In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric is joined by former NHL forward and current player development coach Brian Willsie.Brian shares insights from his 15-year pro career including time in the NHL, AHL, and Europe and how that experience now shapes his approach to developing youth players. From his transition into coaching and mentorship to his current work with Washington Capitals prospects and elite youth programs, Brian offers a grounded and honest perspective on what young players need today.This conversation hits on the importance of:Building confidence at the youth levelAvoiding over-coaching and letting kids developHow the pro game has changed over the yearsWhat truly matters in long-term developmentWhether you’re a parent, coach, or player, this episode offers valuable wisdom from someone who’s lived every level of the game — and now teaches it the right way.🕒 Key Moments:0:00 – Brian Willsie intro & career snapshot4:30 – Playing in the NHL vs. Europe10:20 – Transitioning from pro to player development15:45 – What youth hockey often gets wrong20:30 – How to build confidence in young players28:00 – Pro advice that still applies at the grassroots35:00 – What Willsie looks for when working with young athletes🎥 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube 📲 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries | @CoachEpzolo | @BioSteelSportsAcademy The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy dive into one of the most loaded questions in youth hockey: When is it the right time to move away from home?

From the pressure to chase better teams and “big-name” programs to the reality of playing with, and against, weaker players, this episode unpacks how development actually happens… and how families can make better long-term decisions.

They also dig into the mental side of the game, the different types of intelligence athletes show, and why traditional academics don’t always reflect a player’s hockey IQ or real-world skill set.

This one’s for families navigating:

• Big decisions about moving away

• The myths of chasing top teams

• The truth about talent and how it rises over time

• How to develop in “non-traditional” programs

• When it’s worth leaving… and when it’s not

Key Moments:

1:20 – Athletic intelligence vs classroom intelligence

28:00 – Why chasing teams usually backfires

32:30 – Is chasing a championship always worth it?

35:50 – Moving away from the northern loop for U18 hockey

39:50 – Why playing with weaker players can help you grow

42:45 – There’s no hiding good players — they always get noticed

44:00 – The story of Justin Brazeau & New Liskeard Cubs

47:00 – First-round picks who still don’t stick at the next level

53:50 – Parents, emotion, and the whirlwind of youth hockey

Stay Connected

📺 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube

📲 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries | @CoachEpzolo | @BioSteelSportsAcademy

🔗 Learn more: www.biosteel.com
The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports.

In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we take a deep dive into what NCAA hockey programs truly look for in players, and how USA Hockey approaches long-term development.This episode features two insightful conversations recorded live at the Matterhorn Fit All-Ivy Showcase:🎙 Matt Gilroy — Assistant Coach at Harvard, former NHL defenseman, and Hobey Baker winner 🎙 Jason Guerriero — USA Hockey development coach and national educatorWe start with Matt’s journey, from an underdog NCAA walk-on to a decorated pro career, and explore what separates players when everyone is talented. From hockey IQ and creativity to mindset, academics, and maturity, he breaks down how top college programs evaluate prospects.Then, Jason joins the conversation to provide a national perspective from inside USA Hockey. He shares how development is built over time, not rushed, and why creativity, adversity, and unscripted play are essential ingredients in player growth.Key Themes Covered:How NCAA coaches evaluate players on and off the puckThe role of academics, character, and consistency in recruitingUSA Hockey’s long-term development modelWhy unscripted environments are critical for player growthAge-appropriate coaching and the risks of early specializationHow parents and coaches can better support developmentWhether you’re a player chasing an NCAA opportunity, a parent trying to make sense of the system, or a coach shaping future athletes, this episode brings honest insight from people inside the process.🎧 Watch or listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📲 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries | @CoachEpzolo | @BioSteelSportsAcademy The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

Sometimes the score doesn’t tell the real story, but your response always does.

In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy take lessons from the World Juniors and connect them directly to youth hockey. From how Latvia and other small nations compete against the best in the world, to how players should approach mismatched games at the youth level, this episode is about mindset, preparation, and perspective.

They break down why mismatches happen, how coaches can prepare their teams (whether they’re the underdog or the favorite), and what players and parents need to understand about showing up with purpose no matter who’s on the other bench.

Whether you're facing a powerhouse or leading by 6, this episode is a masterclass in how habits, preparation, and leadership show up when the game doesn’t go as expected.

Key Moments:

2:00 – Billeting, maturity, and life skills

4:50 – 2009 WJC memories

7:00 – Canada’s identity at the World Juniors

13:00 – NHL Central Scouting & early evaluation

17:00 – Latvia: structure over star power

21:15 – Hockey registration numbers by country

24:00 – Why smaller countries can still compete

27:00 – Is playing on a super team always best?

