Explorez tous les épisodes du podcast Crazy Hockey Dads Podcast
| Titre | Date | Durée | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 90: The DL & The 12th Forward Trap w/ USA Hockey’s Bob Mancini | 28 oct. 2026 | 02:39:28 | |
Making the highest-level team is not always the same thing as making the best developmental choice. Scott and Jamie welcome Bob Mancini back for his third appearance to discuss the launch of USA Hockey’s new Development League, what it means for Tier 1 hockey, and why parents should resist treating the DL label as the only path forward. Bob explains why a 14-year-old may develop more by playing major minutes, running the power play, and handling the puck on a Tier 1 team than by becoming the twelfth forward on a DL roster. He also breaks down the league’s plans for games, rest, off-ice training, video, championships, roster limits, and multiple entry and exit points. The conversation also tackles the Brick Tournament argument, late development, puberty, high school and prep hockey, officiating, and the one thing that should remain part of every level of the game: fun. In this episode:
The jersey matters less than the environment where your player can develop, take ownership, and keep loving the game. USA Hockey DL FAQ: https://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1333125 Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 89: Is Your Kid on the Wrong Hockey Team? w/ Islanders Hockey Clubs' Mike Busconi | 21 oct. 2026 | 02:38:36 | |
The best team isn't always the best place for your kid to develop. Scott and Jamie sit down with Mike Busconi, Islanders Hockey Club - East Director and coach at The Winchendon School, to talk about youth hockey development, team selection, and the increasingly competitive road to higher levels of hockey. Mike explains why being a bottom-line player on a top AAA team isn't always the best situation, especially when kids aren't getting enough puck touches or meaningful reps in practice. He also gets into parents chasing status over development, the pressure of year-round hockey, and why sometimes taking a step back is the smartest move. The conversation also covers AAA hockey becoming watered down, navigating tryouts and getting cut, the benefits of prep school, and why families need to look beyond Division I when considering their child's hockey future. In this episode:
This one is a reminder for hockey parents: the goal isn't to get your kid on the best team today. It's to put them in the best position to keep getting better.
Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 88: “Parents Don’t Understand How Their Pressure Stunts Development” w/ Princeton’s Courtney Kessel | 14 oct. 2026 | 02:31:58 | |
The pressure meant to help a young player succeed may be the very thing holding them back. Scott and Jamie sit down with Princeton women’s hockey head coach Courtney Kessel to talk development, recruiting, team culture, and the role parents should play as the game gets more serious. Courtney shares her path from multi-sport athlete to Team Canada, including being the final cut from the 2014 Olympic team and returning to practice with the players who were going. She explains how that experience shaped the way she helps athletes handle disappointment, separate hockey performance from personal identity, and respond productively when they are not getting the role they want. She also gets into what Princeton evaluates beyond talent, why culture matters more than winning, and why being the best player at a lower level may offer more development than sitting at the bottom of a stronger team. For parents, her message is direct: give players a voice, let them take ownership, and recognize when pressure is taking the joy out of the game. In this episode:
Support the player, protect the joy, and let them own the journey. Princeton Womens Ice Hockey: https://www.instagram.com/princetonwhockey/ Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 87: “You Have to Coach the Human” w/ The Hockey Barn’s Kyle Kinze | 07 oct. 2026 | 02:38:31 | |
The best development does not always come from the best team, the most expensive lesson, or the loudest car ride home. Recorded live at The Hockey Barn in Atlanta, Scott and Jamie sit down with founder and longtime coach Kyle Kinze. Kyle explains how a pulmonary embolism ended his playing career at 19, why he turned to coaching, and why he built a place centered on access, creativity, free play, and community. Kyle gets honest about growing up with a perfectionist father, changing the car ride home with his own kids, and learning that coaching a player starts with understanding the person. Scott and Jamie add their own hard-earned mistakes about expensive training, chasing higher-level teams, and pushing kids toward a version of hockey they may not want. The conversation also tackles choosing the coach over the jersey, valuing puck touches and ice time, watching for burnout, and giving kids enough room to fall in love with the game on their own terms. In this episode:
Coach the human, protect the love of the game, and let development follow. The Hockey Barn: https://thehockeybarnatl.com/ Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 86: Is Your Kid Overtraining or Under-Recovering? w/ Bill Parisi | 30 sept. 2026 | 02:39:56 | |
Your young athlete may not need another workout. They may need better recovery and a smarter definition of strength. Bill Parisi went from an undersized high school athlete to a two-time Division I All-American and Olympic Trials javelin competitor. He later built the Parisi Speed School from a van and his parents’ basement into a youth performance system that has trained athletes for more than three decades. Bill explains why sleep, hydration, nutrition, and tissue care can matter as much as the next practice. He also shares why recovery is one of the biggest things parents miss. Then he challenges the idea that strength is simply a bigger squat or bench press. For hockey players trying to become harder to move around the puck, traditional lifting is only part of the equation. In this episode:
More training isn’t automatically better. The right stress, recovery, and coaching are what move an athlete forward. Bill Parisi IG: https://www.instagram.com/bill_parisi Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 85: He Got Cut From His High School Team. Then He Made the NHL. w/ Guy Hebert | 23 sept. 2026 | 03:04:49 | |
