#47 Supporting Every Skater (Pt. 2) How to use parents to help the player with Dr. Brady FlachsIn Episode 47, we continue exploring the connections between education and hockey with Dr. Brady Flachs, a Professor of Education at Ferris State University.Brady, a father of four hockey-playing boys, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the conversation. Host Zack Nowak, a former Special Education teacher, joins him to bridge the gap between classroom strategies and coaching on the ice.Each episode, we’ll tackle one key question, drawing from education research and teaching strategies to help coaches develop their teams more effectively.In this episode, we answer the question of How do we use parents as a tool to help the player?Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach
#46 Supporting Every Skater (Pt. 3): How do we help kids with following directions? with Dr. Brady FlachsIn Episode 46, we continue exploring the connections between education and hockey with Dr. Brady Flachs, a Professor of Education at Ferris State University.Brady, a father of four hockey-playing boys, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the conversation. Host Zack Nowak, a former Special Education teacher, joins him to bridge the gap between classroom strategies and coaching on the ice.Each episode, we’ll tackle one key question, drawing from education research and teaching strategies to help coaches develop their teams more effectively.In this episode, we answer the question of 'How do we help kids with following directions?'Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach
#45 Sport Institute of Finland and its Impacts on Coaching with Derek ReadIn Episode 45, we delve into the international aspect of hockey coaching development with Derek Read of the Blue Jackets Hockey League.Derek’s journey includes time spent at the VIERUMÄKI Sport Institute in Finland, one of the world’s premier centers for sport education. Host Zack Nowak sits down with him to discuss how these experiences shaped his approach to coaching, leadership, and player growth back home with the BJHLJoin the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach
In episode 44, we sit down with Kenny McGinley, the president of the Arizona High School Hockey Association (AHSHA), to discuss what they are doing in Arizona to continue growing hockey in a non-traditional market.From marketing and branding to player and coach development, AHSHA continues to grow yearly and sold out in a record 15 minutes this year.Tune in to learn how they are making this growth and their plans for the future.To learn more: https://www.ahsha.org/
#43 Supporting Every Skater (Pt. 2) How do we respond to behaviors on the ice? with Dr. Brady FlachsIn Episode 43, we continue exploring the connections between education and hockey with Dr. Brady Flachs, a Professor of Education at Ferris State University.Brady, a father of four hockey-playing boys, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the conversation. Host Zack Nowak, a former Special Education teacher, joins him to bridge the gap between classroom strategies and coaching on the ice.Each episode, we’ll tackle one key question, drawing from education research and teaching strategies to help coaches develop their teams more effectively.In this episode, we answer the question of How do we respond to our players behaviors?Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach
#42 Supporting Every Skater (Pt. 1): Common Errors with Dr. Brady FlachsIn Episode 42, we kick off a new series exploring the connections between education and hockey with Dr. Brady Flachs, a Professor of Education at Ferris State University.Brady, a father of four hockey-playing boys, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the conversation. Host Zack Nowak, a former Special Education teacher, joins him to bridge the gap between classroom strategies and coaching on the ice.Each episode, we’ll tackle one key question, drawing from education research and teaching strategies to help coaches develop their teams more effectively.In this episode, we answer the question of what the common errors are in coaching and education when working with kids with learning needs.Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach
In episode 41, we chat with Josh Holmes who is the Director of Adult Hockey with USA Hockey.In this episode, we discuss the many benefits of playing Adult Hockey through USA Hockey and the fun and exciting events that are held across the country.To sign up for this years Adult Classic Tournaments: https://www.usahockey.com/classictournamentsnewTo learn more about Adult Hockey opportunities: https://www.usahockey.com/adulthockeyTo get in contact with Josh and the team: adulthockey@usahockey.org
In episode 40, we have Executive Director of College Hockey Inc. Sean Hogan on the podcast to talk about College Hockey Inc. and what they do. In the episode: -What players, parents and coaches need to know about the recruiting process -How college hockey changed over time -What the future looks like for college hockey To learn more about College Hockey Inc. or get in contact with Sean visit https://www.collegehockeyinc.com/
