In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric and Andy open up about the things they wish more hockey parents knew earlier - especially during the intense and emotional U16/U18 years.

With so much focus on the OHL Draft, rankings, and comparison, many families lose sight of what truly matters in a player’s long-term development. This conversation cuts through the noise and delivers honest advice rooted in experience — both as coaches and as parents.

If you’re navigating the pre-draft years, or even just trying to support your kid the right way, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.

What You’ll Learn

• Why comparison ruins joy… and progress

• The mindset that separates long-term developers from short-term hype

• What parents should stop saying (even with good intentions)

• Why rankings and draft predictions don’t tell the full story

• What actually matters at the junior level and how it’s different from youth hockey

TIMESTAMPS

02:30 – Setting proper expectations during the draft year

06:30 – “Comparison is the thief of joy” — how it shows up in hockey

07:30 – A realistic, long-term approach for families

09:40 – When parents push too hard — and why it backfires

10:15 – The problem with subscription rankings and overhype

12:00 – Don’t promise your kid where they’ll be drafted

15:00 – Outperforming others doesn’t always equal opportunity

17:30 – Evolving into a learner — not just a performer

20:00 – Don’t expect someone else’s lucky break to be yours

21:00 – “When did you become a scout?” — over-analysis from the stands

29:00 – What most don’t understand about junior hockey vs. youth hockey

35:00 – Identifying your market — where do you actually fit?

38:00 – Be willing to take the ego hit for development

42:00 – Parents: Don’t add to the emotional weight your kid already carries

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In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric sits down with Brian Gill, an NHLPA Certified Agent with Maloney and Thompson, to pull back the curtain on what agents actually do, and what families think they do.

This isn’t a conversation about multimillion-dollar NHL contracts. It’s about the junior-level journey, the questions families are asking, the decisions players face, and the role of a good agent in guiding the process.

Brian shares what his day-to-day looks like, how they onboard families, and what traits he looks for in young athletes. He also speaks openly about some common misconceptions like thinking an agent is going to magically “get you there.”

Whether you're a parent, coach, or player, this episode delivers a grounded, honest perspective from someone in the trenches of high-performance hockey development.

What You’ll Learn

• What agents actually do and don’t do for young players

• When it’s the right time to get an agent

• Key differences between agents and advisors

• What top players do differently - habits, mindset, and sacrifices

• Why are you deciding to get an agent?

TIMESTAMPS

00:00 – Intro to the episode and Brian Gill’s background

02:50 – How Brian got started with Maloney and Thompson

05:50 – A day in the life: What an agent’s work looks like

06:45 – What services does the agency provide players and families?

09:50 – Is there a standard onboarding process or is it customized case by case?

13:40 – What Brian looks for in the players he chooses to represent

17:00 – Agents don’t have “magic powers” — it’s still up to the player

18:40 – Is the OHL Draft a reason to get an agent? What families need to understand

22:40 – The real difference between agents and advisors

25:20 – Advice for players who aren’t top prospects — should they even be thinking about agents?

29:30 – Work-life balance: What elite players do differently

32:00 – Habits of high-end athletes: focus, structure, consistency

34:00 – Where should players actually be playing? Fit vs. prestige

36:00 – The role great coaches play in a player's growth

42:00 – What today’s players are missing — it’s not skill, it’s awareness

Thanks to Brian and the Maloney and Thompson team for making this episode possible.

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🎧 New episodes weekly — subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube

📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo

Want to support the show? Become a ⁠MEMBER⁠ or reach out for sponsorships ⁠HERE⁠.

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric and Andy reflect on the parenting journey from early youth hockey days to one of the biggest milestones in any hockey family: the NHL Draft.

Andy shares the emotional experience of watching his son get drafted to the Dallas Stars, how he navigated being both a coach and a dad, and where he sometimes went too far. Together, they offer honest, real-world advice for parents who want to support their kids without pushing them too hard.

This episode is packed with insight for anyone involved in youth sports — parents, coaches, and players alike.

Key Themes:

• Why time changes your perspective as a parent

• The difference between “nudging” and “pushing” your child

• Letting kids take ownership of their development

• Creating safe, honest environments for young athletes

• Why enjoying the journey matters more than the outcome

02:00 – Time Passing: Eric reflects on growing out of playing; Andy on stepping away from business and battling complacency

09:00 – NHL Draft Moment: Andy shares the experience of watching his son get drafted by the Dallas Stars 14:30 – Never Forced: Why Andy never made his son play or pressured him to pursue hockey

17:30 – Nudge, Don’t Push: What it means to support your kid without forcing them

26:30 – Player Autonomy: Letting athletes come up with ideas and make choices

29:50 – Honest Development Environments: Eric on removing judgment so players don’t hide struggles

34:00 – Overstepping: Andy shares times he went too far as a parent and coach

39:00 – Long-Term Perspective: Andy’s goals when his son started playing vs. now

49:00 – Enjoy the Journey: Why parents need to take pride in the process, not just the results

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

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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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