Getting cut didn’t end Guy Hebert’s hockey journey. It helped shape it. Scott and Jamie sit down with former Mighty Ducks of Anaheim goaltender and NHL All-Star Guy Hebert to talk about an unlikely path from Troy, New York, to Hamilton College and eventually more than a decade in the NHL. Guy shares what happened when he was cut from his high school team as a freshman and instead found a team where he could play every game, see more shots and keep developing. He also talks about growing up without private goalie coaching, the sacrifices his parents made, and their simple approach: they’d support his hockey as long as he was the one asking to play. The conversation gets into how goaltending has changed, what youth coaches often get wrong with goalies, why young goalies need ice time and edge work, and Guy’s experiences with the Mighty Ducks, Team USA and some of the biggest names in hockey. In this episode:
Guy’s advice to young goalies is pretty simple: get as much ice time as you can, play against better players when you get the chance, and enjoy each step instead of obsessing over the top of the ladder. Guy Hebert: https://www.instagram.com/guyhebert31 Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 84: “I’ll Take Hockey IQ Over Size 100 Times Over” w/ North Jersey Avalanche's Jamie Cahill | 16 sept. 2026 | 02:51:26 | |
What does a coach who’s spent decades developing elite players actually look for? Scott and Jamie sit down with longtime North Jersey Avalanche coach Jamie Cahill to talk player development, hockey IQ, coaching, and what separates players as they move into the highest levels of youth hockey. Jamie gets into why he’ll take hockey IQ over size, why players need the freedom to make mistakes, and how coaches can teach creativity instead of creating robots. He also explains why developing the person matters just as much as developing the player and why kids need to learn to advocate for themselves instead of having their parents do it for them. The conversation also gets into body checking, puberty and development, position specialization, video work, player advancement, crazy hockey parents, and the changing path from youth hockey to juniors and college. In this episode:
This one gets right to the heart of development: give players room to think, make mistakes, and learn how to play the game. North Jersey Avalanche: Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 83: From the NTDP & USHL to Ivy League Baseball w/ Mike Vilardo | 09 sept. 2026 | 02:03:41 | |
NTDP, USHL, Ivy League baseball and a path that was anything but straightforward. Scott and Jamie sit down with Subject founder Mike Vilardo to talk about a unique athletic journey that took him through AAA hockey, the U.S. National Team Development Program, the USHL, and Division I baseball at Penn and Purdue. Mike talks candidly about struggling when he went from a top-line player to a fourth-line role, walking away from hockey, coming back to the USHL, and the decisions he’d make differently today. He also gets into why his dad prioritized ice time and puck touches over chasing the best team, and the value of letting kids work through adversity themselves. The conversation also gets into playing multiple sports, navigating seven schools in five years, and how Mike’s experience as a student-athlete eventually helped shape Subject and its work in education. In this episode:
This one is about adversity, second chances, and realizing there’s rarely one right path.
Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 82: From Shattuck to North Dakota to Pro Hockey w/ Brad Miller of Turtlebox | 02 sept. 2026 | 02:23:50 | |
He never made the NHL. He still built a decade-long pro hockey career. Scott and Jamie sit down with former North Dakota and professional hockey player Brad Miller, now with Turtlebox Audio, to talk about a hockey path that took him from Atlanta to Shattuck-St. Mary’s, the USHL, North Dakota, and professional hockey. Brad talks about growing up with nearly unlimited access to ice, spending hours playing unstructured hockey with his buddies, and how that helped develop creativity and hockey sense. He also gets into the jump to college hockey, unexpectedly moving from forward to defense, injuries, and building a long pro career without ever reaching the NHL. In this episode:
This one is a good reminder for hockey families: the NHL isn’t the only path to a successful hockey career.
Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 81: Hockey’s Most Overlooked Piece of Equipment (w/ Pacific Rink CEO Brad Serkin) | 26 août 2026 | 01:50:02 | |
How one hockey dad turned a broken bag into one of hockey's most recognizable gear brands. Scott and Jamie sit down with Pacific Rink co-founder and CEO Brad Serkin to talk about how a frustrating hockey bag experience sparked an idea that eventually grew into a brand seen in rinks around the country. Brad takes us behind the scenes of building Pacific Rink, from prototypes and Kickstarter to getting into major retailers, and explains why the company refuses to launch products just to launch them. He also shares what's coming next, including a wheel bag they've spent years developing and new ideas designed around how hockey players actually use their gear. The conversation also gets into surviving COVID, tariffs and supply-chain chaos, designing products through player feedback. In this episode:
This one is a look behind a piece of hockey gear most of us never think much about and how two hockey dads built a business by obsessing over it.
Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 80: “Winning the Stanley Cup Was the Emptiest Feeling” (w/ Brent Sopel) | 19 août 2026 | 02:23:52 | |
The Stanley Cup champion who reached hockey's highest level while fighting a battle he didn't understand. Scott and Jamie sit down with Stanley Cup champion Brent Sopel for a raw conversation about his NHL career, dyslexia, ADHD, mental health, self-esteem, and the way we teach kids in youth hockey. Brent talks candidly about reading at a fourth-grade level in high school, being labeled “dumb, stupid and lazy,” and not discovering his learning differences until age 32. He explains why hockey became his source of self-esteem, why winning the Stanley Cup was also the “emptiest” feeling of his life, and how he learned to play hockey instead of think hockey. The conversation also gets into why Brent believes “youth sport has become youth business,” what private training often gets wrong, the details today's players are missing, and why coaches need to become better teachers, especially for kids who learn differently.
