PowerTech Development Podcast

The Matterhorn Fit All-Path Series is here including the Western, Ontario, and Quebec. Coach Eric will be leading the charge with the All-Path Ontario event with NCAA Division 1 and OHL programs set to join! Visit matterhornfitevents.com to REQUEST REGISTRATION! Wondering where we've been? Big announcement coming soon!

In this Q&A episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric and Andy answer real questions submitted by hockey parents and players from across North America. From navigating early development in U13 to handling politics, effort, and opportunity at U18, this conversation tackles some of the most common (and misunderstood) challenges in youth and junior hockey. This episode is all about clari...

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric and Andy open up about the things they wish more hockey parents knew earlier - especially during the intense and emotional U16/U18 years. With so much focus on the OHL Draft, rankings, and comparison, many families lose sight of what truly matters in a player’s long-term development. This conversation cuts through the noise and delivers ho...

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric sits down with Brian Gill , an NHLPA Certified Agent with Maloney and Thompson , to pull back the curtain on what agents actually do, and what families think they do. This isn’t a conversation about multimillion-dollar NHL contracts. It’s about the junior-level journey, the questions families are asking, the decisions players face, and the...

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric and Andy reflect on the parenting journey from early youth hockey days to one of the biggest milestones in any hockey family: the NHL Draft. Andy shares the emotional experience of watching his son get drafted to the Dallas Stars, how he navigated being both a coach and a dad, and where he sometimes went too far. Together, they offer hones...

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we’re joined by Jason Guerriero - a former pro player, NCAA coach, and longtime contributor to USA Hockey’s development model. Jason shares a thoughtful and experienced perspective on what true development means at every level from young kids to elite college players. This episode breaks down how to think long-term, how USA Hockey approaches pl...

In this episode, Eric and Andy have a deep, personal conversation about the importance of understanding your values — as a person and as a team. From faith and family to leadership and decision-making, they explore why identifying your core values builds the foundation for growth, performance, and long-term success. They also touch on lessons from Game 5 of the NHL playoffs, tools like Instat for...

Coach Eric and Coach Andy dive into one of the most commonly communicated but poorly explained concepts in sports and development: hard work. What does it really mean to work hard? Why do so many people think they’re grinding, but aren’t actually getting better? They unpack what true effort looks like — from training on the ice, to gym habits, to mental focus and nutrition. Whether you’re a hockey...

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Gilroy—former walk-on at Boston University, Hobey Baker winner, NHL defenseman, and now a coach with Harvard University. Matt’s story is the kind every player and family should hear: a journey from underdog to NHL, built on work ethic, character, and the right mindset. We also go deep into the recruiting side of college hoc...

Brian Willsie is the Director of Player Development for the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL. In this episode, he and Coach Eric discuss strategies to own your development path as a player including decisions on where to play. Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE .

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we tackle one of the most important topics in youth hockey—what happens when your kid gets cut. Getting released from a team is hard on players and parents. We discuss: What to say to your child How to reframe failure Why showing up matters more than ever And when it might be time to stop investing time and money into hockey We also explore the...

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we dig into the real pressures of U18 hockey, the value (and overuse) of private lessons, and the responsibility coaches have to support players with learning differences. Too often, players are in a rush to move up, parents are caught in the camp and lesson arms race, and coaches are unaware of what individual players may need to thrive. This...

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we talk directly to hockey parents. If you've ever felt like: You're not doing enough Your kid is falling behind Other families seem more committed You're not sure when to push or pull back ...this episode is for you. We dive into the emotional realities of raising a young athlete: the peer pressure, the burnout, the overthinking, a...

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 hoc...

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 p...

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 pla...

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...

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—...

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...

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 Ga...

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...

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)....

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...

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...

In this episode of the PowerTech 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 Spor...