In episode 39, we have USA Hockey's Manager of Player Development Rich Hansen to talk about teaching offense through small-area games. Listen in as we chat about how we can create practice activities with intention and modify them to meet the needs of all our players through progressions and regressions. We also discuss Rich's path through hockey and his time working with USA Hockey. To contact Rich: richardh@usahockey.org
In episode 38, we chat with TC Lewis General Manager of Aerodrome Ice Skating Complex, about what brought him to hockey and what his facility and community does to bring the same enjoyment to kids playing hockey. TC discusses how we can create more engaging experiences to our communities from jerseys, to halloween on ice. He also talks about his experiences working as a Team Leader for many of our National Teams. TC Lewis: tlewis@aerodromes.com Aerodrome Website: https://aerodromes.com/ Aerodrome Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aerodromeice/?hl=en Join the discussion on X: USAHockeyCoach
In episode 37 we sit down and Chat with Rick Murray Associate Coach in Chief of Goaltending for the Southeast District. Rick is also a professor with Hendrix College. In this episode, we chat with Rick about some research that he and a few others are diving into regarding the most age-appropriate net and rink sizes for goalies and players alike. Listen in as we discuss the impacts of net and rink sizing on goalie movements, goal scoring, and much more. To get in contact with Rick: murrayr@hendrix.edu Join the conversation on X: USAHockeyCoach
In episode 36 of the USA Hockey Podcast, we sit down with Culver Hockey to discuss what makes Culver unique from a school, hockey, and leadership perspective. Nathan Phillips (Goalie Coach), Kevin Patrick (Boys Coach), and Cory Whitaker (Girls Coach) walk through a day in the life of a Culver Hockey player, from their leadership training to their on-ice training. For more information on Culver or to get in contact with any of these coaches, visit https://culverathletics.com/
In episode 35 of the USA Hockey Podcast, we are starting a new segment called Driving Excellence where we sit down with Youth Clubs around the country to hear what makes them unique and drives their player development and retention. In this episode of Driving Excellence, we sit down with Gino Cavallini, Club President of the Chicago Mission AAA Youth Hockey Club, to explore what makes this elite program one of the top youth hockey associations in the country. Gino shares his insights on how the Chicago Mission has built a culture of success, focusing on player development, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the ice. Listen in as we discuss the journey of shaping young athletes into the next generation of hockey stars, the importance of strong leadership, and how the association’s commitment to excellence has driven their sustained success. Whether you're a coach, parent, or hockey fan, this episode offers a deep dive into the dedication it takes to create a powerhouse youth hockey program. To contact Gino: https://chicagomission.com/contacts/
In episode 34, we have on Maureen Monte. Maureen is a leadership practitioner who was a multi-sport athlete, Engineer of the Year for IBM, and now two-time author of "Destination Unstoppable" and "Win like a Girl." Both stories are dedicated to telling stories of successful male and female teams and what it took for success. With a B.S./M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. in Leadership and Business Ethics, Maureen is dedicated to solving the toughest people problems. Frustrated by the confidence struggles many women face, she launched the Win Like a Girl® program (and book!) to inspire people of all ages to be bold and extraordinary. Information discussed in the podcast: Website: https://maureenmonte.com/ Win Like a Girl Youtube: (including 5 Fears) https://www.youtube.com/@WinLikeAGirlBook Destination Unstoppable Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@destinationunstoppable StrengthsFinder: https://store.gallup.com/p/en-us/10108/cliftonstrengths-top-5?c=1 Jocko’s Good video: https://youtu.be/IdTMDpizis8 Jocko’s “Tell Yourself the Truth” video: https://twitter.com/jockowillink/status/1745962393136742888 Join the discussion on Twitter @USAHockeyCoach
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
In episode 30, we chat with Rob Gray, a professor at Arizona State, a Skill Acquisition Specialist with the Boston Red Sox, producer and host of the Perception-Action Podcast, author of multiple books, researcher, and much more. Listen in as we chat about... -What is the Constraints Led Approach (CLA)? -What is the history of the CLA? -What are the benefits? -How can we use this in hockey? For more information, to purchase his books, and to get in contact with Rob, visit: https://perceptionaction.com/ Other resources discussed Talent Equation Podcast: https://www.thetalentequation.co.uk/podcasts Opposite Direction YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsVkH7793RMAhYqKLXle_vQ Follow us on Twitter/X: @USAHockeyCoaches
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