This one gives hockey parents something they need to hear: sometimes the kid isn't struggling because they can't do it, they may just need to be taught differently. Sopel Foundation: https://www.sopelfoundation.org/ Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 79: I Never Had One-on-One's (w/ Princeton’s Chris Reiniger) | 12 août 2026 | 02:04:21 | |
One Princeton player's path - and why more isn't always better. Recorded on location at Princeton's summer hockey camp, Scott and Jamie sit down with Princeton defenseman Chris Reiniger to talk about the path from Maryland youth hockey to South Kent, the Chicago Steel, and eventually Division I hockey at Princeton. Chris talks candidly about starting hockey late, the sacrifices that nearly made him walk away from the game, and why finding the right environment helped keep his love for hockey alive. He also shares why he never did one-on-one training growing up, prefers competitive group sessions, and believes too much extra hockey can become exactly that...too much. The conversation also gets into the jump from AAA to prep to juniors and college, mental performance and visualization, managing Princeton academics, and what life as a D1 athlete actually looks like. In this episode:
This one gives hockey parents something they don't hear enough: there isn't one required development formula for getting to the next level.
Princeton University Men's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 78: “We Don't Want Good Kids. We Want Great Kids.” (w/ Princeton's Shane Talarico) | 05 août 2026 | 02:01:43 | |
Why culture wins long before talent does. Scott and Jamie sit down with Princeton Assistant Coach Shane Talarico, recorded on location at Princeton University's summer hockey camp, for a behind-the-scenes look at college coaching, recruiting, and what separates good teams from great ones. Shane shares his unlikely coaching journey from Division III to Princeton, why there isn't one path to success, and how great coaches - and great players - are built through relationships, culture, and continuous learning. He also explains what Princeton really looks for in recruits, why character carries as much weight as talent, and how the hockey world stays connected behind the scenes.
Whether your child dreams of college hockey or you're simply trying to understand what coaches actually value, this episode is full of insight from one of the game's rising young coaches. Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ Princeton University Men's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 77: Hockey Is Bigger Than the Game | Live from Mo's Smile | 29 juil. 2026 | 02:46:40 | |
This week, Crazy Hockey Dads heads to Longwood Hockey for the Mo's Smile fundraiser benefiting Memorial Sloan Kettering and Shoot for a Cure. Scott and Jamie sit down with Maurice Campbell, Rob Laferriere, Evan Rodrigues, and Dan Muse for honest conversations about hockey, parenting, adversity, and why this sport is bigger than wins and losses. From raising kids who love the game to trusting the process, giving back, and supporting families through unimaginable loss, every guest shares what the hockey community looks like at its very best. In this episode:
This isn't just another hockey episode, it's a reminder of why so many families fall in love with this game in the first place.
Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 76: Mid Fairfield's Danielle Ward - Your Kid Doesn't Need a Better Team | 22 juil. 2026 | 02:45:49 | |
The championship coach behind one of youth hockey's top programs. Scott and Jamie sit down with Danielle Ward - head coach at Mid Fairfield, Breakaway Academy coach, and former pro player for an honest conversation about what actually develops hockey players. Danielle explains why parents often make development harder by chasing the next team, overanalyzing every decision, and focusing on status instead of confidence. She shares why accountability has to be fair, why kids need room to make mistakes, and how the right environment matters more than the logo on the jersey. The conversation also covers the growth of girls hockey, building championship teams at Mid Fairfield, academy hockey, burnout, spring hockey, and what Danielle looks for in players beyond talent. In this episode:
This episode is a masterclass in long-term player development from one of the most respected youth coaches in the game.
Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 75: I Didn't Need AAA to Make the NHL (w/ Stanley Cup Winner Erik Cole) | 15 juil. 2026 | 02:43:35 | |
The late bloomer who proved everyone wrong. Scott and Jamie sit down with former NHL forward and Stanley Cup champion Erik Cole for an honest conversation about the winding road from small-town hockey in upstate New York to nearly 900 NHL games. Erik shares how he didn't play AAA hockey, grew up in a community program, was a late bloomer physically, and almost let a difficult college coaching experience derail his career. He explains how one breakthrough season changed everything and why confidence can be just as important as talent. The conversation also dives into youth hockey today, becoming a hockey dad, coaching his own son, and the lessons he learned from both the NHL and behind the bench. In this episode:
This is a reminder that there's more than one path to the highest level of hockey. Erik Cole IG: https://www.instagram.com/eriktcole/?hl=en Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 74: 2026 Hobey Baker Winner Max Plante - Small, Overlooked… Then Everything Changed | 08 juil. 2026 | 02:10:37 | |
The 2026 Hobey Baker winner on late growth, betting on himself, and chasing big dreams. Scott and Jamie sit down with Max Plante for a conversation that has surprisingly little to do with trophies and everything to do with development. Max shares how he was just 5'4", 120 pounds when he left Minnesota high school hockey for the NTDP, why many people questioned the decision, and how learning to compete as one of the smallest players on the ice ultimately became one of his biggest advantages. He also talks about growing up in Hermantown, playing every sport he could, the influence of his hockey family, battling through injuries, winning World Juniors gold, and why pushing yourself into uncomfortable situations is often the fastest path to growth. In this episode:
This isn't just the story of a Hobey Baker winner, it's a reminder that development isn't always linear, and betting on yourself is often the hardest move to make.
Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 73: TopLine Hockey - Your Kid Doesn’t Need the Best Team…They Need the Right Coach | 01 juil. 2026 | 02:40:44 | |
Scott and Jamie sit down with Justin Selman and Boo Nieves of TopLine Hockey for a brutally honest conversation about development, coaching, team-hopping, and what parents keep getting wrong. Justin and Boo share their own paths through Michigan, pro hockey, the AHL grind, injuries, coaching, and building TopLine into one of the most trusted development groups in the area. But the real meat of this episode is youth hockey today: why parents chase logos, why kids get stuck in the wrong roles too early, why switching teams every year can backfire, and why the best situation isn’t always the best-ranked team. In this episode:
If your kid is miserable, underused, or chasing the next logo - this one is required listening. TopLine: https://tlhockey.com/ Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 72: The Hockey World Got Bigger... Not Easier (with Sean Flanagan) | 24 juin 2026 | 02:19:51 | |
What college coaches are actually looking for in today's game. Scott and Jamie sit down with Sean Flanagan, Associate Head Coach at Cornell University, for a candid conversation about recruiting, development, and what separates players who keep advancing from those who stall out.
The conversation dives into youth hockey development, multi-sport athletes, late bloomers, recruiting misconceptions, and why parents often worry about things that matter far less than they think. In this episode:
If you're trying to understand what college coaches are really evaluating, this episode is a must-listen. Cornell University Men's Ice Hockey: https://cornellbigred.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 71: The Craziest Hockey Parent I Ever Met Was Me (with Rich Cohen) | 17 juin 2026 | 02:34:22 | |
Before Rich Cohen wrote Pee-Wees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent, he thought he understood youth hockey parents..then he became one. Scott and Jamie sit down with the bestselling author to discuss the real story behind Pee-Wees, the emotional pull of youth hockey, and how even self-aware parents can get caught up in rankings, team placements, and the pursuit of "what's next." Rich shares stories from his own playing days, his son's hockey journey, and the lessons he learned after realizing that parents often spend so much time chasing the next step that they miss the season they're living right now. In this episode:
If you've ever obsessed over tryouts, rankings, or the ride home after a game, this episode will feel very familiar. Rich Cohen https://www.authorrichcohen.com/ Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 70: Hockey Is Becoming Unaffordable (with Zechariah Thomas) | 10 juin 2026 | 01:47:21 | |
The former junior player trying to make hockey cheaper. Scott and Jamie sit down with Zechariah Thomas, founder and CEO of Swift Hockey, to talk about the rising cost of hockey and why more families are getting priced out of the game. Zechariah shares his unconventional hockey journey - starting at age 10, playing major junior and pro hockey, and building businesses while still playing. He explains how seeing teammates struggle to afford equipment inspired him to start Swift Hockey and why he's obsessed with making the game more accessible. The conversation covers hockey stick myths, expensive equipment, prep school costs, youth hockey spending, and the reality that parents often spend money in places that don't actually help development. In this episode:
If you've ever wondered whether youth hockey is getting too expensive, this episode is for you.
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 69: Bring The Juice w/ Princeton Head Coach Ben Syer | 03 juin 2026 | 02:23:04 | |
Why development, confidence, and culture matter more than systems. Scott and Jamie sit down with Princeton Head Coach Ben Syer for a conversation about what actually helps kids develop in hockey. Ben shares the youth hockey lesson he learned from his own daughter, why confidence comes from teaching rather than yelling, and how coaches can help players compete regardless of size or physical maturity. The conversation also dives into what Ben looks for when recruiting players, why culture and energy matter so much, and how great coaches create environments where kids are challenged, engaged, and having fun. In this episode:
If you're trying to figure out what actually helps kids develop, this episode is for you. Princeton University Men's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 68: Keith Mondillo - The Youth Sports Machine Is Out of Control | 27 mai 2026 | 02:10:35 | |
Scott and Jamie sit down with Keith Mondillo - longtime college coach, athletic director at Gwynedd Mercy University, and recruiting expert for a brutally honest conversation about recruiting, NIL, youth sports pressure, and what families are getting wrong. Keith explains why the biggest recruiting mistake parents make is waiting for coaches to “find” their kid, why most early offers are hype, and why families need to understand where their player actually fits instead of chasing unrealistic levels. The conversation also dives into NIL money, the transfer portal, roster cuts, private equity entering youth sports, and why high school athletes are now often “last on the list” behind transfers and older players. In this episode:
This one isn’t just about basketball or hockey...it’s about where all youth sports are heading. Keith Mondillo Coaching: https://www.keithmondillo.com/ Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 67: Spring Hockey Is Out of Control… and Hockey Parents Know It | 20 mai 2026 | 01:41:30 | |
No guest. Just Scott & Jamie going old-school CHD. In this episode, Scott and Jamie talk spring hockey overload, expensive programs kids barely attend, parenting teenage boys, and the reality of trying to balance development, burnout, and family life. The conversation also drifts into hilarious childhood stories, digital parenting, and why today’s kids can’t get away with anything the way parents used to. In this episode:
Just two hockey dads yapping about youth sports, parenting, and life.
