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.
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Données mises à jour le 14/07/2026
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Brown Women’s Hockey Coach Mel Ruzzi on Player Development, Recruiting, and Keeping Youth Hockey Fun
Épisode 83
mardi 14 avril 2026 • Durée 53:48
Host Jason Jacobs introduces Puck Academy and interviews Mel Ruzzi, head coach of Women’s Ice Hockey at Brown, known for defensive systems and program-building after roles at Princeton, Yale, Providence, Harvard, and Amherst, plus long involvement with USA Hockey. Ruzzi recounts growing up in Minnesota, starting organized hockey in eighth grade, playing high school at Burnsville, then captaining Providence College, and entering college coaching via a graduate assistant role at Amherst while earning a sport management master’s at UMass. They discuss how girls’ hockey pathways have expanded, the rise of academies and travel conflicting with school, and recruiting realities (Minnesota and Ontario as key pockets) amid shifting NCAA legislation, the portal, and emerging advisors. Ruzzi emphasizes passion, fun, and coaching “people,” teaching hockey IQ through film, and building a clear team identity balancing structure with offensive creativity; she hopes players spread talent beyond top programs and that the PWHL succeeds.
00:00 Show and Guest Intro
02:11 Why Womens Hockey Matters
03:05 Minnesota Roots and Late Start
04:16 Providence and Coaching Spark
05:11 Breaking Into Coaching
07:06 Why Not Hockey Earlier
08:19 Girls Pathway Then vs Now
11:50 Dad's Coaching Philosophy
13:00 Compete Process and Practice
14:56 What Separates Top Players
16:48 Parents Pressure and Joy
23:06 Academics vs Travel Hockey
26:55 Girls Pathway Today
27:24 Eligibility Rules Shifting
28:55 Recruiting Hotbeds Explained
30:11 Academies Pulling Players
32:09 What Coaches Look For
34:08 Passion Over Scholarships
35:33 Agents Advisors And Cycles
36:29 Teaching IQ With Video
39:29 Building Team Identity
42:08 Structure Versus Creativity
44:18 Portal Rules And Fit
46:12 Finding Mentors As Coach
47:42 Future Of Womens Hockey
51:05 Keeping Youth Hockey Fun
53:15 Final Thanks And Signoff
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Sean Skahan on Modern Hockey Strength & Conditioning, Youth Development, and Avoiding Burnout
Épisode 82
mardi 31 mars 2026 • Durée 50:04
Host Jason Jacobs interviews longtime NHL strength and conditioning coach Sean Skahan, former Minnesota Wild and 2007 Stanley Cup champion Anaheim Ducks coach, now owner of Skahan Sports Conditioning and author of Total Hockey Training. Skahan describes entering hockey after playing football and interning with Mike Boyle, and explains how hockey training shifted from heavy aerobic work to a year-round focus on strength, speed, and power. He argues youth players often overdo summer ice time, limiting recovery and gains, and outlines an offseason model of four sessions per week with alternating high/low intensity, power work twice weekly, and conditioning twice weekly, emphasizing coaching technique and injury prevention. He supports multi-sport participation to avoid burnout, discusses limited but useful performance tracking, critiques overreliance on sports science apps, and shares his move from the NHL to youth development and resources for in-person and online training.
00:00 Show Introduction
00:16 Meet Sean Skahan
02:34 From Football to Hockey
03:48 How Training Evolved
06:48 Building Player Programs
09:04 Youth Offseason Confusion
10:28 FOMO and Summer Priorities
15:22 Four Day Training Blueprint
17:16 Choosing the Right Coach
19:11 What Makes Coaches Great
22:57 Injury Proof Training
24:25 Coaching In The Gym
25:04 Basics Plus Evolution
27:12 Tracking And Testing
29:11 Tech Versus Communication
31:08 Avoiding Early Burnout
35:14 Holistic Athlete Balance
Elevating the Game: Insights from Jon Lounsbury, NHL Player Development Coach
Épisode 81
mardi 24 mars 2026 • Durée 01:04:21
In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs sits down with Jon Lounsbury, owner of 11 Hockey and a player development coach who works with players from youth hockey through the NHL.
