In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we break down one of the biggest challenges in youth hockey today: patience.

We open with a clip from NHL coach John Tortorella speaking about players wanting everything immediately — roles, opportunity, advancement — without understanding the reality of how progression actually works.

From there, we dive into the current state of AAA tryouts in Ontario, how open borders have changed the landscape, and why the traditional idea of “earning your spot” is becoming less clear.

We also discuss the growing “entourage” around young players — parents, advisors, outside influences and how that can impact decision-making during some of the most important development years.

The conversation then shifts to one of the most critical moments in a player’s path: after the U16 year and draft window. Whether you were drafted, overlooked, or moved teams, we break down how to think through your next steps with a long-term mindset.

This episode is for players, parents, and coaches navigating tryout season, roster decisions, and the pressure of early development expectations.

In This Episode, We Cover

• Why players need to learn to wait their turn

• The reality of progression in hockey development

• How AAA tryouts and open borders have changed minor hockey

• The impact of parents, agents, and outside voices

• What to do if you get cut — or make a new team

• Why families struggle with decision-making in youth hockey

• What happens after the U16 draft (drafted and undrafted players)

• How to evaluate the right path moving forward

• The importance of removing bias and emotion from decisions

Key Moments

01:50 – John Tortorella on players waiting their turn

02:35 – Andy’s reaction and perspective

04:30 – The reality of waiting your turn

05:30 – Rushing to the next level

07:30 – Is there really such a thing as tryouts anymore?

08:40 – The professionalization of youth sports

12:30 – The “entourage” around young players

13:30 – Being careful who you surround yourself with

18:00 – Tryouts and open borders in minor hockey

21:40 – Selling youth hockey to families

27:00 – What to do if you get cut or make a new team

35:00 – Why parents struggle with decisions

37:00 – Draft pick examples and realities

43:00 – What to do after the U16 draft

53:00 – Where players actually end up post-draft

59:00 – Taking off the rose-coloured glasses

Stay Connected

Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube

Follow on socials:

@BuiltFromSteelSeries

@BioSteelSports

@BioSteelSportsAcademy

@CoachEpzolo

The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports

🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com