Puck Academy

Creating the Next Level in Hockey: A Deep Dive with Player Development Expert Tyler Dittmer 

In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs talks with Tyler Dittmer, a seasoned player development coach from Brandon, Manitoba, who has an extensive background in both playing and coaching hockey. Tyler delves into his philosophy surrounding effective player development, the balance between individual skills and team dynamics, and the importance of mental training and holistic approaches in athletics. He also discusses his current work at the Western Canada Hockey Academy, the collaboration between different coaches, and his role as a consultant for an NHL agency. Tyler provides insights into optimizing hockey IQ and the nuances of integrating unstructured play with structured training. In the latter part of the episode, Jason and Tyler brainstorm innovative ways to make advanced player development more accessible and effective for young athletes and their families. 

00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host 

00:33 Guest Introduction: Tyler Dittmer's Background 

02:57 Tyler's Journey in Hockey 

05:08 Transition to Player Development 

10:30 Balancing Skills and Team Play 

15:30 Parental Involvement in Player Development 

18:14 Optimizing Training and Development 

20:15 Video Analysis and Skill Application 

36:46 Collaborative Coaching and Future Prospects 

42:01 Peer Collaboration in Player Development 

42:46 Resuming the Discussion with Tyler 

43:45 The Importance of Collaboration and Peer Groups 

46:24 Specific Examples of Collaboration in Action 

47:30 Balancing On-Ice and Off-Ice Development 

49:07 The Role of Academies in Player Development 

52:35 Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Participation 

57:25 Personal Reflections and Career Aspirations 

01:00:34 Leveraging Video and AI in Player Development 

01:00:44 Hockey Canada Master's Coaching Program 

01:02:07 Consulting and Agency Work with Matt Calvert 

01:03:07 Challenges and Opportunities in Player Development 

01:23:13 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

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

Unpacking Youth Athlete Development with Nathan Bowen of Total Package Hockey 

In this engaging episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the complexities of youth athlete development with Nathan Bowen, co-founder of Total Package Hockey and TPH Academy. The discussion explores Bowen's founding journey, the expansion of TPH Academy, the balance between sports specialization and sampling, and the importance of holistic development. They also touch on the evolving role of technology in sports, the critical traits of successful athletes and coaches, and strategies for navigating the challenging landscape of youth sports. Bowen shares insights from his experience in building TPH Academy, stressing the significance of passion, compete level, and personalized coaching in unlocking a student's full potential. 

00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host 

00:56 Guest Introduction: Nathan Bowen 

01:48 Nathan Bowen's Journey in Hockey 

03:35 Founding Total Package Hockey and TPH Academy 

06:20 Expanding TPH: Camps, Clinics, and Academies 

09:41 Balancing Passion and Business in Sports 

30:23 Academy Model vs. Traditional Schooling 

35:16 Parental Guidance in Youth Sports 

39:01 Parental Advice for Building Leaders 

39:40 The Evolution of Sports Development Paths 

41:18 Balancing Sports and Personal Interests 

46:18 The Role of Technology in Sports 

59:09 Characteristics of Special Players and Coaches 

01:03:58 Balancing Professional and Personal Life 

01:07:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

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

Player Development Insights with Tabor Academy Assistant Coach Pete Gintoli 

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs dives into the world of athlete development with guest Pete Gintoli, an assistant coach and teacher at Tabor Academy. The discussion covers Pete's unique background, his transition from player to coach, and his experiences in various coaching environments including junior hockey, college, and prep school. The conversation highlights key aspects of player development, the balance between academic and athletic pursuits, parental involvement, and the state of youth hockey in New England. Additionally, Peter shares insights on using video analysis as a coaching tool and offers advice to aspiring athletes and their families. 

00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host 

00:54 Introducing Today's Guest: Pete Gintoli 

01:25 Peter's Background and Early Career 

02:00 Peter's Coaching Philosophy and Experiences 

02:23 How Peter Found Tabor Recruit Chase McCoy

04:09 Peter's High School and Junior Hockey Path 

08:46 Transition to College Hockey 

10:11 The Role of Multi-Sport Participation 

16:41 Peter's Professional and Coaching Transition 

32:22 Insights on Academy and Online Schooling 

39:01 Encouraging Kids to Keep Improving 

39:56 Balancing Schoolwork and Sports 

41:35 The Importance of Structure and Discipline 

43:59 Navigating the Hockey Path 

46:04 Recruiting and Player Development 

48:58 Role of the Assistant Coach 

50:17 Player Development Tools and Techniques 

57:46 State of New England Hockey 

01:02:33 Balancing Development and Competition 

01:18:14 Final Thoughts and Advice

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

Navigating the Challenges of Youth Sports Development with Brian Collins 

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the intricacies of youth sports development with guest Brian Collins, a former high school hockey star and collegiate player at Boston University. They explore various facets of modern-day youth sports, from the challenges faced by sports parents to the differences in athletic development paths between generations. Collins shares his unique perspective as a coach and a father, discussing the balance between fostering a love for the game and pushing for competitive success. They also touch upon the impact of privatization in sports and navigating overwhelming schedules for young athletes. This insightful conversation provides valuable takeaways for parents, coaches, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of youth sports. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