Jon shares his journey from youth and high school hockey in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to Bridgeton Academy, University of Southern Maine hockey, and six years of professional hockey before transitioning into coaching and player development. Today, through 11 Hockey, he works with players across youth, junior, college, and pro levels.
Jason and Jon discuss what actually drives player development, how video can be used effectively without undermining team systems, and why relationships and trust are central to helping players improve.
The conversation also dives into the current youth hockey environment — including overscheduling, tournament chasing, early specialization, and the pressures facing families — and why giving the game back to kids through creativity, multi-sport participation, and realistic expectations may be the healthiest path forward.
They also discuss analytics in player development, the importance of observational coaching, and how recent CHL–NCAA eligibility changes could reshape the college hockey landscape.
Episode Breakdown
00:00 Welcome to Puck Academy
02:25 Why Youth Hockey Feels Toxic
03:59 Jon’s Hockey Origins
07:23 Falling Out and Back In
10:36 Coaching Path and Mentors
13:20 Inside 11 Hockey Today
16:32 Parenting vs Pushing Kids
22:47 Boredom and Street Hockey Lessons
26:46 Discipline Without Burnout
30:25 What Pros Actually Need
Jack Ceglarski on Player Development, Recruiting, and Building Middlebury Hockey
Épisode 80
mardi 17 mars 2026 • Durée 01:09:21
Host Jason Jacobs welcomes Jack Ceglarski, head coach of Middlebury men’s hockey, for a wide-ranging conversation on development, recruiting, and leading a program in today’s changing hockey landscape.
A former SUNY Geneseo national champion and pro (Reading Royals, Indy Fuel, Huntsville Havoc), Jack shares his path from player to coach — including stops at New England College, Notre Dame, and ultimately Middlebury, where he became head coach in 2024.
Jack reflects on growing up at Governor’s Academy in a prominent hockey family and why expectations around his last name felt more motivating than burdensome. He credits multi-sport development and patience in juniors for shaping his long-term growth — and critiques today’s youth hockey culture as overly specialized, travel-heavy, and increasingly money-driven.
We discuss:
Why early specialization may hurt long-term development
The tradeoffs of modern “skills” training vs hockey IQ
Why cross-ice and small-area games matter
How he transitioned from playing to coaching
The importance of borrowing ideas and learning from mentors
As a head coach, Jack emphasizes relationships, trust, and culture. He looks for “thumb guys” — players who respond to adversity — and prioritizes character, academic fit, compete level, and winning traits over raw point totals. On Middlebury’s larger ice surface, skating and puck skill are essential.
He also shares:
Practice structure: systems early, more adaptive later
How he balances video, data, and the eye test
Why players should dominate a level before moving up
His cautious approach to the transfer portal
How NIL, the portal, and major junior shifts are reshaping the college path
Insights on Player Development from Tyler Holske, Head Coach & GM of NCDC South Shore Kings
Épisode 79
mardi 10 mars 2026 • Durée 59:53
In this episode of Puck Academy, Jason Jacobs sits down with Tyler Holske — head coach and general manager of the South Shore Kings (NCDC), where he is in his fourth season leading the program. He also serves as assistant general manager and director of scouting for the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) and as a regional scout for NHL Central Scouting, evaluating draft-eligible players across New England.
A former goaltender, Tyler played junior hockey in New England with the South Shore Kings and Boston Junior Bruins before playing four years at Southern New Hampshire University, where he captained the team and became the program’s all-time saves leader. He went on to play professionally in Europe for two seasons in the Netherlands.
Tyler brings a rare perspective shaped by experience as a player, coach, general manager, and scout — giving him a comprehensive view of player development and the evolving hockey pathways.
What we cover:
What really matters in player evaluation
Hockey sense first
Compete level second
Skill third
Why high-IQ, high-compete players win long term.
Can hockey IQ be developed?
