In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we’re joined by Jason Guerriero - a former pro player, NCAA coach, and longtime contributor to USA Hockey’s development model.

Jason shares a thoughtful and experienced perspective on what true development means at every level from young kids to elite college players. This episode breaks down how to think long-term, how USA Hockey approaches player growth, and what families need to understand about preparing the right way.

They cover:

• The day-to-day of development coaching

• Why unscripted play and adversity matter

• What real development looks like beyond drills

• Age-appropriate teaching and mindset

• NCAA commitments and decision-making

• USA vs Canada development philosophies

This episode is full of real-world insight for players looking to reach the next level, parents trying to support the right way, and coaches shaping young athletes with purpose.

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo

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In this episode, Eric and Andy have a deep, personal conversation about the importance of understanding your values — as a person and as a team. From faith and family to leadership and decision-making, they explore why identifying your core values builds the foundation for growth, performance, and long-term success.

They also touch on lessons from Game 5 of the NHL playoffs, tools like Instat for player development, and key takeaways from the TCS Live coaching summit.

Topics Covered:

• Little habits leading to game 5 Stanley Cup Final goals

• Wrap up on The Coaches Site Live conference weekend

• Why your personal values drive everything you do

• Building a team identity around shared beliefs

• Teaching athletes to think, speak, and lead

🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube

📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo

Coach Eric and Coach Andy dive into one of the most commonly communicated but poorly explained concepts in sports and development: hard work. What does it really mean to work hard? Why do so many people think they’re grinding, but aren’t actually getting better?

They unpack what true effort looks like — from training on the ice, to gym habits, to mental focus and nutrition. Whether you’re a hockey player, a parent, or a coach, this one will challenge how you define success and effort.

Key Topics:

• Why feeling tired isn’t the same as progress

• The real definition of hard work

• Off-ice work and focus as the foundation

• How to develop consistent, intentional habits

Available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTubeFollow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo

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In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Gilroy—former walk-on at Boston University, Hobey Baker winner, NHL defenseman, and now a coach with Harvard University.

Matt’s story is the kind every player and family should hear: a journey from underdog to NHL, built on work ethic, character, and the right mindset.

We also go deep into the recruiting side of college hockey:

• What Harvard looks for in players

• How academics and athletics balance

• The value of creativity and hockey IQ

• How to stand out when “everyone’s good”
  

This episode is full of real-world advice for players looking to get to the NCAA level and parents trying to support the right way.

• Matt Gilroy’s Walk-On Story at BU (EJHL to NCAA to NHL)

• Playing His First NCAA Game and Sticking as a Defenseman

• Transitioning Into Coaching at Harvard

• What Harvard Prioritizes in Recruits – Academics, Offense, IQ, and Creativity

• How to Stand Out When Everyone is Skilled

• Managing Distractions as a Young Player

• What It Takes to Get Noticed by NCAA Programs

  
  

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Brian Willsie is the Director of Player Development for the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL.

In this episode, he and Coach Eric discuss strategies to own your development path as a player including decisions on where to play.

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In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we tackle one of the most important topics in youth hockey—what happens when your kid gets cut.

Getting released from a team is hard on players and parents. We discuss:

• What to say to your child

• How to reframe failure

• Why showing up matters more than ever

• And when it might be time to stop investing time and money into hockey

We also explore the truth about talent (can you train to be like Jack Eichel?), the emotional rollercoaster of youth hockey, and the life lessons learned along the way.

• Jack Eichel & Genetic Talent in Hockey (1:00)

• The Zero-to-One Principle in Development (4:00)

• Appreciating Your Opportunities (8:00)

• Hockey Careers Rarely Last Past 18 (10:50)

• The Entitlement Mindset in Youth Sports (11:45)

• Why Good Kids Deserve Positive Feedback (18:00)

• What to Say After a Cut (24:00)

• Playing Because You Love It (26:40)

• Keep Showing Up Even When It’s Hard (30:50)

• When to Start or Stop Paying for Hockey (41:00)

• Coaching, Feedback, and Perspective (46:00 – End)

Whether you're a hockey parent trying to support your kid through tough cuts or a player struggling to find your path, this episode is packed with real, honest advice to help you stay focused on what really matters

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In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we dig into the real pressures of U18 hockey, the value (and overuse) of private lessons, and the responsibility coaches have to support players with learning differences.

Too often, players are in a rush to move up, parents are caught in the camp and lesson arms race, and coaches are unaware of what individual players may need to thrive.

This episode offers a realistic and practical guide for parents, players, and coaches trying to make smart decisions about development, communication, and long-term growth.

