Puck Academy

In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs sits down with Ryan Kosecki, GM of Youngstown Phantoms, Assistant GM for the Maryland Black Bears, Co-General Manager of Junior Hockey at Black Bear Sports Group, and Head Coach for the Fox Motors U16 AAA team. Ryan shares his extensive experience in hockey, discussing his career trajectory and insights into the evolving landscape of the sport. Key topics include the impact of recent rule changes, the role of technology and analytics, the importance of balancing fun with competitiveness in youth hockey, and the intricacies of scouting and player development. Ryan also addresses the challenges of making hockey more accessible and the role of data in enhancing player performance. 00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy 00:15 Meet Ryan Kosecki: A Multifaceted Hockey Manager 04:01 Ryan's Journey in Hockey 05:50 Changes in the Game: Then and Now 08:01 Balancing Fun and Competitiveness in Youth Hockey 11:06 Traits of Impact Players 13:45 Teaching Competitiveness and Hockey IQ 16:20 The Role of Video in Player Development 19:24 The Importance of Skill Coaches 24:05 Late Bloomers and the Path to Success 29:43 Balancing Development and Competition in Youth Hockey 32:47 The Unique Nature of Hockey Scouting 35:21 Evaluating Players: Beyond the Basics 39:06 The Role of GMs and Coaches in Junior Hockey 42:12 Challenges and Trends in Growing the Game 49:04 The Future of Analytics and Technology in Hockey 55:28 Final Thoughts and Parting Words Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Exploring the Future of College Hockey with Sean Hogan from College Hockey Inc. In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs welcomes Sean Hogan, Executive Director of College Hockey Inc. They discuss the origins, mission, and strategic priorities of the nonprofit organization which is dedicated to promoting college hockey. Key topics include the evolution of development pathways in hockey, the impact of rule changes on the sport, and the importance of making hockey more accessible. Hogan details various initiatives College Hockey Inc. is working on, such as conducting feasibility studies for new college teams and participating in events like the Spengler Cup. The conversation also delves into the challenges and opportunities in the current landscape of youth and collegiate hockey. 00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy 00:28 Meet Sean Hogan: Executive Director of College Hockey Inc. 00:44 The Evolution and Mission of College Hockey Inc. 01:42 Strategic Priorities and Development Pathways 02:13 Discussion on Rule Changes and Their Implications 02:25 Sean Hogan's Vision for the Future of Hockey 02:33 Starting the Interview: Sean Hogan's Background 03:40 Overview of College Hockey Inc.'s Activities 04:17 Feasibility Studies and Partnerships 04:41 Research and Education Initiatives 05:29 The Importance of College Hockey in Player Development 05:43 Historical Context and Rule Changes 07:21 NHL's Support and the Importance of College Hockey 08:57 Measuring Success and Increasing College Hockey's Profile 11:31 Challenges and Opportunities in Expanding College Hockey 14:58 Barriers to Growth and Facility Challenges 16:34 Convincing Schools to Add Hockey Programs 19:29 Balancing Trends and Steering the Future 20:40 Elevating College Hockey's Profile 23:47 Geographical Trends and Player Sources 24:59 Trickle-Down Effects of Rule Changes 26:40 NIL and Transfer Portal Impact 27:55 Third Party NIL and Player Opportunities 29:14 Funding College Hockey Programs 30:56 Youth Hockey Accessibility Issues 34:10 High School vs. Club Hockey Debate 38:26 Prep School and Junior Hockey Trends 42:56 College Hockey's Strategic Priorities 45:26 Conclusion and Final Thoughts Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Navigating the Path to Hockey Success with Francis Anzalone In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Francis Anzalone, Chief Operating Officer at Total Package Hockey (TPH). Francis shares his journey from growing up as the son of renowned hockey coach Frank Anzalone to becoming a successful coach himself. They discuss his coaching philosophy, the evolution of hockey, and the challenges today's aspiring players face. Key topics include the importance of perseverance, individualized coaching, and balancing player development with winning. Francis also touches on the role of parents, the impact of the transfer portal, NIL, and the changing landscape of youth hockey. The episode underscores the significance of creating positive, growth-oriented environments for young athletes. 00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy 00:15 Meet Francis Anzalone 01:20 Francis' Coaching Journey 07:21 Francis' Coaching Philosophy 10:46 The Changing Landscape of Hockey 13:53 Parental Involvement in Youth Hockey 19:29 Navigating the Hockey System 26:02 Individualized Coaching Approaches 32:39 The Debate on Natural Talent vs. Development 35:43 Debating the Role of Volunteer Coaches 38:23 The Importance of Fun in Youth Sports 42:33 Balancing Skill Development and Team Concepts 46:15 Winning vs. Development in Youth Sports 51:16 Parental Involvement in Youth Sports 53:44 Navigating Player Development and Coaching Challenges 58:02 Balancing Academics and Athletics 01:01:37 Impact of Recent Changes in the Sport 01:06:54 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Coach Paul Cannata, a seasoned hockey coach with over 30 years of experience in NCAA and New England Prep hockey. They discuss the changes in the sport over the years, player development paths, the balance between sports and academics, and the pressures of specialization in youth sports. Coach Cannata shares insights on the importance of multi-sport participation for overall athletic development, the impact of privatized rinks, and finding the right balance as parents. They also explore the future of hockey, including challenges like inclusivity, individual skills training, and the evolving landscape of the game. The episode offers valuable lessons not just about hockey but about life and personal growth. 