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In Episode 6 of the podcast, we sit down with James Spaargaren, head coach of the San Diego Sabers, to talk about his hockey journey and the lessons he’s learned along the way about what it truly means to be coachable.

James shares his path from leaving his hometown of San Diego to play AAA hockey in Colorado, advancing through the NAHL, NA3HL, and NCDC at the junior level, and eventually committing to Arcadia University (NCAA D3). We also dive into what brought him back home to San Diego and how he’s now shaping the next generation of players as a coach for the Sabers.

Whether you’re a young player chasing junior and college opportunities, a parent navigating the hockey landscape, or simply a fan of the game, this conversation offers insight into the mindset, resilience, and coachability it takes to succeed.

📌 Topics Covered:
✅ James’s journey from AAA to juniors to college hockey
✅ The role of coachability in player development
✅ Life lessons from playing in the NAHL, NA3HL, and NCDC
✅ Why he chose Arcadia University for NCAA D3 hockey
✅ Returning to San Diego to coach the Sabers

🎧 Listen to the full episode and subscribe for more hockey stories and insights.

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