The USA Hockey Podcast: A Youth Sports Conversation

In episode 35 of the USA Hockey Podcast, we are starting a new segment called Driving Excellence where we sit down with Youth Clubs around the country to hear what makes them unique and drives their player development and retention.

In this episode of Driving Excellence, we sit down with Gino Cavallini, Club President of the Chicago Mission AAA Youth Hockey Club, to explore what makes this elite program one of the top youth hockey associations in the country. Gino shares his insights on how the Chicago Mission has built a culture of success, focusing on player development, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence on and off the ice. Listen in as we discuss the journey of shaping young athletes into the next generation of hockey stars, the importance of strong leadership, and how the association’s commitment to excellence has driven their sustained success. Whether you're a coach, parent, or hockey fan, this episode offers a deep dive into the dedication it takes to create a powerhouse youth hockey program.

To contact Gino: https://chicagomission.com/contacts/

With a B.S./M.S. in Mechanical Engineering and an M.S. in Leadership and Business Ethics, Maureen is dedicated to solving the toughest people problems. Frustrated by the confidence struggles many women face, she launched the Win Like a Girl® program (and book!) to inspire people of all ages to be bold and extraordinary.

Information discussed in the podcast:

Website: https://maureenmonte.com/

Win Like a Girl Youtube: (including 5 Fears) https://www.youtube.com/@WinLikeAGirlBook

Destination Unstoppable Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@destinationunstoppable

StrengthsFinder: https://store.gallup.com/p/en-us/10108/cliftonstrengths-top-5?c=1

Jocko’s Good video: https://youtu.be/IdTMDpizis8

Jocko’s “Tell Yourself the Truth” video: https://twitter.com/jockowillink/status/1745962393136742888

In episode 33, we have Gillian Jackson. Gillian is a Neighborhood leader/senior coordinator at the Ed Snider Youth Hockey Foundation, whose mission is to create opportunities for under-resourced youth of the Greater Philadelphia Region to prosper in life.

Gillian comes on the podcast here to talk about what she is currently doing with the foundation, how hockey saved her life, and how YOU can give back

For more information on the foundation: https://sniderhockey.org/

To get in contact with Gillian: [email protected]

Continue the conversation on X: @USAHockeyCoach

In episode 32, we have Jean Cote on the podcast to talk about transformational leadership and coaching. Jean is a Professor and researcher in the areas of children in sport, coaching, sports expertise, and positive youth development. He works in the School of Kinesiology and Health Studies at Queens University in Canada. He has also published quite a bit of research in the area of sport, one of which is the idea of Transformational Coaching and Leadership.

Reach out to Jean:

Email: [email protected]

X: @jeancote46

Learn more about Transformational Leadership:

Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWTsPcaebKo

Applying transformational leadership theory to coaching research in youth sport: A systematic literature review: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/1612197X.2016.1189948

Join the discussion on X at @USAHockeyCoach

In episode 31, we examine recent research on who makes it to the NHL early, on time, or late developers. To have this discussion, we have John Lind on the podcast. John is the Head of Education and Research for the Swedish Ice Hockey Association. John worked firsthand on this research project and shared his insights on their process, what they learned, and how we can use this data for future projects.

To get in contact with John: [email protected]

Resources discussed:

The Research: https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40279-023-01985-z

Khamis–Roche method Calculator: https://www.calculator.net/height-calculator.html

In episode 30, we chat with Rob Gray, a professor at Arizona State, a Skill Acquisition Specialist with the Boston Red Sox, producer and host of the Perception-Action Podcast, author of multiple books, researcher, and much more.

Listen in as we chat about...

-What is the Constraints Led Approach (CLA)?

-What is the history of the CLA?

-What are the benefits?

-How can we use this in hockey?

For more information, to purchase his books, and to get in contact with Rob, visit: https://perceptionaction.com/

Other resources discussed

Talent Equation Podcast: https://www.thetalentequation.co.uk/podcasts

Opposite Direction YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCsVkH7793RMAhYqKLXle_vQ

Follow us on Twitter/X: @USAHockeyCoaches

In episode 29, we chat with USA Hockey's Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael Stuart, and Manager of Player Safety, Kevin Margarucci, about the changes in neck laceration protectors, other types of lacerations, and reactive ways that players, parents, and coaches can keep the sport of ice hockey safer for everyone.

Stop The Bleed: https://www.stopthebleed.org/

US Council for Athletes Health: https://uscah.com/

Red Cross First Aid Training: https://uscah.com/

Make sure to join the discussion on Twitter @USAHockeyCoach

In episode 28, returning guest Heather Mannix discusses the #1 reason kids play sports: to have FUN! This is also the number 1 reason kids drop out of sports. In this episode, we explore what kids find fun in sports and how we, as coaches, can encourage a more fun environment for better retention and player development.

For information on Fun Integration Theory: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4201634/

USA Hockey Webinar with Dr. Amanda Visek: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rF4XGWO8Jro

Dr. Visek on X: @ajvisek
Heather Mannix on X: @Hmannix14

Follow us on X: USAHockeycoach

In episode 27, we talk about resiliency with Dr. Larry Lauer. Dr. Lauer is the Director of Mental Performance at United States Tennis Association Player Development. He has a history of working with USA Hockey's NTDP program and presenting at many USA Hockey events.

In this episode, we chat about...

-Is it trainable?

-The 3 pillars of resiliency

-How can we support our players

Compete Like a Champion Podcast: http://www.playerdevelopment.usta.com/podcasts/

USA Hockey Webinar: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZFSkETx0FY

On Twitter: https://twitter.com/larrylauer?lang=en

In episode 26, we sit down and chat with the Youth Olympic Coaching Staff to discuss the upcoming tournament. The 2024 Winter Youth Olympic Games are set to be played from Jan. 19 - Feb. 1 in Gangwon, South Korea.

From the Youth Olympic Coaching Staff, we chat with Head Coach Joe Bonnett (Player Development Manager, USA Hockey) and Assistant Coaches Matt Gilroy (Asst. Coach NTDP), Jason Guerriero (Asst. Coach Northeastern) and Dave Caruso (Columbus Blue Jackets)

In this episode, we chat about the coaching staff and their backgrounds in hockey, the difficulty in the selection process, how to manage a young team with high expectations, keeping the team in the moment, and much more.

Episodes are live on Spotify, Amazon, and Apple Podcasts.