36:00 – Elevating non-star players

41:30 – Mindset going into mismatch games

42:00 – Motivation means nothing without preparation

47:00 – How to stay engaged on a struggling team

50:00 – What can you do to stand out?

54:10 – Don’t let your habits slip when you’re the best

56:00 – The scoreboard doesn’t always reflect the effort

1:00:00 – When it’s frustrating for your kid

1:08:30 – Advice for parents during uneven seasons

📲

🎥 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube

📱 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries

Partner accounts:

@BioSteelSports

@BioSteelSportsAcademy

@CoachEpzolo

The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

Recruiting isn’t a moment, it’s a body of work.

In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down what actually matters when it comes to recruiting, scouting, showcases, and promotion in youth hockey. From the myth of “being seen” at tournaments to the rise of agents and advisors at younger and younger ages, they cut through the noise to give players, parents, and coaches a clear perspective.

This episode also covers how players should prepare, what scouts are really looking for, and why the best promotion is still just being a good player. Whether you’re chasing the OHL Cup, planning your next showcase, or just trying to help your kid navigate it all, this one’s for you.

Key Moments:

2:00 – Moving away & life skills through billeting

6:00 – How living away matures athletes

8:00 – Preparation for tournaments as a young player

12:30 – Mixed messages on how to prepare for games

14:00 – Do tournaments and showcases really matter?

17:30 – The importance (and limits) of the OHL Cup

20:40 – You don’t need a top team to be scouted

25:50 – Scouts can only see so much

26:10 – Handedness and other overlooked scouting factors

30:00 – Agents, advisors, and who really needs them

32:30 – Why do so many kids have reps now?

46:30 – Recruiting timelines and when things really happen

51:00 – Parent involvement: help or harm?

55:00 – The impact of parent behavior on player opportunity

Stay Connected:

🎥 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube

📱 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries

Partner Accounts:

@BioSteelSports

@BioSteelSportsAcademy

@CoachEpzolo

The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

Bad call? Good.

Tough weekend? Good.

Didn’t get the bounce, the shift, or the outcome? Good.

In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy take a hard look at adversity and why how you respond matters more than what actually happens. Starting by recounting the officiating at a recent tournament, they dive into the mindset made popular by Jocko Willink’s “Good” philosophy, and how it applies to hockey and life.

They also explore the parable of the Chinese Farmer, and how players, parents, and coaches can use perspective to build real toughness, not just fake positivity. This one is about rewiring your brain to lean into struggle, reframe frustration, and keep showing up.

Whether you’re a player who didn’t get the shift, a parent watching your kid go through it, or a coach trying to model calm under fire,  this is the episode for you.

-

Watch this inspiration for this podcast: Jocko Willink - “Good”

-

Stay Connected:

Watch the Academy docu-series "Built From Steel" on YouTube

Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries

Partner accounts:

@BioSteelSports

@BioSteelSportsAcademy

@CoachEpzolo
The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports.🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

More Information on the Matterhorn Fit All-Path Series:

⁠All-Path Ontario - Windsor, Ontario - May 15-18 2026⁠

⁠All-Path Quebec - Montreal, Quebec - May 29-June1, 2026⁠

⁠All-Path Western - Calgary, Alberta - June 11-14, 2026⁠

Hockey is a vehicle - for education, leadership, and life.

In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric is joined by Ryan Vesce, Co-Founder and CEO of Matterhorn Fit, in a special two-part release. The first half features a brand-new conversation recorded at the 2025 Matterhorn Fit All-Ivy Showcase, followed by a re-release of their original interview from over a year ago that first introduced the Matterhorn Fit philosophy, the All-Ivy event, and the now-rolling All-Path Series launching in 2026.

Ryan brings a unique perspective as a retired 14-year pro, Ivy League graduate (Cornell), and now visionary behind one of the most player-focused development ecosystems in North America. Together, he and Eric dig into what’s changing in hockey between the CHL and NCAA, the implications for young players and families, and how collaboration, mindset, and long-term thinking will define who actually moves forward.

Whether you're a player trying to navigate your next step, a parent weighing your options, or a coach looking at the bigger picture, this one is essential listening.

