigating the challenging landscape of youth sports. Bowen shares insights from his experience in building TPH Academy, stressing the significance of passion, compete level, and personalized coaching in unlocking a student's full potential. 00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host 00:56 Guest Introduction: Nathan Bowen 01:48 Nathan Bowen's Journey in Hockey 03:35 Founding Total Package Hockey and TPH Academy 06:20 Expanding TPH: Camps, Clinics, and Academies 09:41 Balancing Passion and Business in Sports 30:23 Academy Model vs. Traditional Schooling 35:16 Parental Guidance in Youth Sports 39:01 Parental Advice for Building Leaders 39:40 The Evolution of Sports Development Paths 41:18 Balancing Sports and Personal Interests 46:18 The Role of Technology in Sports 59:09 Characteristics of Special Players and Coaches 01:03:58 Balancing Professional and Personal Life 01:07:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans