In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we break down:

How to get the RIGHT hockey advice—who should players trust? (6:30)

Is the CHL taking over NCAA hockey? A serious look at how NCAA commitments are shifting. (14:00)

Should you dominate your level before moving up? The debate on whether players move too soon. (25:00)

CHL → NCAA → NHL—why this path is now possible and how new NCAA eligibility rules have changed everything. (39:00)

With junior and college hockey evolving, players, parents, and coaches need to understand how these changes impact development, recruiting, and pro aspirations.

Let us know what you think—how is the path changing from minor hockey to the CHL and NCAA on to PRO?

*This episode experienced some technical difficulties with the audio stream - we will work to correct this*

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In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we dive into the AAA vs Prep vs High School debate, youth hockey training culture, and the skill gap illusion. Parents, players, and coaches all need to understand what actually matters in development—and what’s just noise.

📌 Topics Covered:

• How Do You Treat the New Guy? – Hockey culture & locker room dynamics (3:30)

• For the Love of the Game – Why are kids playing hockey? (5:30)

• The Prep School Takeover – Is prep really the best path? (11:00)

• AAA vs High School vs Prep Hockey – Pros and cons of each route (15:00)

• Are You Overtraining Your Young Player? – The risks of doing too much (27:40)

• The Skill Gap Illusion – Why early "elite" players don’t always stay ahead (29:00)

• This Guy Wanted to Keep Kids from Playing, Just Training – The dark side of overtraining (33:30)

• Where to Spend Money in Hockey Training – What’s worth it? (37:00)

• You Don’t Need to Pay for Everything – Expensive training ≠ guaranteed success (39:00)

• It’s Too Much to Do Everything – Finding balance in youth sports (40:30)

• A Parent’s Job is to Provide Opportunity – Not control the journey (45:00)

• If Cost & Logistics Don’t Matter, Do Whatever You Want – The reality for most families (47:20)

• The Early Development Illusion – Why early success doesn’t predict the future (49:00)

• Sam Bennett Draft Story – Couldn't Do a Pull-Up – And still became a successful NHL player (54:00)

Too many parents stress about the wrong things in youth hockey development. Whether it’s picking the right team, overpaying for training, or worrying about early skill gaps, this episode will help you focus on what really matters.

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This episode of the podcast is brought to you by The Coaches Site LIVE!

Join PowerTech June 12-14 at University of Michigan Ann Arbour for TCS LIVE 2025 - the premier coaching event of the year.

Visit TCS LIVE and enter code "PowerTech" to save 10% on your ticket!

See you there!

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In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we dive into how parents shape the mental toughness required for success in youth sports. We discuss attitude, resilience, and how parental behavior influences young athletes—for better or worse.

📌 Topics Covered:

• Choosing Your Attitude – Why mindset is everything in hockey (5:00)

• Familiarity Breeds Content – The danger of getting too comfortable (9:00)

• A Good Attitude Only Counts When It’s Hard – What real mental toughness looks like (12:15)

• The ‘I Got Screwed’ Mindset – Why self-loathing kills development (20:00)

• Mental Toughness & Resilience – How to develop it in young athletes (24:30)

• Tough Love? – Finding the right balance between support and challenge (26:00)

• Don’t Give Your Kids ALL the Answers – Let them struggle and figure things out (28:15)

• "Pigs Don’t Know Pigs Stink" – People don’t know what they don’t know (29:15)

• Parent Complaints – The cycle of negativity in youth sports (33:15)

• Being an Example as a Parent – Kids model what they see (41:30)

• The Recipe for Parenting: Love & Common Sense – Keeping it simple (48:30)

• Learning to Write Helps You Think – Developing critical thinking (55:20)

Too often, parents unknowingly hold their kids back by removing obstacles instead of teaching them how to handle adversity. This episode will challenge parents and coaches to raise athletes who can handle the ups and downs of competitive sports.

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In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we tackle three of the biggest issues in youth hockey today: extreme parent behavior, unrealistic coaching expectations, and why good people are leaving the sport.

📌 Topics Covered:

• Calling the Cops on a Hockey Parent: A real story of when things went too far (2:30).

• When Parent Behavior Embarrasses Their Own Kids – What’s the impact? (13:30).

• What Should You Expect from a Youth Hockey Coach? – They're not full-time employees (19:30).

• Setting Realistic Expectations for Coaches – What’s fair to expect? (28:00).

• Should Coaches Be Expected to Do More? – The ‘coaching extras’ debate (36:00).

• Does Being on the Best Team Matter? – How much does it actually help? (39:00).

