PowerTech Development Podcast

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we explore the balance between teaching skills and letting young players naturally develop, and why learning to take a break is an underrated part of athletic success. Drawing inspiration from the Hockey Factories Podcast series and real coaching experiences, we share practical advice for coaches, parents, and players on how to manage youth hockey development the right way. 📌 Key Topics Covered: The Power of Attention to Detail – Why some players learn faster (5:00) Learning the Toe Drag and Other Skills – How much can kids really absorb? (9:00 – 13:00) The Risk of Overcoaching Young Athletes (13:00 – 24:00) Analogy: Learn to Write Before You Write an Essay (22:30) When and Why Kids Need Breaks from Their Sport (25:30 – 36:00) Why Taking Breaks Is a Skill, Not a Weakness (36:00) How to Return After a Break – Restarting smart (40:00 – 46:00) Work Ethic Comes First – You have to earn your rest (46:30) Whether you're a hockey coach, parent, or a young athlete trying to navigate your development path, this episode offers actionable insights on skill learning, recovery, and long-term player success. - Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we welcome Matt Dumouchelle, creator of The Coaches Site’s Hockey Factories Series, contributor to The Coaches Site Podcast, and Assistant GM of the Leamington Flyers. Drawing from years of global research into the world’s best hockey development programs, Matt unpacks what great programs do differently. Whether you're a coach, parent, or program director, this conversation delivers deep insight on youth development systems, what it means to be aligned as an organization, and why the coach-player-parent triangle is more important than ever. 📌 Key Topics Covered: Matt’s Journey from Broadcasting to Hockey Development (1:30 – 5:30) What Makes the Best Hockey Programs in the World (11:30 – 16:00) “Be #1 in Everything That’s Free” – Competing on culture, not budget (12:40) The Role of Organizational Alignment in Development (14:00 – 22:30) Teaching the Frolunda Way, Not Your Way (22:30 – 27:00) What Age Should Players Peak Performance Begin? (27:00) How the European Club System Moves Players (29:00) The Pillars of Top Programs (30:00) What Defines a Good Coach? (33:40) Clear Coach-to-Parent Communication (36:00) Favoritism, Expectations, and the Expensive Game (40:00 – 45:00) How Much Do Finances Matter in Development? (51:00) Building a Program Foundation: Sleep, Recovery, Balance (54:00 – 57:40) Multi-Sport and Well-Rounded Athletes (57:40) International Development Gaps – NA vs Europe (1:02:00) How to Improve Your Organization Today (1:05:00 – 1:12:00) - Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we go big-picture and ground-level: 🏒 Ovechkin breaks Gretzky’s record— is he a Top 5 all-time player? We compare eras, legacies, and what it takes to dethrone hockey icons. 💪 What does it take to move up levels in hockey today? We unpack the myth that you need to be perfect at everything. 📈 OHL Draft mindset tips—including how undrafted players still carve a path to the NHL. Ovechkin vs Gretzky – Breaking records, comparing eras (1:00, 4:00, 6:30) Top 5 NHL Players of All Time – Who belongs, who’s next? (10:00–16:00) Do deficiencies need to become strengths? (18:00) Being “Good Enough” Without Being “Vanilla” (23:00) Setting Intentions When You Train (26:00) OHL Draft Realities & Undrafted Success Stories (29:30–36:00) Scouting = Educated Guesswork (38:00) Grinding Through Adversity (45:00–50:00) “Trust the Process” – What Does It Actually Mean? (51:00) How to Measure Growth & Potential in Players (1:00:00) Whether you're a parent, coach, or player, this episode blends elite hockey legacy debates with real-world advice for making it in today’s game. Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we dive deep into youth strength training, long-term athletic development, and the dangers of early specialization. Inspired by the PERFORM podcast and Dr. Andy Galpin's recent episode on Strength Training for Kids, we unpack the most important takeaways for parents, coaches, and anyone working with young athletes, including: PERFORM by Dr. Andy Galpin – Why this episode sparked the conversation (7:30) Problems with Research & Public Confusion – Why so many parents are misinformed (9:00) Myths Around Strength Training for Kids – What’s true and what’s not (13:00) Is Strength Training Dangerous for Kids? – The real risks (or lack of them) (17:00) Should You Wait Until Puberty? – The science says… (21:00) Why Positive Experience is the #1 Priority (26:00) How to Structure Age-Appropriate Training (29:00) Child-Centric vs Adult-Centric Coaching Mentality (34:00) The Dangers of Early Specialization in Sports (40:00) This episode is perfect for parents with young athletes, coaches designing age-appropriate programs, and anyone questioning when—or if—kids should start strength training. You can find the full episode from Dr. Andy Galpin ⁠HERE⁠. - Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by The Coaches Site LIVE! Join PowerTech June 12-14 at University of Michigan Ann Arbour for TCS LIVE 2025 - the premier coaching event of the year. Visit ⁠TCS LIVE⁠ and enter code "PowerTech" to save 10% on your ticket! See you there! - In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we explore the evolving landscape of youth hockey—from the fading magic of tournaments to the overhype surrounding the OHL Draft. Coaches, parents, and players are all asking the same questions: Do you need to play on the best team to get noticed? Are showcases becoming too serious and losing their fun? Does being a top OHL Draft pick really mean you’ll make it? We highlight the Leo Boivin Tournament, a shining example of how hockey events should be done, and compare that to the increasingly transactional nature of many modern showcases. Key Topics: Leo Boivin Tournament & "The ROW" – A model showcase experience (5:50, 48:45) Are Tournaments Too Serious Now? (16:00) Too Many Rules in Minor Hockey? (16:50) How to Choose Where to Play – Best team vs. right fit (22:50) "Cream Always Rises to the Top" – Talent will find a way (27:00) Does Playing on the Best Team Matter That Much? (33:00) Learning to Lose – An underrated skill in player development (35:00) Top Pick Doesn’t Guarantee NHL Success (40:00) What the OHL Draft Really Means for Players (44:00) This is a must-listen for coaches, parents, and players who want to focus less on hype—and more on what really builds long-term success in the game. - Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we break down: How to get the RIGHT hockey advice—who should players trust? (6:30) Is the CHL taking over NCAA hockey? A serious look at how NCAA commitments are shifting. (14:00) Should you dominate your level before moving up? The debate on whether players move too soon. (25:00) CHL → NCAA → NHL—why this path is now possible and how new NCAA eligibility rules have changed everything. (39:00) With junior and college hockey evolving, players, parents, and coaches need to understand how these changes impact development, recruiting, and pro aspirations. Let us know what you think—how is the path changing from minor hockey to the CHL and NCAA on to PRO? *This episode experienced some technical difficulties with the audio stream - we will work to correct this* - Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we dive into the AAA vs Prep vs High School debate, youth hockey training culture, and the skill gap illusion. Parents, players, and coaches all need to understand what actually matters in development—and what’s just noise. 📌 Topics Covered: How Do You Treat the New Guy? – Hockey culture & locker room dynamics (3:30) For the Love of the Game – Why are kids playing hockey? (5:30) The Prep School Takeover – Is prep really the best path? (11:00) AAA vs High School vs Prep Hockey – Pros and cons of each route (15:00) Are You Overtraining Your Young Player? – The risks of doing too much (27:40) The Skill Gap Illusion – Why early "elite" players don’t always stay ahead (29:00) This Guy Wanted to Keep Kids from Playing, Just Training – The dark side of overtraining (33:30) Where to Spend Money in Hockey Training – What’s worth it? (37:00) You Don’t Need to Pay for Everything – Expensive training ≠ guaranteed success (39:00) It’s Too Much to Do Everything – Finding balance in youth sports (40:30) A Parent’s Job is to Provide Opportunity – Not control the journey (45:00) If Cost & Logistics Don’t Matter, Do Whatever You Want – The reality for most families (47:20) The Early Development Illusion – Why early success doesn’t predict the future (49:00) Sam Bennett Draft Story – Couldn't Do a Pull-Up – And still became a successful NHL player (54:00) Too many parents stress about the wrong things in youth hockey development. Whether it’s picking the right team, overpaying for training, or worrying about early skill gaps, this episode will help you focus on what really matters. Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

