Crazy Hockey Dads Podcast

Are we trying to win… or just trying too hard?This week, Scott and Jamie unspool the madness of “win-at-all-costs” youth hockey, from kids ripping smelling salts in the locker room to coaches and parents acting like every weekend’s the Stanley Cup. What started as a joke turns into a serious question: when did we decide effort wasn’t enough?In this episode:- Smelling salts at 10U - what are we even doing?- Why kids are mimicking intensity without understanding it- When coaches push too far and confuse chaos for cultureHow the pressure to “be ready” can backfire in every directionThis one’s not about dialing it down - it’s about dialing it in. Because hype doesn’t equal heart. And smelling salts don’t make your edges better.Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsX: https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551

A player’s journey. A coach’s perspective. A parent’s wake-up call.This week, Scott and Jamie sit down with Alec Marsh, former Penn State hockey forward and current assistant coach at Hobart College, for one of the most honest, insightful interviews CHD has ever aired.Alec walks through his own path from elite youth hockey to college then pro.  Now as a coach, he’s on the other side of the glass, helping kids chase their goals without losing who they are.In this episode:- What kids actually remember about their hockey experience- What it actually takes to succeed at the next level- A coaching philosophy built on humans first, hockey secondWhether you’re in the grind, on the fence, or already down the rabbit hole, this one’s a gut check - in the best way.Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsX: https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551

New routines, new teams, big emotions - here’s how to show up.This week, Scott and Jamie open up about the quiet signs that something might be off - not with the game, but with the kid. From sudden shifts in attitude to the moments where effort just disappears, this episode is about how to support your player when they’re struggling in ways they can’t explain yet.In this episode:- Jamie breaks down how outside stress can sneak into the rink - Why early-season emotions are real and how to not dismiss them as drama- Tools for creating space, checking in, and helping kids feel heard when they’re spinningIt’s not about fixing. It’s about paying attention and giving your kid the confidence to face the mess, not hide from it.Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsX: https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551

A team, a town, a letter on the jersey and why it still matters.This week, Scott and Jamie bring on CHD dad and coach Brad for a conversation that flips the usual script. Instead of chasing the “next level,” they ask: what if the best thing for your kid is right in front of them?It’s not about exposure. It’s not about rankings. It’s about belonging, identity, and the kind of growth that happens when you play for more than just yourself.In this episode:- Why high school hockey still builds something travel often can’t- The surprising value of not being the best kid on the team- How town pride, student sections, and shared locker rooms shape players differently- A reminder that the path isn’t always “up” -  sometimes it’s right where you areWhether your kid’s wearing varsity letters or still chasing them, this one’s a grounded take on what the game still offers when you zoom out a little.Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsX: https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551

When the season shows up and punches you in the mouth.The puck has dropped, emotions are high, and reality is… well, real. This week, Scott and Jamie debrief their opening weekends full of highs, lows, quiet panic, and that familiar reminder: this is going to be a ride.In this episode:Jamie watches himself bounce back from being a crazy hockey dad Scott realizes he still cares a little too much and maybe that’s okayWhy letting your kid figure it out might be the best strategy - even when it’s hardNo big rants. No hot takes. Just two dads checking themselves before the season gets away from them.If your weekend felt great and slightly soul-crushing… you’re in the right place.Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsX: https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

And its a marathon not a sprint...Day 5 of CHD Mini-Camp: Be the Chill You Want to SeeIt’s one thing to tell your kid to stay composed, it’s another to actually model it. In the final day of Mini-Camp, Scott and Jamie talk about staying calm when emotions spike, mistakes pile up, and your parent brain wants to explode in the parking lot.Because your kid doesn’t just need feedback, they need an anchor. And your energy sets the tone.In this episode:Why your stress becomes their stressHow to model emotional resets without pretending everything’s fineWhy it’s better to call a trusted friend than rant in the group chatThe power of owning your blowups and showing what bouncing back looks likeTool of the Day: “Model the Reset”You don’t have to be perfect - just grounded enough to show them how it’s done.Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsX: https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

Day 4 of CHD Mini-Camp: Mindset & Mental RecoveryOne bad shift. One rough weekend. One emotional post-game chirp from the backseat. That’s all it takes to send a kid’s confidence into a spiral.In Day 4 of Mini-Camp, Scott and Jamie go deep on what it really takes to keep your player mentally upright when things get messy. From post-game meltdowns to “two stars and a wish” feedback, this episode is your guide to protecting confidence without sugarcoating or making it worse.In this episode:Why post-game critiques often do more harm than goodThe parenting trap of trying to fix instead of listenHow Scott and Jamie have wrecked (and rebuilt) their own kids' confidenceWhat “your reaction becomes their inner voice” really meansTakeaway Tool: “Stability > Stats”  Protect the mindset - stay positive, even when the game wasn’t.Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsX: https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