📌 Key Topics Covered:

• Why Everyone Feels Rushed in U18 Hockey (4:45)

• How Serious Are You at 16–17? (10:30)

• Athletic Career Windows – Don’t Waste It (13:40)

• Making the Best Decision With the Info You Have (20:00)

• Understanding and Supporting Learning Differences in Players (24:00 – 25:30)

• Being Aware of Dyslexia, ADHD, and Processing Needs as a Coach (25:00 – 32:00)

• Camp Culture – You Can Train Yourself to Death (39:00)

• Private Lessons – Good or Bad? It Depends. (54:00)

• What Makes a Private Lesson Effective? (1:03:00)

• The Power of Honest Coach Feedback (1:06:00)

Whether you're a parent deciding how much is too much, a coach learning to adapt, or a player trying to grow at your pace, this episode brings the clarity and real talk you need.

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In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we talk directly to hockey parents.

If you've ever felt like:

• You're not doing enough

• Your kid is falling behind

• Other families seem more committed

• You're not sure when to push or pull back

...this episode is for you.

We dive into the emotional realities of raising a young athlete: the peer pressure, the burnout, the overthinking, and the comparison traps. But we also share real insight—drawn from experience—on why every player’s path is different, and why it’s okay if your kid isn’t the top player today.

📌 Key Moments Covered:

• Learning through attention, not fear of consequences (3:10)

• Slow sessions & real conversations with kids (8:20)

• Letter from a hockey dad – perspective changer (9:30)

• How to resist pressure from intense hockey parents (17:40)

• Are private lessons helping or hurting? (23:00)

• Why your child’s motivation matters more than yours (27:00)

• There’s no single formula for success (30:00 – 32:50)

• Burnout, arms races, and early developer envy (39:00 – 45:00)

• Be careful what you wish for… (45:00 – end)

Whether you're new to youth hockey or deep in the grind, this episode will help you re-center, reflect, and refocus on what actually matters in your child’s journey.

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In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we explore the balance between teaching skills and letting young players naturally develop, and why learning to take a break is an underrated part of athletic success.

Drawing inspiration from the Hockey Factories Podcast series and real coaching experiences, we share practical advice for coaches, parents, and players on how to manage youth hockey development the right way.

📌 Key Topics Covered:

• The Power of Attention to Detail – Why some players learn faster (5:00)

• Learning the Toe Drag and Other Skills – How much can kids really absorb? (9:00 – 13:00)

• The Risk of Overcoaching Young Athletes (13:00 – 24:00)

• Analogy: Learn to Write Before You Write an Essay (22:30)

• When and Why Kids Need Breaks from Their Sport (25:30 – 36:00)

• Why Taking Breaks Is a Skill, Not a Weakness (36:00)

• How to Return After a Break – Restarting smart (40:00 – 46:00)

• Work Ethic Comes First – You have to earn your rest (46:30)

Whether you're a hockey coach, parent, or a young athlete trying to navigate your development path, this episode offers actionable insights on skill learning, recovery, and long-term player success.

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In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we welcome Matt Dumouchelle, creator of The Coaches Site’s Hockey Factories Series, contributor to The Coaches Site Podcast, and Assistant GM of the Leamington Flyers.

Drawing from years of global research into the world’s best hockey development programs, Matt unpacks what great programs do differently.

Whether you're a coach, parent, or program director, this conversation delivers deep insight on youth development systems, what it means to be aligned as an organization, and why the coach-player-parent triangle is more important than ever.

📌 Key Topics Covered:

• Matt’s Journey from Broadcasting to Hockey Development (1:30 – 5:30)

• What Makes the Best Hockey Programs in the World (11:30 – 16:00)

• “Be #1 in Everything That’s Free” – Competing on culture, not budget (12:40)

• The Role of Organizational Alignment in Development (14:00 – 22:30)

• Teaching the Frolunda Way, Not Your Way (22:30 – 27:00)

• What Age Should Players Peak Performance Begin? (27:00)

• How the European Club System Moves Players (29:00)

• The Pillars of Top Programs (30:00)

• What Defines a Good Coach? (33:40)

• Clear Coach-to-Parent Communication (36:00)

• Favoritism, Expectations, and the Expensive Game (40:00 – 45:00)

• How Much Do Finances Matter in Development? (51:00)

• Building a Program Foundation: Sleep, Recovery, Balance (54:00 – 57:40)

• Multi-Sport and Well-Rounded Athletes (57:40)

• International Development Gaps – NA vs Europe (1:02:00)

• How to Improve Your Organization Today (1:05:00 – 1:12:00)

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