Socials: | |||
| Episode 66: The Man Building “Hockey Paradise” in Florida - Larry Robbins | 13 mai 2026 | 02:39:19 | |
Scott and Jamie sit down with Larry Robbins - hedge fund founder, former Chicago Steel owner, builder of Longwood Hockey, and the driving force behind the Florida Surf - for one of the most honest youth hockey conversations CHD has had yet. Larry pulls back the curtain on how he went from a self-described “bad hockey player” to helping build powerhouse development environments that produced NHL stars like Lane Hutson, Macklin Celebrini, Adam Fantilli, Owen Power, and Alex Laferriere. But this episode isn’t about flexing hockey résumés. It’s about what youth hockey is becoming and whether parents are chasing the wrong things. Larry talks about:
He also explains the vision behind Longwood Hockey and the Florida Surf: building a full development ecosystem in Florida with AAA hockey, academy training, a new two-sheet rink, strength training, academics, and a pathway designed to keep elite players in-state instead of leaving at 13 years old. Florida Surf: https://www.floridasurfhockey.com/ Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 65: “If You’re Good, They’ll Find You” w/ Connor & Kellen Jones | 06 mai 2026 | 02:18:31 | |
Scott and Jamie sit down with Connor Jones, assistant coach at Princeton, and Kellen Jones, assistant coach at Holy Cross, for a raw look at twins, recruiting, compete, and what college coaches actually notice. The Jones brothers talk about growing up in a small-town hockey environment with no spring hockey, no summer hockey, no power skating, and no early hype - just hard work, other sports, and a family standard built around competing. Now on the recruiting side, they explain what really jumps out when watching players: body language, response after mistakes, motor, work ethic, and whether a kid gives up on plays. They also explain why parents need to stop over-talking and let the player show who they are on the ice. In this episode:
If you think recruiting is just points and exposure, this one will reset your brain. Princeton Men's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 64: Dr. Alicia Naser, Ph.D - Stop Turning the Car Ride Home Into a Therapy Session | 29 avr. 2026 | 01:44:20 | |
How hockey parents accidentally make the mental game harder. Scott and Jamie sit down with Dr. Alicia Naser, behavioral scientist, board certified behavior analyst, and founder of The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology, for a parent-first conversation about pressure, confidence, mistakes, and the ride home from the rink. Dr. Naser explains why kids need space to make mistakes, why parents should be careful about watching every practice, and how constant feedback can quietly damage the parent-child dynamic. She breaks down what to say after a bad game, how to handle comparison, why “just forget about it” doesn’t work, and how players can build confidence by learning to recover emotionally after mistakes.
If your kid is already hard on themselves, this episode might change what you say next. Disclaimer The views and opinions expressed by Dr. Naser are her own and do not represent those of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB).
Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 63: RJ Burns - “You’re Not Raising a Hockey Player… You’re Burning One Out” | 23 avr. 2026 | 02:07:59 | |
Why most youth hockey development is completely backwards. Scott and Jamie sit down with RJ Burns, Co-Owner of TopLine Hockey, and this one hits a nerve for every hockey parent. RJ breaks down why “just skating around cones” isn’t development, why kids need to think the game instead of memorize drills, and how the obsession with reps, travel, and “more ice” is actually hurting players long-term. He shares blunt truths about parent pressure, over-scheduling, and kids who clearly don’t even want to be at the rink, plus why sometimes the best thing you can do is… take a break.
RJ also shares his own journey from bouncing teams and chasing the path, to realizing hockey became a job instead of something he loved, and how coaching brought that passion back. TopLine Hockey - https://tlhockey.com/ Partners:
Socials: | |||
| Episode 62: “You’re Racing to the Wrong Finish Line” with Heather Mannix - USA Hockey | 15 avr. 2026 | 01:46:32 | |
Why youth hockey development is getting misunderstood. Scott and Jamie sit down with Heather Mannix, Manager of Education & Player Development at USA Hockey, for a deep dive into what development actually means and where parents and coaches get it wrong. Heather explains how parent pressure impacts even the most informed families, why so many are rushing kids toward the wrong goals, and why the most important thing at young ages is simple: kids have to love the game. She also breaks down the evolution of USA Hockey’s coaching education, shifting from what to teach to how to coach, and why creating fun, competitive, game-like environments leads to better development than traditional drills. The conversation also dives into burnout, over-scheduling, girls hockey growth, and the reality that fun isn’t goofing off...it’s competing, learning, and being engaged. In this episode:
If you think more ice time, more teams, and more pressure = better development…this episode will make you rethink everything.
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 61: USHL Commissioner Glenn Hefferan - “Your Kid Doesn’t Need You… They Need You to Shut Up” | 08 avr. 2026 | 02:32:05 | |
Scott and Jamie sit down with USHL Commissioner Glenn Hefferan for a blunt, parent-first conversation on what actually matters in youth hockey. Glenn explains why kids play better when the pressure is off, why parents need to focus on “love and fun”, and how over-involvement can quietly hurt development. He also breaks down the realities of junior hockey and why the jump from youth to juniors is the hardest step, what the USHL actually demands, and why chasing exposure and spending more doesn’t guarantee anything. In this episode:
If your kid isn’t having fun...nothing else matters.