Day 3 of CHD Mini-Camp: Managing ExpectationsIf you've ever told your kid, “Why can’t you skate like Johnny?”, this one’s for you.Today, Scott and Jamie get honest about the silent killer of youth hockey joy: comparison. From slapshot envy to AAA pressure spirals, this episode is a call to stop parenting the imaginary prodigy in your head… and start supporting the actual human in your house.In this episode:Why “progress, not perfection” needs to be your new family mantraHow comparison poisons confidence (for both kids and parents)Real stories about backflips, bike tricks, and smelly U18 glovesThe underrated power of little wins and long gamesPlus: Jamie admits to being pickleball stud, Scott confesses a dad-text before his men's league championship, and both CHD boys model how not to blow it in the driveway.Takeaway Tool: “Progress > Paranoia” Measure against yesterday, not someone else’s kid.Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsX: https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

Because bottling it up never helped anyone.Day 2 of CHD Mini-Camp is here, and today’s tool might just save your sanity: communication.Scott and Jamie break down what happens when parents don’t say the thing they’re dying to say and what usually happens when they say it too soon. From 24-hour rules to sideline showdowns, this is your guide to keeping it together, getting it out, and doing it the right way.In this episode:Why staying silent can make everything worse (even with good intentions)The power of the 24–36 hour rule - yes, even for textsHow to approach a coach convo without being “that parent”Teaching kids to speak up and model it like a grown-upWhy hanging out at the rink door isn’t communication, it’s chaosTakeaway Tool: “Clear is Kind”Say what needs to be said as the camera sees it, not as your emotions tell it.If you're headed into a season with big feelings, tough rosters, or just general unease... don’t go quiet. Speak up, but speak smart.Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsX: https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

Day 1 of CHD Mini-Camp: Resetting your parent brain for the season aheadWelcome to the first-ever Crazy Hockey Dads Mini-Camp!  Five days, five quick hits to help you kick off the season without losing your damn mind.In this episode, Scott and Jamie break down one of the easiest things to forget (and the most important to remember): why you signed up in the first place. Because before the standings, the car rides, and the goalie drama... there was a good reason you said yes to youth hockey.In this one:Finding your "North Star" as a hockey parentWhy keeping it fun is still the best long-term strategyHow we let our own anxiety cloud the big pictureA reminder that pay-to-play means you opted into this chaosHow to reset when you're spiraling over things that don’t really matterPlus: The international listener base keeps growing, laces still haven’t been ordered, and yes, Brazil plays hockey.Takeaway Tool: “Joy = the Multiplier”Fun fuels confidence, effort, and long-term growth.  Ask if they enjoyed it, not just how they played.If the season’s just starting and you’re already tense... this one’s for you.Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsX: https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

A masterclass in pretending not to care (while caring way too much).This week, Scott and Jamie hit that weird in-between space every hockey parent knows: when you want to scream into the glass… but don’t. You stay cool. You say the right things. You nod at the coach and smile at the other parents. But inside? You’re spiraling.In this episode:That quiet guilt when your kid’s ice time sucks and you’re trying to be chillHolding back post-game… but still accidentally making it weirdTelling yourself not to care - and realizing you definitely still doWhy the hardest part of hockey parenting isn’t what you say - it’s what you don’tIf you’ve ever sat through a bad shift pretending to scroll your phone, this one’s for you.Socials:TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsX: https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

Untangling your identity from your kid’s hockey career - without losing your mind.With the season fast approaching and tryouts in the rearview, it’s the perfect time for a gut check - not for your kid, but for you. Jamie shares a tough but honest reflection on a stretch where Dom's own stress and uncertainty started showing up in his skating.  A humbling reminder of how connected our energy is to theirs.In this episode:Jamie opens up about Dom's journey from Tier 1 to Tier 2 and why they left AAAScott admits how hard it is not to watch every shift like a coach - and how that mindset can affect the parent-kid dynamicA shared truth: our kids aren’t just processing their own pressure - they’re absorbing ours tooThe big takeaway: showing up with confidence in them means checking the emotions we bring into the rinkIt’s not about being perfect. It’s about being aware and being willing to shift, even just a little. If you’ve ever wondered whether your presence is helping or hurting, this episode might bring some clarity… and maybe even a little peace.Socials:Follow on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsFollow on X:https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Follow on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

We’re not saying you should do video review for mites… but we kinda did.  This week, Scott and Jamie welcome Erik Cagnina from Athletic Performance Insight (API) to break down how game film and analytics are changing the youth hockey game - and why more teams (and parents) are leaning into the data. From tagging every offside to breaking down goalie angles, it’s a look at how video tools can actually help kids develop, when used with a little perspective.  In this episode:- Yes, there was film review at 8U. Yes, it was a Crazy Hockey Dad/Coach thing.- How AA hockey can still be part of your path to Junior or D1- Weekly Rant: A jersey number saga, a Crosby tantrum, and a lesson in listening to your kidIf you’ve ever lugged a monitor into a hotel conference room or wondered if you’re doing too much - this one’s your therapy session.Socials:Follow on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsFollow on X:https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Follow on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