Small-area games vs. skill-only training
Teaching “how to play” instead of just skating better
Using video the right way
Building internally motivated self-starters
How development has changed
The rise of 12-month hockey
Early specialization and burnout
Why kids need to love going to the rink
From Player to Coach: Bowdoin Head Coach Ben Guite's Hockey Journey
Épisode 78
mardi 3 mars 2026 • Durée 54:54
In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs talks to Ben Guite, the head coach of men's ice hockey at Bowdoin College. They discuss Ben's journey from playing at the University of Maine to his professional career in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL, and his transition into coaching. They explore the impact of growing up in a hockey household and how the game and player development have evolved over the years. Key topics include Ben's coaching philosophy, the role of video and data, recent rule changes like NIL and the transfer portal, and the future of the game. Ben also shares insights on balancing fun and hard work in youth hockey, the importance of character and culture in building successful teams, and the influence of individual skills training on hockey IQ.
00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy
00:15 Meet Ben Guite: From Player to Coach
01:28 Ben's Early Life and Hockey Journey
01:57 The Evolution of Hockey and Player Development
03:19 Balancing Fun and Competitiveness in Youth Sports
15:25 Recruitment and Character in College Hockey
20:30 Challenges and Growth in College Hockey
27:01 The Importance of Mastering Junior Hockey
28:46 Personal Journey to the NHL
30:13 Balancing Academics and Hockey
33:02 Rise of Specialized Training and Academies
36:26 Evaluating and Teaching Hockey IQ
40:22 Coaching Tactics and Player Development
43:27 Impact of Analytics and Video in Coaching
46:33 Changes in Junior and College Hockey
49:54 The Growing Competitiveness of Youth Hockey
51:55 Building Team Cohesion and Culture
53:39 Final Thoughts and Advice for Hockey Dads
Sibling Rivalries and Coaching Legacies with Sean and Tyler Walsh
Épisode 77
mardi 24 février 2026 • Durée 01:28:53
In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs talks with Sean and Tyler Walsh, brothers from a legendary hockey family. Sean, an assistant coach at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Tyler, the head men's hockey coach at Gustavus Adolphus College, share their experiences of growing up in a hockey-centric environment and their journey into coaching. They delve into discussions on coaching philosophies, the nature versus nurture debate, player development, and the evolving style of modern hockey. The episode also covers the balance between recruiting and development, the role of data and analytics, and advice for parents navigating the increasingly competitive landscape of youth hockey.
00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy
00:15 Meet the Walsh Brothers
00:52 Growing Up in a Legendary Hockey Family
01:30 Coaching Philosophies and Player Development
12:36 Nature vs. Nurture in Coaching
16:34 Evolution of Hockey Coaching Styles
21:53 Traits of Successful Hockey Players
41:18 Balancing Recruitment and Development
44:44 Recruiting Philosophy and Player Development
46:37 Challenges and Advantages of Playing in Alaska
54:02 The Role of Data and Analytics in Hockey
59:56 Teaching Through Scoring Chances
01:05:05 The Importance of Hockey IQ 0
1:13:56 Balancing Specialization and Multi-Sport Development
01:15:33 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Habits Over Systems: The Coaching Style of Bentley's Andy Jones
Épisode 76
mardi 17 février 2026 • Durée 01:02:49
In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs welcomes Andy Jones, head coach of Bentley University's Division I men's ice hockey team. Jones shares insights from his journey and coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of unstructured play, passion, and effort in player development. He discusses the evolving landscape of hockey, including the increasing cost barriers and the rise of specialized training. Jones advocates for maintaining a balance between structured guidance and allowing creativity and instinct to flourish. He also touches on the challenges posed by the current system and the need to make hockey more accessible and affordable. The episode offers a thoughtful exploration of both individual and systemic approaches to improving the game.
00:00 The Magic of Unstructured Learning
00:25 Introduction to Andy Jones
01:34 Andy Jones' Journey and Achievements
03:39 The Importance of Passion and Love for the Game
06:48 Challenges in Modern Hockey Development
16:09 Balancing Academics and Athletics
19:24 Effort, Curiosity, and Culture in Coaching
22:43 Navigating the Evolving Landscape of College Hockey
29:24 Systems vs. Habits in Coaching
31:41 Understanding Defensive Concepts
32:28 The Role of Soft Skills in Hockey
33:05 Building Relationships in Coaching
35:19 The Importance of Unstructured Play
41:10 Balancing Structure and Freedom in Training
46:39 Leveraging Data and Analytics
55:16 Affordability and Accessibility in Hockey
58:58 Final Thoughts and Reflections
Developing Hockey IQ: An In-depth Conversation with Coach Wes Wolfe
Épisode 75
mardi 10 février 2026 • Durée 01:25:49
In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Wes Wolfe, assistant coach of the Reading Royals in the ECHL, to discuss his comprehensive coaching background and insights on player development. Wes shares valuable lessons he has learned through 15 years of coaching across various levels, from minor leagues to international teams. The conversation dives into topics such as the evolution of coaching, the importance of building relationships with players, and the role of analytics and video in enhancing player performance. Extensive discussion also focuses on the challenges of modern hockey training environments and the potential of using technology to make high-level coaching more accessible. The episode concludes with Wes emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game and finding joy in the process as key factors for achieving high performance.