00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy 00:15 Meet Coach Paul Cannata 00:26 Coach Cannata's Early Career 00:50 Transforming Milton Academy's Hockey Program 01:19 Personal Reflections and Wisdom 01:39 In-Depth Discussion with Coach Cannata 01:55 The Evolution of Youth Hockey 02:08 Parenting and Coaching Insights 05:49 The Changing Landscape of Youth Sports 14:15 Balancing Sports and Life 16:49 The Importance of Multi-Sport Participation 20:28 Navigating the Pressures of Specialization 30:06 Balancing Professional and Personal Life 33:12 Challenges of Modern Education and Sports 33:46 Balancing Parenting and Independence 34:38 Navigating Academic and Athletic Opportunities 36:11 The Pressure of Competitive Sports 38:11 Choosing the Right School for Your Child 38:57 The Challenges of High School Sports 41:39 The Role of Family Decisions in Sports 43:30 Changes in the Hockey Landscape 45:27 Development and Training in Hockey 47:32 Inclusivity and Athlete Development 50:27 The New England Hockey Model 53:31 The Importance of Practice Environment 57:50 Reflections on a Coaching Career 59:55 Parting Thoughts and Final Reflections Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode, Angelo Serse and Erik Kallio from Pro Stride Skating join the show to discuss the importance of skating in hockey player development. The conversation begins with a humorous anecdote about how the host met Erik, leading into a discussion about Angelo and Erik's backgrounds in hockey. They dive into the mechanics of skating, their philosophy on player development, and the role of technology in training. They also address common misconceptions parents have about hockey skating training and emphasize the importance of long-term dedication to see meaningful improvements. Finally, they highlight the services offered by Pro Stride and share insights on effective training routines. 00:00 Introduction and Guest Welcome 01:15 The Story Behind Prost Stride 02:27 Angelo's Journey in Hockey 04:56 Erik's Path to Coaching 07:34 Founding Pro Stride 13:13 The Importance of Skating in Hockey 30:12 The Science Behind Skating Techniques 30:52 Comparing Different Skating Styles 33:32 Assessing and Improving Skating Skills 36:02 The Role of Strength and Coordination in Skating 39:27 Balancing Training and Avoiding Burnout 46:59 The Impact of Technology on Skating Training 54:13 Final Thoughts and Advice for Aspiring Skaters Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs speaks with Ken Martel, Senior Director of Player and Coach Development at USA Hockey. Ken delves into his extensive career in shaping American hockey, including his pivotal role in designing the American Development Model (ADM). The conversation covers the charter of USA Hockey, the state of hockey at youth, college, and pro levels, and key initiatives for the future of the game. Ken discusses the importance of age-appropriate training, the balance between research and practical application, and challenges such as the rising costs and the push for early specialization. The episode provides valuable insights for parents, coaches, and everyone involved in youth hockey on how to foster a better, more inclusive hockey environment. 00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy 00:16 Meet Ken Martel: A Hockey Development Pioneer 02:32 Ken's Journey in Hockey 04:18 The Charter of USA Hockey 06:22 Balancing Research and Development 20:51 Challenges in Youth Hockey 23:34 The American Development Model (ADM) 37:23 The Minnesota Model and Facility Programming 38:26 Balancing Sports and Personal Development 42:55 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports 46:02 Age Categories and Player Development 48:24 Challenges in College Hockey and Junior Leagues 01:06:20 The Impact of Technology on Player Development 01:12:07 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents  Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Welcome to Puck Academy: A Show for Students of Hockey DevelopmentJoin host Jason Jacobs on Puck Academy, a show dedicated to the growth of hockey players on and off the ice. The series focuses on player development, featuring conversations with players, coaches, scouts, and hockey thinkers of all stripes. Tune in weekly for insights on skill work, mindset, leadership, and life lessons from the game, designed for players, parents, and coaches alike. Subscribe to learn, reflect, and grow in your hockey journey. Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

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 Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

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 Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

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 Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).