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 60: Pat Shea - “I Didn’t Even Know If Hockey Was My Dream” | 01 avr. 2026 | 01:53:24 | |
When the game starts to feel like a job. Scott and Jamie sit down with Pat Shea (IG @pshea25) former University of Maine Black Bear, pro hockey player, and creator behind Hockey House and Full Ride for a raw conversation about identity, pressure, and walking away from the game. Pat opens up about a turning point many players don’t talk about: realizing that what was once fun started to feel like work. He explains how losing passion at the college level, combined with a growing interest in creating, forced him to ask a tough question…was hockey actually his dream, or something he grew up in? He also shares his path through youth hockey, prep school, and Maine including being a late bloomer, dealing with early rejection, and how confidence and obsession (not camps or shortcuts) drove his development. In this episode:
This one hits different, especially if your kid loves the game… but the pressure is starting to creep in. Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 59: Dartmouth Asst. Coach Jason Tapp - “I’ve Crossed Kids Off Because of Their Parents” | 25 mars 2026 | 01:32:39 | |
What really matters in recruiting… and what quietly kills it. Scott and Jamie sit down with Jason Tapp, Dartmouth College's assistant Men's Ice Hockey coach, live from Lake Placid ahead of the ECAC semis, for a candid look at how college recruiting actually works (and what families get wrong). Tapp breaks down the three non-negotiables they look for in players - character, compete, and hockey IQ - and why talent alone isn’t enough to make it at the college level. He also shares a blunt reality: he’s crossed players off recruiting lists because of parent behavior and why that’s an immediate red flag for programs. The conversation goes deeper into youth hockey decisions, why chasing the “best team” is often a mistake, why tier doesn’t really matter at younger ages, and how development is a long runway, not a sprint. Tapp also opens up as a hockey parent himself, admitting he feels the same pressure as everyone else and why he’s shifted to letting his kids drive their own development.
Recorded live from Lake Placid, but the message applies everywhere. it’s not about where you play… it’s about how you develop. Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| BONUS Content from Lake Placid - ECAC Finals, Rink Energy, and What This Stage Really Feels Like | 21 mars 2026 | 00:27:32 | |
Scott and Jamie are on location in Lake Placid ahead of the ECAC Finals, soaking in the atmosphere and breaking down what makes this moment different for players, parents, and everyone around the rink. From the energy in the building to what it actually takes to perform on a stage like this, this quick-hit episode captures the feel of big-game hockey in real time. Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 58: Mental Edge Hockey - Confidence Isn’t a Feeling… It’s a Choice | 18 mars 2026 | 02:05:34 | |
Why most kids don’t actually know what a “good game” is. Scott and Jamie sit down with Sandy Cohan (Mental Edge Hockey) for a deep dive into the mental side of youth hockey and why so many players struggle with confidence, focus, and pressure. Sandy explains that most young athletes can’t even define what success is, yet their confidence rises and falls based on it. He breaks down why results (goals, points) are the wrong scoreboard, and why real development comes from actions, behaviors, and controllables, not outcomes. The conversation also hits what’s changed in today’s athletes (less focus, less grit) and how social media and comparison culture are making it worse. Sandy shares practical ways to help players reset, refocus, and build confidence, including why confidence is a skill that can be built, not something you either have or don’t. In this episode:
This episode isn’t about hockey systems. It’s about how players think and why that changes everything.
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 57: NHL Agent Scott Bartlett - “Don’t Hire an Advisor Yet” | 11 mars 2026 | 01:43:44 | |
Scott and Jamie sit down with Scott Bartlett, NHLPA-certified agent at Bartlett Hockey, for a behind-the-scenes look at how the hockey development path actually works. Bartlett represents more than 30 NHL players, including stars like Cale Makar. Scott explains why most families rush the process, especially when it comes to agents and exposure, and why most players don’t need an advisor before junior hockey age. Instead, he believes the focus should be on development, not exposure, and letting opportunities happen naturally if a player is on the right track. He also breaks down common youth hockey myths, including the idea that players must play AAA to be discovered. Scott shares his own experience being cut from a AAA team, dominating at AA the next year, and how that adversity actually helped his development.
If you’re trying to understand the real path from youth hockey to juniors, college, and beyond, this episode offers insight from someone who guides players through it every day. Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 56: Topher Scott - When Youth Hockey Became a Recruiting Culture | 04 mars 2026 | 02:38:17 | |
Scott and Jamie sit down with Topher Scott of The Hockey Think Tank for a candid conversation about the pressure surrounding modern youth hockey. Topher explains how tryout season and early recruiting have shifted the focus away from development, creating stress for families and players. He shares why youth hockey can feel more like a recruiting culture than a development culture, why parents need to help kids live in the moment, and how to actually evaluate whether a coach or program is helping a player grow. In this episode:
If youth hockey feels more stressful than it should be, this conversation helps explain why. Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 55: The Truth About “The Path” to Junior Hockey (w/ Matt Dumouchelle) | 25 févr. 2026 | 02:21:19 | |
The system isn’t as simple as you think.
Matt explains why families often misunderstand the pathway, how junior teams actually evaluate and move players, and why “exposure” doesn’t guarantee opportunity. The conversation dives into how perception, timing, fit, and relationships shape careers just as much as talent and why blindly chasing the next level can create more problems than it solves.