00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy
00:15 Meet Wes Wolfe: A Coach's Journey
02:26 Diving into Hockey IQ
08:47 The Evolving Role of a Coach
11:13 Analytics in Hockey: Eye Test vs. Data
19:02 Challenges in Modern Player Development
31:06 Team Dynamics and Individualization
37:13 Practical Coaching Strategies
44:17 Understanding Play Away from the Puck
45:58 The Importance of Context in Watching Games
46:40 Self-Discovery vs. Guided Learning
48:49 Learning from Different Levels of Play
50:36 The Role of Commentary and Analysis
53:37 High Frequency, High Failure Rate Areas
56:04 Balancing Individual and Team Development
01:07:30 The Potential of AI in Coaching
01:11:07 Closing the Loop in Player Development
Inside Babson Hockey: Coach Jamie Rice on Player Development and Leadership
Épisode 74
mardi 3 février 2026 • Durée 01:36:21
In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Jamie Rice, the head coach of Babson College's men's ice hockey team. Rice, a Babson alum and experienced coach, shares insights from his 21-year tenure, including his unconventional coaching methods that emphasize development, empowerment, and game-based learning over traditional drills. The discussion also explores broader themes of youth sports, parenting, and coaching philosophy, as well as the challenges facing modern college sports. Both enlightening and reflective, this episode provides a deep dive into what it takes to cultivate a successful and cohesive hockey program.
00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy
00:16 Meet Coach Jamie Rice
01:27 Coach Rice's Unique Coaching Philosophy
03:06 Personal Connections and Background
06:21 Growing Up in Newton
09:42 The Importance of Team and Sports
12:39 Goals and Aspirations
22:34 Recruitment and Team Building
26:54 Parenting and Youth Sports
47:15 Practice Philosophy and Methods
48:49 Self-Learning and Coaching Philosophy
49:40 Over-Coaching in Sports
50:15 Planning and Key Points in Practice
52:50 Influences and Inspirations
58:13 Challenges in Division One Hockey
01:06:48 Commitment to Player Development
01:12:40 Entrepreneurial Insights and Reflections
01:13:19 The Role of Individual Skill Development
01:30:03 Parental Influence and Societal Expectations
01:33:51 Final Thoughts and Reflections
38:53 Dreams And Backup Plans
40:37 From NHL To Youth Training
43:34 State Of The Game
46:44 Work With Sean
48:02 Parent Sideline Advice
49:23 Closing And Signoff
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
33:13 Trust and Pressure
34:10 Can Hockey IQ Be Developed?
35:05 Breaking Comfort Zones
38:00 Using Video the Right Way
40:22 Analytics and the Eye Test
43:55 What Pros Can Teach Youth Players
47:32 Tryouts, Cuts, and Parents
49:14 Shifts in the College Hockey Path
53:16 Academies, Advisors, and Juniors
58:59 Hope, Patience, or Delusion
01:02:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Jack closes by outlining his vision for Middlebury: competing annually for NESCAC and national championships while developing complete people — not just hockey players — and encouraging families to trust their own path rather than chasing someone else’s.
