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Puck Academy
Puck Academy
Author: Jason Jacobs
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© Puck Academy, 2025
Description
Puck Academy is a show and newsletter exploring how hockey players grow — on and off the ice. Each week, we share conversations with coaches, players, and experts about the habits, mindset, and development process that lead to peak performance. Our mission is to help players and families make sense of the journey — what matters, what doesn’t, and how to navigate it all with purpose.
How It Works
🎙 The Podcast — Smart, practical conversations with the people shaping player development.
✉️ The Newsletter — Weekly highlights and reflections to help players and parents learn together.
Together, they form a growing library of ideas and stories for anyone serious about getting better — and helping others do the same.
Hosted by Jason Jacobs
Jason Jacobs is a lifelong builder, parent, and student of development — exploring how people and systems improve over time. Through Puck Academy, he’s combining a love of hockey with a passion for learning, growth, and making sense of how players reach their fullest form.
How It Works
🎙 The Podcast — Smart, practical conversations with the people shaping player development.
✉️ The Newsletter — Weekly highlights and reflections to help players and parents learn together.
Together, they form a growing library of ideas and stories for anyone serious about getting better — and helping others do the same.
Hosted by Jason Jacobs
Jason Jacobs is a lifelong builder, parent, and student of development — exploring how people and systems improve over time. Through Puck Academy, he’s combining a love of hockey with a passion for learning, growth, and making sense of how players reach their fullest form.
68 Episodes
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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).
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
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 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
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
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
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 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
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
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
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
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
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
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
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Player Development Insights with Tabor Academy Assistant Coach Pete Gintoli In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs dives into the world of athlete development with guest Pete Gintoli, an assistant coach and teacher at Tabor Academy. The discussion covers Pete's unique background, his transition from player to coach, and his experiences in various coaching environments including junior hockey, college, and prep school. The conversation highlights key aspects of player development, the balance between academic and athletic pursuits, parental involvement, and the state of youth hockey in New England. Additionally, Peter shares insights on using video analysis as a coaching tool and offers advice to aspiring athletes and their families. 00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host 00:54 Introducing Today's Guest: Pete Gintoli 01:25 Peter's Background and Early Career 02:00 Peter's Coaching Philosophy and Experiences 02:23 How Peter Found Tabor Recruit Chase McCoy04:09 Peter's High School and Junior Hockey Path 08:46 Transition to College Hockey 10:11 The Role of Multi-Sport Participation 16:41 Peter's Professional and Coaching Transition 32:22 Insights on Academy and Online Schooling 39:01 Encouraging Kids to Keep Improving 39:56 Balancing Schoolwork and Sports 41:35 The Importance of Structure and Discipline 43:59 Navigating the Hockey Path 46:04 Recruiting and Player Development 48:58 Role of the Assistant Coach 50:17 Player Development Tools and Techniques 57:46 State of New England Hockey 01:02:33 Balancing Development and Competition 01:18:14 Final Thoughts and Advice
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Navigating the Challenges of Youth Sports Development with Brian Collins In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the intricacies of youth sports development with guest Brian Collins, a former high school hockey star and collegiate player at Boston University. They explore various facets of modern-day youth sports, from the challenges faced by sports parents to the differences in athletic development paths between generations. Collins shares his unique perspective as a coach and a father, discussing the balance between fostering a love for the game and pushing for competitive success. They also touch upon the impact of privatization in sports and navigating overwhelming schedules for young athletes. This insightful conversation provides valuable takeaways for parents, coaches, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of youth sports. 00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 00:55 Meet Brian Collins: High School to Pro Hockey Journey 02:19 Brian's Coaching Philosophy and Youth Sports Today 02:48 Podcasting and Hockey Conversations 06:58 Brian's Early Hockey Days and Family Influence 12:57 Youth Sports Evolution and Free Play 16:41 Challenges and Changes in Youth Hockey 25:25 Balancing Sports and Development 28:50 The Rarity of Offensive Coaches 30:02 Balancing Free Play and Structured Training 30:56 The Struggle with Technology and Kids 32:57 The Importance of Enjoying the Game 35:20 Building a Development Platform 37:29 The Role of Video Analysis in Development 42:06 Fostering Passion and Work Ethic in Kids 44:41 Reflecting on Personal Experiences 50:21 Advice for Sports Parents and Players 53:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Unlocking the Secrets of Player Development with Brett Leonard In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the nuances of athlete development in youth sports with Brett Leonard from Leonard Hockey. Jason, a founder exploring the potential of a new player development company and a sports dad himself, discusses the intricacies of analyzing player data and development. Brett shares insights into his methods of video analysis, skill training, and game situational drills to help players improve their hockey IQ. The conversation explores the potential of integrating AI to scale the analysis process and make advanced coaching techniques more accessible. Tune in to learn about the future of player development and how it can transform youth sports. 00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 00:54 Meet Brett Leonard from Leonard Hockey 01:35 Diving into Player Development 03:18 The Importance of Video Analysis 05:49 Analyzing Player Data 09:50 Personalized Development Plans 18:09 Measuring Progress and Setting Objectives 28:47 Scouting and Player Development 33:26 Integrating Traditional Skills with Game Context 44:56 Balancing Coaching and Player Development 46:56 Studying Hockey: Techniques and Insights 51:32 Practical Advice for Young Players 55:34 Innovative Training Methods 01:01:09 Scaling Coaching with Technology 01:12:43 The Future of AI in Player Development 01:21:57 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions
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 deep into the nuances of athlete development with guest Brett Leonard, a former UVM hockey captain turned elite player development coach. Leonard discusses his journey from building a local gym and coaching Vermont youth hockey to specializing in video-driven, data-centric training methods for D1 and pro athletes. The conversation explores the importance of game situational practice over traditional drill-based training, and Leonard shares insights on how leveraging data analytics can significantly improve player development. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of sports training. 00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 00:51 Meet Brett Leonard: From UVM Captain to Elite Hockey Trainer 04:41 Brett's Early Hockey Journey and Family Influence 08:49 The Importance of Multi-Sport Play and Free Play 17:54 Transition from Player to Coach: Building Vermont Hockey Training Center 20:32 Specialized Training: From Mass Development to Elite Individual Focus 29:04 The Light Bulb Moment 29:28 Off-Puck Strategies 30:20 Analyzing Player Performance 32:17 Tracking and Customizing Player Data 35:53 Manual vs. Automated Data Tracking 38:16 Data-Driven Player Development 41:07 Challenges and Future of Player Development 51:53 Practical Training Techniques 57:47 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).