In Part 2 with guest dad Chris Vollmer, we go deeper into the Bantam transition and what it really takes to keep your kid thriving without losing your mind (or your mortgage). From skipping spring to simplifying the schedule, Chris shares how they’re doing it their way this season and why that’s more than enough.In this episode:- Spring? Skipped it. Summer? About that…- What one season, one team looks like in Tier 1- Why trusting your gut matters more than following the herdIf you're staring down another packed calendar, this is the calm-in-the-chaos perspective every hockey parent needs.Socials:Follow on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsFollow on Twitter:https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Follow on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

In our first-ever guest episode, we sit down with hockey dad Chris Vollmer, whose son is heading into Bantam Minor - and full contact - this fall. We talk through what that shift really means, the emotional and financial toll of chasing elite AAA hockey, and the moments that make it all feel worth it.In this episode:Bodychecking begins: why this stage hits differentGrowth under pressure: how the game shaped Chris and his kidWhen your kid loves it, but you’re running on fumesWeekly Rant: Cage hang already?!? Sty is not the priority here kids.If you're entering the checking years or deep in the elite chaos - this one’s for you.Socials:Follow on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsFollow on Twitter:https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Follow on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

It’s not just about hockey. It’s about who they’re becoming.This week, Scott and Jamie slow it down - just a little - to zoom out on what this sport actually gives back. Yes, the weekends are chaos, and yes, the skates still don’t fit right. But in between the hotel breakfasts and 3v3 tournaments, something bigger is happening.In this episode:- Independence, confidence, and resilience - how hockey shapes kids for life- The hidden wins: tying skates, bouncing back from cuts, finding your crew- What parents learn too: humility, patience, and perspective- Weekly Rant: a Nashville dad meltdown and what not to do on a tournament weekendPlus: a revisit on skate costs, international CHD listeners in Sweden, and a reminder that even the messiest weekends might be the ones that stick.If you’ve ever wondered if all the effort is worth it - this one’s your answer.Socials:Follow on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsFollow on Twitter:https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Follow on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

When private equity meets private lessons... who’s really winning?Scott and Jamie dig into the growing influence of money in youth hockey and how the chase for profit is quietly (and not-so-quietly) warping the game. From $500 “development” weekends to kids being pushed into specialization before they can tie their skates, this episode is a no-filter look at what happens when hockey becomes a business first.In this episode:How private equity and profit-driven models are reshaping rinks and programsThe mental weight of year-round “development” and the cost of over-schedulingWhy rushing to specialize might hurt more than it helpsChuck Norris jokes, because things were getting a little too realPlus: A look at why skill doesn’t always equal confidence, how early bloomers don’t always finish strong, and what we’re actually paying for in the modern hockey ecosystem.If you’ve ever wondered why your 10-year-old is training like a pro athlete this episode hits home.Socials:Follow on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsFollow on Twitter:https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Follow on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

Happy Fourth of July all!  In this episode Scott and Jamie dig into the emotional explosions that come with youth hockey - from player-on-player scuffles to dads losing it in the stands. It’s a red, white, and bruised look at how things blow up… and what to do when they do.In this episode:- Teammates getting physical with one another and what adults should do about it- Dads going toe-to-toe over insecurity, game play, and hurt feelings- A CHD rant on USA Hockey: what does it actually do, and does it even have teeth?- Wrapping with a look at USA vs. Canada Olympic roster projectionsPlus: a reminder that the way you react matters more than you think - because your kid is always watching.If you’ve ever watched a youth hockey moment turn into a full-on fireworks show, this one hits home.Socials:Follow on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsFollow on Twitter:https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Follow on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

Episode 16: Keeping Up with the Rink Neighbors“They’re skating three times a week… should we be?”This week, Scott and Jamie unpack one of youth hockey’s most exhausting pressures: keeping pace with what everyone else is doing. Whether it's summer camps, new sticks, or secret private sessions, the race to “keep up” is real - and it’s driving families (and bank accounts) into overdrive.In this episode:- The mental toll of comparison: when your kid’s rest feels like falling behind- Why some parents are low-key panicking about “off-season gaps”- The subtle flexes - gear, invites, & ice time that spark insecurity- Fake boundaries and the myth of a real summer breakPlus: a dramatic stick purchase, a stealth training schedule, and the moment Jamie realized he’s already booked half the off-season he swore he’d skip.If you’ve ever seen someone post a skill session on IG and immediately felt like a bad parent...this episode’s for you.Socials:Follow on TikTok:https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dadsFollow on Twitter:https://x.com/CrazyhockeydadsFollow on Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/Follow on Facebook:https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551Follow on Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@Crazyhockeydads

This week, Scott and Jamie dig into one of the hardest questions in youth sports: how much is too much when it comes to pushing your kid? From the emotional landmines of summer training to the quiet signs a player might be over it, this episode gets real about what happens when a parent’s passion starts to outweigh the player’s.In this episode:- The gut-check moment when your kid wants to quit mid-session- Why “taking a break” feels harder for parents than players- The fine line between motivation and meltdown- How gear, group chats, and summer plans all fuel the pressurePlus: A look at long drives, practice walk-offs, and why it might be time to stop “wanting it more.”If you’ve ever wondered whether your push is still productive or just exhausting - this one’s for you.