Show notes:
00:00 Welcome to Puck Academy + Meet Middlebury HC Jack Ceglarski
02:36 Hockey family roots: Grandfather, dad, and early influences
04:48 Jack’s playing journey: Governors Academy to juniors, college, and pro
07:49 Pressure, expectations, and building your own name
08:58 Multi-sport development vs early specialization
12:35 State of youth hockey today: money, travel, and the Minnesota model
15:44 Skill camps vs hockey IQ: why small-area games matter
19:10 When coaching took over: deciding to hang up the skates
21:14 Coaching development: mentors, “borrowing” ideas, and learning fast
24:36 Taking the Middlebury job: culture, buy-in, and leading with care
29:52 Academics vs athletics: what it takes to get recruited at Middlebury
33:12 Choosing the right level: reclassing, juniors, patience, and dominating your league
36:08 When to Make the Jump: Timing Your Next Step
36:38 Recruiting Non‑Negotiables: Character, Community & Compete Level
37:29 Building a Balanced Roster: Different Player Types, One Team
39:22 Winning Traits Over Points: What Actually Translates
42:44 Coachability & Details: Teaching ‘Stick on Puck’ and Other Habits
44:23 Transfer Portal Strategy: Add Pieces Without Breaking Culture
48:24 The New Hockey Landscape: Major Junior, Prep Paths & Tough Tradeoffs
51:08 Practice Planning Like a DJ: Systems Early, Adjustments Later
52:59 Consistency, Accountability & Responding to Adversity
55:27 Video, Data & the Eye Test: What Tech Can’t Replace
57:22 Developing Players In-Season vs Off-Season: Who Owns What
59:23 Parents, Advisors & Communication: Recruiting the Player, Not the Handler
01:01:28 Who Gets Scouted In Person: Showcases, Shortlists & Final Eye Tests
01:02:30 Selling Middlebury & the NESCAC ‘Best Package’ Pitch
01:03:56 Where the Program—and the Coach—Go Next (and Final Advice)
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Prep vs. juniors vs. CHL
There is no single right path
Why academics still matter
Due diligence families should do before leaving prep
How the landscape is getting more competitive
The bigger picture
There aren’t enough college spots
Most players won’t play pro
If you love the game, keep playing
Show notes:
00:00 Welcome to Puck Academy + Meet Tyler Holske (Goalie to GM/Scout)
02:28 Tyler’s Current Roles: South Shore Kings, USHL Scouting, NHL Central Scouting
03:34 Origin Story: Backyard Rink, Choosing Goalie, College & Pro in Europe
05:10 From Player to Coach: Kings Goalie Coach to Head Coach/GM & Building a Winning Culture
07:55 How the Development Path Has Changed: 12-Month Hockey, Specialization & Burnout
10:45 Let Kids Be Kids: Balancing Love of the Game, Commitment, and Parent Pressure
13:51 Synergy of Coaching + Scouting Hats Across Levels
15:57 What Tyler Looks For: Hockey Sense, Compete Level, and Skill (In That Order)
18:07 Can Hockey IQ & Compete Be Taught? Video, Self-Starters, and Accountability
20:17 Raising Hockey IQ: Small-Area Games, Teaching ‘How to Play,’ and Video-to-Ice Pairing
24:19 Tools of the Trade: InStat Workflow, Drill Sources, and Learning as a Coach
27:26 Analytics vs Eye Test: Opponent Prep, Special Teams Tendencies, and Key Metrics
29:29 When Skill Work Backfires: Making Training Game-Translatable
30:31 Can You Develop Compete & Hockey IQ Over Time?
32:26 Modern Coaching: Managing 26 Personalities & Building Buy-In
34:05 Choosing the Right Path: Don’t Rush Levels + Academics Matter
37:05 Prep vs Juniors: The 24/7 Hockey Environment Explained
39:36 Should You Skip Juniors? Readiness, Reps, and Due Diligence
43:18 CHL Rule Changes & the NCDC’s Niche in College Placement
46:27 Advisors, Outreach, and the Behind-the-Scenes Placement Machine
49:23 Recruiting vs Development: Culture, Process, and Handling Adversity
51:22 A Tougher Landscape: Not Enough Spots + What Needs to Change
54:24 Reality vs Dreams: Playing for the Love of the Game
56:44 Future of Hockey: Opportunity, Cost Barriers, and Final Wrap-Up
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
01:12:28 The Future of Hockey Coaching
01:18:50 Barriers to Entry and Access to Resources
01:23:55 Final Thoughts and Parting Words
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).
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