This episode isn’t anti-junior hockey. Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 54: Titan Battlegear CEO Andries de Villiers and the Truth About Cut Protection | 17 févr. 2026 | 02:00:04 | |
Scott and James sit down with Andries de Villiers, CEO of Titan Battlegear, for a blunt breakdown of what cut protection in hockey really means and why a lot of gear parents trust may create a false sense of security. After a tragic local on-ice incident, Andries dove deep into testing standards and discovered that many products marketed as protective weren’t stopping skate blades at meaningful levels. He explains the ANSI A1–A9 scale, why he calls A6 the “Mendoza line” for real protection, and why safety comes down to two things: cut resistance and coverage. The conversation also tackles early neck-guard mandates that were “legal but not effective,” why Velcro designs can fail (and frustrate players), and why lower-body cut protection (especially around the femoral area) is the next major gap families aren’t thinking about.
If you assume a neck guard is a neck guard, this episode will change how you look at your kid’s gear. Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 53: Mike Eruzione - “Stop Yelling ‘Pass!’”… and the Finland Game Nobody Talks About | 11 févr. 2026 | 01:45:47 | |
The Miracle on Ice captain delivers a youth-hockey reality check and then drops the “missing chapter” of 1980. Scott and Jamie sit down with Mike Eruzione, and the conversation goes way past the headline everyone already knows. Mike starts with a story that’ll make today’s hockey parents wince: he didn’t start skating until age nine, wearing his sister’s white figure skates with blue pom-poms. From there, he hits modern youth hockey straight on: the cost, the entitlement that comes with it, and why he literally stands alone at the rink. He tells an all-time story about shutting down a loud parent so hard that the whole rink went silent whenever his son touched the puck. Then Mike flips into the stuff most people don’t bring up: why the Finland game was the real make-or-break moment, and the stat that explains how that team actually won, they outscored opponents 16–3 in the third period, and the “best 20 minutes” they played all year was the final 20 against Finland. In this episode:
If you’re a hockey parent living in the stands, chasing ice time, or yelling “PASS!” through the glass… Mike’s message is blunt: stop trying to control it, support it. Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 52: Jim Dowd - Didn’t Play AAA Until Midgets… and Won a Stanley Cup | 04 févr. 2026 | 01:53:27 | |
Scott and Jamie sit down with Jim Dowd for a no-nonsense conversation that cuts straight through modern youth hockey panic. From growing up a true rink rat to winning a Stanley Cup, Jim explains why early AAA, nonstop showcases, and year-round hockey aren’t what actually separate players. Dowd shares how he developed on free ice with buckets of pucks, why he didn’t play AAA until midgets, and how his own kids followed a similar slower, multi-sport path and still earned college opportunities. He also gets real about pro hockey: the mindset it takes to survive, the business behind roster decisions, and why skill alone isn’t enough without nutrition, habits, and mental discipline. In this episode:
If you’re a parent wondering whether you’re pushing too fast or a player trying to figure out what actually matters - this episode delivers a long overdue reality check. Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 51: A Second Look at USA Hockey’s New Development League - What Parents Are Getting Wrong (with Ken Martel) | 28 janv. 2026 | 01:47:39 | |
The must-listen follow-up to Episode 50 Scott and Jamie sit down with Ken Martel, Senior Director of Player & Coach Development at USA Hockey, to clear up some confusion surrounding the new USA Hockey Development League and directly follow up on their conversation with Bob Mancini in Episode 50. Ken explains what the Development League is actually designed to do, why “open borders” matter, and why USA Hockey believes long-term scouting and accountability, not a single combine or draft, should determine where players belong. He also addresses misconceptions around control, outlines how clubs are selected, and why USA Hockey wants closer alignment with programs to raise development standards across the board. In this episode:
If Episode 50 explained what the Development League is, this episode explains how it’s going to function in the real world. If you’re a parent trying to make sense of the noise...this one matters. Partners:
Socials:
| |||
| Episode 50: Inside USA Hockey’s New Development League (with Bob Mancini) | 21 janv. 2026 | 01:56:57 | |
What it is, why it exists, and how it’s about to change the path. Scott and Jamie welcome back Bob Mancini, Assistant Executive Director of Hockey Development at USA Hockey, for a rare, detailed breakdown of the USA Hockey Development League straight from one of the people building it. Bob explains why the league was created, what problems it’s designed to fix, and why it’s not a replacement for Tier 1, high school, prep school, or juniors - but a reorganization of the development path. He walks through the thinking behind the 15U and 17U age groups, strict development standards, game limits, coach education requirements, and why the goal isn’t to rush players forward, but to put them in environments where they can actually excel. In this episode:
This is one of the clearest looks you’ll get at the future of elite youth hockey in the U.S. If you’ve heard rumors, half-truths, or hot takes - this episode sets the record straight.
X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551 | |||
| Episode 49: NHL Practice Is Only 35 Minutes (with Ryan Murphy) | 13 janv. 2026 | 02:03:45 | |
How intentional reps, decision-making, and efficiency drive real improvement. Scott and Jamie sit down with Ryan Murphy, Skills Coach for the New Jersey Devils, to break down how development actually works at the NHL level. Ryan walks through his path from New Jersey youth hockey to prep school, the U.S. National Team, Boston College, pro hockey, and now working daily with NHL players. His message is simple and consistent: when time is limited, every rep has to matter.
