#42 Supporting Every Skater (Pt. 1): Common Errors with Dr. Brady Flachs

In Episode 42, we kick off a new series exploring the connections between education and hockey with Dr. Brady Flachs, a Professor of Education at Ferris State University.

Brady, a father of four hockey-playing boys, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the conversation. Host Zack Nowak, a former Special Education teacher, joins him to bridge the gap between classroom strategies and coaching on the ice.

Each episode, we’ll tackle one key question, drawing from education research and teaching strategies to help coaches develop their teams more effectively.

In this episode, we answer the question of what the common errors are in coaching and education when working with kids with learning needs.

Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach

In episode 41, we chat with Josh Holmes who is the Director of Adult Hockey with USA Hockey.

In this episode, we discuss the many benefits of playing Adult Hockey through USA Hockey and the fun and exciting events that are held across the country.

To sign up for this years Adult Classic Tournaments: https://www.usahockey.com/classictournamentsnew

To learn more about Adult Hockey opportunities: https://www.usahockey.com/adulthockey

To get in contact with Josh and the team: [email protected]

In episode 40, we have Executive Director of College Hockey Inc. Sean Hogan on the podcast to talk about College Hockey Inc. and what they do.

In the episode:

-What players, parents and coaches need to know about the recruiting process

-How college hockey changed over time

-What the future looks like for college hockey

To learn more about College Hockey Inc. or get in contact with Sean visit https://www.collegehockeyinc.com/

In episode 39, we have USA Hockey's Manager of Player Development Rich Hansen to talk about teaching offense through small-area games. Listen in as we chat about how we can create practice activities with intention and modify them to meet the needs of all our players through progressions and regressions. We also discuss Rich's path through hockey and his time working with USA Hockey.

To contact Rich: [email protected]

In episode 38, we chat with TC Lewis General Manager of Aerodrome Ice Skating Complex, about what brought him to hockey and what his facility and community does to bring the same enjoyment to kids playing hockey.

TC discusses how we can create more engaging experiences to our communities from jerseys, to halloween on ice. He also talks about his experiences working as a Team Leader for many of our National Teams.

TC Lewis: [email protected]

Aerodrome Website: https://aerodromes.com/

Aerodrome Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aerodromeice/?hl=en

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In episode 37 we sit down and Chat with Rick Murray Associate Coach in Chief of Goaltending for the Southeast District. Rick is also a professor with Hendrix College.

In this episode, we chat with Rick about some research that he and a few others are diving into regarding the most age-appropriate net and rink sizes for goalies and players alike.

Listen in as we discuss the impacts of net and rink sizing on goalie movements, goal scoring, and much more.

To get in contact with Rick:

In episode 36 of the USA Hockey Podcast, we sit down with Culver Hockey to discuss what makes Culver unique from a school, hockey, and leadership perspective.

Nathan Phillips (Goalie Coach), Kevin Patrick (Boys Coach), and Cory Whitaker (Girls Coach) walk through a day in the life of a Culver Hockey player, from their leadership training to their on-ice training.

For more information on Culver or to get in contact with any of these coaches, visit https://culverathletics.com/

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