Puck Academy

In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs speaks with Ken Martel, Senior Director of Player and Coach Development at USA Hockey. Ken delves into his extensive career in shaping American hockey, including his pivotal role in designing the American Development Model (ADM). The conversation covers the charter of USA Hockey, the state of hockey at youth, college, and pro levels, and key initiatives for the future of the game. Ken discusses the importance of age-appropriate training, the balance between research and practical application, and challenges such as the rising costs and the push for early specialization. 

The episode provides valuable insights for parents, coaches, and everyone involved in youth hockey on how to foster a better, more inclusive hockey environment. 

00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy 

00:16 Meet Ken Martel: A Hockey Development Pioneer 

02:32 Ken's Journey in Hockey 

04:18 The Charter of USA Hockey 

06:22 Balancing Research and Development 

20:51 Challenges in Youth Hockey 

23:34 The American Development Model (ADM) 

37:23 The Minnesota Model and Facility Programming 

38:26 Balancing Sports and Personal Development 

42:55 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports 

46:02 Age Categories and Player Development 

48:24 Challenges in College Hockey and Junior Leagues 

01:06:20 The Impact of Technology on Player Development 

01:12:07 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Welcome to Puck Academy: A Show for Students of Hockey Development

Join host Jason Jacobs on Puck Academy, a show dedicated to the growth of hockey players on and off the ice. The series focuses on player development, featuring conversations with players, coaches, scouts, and hockey thinkers of all stripes. Tune in weekly for insights on skill work, mindset, leadership, and life lessons from the game, designed for players, parents, and coaches alike. Subscribe to learn, reflect, and grow in your hockey journey.

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the complexities of athlete development with Ryan Blair, who has extensive experience in hockey from various roles such as player, coach, and hockey operations manager. Ryan shares his journey from playing four seasons at UMass Lowell to coaching in the EHL and ECHL, and ultimately becoming the hockey operations manager at the Carolina Ice Palace. They discuss the different phases of hockey careers, the importance of balance in player development, and the impact of family dynamics on career choices. The episode also explores the benefits and challenges of specialized coaching, the role of video analysis in player development, and the importance of making educated decisions for young athletes. 

00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host 

00:18 Guest Introduction: Ryan Blair's Hockey Journey 

03:12 Ryan Blair's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings 

04:36 The Challenges and Decisions in Youth Hockey 

13:12 College Hockey Experience and Transition to Professional Play 

20:11 Post-Playing Career: Coaching and Operations 

24:57 Current Role and Reflections on Hockey Development 

33:52 The Importance of Video in Hockey Training 

34:23 Implementing Video Sessions for Youth Teams 

35:37 Challenges in Providing Individual Attention 

36:40 Balancing Skill Development and Decision Making 

38:31 Parental Guidance in Youth Hockey 

41:27 Team vs. Individual Development 

43:15 Future Directions for Charleston Hockey 

48:09 The Debate on Specialized Coaching 

56:30 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the complexities of athlete development through a conversation with former professional hockey player Hunter Bishop. Hunter discusses his unique journey from playing in junior leagues to founding Hunter Bishop Hockey, which offers development programs for players of all ages. The discussion touches on the importance of maintaining passion for the game, the balance between specialized and translatable skills, and the role of video analysis in player development. Hunter also reflects on his own career decisions, such as leaving the University of North Dakota to return to junior hockey, and provides advice for both aspiring athletes and their parents on navigating the challenging path to professional sports while also preparing for life beyond the rink. 

00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host 

00:21 Guest Introduction: Hunter Bishop's Hockey Journey 

01:29 Hunter's Early Career and College Decisions 

05:06 Hunter Bishop Hockey: From Player to Coach 

10:12 The Importance of Multi-Sport Athletes 

15:19 Balancing Passion and Structure in Player Development 

21:34 The Decision to Leave North Dakota 

27:42 Navigating High School and Junior Hockey Decisions 

28:39 Balancing Hockey Dreams with Life Goals 

29:12 The Role of Hockey in Personal Development 

31:28 Transitioning Out of Professional Hockey 

33:19 Building a Post-Hockey Career 

37:15 The Importance of Skill Development in Hockey 

42:24 Leveraging Video for Player Development 

52:31 Future of Player Development and Technology 

56:12 Final Thoughts and Parting Words

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Pioneering Modern Hockey Strategies with Coach Luke Strand from Minnesota State 