This episode pulls the curtain back on how the best players train and why doing less, better, is often the real edge. Socials: X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551 | |||
| Episode 48: The Simplest Training Plan Nobody Follows (with Coach Kevin) | 08 janv. 2026 | 02:01:52 | |
Why doing less - more often - actually works Scott and Jamie sit down with Coach Kevin, founder of hockeytraining.com, for a much-needed reset on youth hockey training. Kevin shares his own winding path getting cut late from AAA, stepping away to play football, finally breaking through at 20 and how those experiences shaped his no-nonsense approach to development. The conversation centers on one simple idea: most kids don’t need more sessions, more teams, or more chaos...they need consistent, manageable work they’ll actually stick with. In this episode: - Why 10 minutes a day of stickhandling beats marathon workouts Simple, practical, and refreshingly realistic - this episode gives parents a better plan than just adding another skate. Socials: X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551 | |||
| Episode 47: Built From the Rink Up | 31 déc. 2025 | 01:06:18 | |
Why building it from the rink up is the reason this thing worked. Scott and Jamie sit down for a reflective, end-of-season check-in after nine months of Crazy Hockey Dads - a podcast that started as two dads venting and turned into a global conversation with hockey parents in 38 countries. From forgotten skates and waxed-lace debates to the lessons pulled from guests and listener stories, this episode is about how the pod (and the community around it) grew by keeping things real.
Grounded, grateful, and forward-looking - this episode is a pause to appreciate what’s been built and a reminder that the best stuff still comes straight from the rink. Socials: X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551 | |||
| Episode 46: No Rankings, No Rush (with Sadie Lundquist) | 23 déc. 2025 | 01:37:37 | |
Why rushing hockey is the fastest way to get it wrong. Scott and Jamie sit down with Sadie Lundquist - Minnesota-grown, former college and pro player, and now Deputy Director of College Hockey, Inc. - to talk about what development looks like when you don’t rush it. From growing up in Cloquet and playing with her brothers to choosing fit over flash in college, Sadie brings lived experience and real data to a conversation full of unnecessary panic. In this episode:
Grounded, honest, and calming in the best way - this episode is a reset for any parent wondering if their kid is “behind.” Socials: X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551 | |||
| Episode 45: Jeff LoVecchio - Cut, Overmatched, Now Unstoppable | 17 déc. 2025 | 01:52:54 | |
Why the kids who struggle early often last the longest. Scott and Jamie sit down with Jeff LoVecchio - former D1 and pro player, longtime Hockey Think Tank co-host, and founder of GMBM: Give More Be More to unpack a hockey journey built on getting cut, staying patient and learning how to own your development. Jeff walks through growing up in St. Louis with grounded parents who refused to fight his battles, getting cut from teams, playing one or two shifts a game his first year of AAA, and being forced to look in the mirror instead of blaming coaches. He explains how those moments, not early dominance, shaped his confidence, work ethic, and long-term success. The conversation dives into what Jeff sees now after 18 years training thousands of players: why parents rush too early, how over-scheduling hurts development, why competition and discomfort matter, and how mentorship, not micromanagement, changes outcomes. In this episode:
Socials: X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551 | |||
| Episode 44: The Hockey Guys - From Dorm Room Chaos to Working With the NHL | 10 déc. 2025 | 01:58:46 | |
How a COVID accident became the biggest vibes-driven hockey brand in the game. Scott and Jamie sit down with Jonny and Austin, two of the original Hockey Guys, to break down how a group of college teammates stuck in online classes accidentally built a brand that now partners with more than half the NHL. They walk through the real story: Ontario and Manitoba childhoods, leaving home early, billet adventures, injuries, and the mental grind that shaped them long before TikTok. Then they explain why their content works, why fans who never played hockey connect with them, and how “just being the boys” ended up doing more to grow the game than any marketing campaign. In this episode:
It’s funny, honest, and unexpectedly insightful...the story of how guys who just wanted to play hockey ended up changing how it’s shared with the world. Socials: X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551 | |||
| Episode 43: The Skating Myths Parents Keep Getting Wrong (with NHL Skating Coach - Angelo Serse) | 03 déc. 2025 | 02:21:56 | |
From Queens to the NHL - and why most of youth hockey is overthinking it. Scott and Jamie sit down with Angelo Serse - ProStride Elite founder, New Jersey Devils skating coach, U14 Youth Devils national champion, and Ozone Park kid who nearly quit hockey on Day 1. Angelo shares his unique path: immigrant parents staring at a $2,500 AAA bill, his mom driving to Plattsburgh in snowstorms because he loved the game, and a late-blooming college opportunity that didn’t hit until his senior year. From there, he breaks down what families misunderstand about skating, development, and the “race” they think they’re in. In this episode:
Concise, sharp, and myth-busting, this is the skating conversation every hockey family needs before spending another dollar. Socials: X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551 | |||
| Episode 42: The Mind Behind the Madness with Vinny Malts on Nerves, Pressure & What Really Builds Players | 26 nov. 2025 | 02:05:20 | |
Scott and Jamie sit down with Vinny Malts - founder of Bloodline Hockey, longtime pro, and the first mental-performance coach ever hired by the NHL to dig into the side of development nobody sees but every kid feels. Vinny walks through his wild rise from Philadelphia street hockey, to being drafted by the Vancouver Canucks, to a career-altering ankle injury that eventually pushed him toward mindset work. He also opens up about the depression he battled every postseason, the nervous-system science parents overlook, and why so many young players fall apart long before they fall behind. In this episode: It’s part therapy session, part player-development masterclass and the perspective every hockey parent needs before their next car ride home. Socials: X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551 | |||