00:55 Meet Brian Collins: High School to Pro Hockey Journey 

02:19 Brian's Coaching Philosophy and Youth Sports Today 

02:48 Podcasting and Hockey Conversations 

06:58 Brian's Early Hockey Days and Family Influence 

12:57 Youth Sports Evolution and Free Play 

16:41 Challenges and Changes in Youth Hockey 

25:25 Balancing Sports and Development 

28:50 The Rarity of Offensive Coaches 

30:02 Balancing Free Play and Structured Training 

30:56 The Struggle with Technology and Kids 

32:57 The Importance of Enjoying the Game 

35:20 Building a Development Platform 

37:29 The Role of Video Analysis in Development 

42:06 Fostering Passion and Work Ethic in Kids 

44:41 Reflecting on Personal Experiences 

50:21 Advice for Sports Parents and Players 

53:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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

Unlocking the Secrets of Player Development with Brett Leonard 

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the nuances of athlete development in youth sports with Brett Leonard from Leonard Hockey. Jason, a founder exploring the potential of a new player development company and a sports dad himself, discusses the intricacies of analyzing player data and development. Brett shares insights into his methods of video analysis, skill training, and game situational drills to help players improve their hockey IQ. The conversation explores the potential of integrating AI to scale the analysis process and make advanced coaching techniques more accessible. Tune in to learn about the future of player development and how it can transform youth sports. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

00:54 Meet Brett Leonard from Leonard Hockey 

01:35 Diving into Player Development 

03:18 The Importance of Video Analysis 

05:49 Analyzing Player Data 

09:50 Personalized Development Plans 

18:09 Measuring Progress and Setting Objectives 

28:47 Scouting and Player Development 

33:26 Integrating Traditional Skills with Game Context 

44:56 Balancing Coaching and Player Development 

46:56 Studying Hockey: Techniques and Insights 

51:32 Practical Advice for Young Players 

55:34 Innovative Training Methods 

01:01:09 Scaling Coaching with Technology 

01:12:43 The Future of AI in Player Development 

01:21:57 Concluding 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 delves deep into the nuances of athlete development with guest Brett Leonard, a former UVM hockey captain turned elite player development coach. Leonard discusses his journey from building a local gym and coaching Vermont youth hockey to specializing in video-driven, data-centric training methods for D1 and pro athletes. The conversation explores the importance of game situational practice over traditional drill-based training, and Leonard shares insights on how leveraging data analytics can significantly improve player development. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of sports training. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

00:51 Meet Brett Leonard: From UVM Captain to Elite Hockey Trainer 

04:41 Brett's Early Hockey Journey and Family Influence 

08:49 The Importance of Multi-Sport Play and Free Play 

17:54 Transition from Player to Coach: Building Vermont Hockey Training Center 

20:32 Specialized Training: From Mass Development to Elite Individual Focus 

29:04 The Light Bulb Moment 

29:28 Off-Puck Strategies 

30:20 Analyzing Player Performance 

32:17 Tracking and Customizing Player Data 

35:53 Manual vs. Automated Data Tracking 

38:16 Data-Driven Player Development 

41:07 Challenges and Future of Player Development 

51:53 Practical Training Techniques 

57:47 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

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

Mastering Mental Performance: Insights from a Veteran Coach 

In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the world of mental performance coaching with guest John Couture, a seasoned mental performance coach at IMG Academy and director at the Kinkaid School. With over 30 years of experience, including 11 years in the MLB, John shares his insights on how mental performance techniques can turn physically gifted athletes into well-rounded performers who excel under pressure. They discuss the nuances of mental performance coaching, the right time to engage with a coach, and the benefits of integrating mental skills training into an athlete’s routine. John also talks about the growing prominence of mental performance coaching, the certification process, and his experiences working with athletes at various levels. The episode includes practical advice for parents and athletes, and highlights the importance of communication and collaboration among coaches, parents, and mental performance professionals. Jason also explores the impact of commercialization in youth sports and the balance between pushing athletes and allowing them to find their own paths. 