• Parents Don’t Know What They Don’t Know – The hidden side of youth hockey (45:00).

• Toxic Culture Is Pushing Good People Away – Why fewer good coaches are sticking around (46:00).

• Parents Making It Hard for Honest People to Stay in Hockey – How to keep the right people involved (50:00).

• Choosing Your Attitude as a Hockey Parent – The impact of your actions (56:00).

• Very Few Positive Influences on Kids Today – Who is really shaping young players? (57:00).

• Are We Driving Good People Out of Youth Sports? – The long-term effect (1:00:00).

This episode is a must-listen for hockey parents, coaches, and players who want to understand what’s helping and hurting youth hockey today.

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Parents Behaving Badly in Youth Hockey & The Phone Problem No One Talks About

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In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we break down two major challenges in youth hockey: overinvolved parents and phone distractions.

📌 Topics Discussed:

• The D1 Facility You NEED to See – Touring St. Cloud State (2:30)

• A Mom Screaming at the Coach Outside the Locker Room – Where is the line? (6:00)

• A Dad Intercepting His Son After a Game – When should parents step back? (6:30)

• The Never-Ending Distraction of Phones – How hard is it for today’s players to unplug? (19:30)

• Adults Never Had to Deal With This Growing Up – Why it’s a different challenge for today’s athletes (20:30)

• The Coaches Site Podcast on Phones – An additional resource (22:20)

• How Advanced Are Phones? – The impact of constant connection (25:00)

This episode isn’t about banning phones or blaming parents—it’s about bringing awareness to behaviors that affect young athletes' growth and focus. Whether you’re a coach, player, or hockey parent, this discussion will give you valuable insight into what’s helping and hurting kids in the game today.

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In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we tackle the factors shaping young athletes, from genetic influence to key decision-making moments in youth hockey.

This episode is packed with insights for hockey parents, players, and coaches navigating the world of youth sports. Whether you're debating a big move or just trying to understand what makes a great athlete, this discussion offers valuable perspectives.

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In this episode of thePowerTech Development Podcast, we dive into the controversial yet essential topics shaping hockey today. From the mental resilience of players to the politics of development, our discussion touches on:

• The Soft Attitude: Why you won't always feel perfect in hockey (17:00).

• Being KO-ed on the Ice: The challenges of recovering from big hits (21:00).

• Rehab Options for Sports Injuries: What’s the right approach? (25:00).

• Coaching Injury Rules: The fine line between caution and toughness (27:50).

• Coaching Finesse: The delicate balance required to succeed as a coach (42:30).

• Politics or Guidance? Understanding the decisions behind hockey progression (50:00).

• Overlooked vs. Becoming Noticed: How players gain recognition in the competitive hockey world (1:01:00).

Whether you're a hockey parent, coach, or player, this episode is packed with insights on what it takes to thrive in today’s hockey landscape.

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Hockey Parents & The Impact You Have on the Game

What’s the WORST parent behavior you’ve seen at a rink?

Hockey parents play a HUGE role in their child’s development, but are you helping or hurting their chances of success? In this episode, we dive deep into the hard conversations about parent behavior in the stands, D1 coach insights, and the right way to support your child without getting in the way.

Topics Covered:

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Subscribe for more expert insights on player development, coaching, and the hockey world!

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In this episode, Coach Eric and Coach Andy cover the importance of having experience to be successful and a deeper dive into a recent conversation on playing with ‘better’ players. Coach Eric finished with a discussion on his observation that so many young players don’t realize their opportunities and fail to take advantage of resources they have. 

Support the show by becoming a MEMBER in the PowerTech Community! Take advantage of our skill development video library, consultation calls, discount codes, and more!

Looking for other ways to support? Subscribe on YouTube, leave a 5-star review, and share the show!

AFFILIATE/SPONSOR LINKS

PowerTech SHOP

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In this episode, Coach Eric and Coach Andy discuss the mindset of how to bounce back from a bad loss. Going into games you KNOW you will WIN or LOSE, how should you prepare? What are the coaching strategies to prepare, adjust, and respond to poor outcomes? How can coaches communicate with their players before, during, and after these situations? These questions and related topics are answered.  

Support the show by becoming a MEMBER in the PowerTech Community! Take advantage of our skill development video library, consultation calls, discount codes, and more!

Looking for other ways to support? Subscribe on YouTube, leave a 5-star review, and share the show!

AFFILIATE/SPONSOR LINKS

PowerTech SHOP

PowerTech Memberships

Want to sponsor the show? Contact Us!