Key Moments:

6:25 – The eligibility rule change & hockey as a life vehicle

7:10 – Why the collaborators will win

7:39 – What the All-Path Series is and where it's going

8:50 – NCAA recruiting trends: CHL/USHL crossover

10:35 – What kind of players actually move on

12:12 – Using hockey as a platform for life beyond the game 

Re-release section includes:

• Ryan’s journey as an undersized player who made it pro

• Division I recruiting + Ivy League experience

• Building Matterhorn Fit into a leading performance brand

• The launch of the All-Ivy Showcase & vision for athlete support

• The All-Path Series expanding into Canada in 2026

Stay Connected:

Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries

Partner Accounts: @BioSteelSports

@BioSteelSportsAcademy

@CoachEpzolo

@MatterhornFitEvents 

The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at⁠ www.biosteel.com⁠

Tournaments and Showcases are about who can handle the grind.

In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the mental and physical demands of tournament weekends and why so many teams and players can fall apart over just a few days.

From preparation to pressure, they unpack what it really takes to perform when the schedule is stacked, emotions are high, and there’s nowhere to hide.

This episode covers everything from managing your prep to being ready when opportunity knocks. Whether you're a player looking to stay consistent, a parent navigating the chaos, or a coach leading your team through high-stakes hockey, this one’s for you.

Key Moments:

0:00 – Intro

2:30 – Navy SEAL book and mindset carryover

5:00 – Coaching to change lives — intention beyond hockey

11:20 – “It’s not just about hockey”

14:35 – Tone vs message — how players receive coaching

23:50 – The leader sets the tone

26:00 – Tournament culture intro

28:40 – Why tournaments matter

31:20 – At what age does tournament preparation really matter?

37:20 – Why showcase preparation makes all the difference

42:50 – Key things to prepare for extended weekends

45:45 – Don’t make big games bigger than they are

48:30 – Mental resilience: shake it off and reset

54:15 – Be ready when opportunity shows up

1:01:10 – Learn and earn — why every rep matters

Stay Connected:

Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTubeFollow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries

Partner accounts:

@BioSteelSports

@BioSteelSportsAcademy

@CoachEpzolo

The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports.Learn more at www.biosteel.com

Youth hockey today is overflowing with noise. Too much instruction, too many commands, and too many coaches trying to look smart instead of developing players.

In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the problem of overcoaching in youth hockey, why it’s hurting development, and how a simpler, more player-first approach leads to better long-term results. From understanding when to talk (and when not to), to building trust, confidence, and true hockey IQ, this episode cuts deep into what actually helps kids grow.

Whether you're a coach rethinking your approach, a parent trying to support your kid, or a player tired of being controlled on every shift,  this episode is for you.

Key Moments:

0:00 – Intro

10:02 – Zone coaching mistakes at the youth level

10:28 – Overcoaching vs undercoaching

14:50 – When coaches act like they know everything

16:25 – Too much happening behind the bench

18:10 – Kids will make mistakes — and that’s good

20:30 – Game-day themes that actually help players

23:55 – Are your practices too complex?

31:40 – Why overcoaching happens in the first place 

35:30 – Coaching the bench instead of coaching the players

40:40 – Avoiding the hyper-negative coaching spiral

43:00 – “The more you say, the less I hear.”

47:50 – How coaches impact player confidence

53:50 – Some coaches simply won’t like your kid — and what to do

Stay Connected:

Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube.Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries

Partner accounts:@BioSteelSports@BioSteelSportsAcademy@CoachEpzolo

The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

Your role on a hockey team isn’t fixed - it’s earned, adapted, and redefined throughout your journey.

In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy dive deep into the reality of team roles,  how players can develop the mindset to contribute, how parents can support without pushing, and how coaches can guide without limiting growth.

From navigating lineup competition to earning trust, this episode offers a powerful look into what it really means to “find your role” whether you’re on the top line or fighting for your next shift.

Whether you’re a player learning to adapt, a parent trying to understand your kid’s journey, or a coach balancing development and team needs, this episode is for you.

Key Moments:

0:00 – Jiu-Jitsu and the mental carryover to hockey

5:41 – Why playing with better players pushes growth

11:30 – What if your teammates aren’t as strong as you?

13:20 – U18 lineup mindset + finding your role

16:50 – Fighting for ice is part of the game

18:00 – “How can I help the team?”

24:25 – Understanding your linemates

27:21 – Adapting your role when you join a new team

29:45 – Don’t be a bucket of vanilla — bring identity

36:00 – Be ready when opportunity comes

39:20 – Trust determines ice time

43:55 – Sometimes you won’t get the chance — and that’s real

52:00 – Earning trust through smart decisions

52:46 – Parents may not know what the coach expects

54:15 – Sometimes another player is just better

58:45 – How to respond when things don’t go your way

1:01:25 – Be careful what you wish for — hockey is hard

Stay Connected:

Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTubeFollow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries

Partner accounts:

@BioSteelSports

@BioSteelSportsAcademy

@CoachEpzolo

The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports.Learn more at www.biosteel.com