In this episode of 'The Next. Next.', host Jason Jacobs dives deep into the intricacies of athlete development with seasoned hockey coach Luke Strand, currently head coach at Minnesota State. As the episode unfolds, Jason and Coach Strand explore topics such as the evolution of coaching styles, the increasing role of data and technology in sports, player and coach development, and the balance between maintaining consistent standards and personalizing coaching approaches. Coach Strand shares his journey, the importance of competitiveness and character in players, and his philosophy on maintaining the joy of the game while striving for excellence. They also discuss the changing landscape of hockey, recruiting considerations, and the value of community and relationships in achieving success. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the nuances of modern coaching and athlete development. 

00:00 Introduction to the Show 

00:23 Meet Coach Luke Strand 

01:01 Coach Strand's Journey and Achievements 

01:35 Starting the Interview: Jason's Hockey Focus 

04:26 Luke Strand's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings 

06:52 Influence of Coaches and Early Aspirations 

08:28 Coaching Philosophy and Evolution 

19:17 Balancing Fun and Competition 

22:11 Standards and Personalization in Coaching 

28:00 The Unpredictability of Young Athletes 

28:25 Attributes of Successful Hockey Players 

29:51 Recruiting and Character Evaluation 

30:33 The Story of Jake Genzel 

31:38 Competitiveness and Player Development 

33:21 Coaching Philosophies and Hiring 

39:17 Technology in Hockey 

42:45 Transitioning to Minnesota State 

49:28 Future of College Hockey 

52:09 Conclusion and Parting Words

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In-Depth with Mike Jamieson: From College Hockey to Player Development and AI Analytics 

Host Jason Jacobs sits down with Mike Jamieson to discuss his journey from growing up in Billerica, Massachusetts, to playing college hockey at Northeastern, and eventually playing professionally in Germany. Mike shares insights from his experiences as a Director of Hockey Operations and his current role at 49 ing, a sport data and analytics company. They explore various aspects of player development, the role of analytics in hockey, and the balance between nurturing talent and raw determination. Mike also provides advice for young athletes and their families navigating today's increasingly competitive landscape. 00:00 Introduction to the Show 00:35 Guest Introduction: Mike Jamieson 02:18 Mike's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings 05:03 College Hockey Experience at Northeastern 10:44 Professional Hockey Journey in Germany 13:09 Transition to Coaching and Hockey Operations 15:42 Advice for Aspiring Hockey Players 22:11 Role of Director of Hockey Operations 29:46 Betting on Talent and Drive 31:31 Parental Influence on Success 34:00 Personal Reflections and Coaching Philosophy 36:00 Introduction to 49-ing 40:12 The Role of Technology in Hockey 51:03 Future of AI in Player Development 58:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the multifaceted world of athlete development with guest Freddy Meyer. Freddy shares his storied career in hockey, including playing at Boston University, ~300 NHL games, and coaching at various levels. Now the head coach at the Rivers School and founder of Dream Big Hockey Stars, Freddy discusses the balance between playing and coaching, the evolving landscape of youth hockey, and his philosophies on player development. The conversation also touches on Freddy's personal journey as a hockey dad, raising two sons who are deeply immersed in the sport. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