00:00 Introduction to The Next Next 

00:35 Meet John Couture: Mental Performance Coach 

01:32 The Role and Importance of Mental Performance Coaching 

02:45 John's Journey into Mental Performance Coaching 

05:43 Techniques and Universals in Mental Performance 

10:49 Certification and Legitimacy in Mental Performance Coaching 

14:30 Mental Performance Coaching in Practice 

20:21 Daily Integration of Mental Performance 

24:03 Group vs. Individual Coaching 

26:30 The Importance of Communication in Coaching 

27:38 Athlete's Perception vs. Objective Performance 

28:39 Managing Parental Influence on Athletes 

30:15 The Role of Mental Performance Coaches 

31:56 Balancing Youth Sports and Family Life 

34:11 The Business of Youth Sports 

38:03 Digital Solutions for Mental Performance Coaching 

43:01 Parental Perspectives vs. Athlete's Reality 

44:54 The Importance of Autonomy in Youth Sports 

48:35 The Future of Youth Sports 

51:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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, Jason Jacobs sits down with Matt Wheeler and Chris Meade, co-founders of SportsRecruits. The company connects millions of high school athletes with college coaches, helping them find the right fit for their athletic and academic future. Matt and Chris share their entrepreneurial journey, starting from their days at Wesleyan University where they played lacrosse, to identifying inefficiencies in the sports recruiting process, and eventually founding SportsRecruits. They discuss the initial challenges, including their early model of filming lacrosse events and transitioning to a scalable digital platform. They reveal the company's scaling through partnerships with clubs and events, leading to a significant growth in user base. Furthermore, they highlight the company's recent acquisition by IMG Academy, aiming to deliver more value in the increasingly complex recruiting landscape. Beyond business, the conversation also touches on personal experiences and philosophies concerning youth sports, player development, and parenting. 

00:00 Introduction to SportsRecruits 

00:40 Founders' Background and Early Challenges 

01:23 Transition to Digital and Business Scaling 

01:44 Recent Acquisition and Future Vision 

02:03 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Journey 

02:26 Welcome to the Show: Matt and Chris 

03:26 Early Career Paths and Initial Business Idea 

03:52 First Steps and Initial Struggles 

07:14 Breakthrough Moment and Business Model Shift 

17:59 Expansion into Other Sports 

22:05 The Role of Clubs in Recruiting 

28:21 Challenges and Successes in Scaling 

34:42 The Importance of Technology in Recruiting 

35:57 Defense vs. Offense in Club Marketing 

36:53 The Role of SportsRecruits in Club Success 

39:29 The Impact of AI and Future Prospects 

40:39 Transitioning to Software and Funding Challenges 

44:51 Acquisition by IMG Academy 

55:57 Balancing Parenting and Youth Sports 

01:06:01 Reflections on the Journey and Final Thoughts

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

Navigating Hockey Development with Advisor Brock Kautz 

In this episode of The Next Next, former University of Minnesota goalie and current hockey player advisor, Brock Kautz, shares his extensive journey from a junior hockey player to a college athlete and finally transitioning into coaching and player representation. Discussing his early beginnings in Minnesota hockey, Kautz highlights the importance of multi-sport participation, the evolving role of parents in youth hockey, and the significance of adapting to different roles within a team. He provides insights on player development, the impact of technology, and the essentials of being a good teammate. This episode offers valuable perspectives for young athletes, parents, and anyone involved in hockey. 

00:00 Introduction to Brock Kautz 

00:49 Brock's Early Hockey Journey 

03:50 College and Coaching Career 

11:10 Transition to Player Advisor 

17:17 Parental Involvement in Youth Hockey 

25:04 Hockey IQ and Skill Development 

30:58 The Role of Coaches and Video Analysis 

33:57 Embracing Roles and Identity in Hockey 

36:08 The Rise of Agents and Advisors 

41:48 Balancing Development and Exposure 

43:56 Key Attributes Scouts Look For 

47:16 Training, Burnout, and Multi-Sport Benefits 

51:46 The Impact of Technology in Player Development 

56:25 Changes in Junior and College Hockey 

58:29 Life as a Hockey Advisor

01:03:09 Final Thoughts and Advice

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 converses with Jesse Winchester, a former NHL player and player development coach for the Ottawa Senators. Jesse shares his unconventional journey to the NHL, emphasizing the importance of work ethic and passion. They discuss the evolution of the game, contrasting Jesse's development era with the present, and the increasing role of skill at the expense of hockey IQ. The conversation also delves into the challenges of raising young athletes today, balancing ambition, intrinsic motivation, and healthy development. The episode explores the potential for new platforms to better support youth athletes in their development, focusing on skill-building, competition, and balancing passion with structured growth. 

00:00 Introduction to Jesse Winchester 

00:43 Jesse's Journey to the NHL 

01:10 Comparing Past and Present Hockey Landscapes 

03:43 Early Influences and Work Ethic 

15:32 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports 

24:27 Balancing Structure and Freedom in Development 

29:30 Building a New Athlete Development Platform 

31:04 Emphasizing Joy in Skill Development 

32:11 Balancing Development and Joy 

33:59 Intrinsic Motivation and Gameplay 

35:03 Challenges of Home Training 

37:28 The Role of Parents in Development 

38:47 Hockey IQ and Skill Development 

42:25 The Importance of Video Analysis 

44:44 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development 

50:04 The Role of Agents in Player Development 

52:15 Balancing Competitive and Personal Goals 

57:37 Reflections on Personal Development 

01:00:52 Future Plans and Advice for Parents

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