This episode of the podcast is brought to you by The Coaches Site LIVE! Join PowerTech June 12-14 at University of Michigan Ann Arbour for TCS LIVE 2025 - the premier coaching event of the year. Visit TCS LIVE and enter code "PowerTech" to save 10% on your ticket! See you there! - In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we dive into how parents shape the mental toughness required for success in youth sports. We discuss attitude, resilience, and how parental behavior influences young athletes—for better or worse. 📌 Topics Covered: Choosing Your Attitude – Why mindset is everything in hockey (5:00) Familiarity Breeds Content – The danger of getting too comfortable (9:00) A Good Attitude Only Counts When It’s Hard – What real mental toughness looks like (12:15) The ‘I Got Screwed’ Mindset – Why self-loathing kills development (20:00) Mental Toughness & Resilience – How to develop it in young athletes (24:30) Tough Love? – Finding the right balance between support and challenge (26:00) Don’t Give Your Kids ALL the Answers – Let them struggle and figure things out (28:15) "Pigs Don’t Know Pigs Stink" – People don’t know what they don’t know (29:15) Parent Complaints – The cycle of negativity in youth sports (33:15) Being an Example as a Parent – Kids model what they see (41:30) The Recipe for Parenting: Love & Common Sense – Keeping it simple (48:30) Learning to Write Helps You Think – Developing critical thinking (55:20) Too often, parents unknowingly hold their kids back by removing obstacles instead of teaching them how to handle adversity. This episode will challenge parents and coaches to raise athletes who can handle the ups and downs of competitive sports. - Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we tackle three of the biggest issues in youth hockey today: extreme parent behavior, unrealistic coaching expectations, and why good people are leaving the sport. 📌 Topics Covered: Calling the Cops on a Hockey Parent: A real story of when things went too far (2:30). When Parent Behavior Embarrasses Their Own Kids – What’s the impact? (13:30). What Should You Expect from a Youth Hockey Coach? – They're not full-time employees (19:30). Setting Realistic Expectations for Coaches – What’s fair to expect? (28:00). Should Coaches Be Expected to Do More? – The ‘coaching extras’ debate (36:00). Does Being on the Best Team Matter? – How much does it actually help? (39:00). Parents Don’t Know What They Don’t Know – The hidden side of youth hockey (45:00). Toxic Culture Is Pushing Good People Away – Why fewer good coaches are sticking around (46:00). Parents Making It Hard for Honest People to Stay in Hockey – How to keep the right people involved (50:00). Choosing Your Attitude as a Hockey Parent – The impact of your actions (56:00). Very Few Positive Influences on Kids Today – Who is really shaping young players? (57:00). Are We Driving Good People Out of Youth Sports? – The long-term effect (1:00:00). This episode is a must-listen for hockey parents, coaches, and players who want to understand what’s helping and hurting youth hockey today. - Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