00:16 Meet Freddy Meyer: From College Hockey to the NHL 

00:42 Freddy's Coaching Journey and Family Life 

02:42 Freddy's Early Years in Hockey 

04:03 The Path to Professional Hockey 

15:01 Transitioning from Player to Coach 

26:17 Balancing Family and Career 

28:39 Dream Big Hockey Stars and Coaching Philosophy 

31:09 The State of Hockey: New England vs. Minnesota 

33:16 The Massachusetts Hockey Dilemma 

34:19 Cost of Entry and Talent Distribution 

35:51 Philosophy on Youth Development 

37:57 Balancing Multiple Sports 

39:20 Nature vs. Nurture in Athletic Development 

43:06 The Importance of Passion and Fun 

45:59 Navigating Distractions and Maintaining Focus 

47:54 Deciding When to Develop or Move On 

51:08 The Challenges of College Hockey 

58:49 The Role of Video in Player Development 

01:01:28 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

Optimizing Athlete Development Through Load Management with Dr. Stephen McGregor 

In this episode of 'The Next Next', host Jason Jacobs engages in a detailed discussion with Dr. Stephen McGregor, a professor of exercise science at Eastern Michigan University and an expert in sensor technology for sports performance. Dr. McGregor shares insights from his 25+ years of experience in using sensors for monitoring athlete performance, particularly in hockey. The conversation covers a range of topics including load management, the application of sensor data for both team and individual athlete development, and the unique challenges of measuring physical exertion in sports settings. Dr. McGregor also discusses how his company, Sport Performance Technologies, under the brand Achieve, uses data to help teams optimize training loads and performance metrics. The episode delves into how different sensors and metrics can be used to tailor training regimens to individual athletes’ needs, ensuring optimal performance without overtraining. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

00:17 Meet Dr. Stephen McGregor: Expert in Sports Performance 

01:26 The Role of Sensors in Sports 

04:02 Steve's Journey from Soccer to Cycling 

06:49 Innovations in Hockey Performance Tracking 

12:12 Balancing Customization and Standardization 

15:07 Achieve's Unique Approach to Load Management 

20:22 Comparing Achieve with Other Wearables 

25:57 Practical Applications and Success Stories 

31:50 Balancing Rest and Performance 

32:12 The Importance of Not Being Too Fresh 

32:23 Case Study: Collegiate Team Experience 

33:48 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Rest vs. Sharpness 

35:05 Modeling and Metrics for Optimal Performance 

36:30 Contextual Load Management 

37:15 Team Characterization and Individual Needs 

37:46 Practical Applications of Load Management 

38:45 High Capacity Players and Workload 

41:19 International Tournaments and Player Workload 

43:24 Technology in Hockey: Adoption and Challenges 

46:31 Comparing Sensor Systems in Hockey 

50:57 Achieve's Role in Player Development 

58:41 Integrating AI and Big Data in Hockey 

01:04:58 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs dives into the intricacies of athlete development with Cason Hohmann, a former professional hockey player turned agent. The discussion explores Cason's journey in hockey, from a late start in roller hockey to captaining the Boston University hockey team. The episode delves into the role of parents, the balance between pushing for excellence and avoiding burnout, and how technology and video analysis are transforming player development. Cason shares insights on the evolution of advisory roles in player development and his vision for making elite player development more accessible. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

00:31 Guest Introduction: Cason Hohmann 

01:15 Cason's Early Hockey Journey 

03:41 Parental Influence and Player Development 

10:22 High School and Junior Hockey Experience 

22:00 The Importance of Individual Development 

28:26 The Role of Video Analysis in Hockey 

38:08 Natural Hockey IQ: Innate or Taught? 

40:29 The Importance of Skating in Youth Hockey 

41:22 Understanding the Game: A Math Test Analogy 

45:24 The Role of Advisors in Hockey Development 

45:55 Balancing Accessibility and Cost in Hockey 

47:34 Parental Involvement in Player Development 

50:13 The Evolution and Importance of Hockey Advisors 

59:10 Future Goals and Professional Aspirations 

01:15:26 Closing Thoughts and Future Collaboration

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

The Intricacies of Player Development with Matt Whitney of IPH Hockey 

In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs interviews Matt Whitney from IPH Hockey, a skills organization in Connecticut. They delve into Matt's journey from playing youth hockey to becoming a player development coach. The discussion covers IPH's inclusive approach to training, the balance between fun and skill development, and the influence of technology and social media on the sport. Jason and Matt also talk about the changing landscape of hockey, the importance of confidence-building, and maintaining a balance between individual skills and team play. The episode ends with insights on the future direction of IPH Hockey and Matt's personal reflections on coaching. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

00:29 Guest Introduction: Matt Whitney of IPH Hockey 

01:02 Matt's Journey in Hockey 

01:42 The Evolution of Player Development 

02:48 Starting IPH Hockey 

05:22 Philosophy and Training Approach 

09:03 Balancing Fun and Skill Development 

12:56 Parental Involvement and ROI 

16:59 State of Hockey Development 

19:35 Valuable Resources for Coaches and Parents 

19:52 The Importance of Watching Hockey and Learning from Staff 

20:57 Balancing Creativity and Consistency in Coaching 

21:33 Training and Development of Coaches 

22:47 Technology in Hockey: The Good and the Bad 
26:17 The Role of Video and Data in Player Development 

32:00 Future of IPH and Personal Reflections 

34:09 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).