Parents Behaving Badly in Youth Hockey & The Phone Problem No One Talks About - In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we break down two major challenges in youth hockey: overinvolved parents and phone distractions. 📌 Topics Discussed: The D1 Facility You NEED to See – Touring St. Cloud State (2:30) A Mom Screaming at the Coach Outside the Locker Room – Where is the line? (6:00) A Dad Intercepting His Son After a Game – When should parents step back? (6:30) The Never-Ending Distraction of Phones – How hard is it for today’s players to unplug? (19:30) Adults Never Had to Deal With This Growing Up – Why it’s a different challenge for today’s athletes (20:30) The Coaches Site Podcast on Phones – An additional resource (22:20) How Advanced Are Phones? – The impact of constant connection (25:00) This episode isn’t about banning phones or blaming parents—it’s about bringing awareness to behaviors that affect young athletes' growth and focus. Whether you’re a coach, player, or hockey parent, this discussion will give you valuable insight into what’s helping and hurting kids in the game today. - Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we tackle the factors shaping young athletes, from genetic influence to key decision-making moments in youth hockey. This episode is packed with insights for hockey parents, players, and coaches navigating the world of youth sports. Whether you're debating a big move or just trying to understand what makes a great athlete, this discussion offers valuable perspectives. - Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

In this episode of thePowerTech Development Podcast, we dive into the controversial yet essential topics shaping hockey today. From the mental resilience of players to the politics of development, our discussion touches on: The Soft Attitude: Why you won't always feel perfect in hockey (17:00). Being KO-ed on the Ice: The challenges of recovering from big hits (21:00). Rehab Options for Sports Injuries: What’s the right approach? (25:00). Coaching Injury Rules: The fine line between caution and toughness (27:50). Coaching Finesse: The delicate balance required to succeed as a coach (42:30). Politics or Guidance? Understanding the decisions behind hockey progression (50:00). Overlooked vs. Becoming Noticed: How players gain recognition in the competitive hockey world (1:01:00). Whether you're a hockey parent, coach, or player, this episode is packed with insights on what it takes to thrive in today’s hockey landscape. Become aMEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact UsHERE.

Hockey Parents & The Impact You Have on the Game What’s the WORST parent behavior you’ve seen at a rink? Hockey parents play a HUGE role in their child’s development, but are you helping or hurting their chances of success? In this episode, we dive deep into the hard conversations about parent behavior in the stands, D1 coach insights, and the right way to support your child without getting in the way. Topics Covered: What D1 coaches REALLY think about hockey parents (17:40) The hardest thing for parents to accept about coaching decisions (31:00) Are you supporting or sabotaging your young hockey player? (41:30) Why yelling at refs is a BAD look for you and your child (55:20) - Subscribe for more expert insights on player development, coaching, and the hockey world! Support the show by becoming a MEMBER in the PowerTech Community! Take advantage of our skill development video library, consultation calls, discount codes, and more! Looking for other ways to support? Subscribe on YouTube, leave a 5-star review, and share the show! AFFILIATE/SPONSOR LINKS PowerTech SHOP PowerTech Memberships Want to sponsor the show? Contact Us!

In this episode, Coach Eric and Coach Andy cover the importance of having experience to be successful and a deeper dive into a recent conversation on playing with ‘better’ players. Coach Eric finished with a discussion on his observation that so many young players don’t realize their opportunities and fail to take advantage of resources they have. Support the show by becoming a MEMBER in the PowerTech Community! Take advantage of our skill development video library, consultation calls, discount codes, and more! Looking for other ways to support? Subscribe on YouTube, leave a 5-star review, and share the show! AFFILIATE/SPONSOR LINKS PowerTech SHOP PowerTech Memberships Want to sponsor the show? Contact Us!

In this episode, Coach Eric and Coach Andy discuss the mindset of how to bounce back from a bad loss. Going into games you KNOW you will WIN or LOSE, how should you prepare? What are the coaching strategies to prepare, adjust, and respond to poor outcomes? How can coaches communicate with their players before, during, and after these situations? These questions and related topics are answered. Support the show by becoming a MEMBER in the PowerTech Community! Take advantage of our skill development video library, consultation calls, discount codes, and more! Looking for other ways to support? Subscribe on YouTube, leave a 5-star review, and share the show! AFFILIATE/SPONSOR LINKS PowerTech SHOP PowerTech Memberships Want to sponsor the show? Contact Us!

In this episode, Coach Eric and Coach Andy look at skill building, key instruction points, and how to understand the microsteps involved in complex movements. They move on to discuss how to make other players better, and a winning mindset when you are playing with players that are better or worse than you. Support the show by becoming a MEMBER in the PowerTech Community! Take advantage of our skill development video library, consultation calls, discount codes, and more! Looking for other ways to support? Subscribe on YouTube, leave a 5-star review, and share the show! AFFILIATE/SPONSOR LINKS PowerTech SHOP PowerTech Memberships Want to sponsor the show? Contact Us!

Coming out of the holiday break, Coach Andy and Coach Eric recap the holidays and discuss the World Junior Championships. They discuss the performance of Latvia, the struggles of Team Canada, and compare and contrast the US vs Canadian hockey systems. Support the show by becoming a MEMBER in the PowerTech Community! Take advantage of our skill development video library, consultation calls, discount codes, and more! Looking for other ways to support? Subscribe on YouTube, leave a 5-star review, and share the show! AFFILIATE/SPONSOR LINKS PowerTech SHOP PowerTech Memberships Want to sponsor the show? Contact Us!

In this episode, Coach Eric and Coach Andy discuss parent behaviour and confidence building. They open with a few recent elements of parent conduct at the PowerTech 3on3 Tournament, before moving on to discuss different elements of building confidence - specifically through coaches, teammates, and the competition. Support the show by becoming a MEMBER in the PowerTech Community! Take advantage of our skill development video library, consultation calls, discount codes, and more! Looking for other ways to support? Subscribe on YouTube, leave a 5-star review, and share the show! AFFILIATE/SPONSOR LINKS PowerTech SHOP PowerTech Memberships Want to sponsor the show? Contact Us!

In this episode, Coach Eric and Coach Andy cover trades and how it affects players, the skill vs games question for youth development, how best to design a youth development system, the 80/20 principle for getting results, which drills should be staples in your training regimen, what will get you the most return on your time investment, and other topics! Support the show by becoming a MEMBER in the PowerTech Community! Take advantage of our skill development video library, consultation calls, discount codes, and more! Looking for other ways to support? Subscribe on YouTube, leave a 5-star review, and share the show! AFFILIATE/SPONSOR LINKS PowerTech SHOP PowerTech Memberships Want to sponsor the show? Contact Us!

In this episode, Coach Eric and Coach Andy are back for a quick episode covering contracts. They first discuss music and its impact on performance before moving into a discussion on money earned by hockey players. Topics include being paid based on past performance, salary costs and how much is actually retained, salary caps, and judging how much a player is worth. Support the show by becoming a MEMBER in the PowerTech Community! Take advantage of our skill development video library, consultation calls, discount codes, and more! Looking for other ways to support? Subscribe on YouTube, leave a 5-star review, and share the show! AFFILIATE/SPONSOR LINKS PowerTech SHOP PowerTech Memberships Want to sponsor the show? Contact Us!