PowerTech Development Podcast

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric discuss what it means to be emotionally tough in sports. The two breakdown how you can better handle criticism as a player, how to facilitate the development of a resilient athlete as a parent, and how to improve your communication as a coach.

In this episode, Coach Andy is joined by recently retired NHLer and 10-year professional hockey player, Dalton Prout. The two discuss Dalton’s path to become a pro, the key steps to get there, and tips on how parents and coaches can better facilitate the development of young players.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric discuss what it means to “play the long game”. By keeping long terms goals as the primary driver in life, young athletes will be better equipped to make good decisions that positively shape their future. The two discuss how this can be accomplished, some of the major decisions young hockey players will face, and how to use hockey as a vehicle for a great future...

In this episode, Coach Andy describes what he calls “The Coach and The Critic”.  Everyone has competing voices in their head – one that is encouraging and motivating, and the other that is negative and doubtful. Through their own experiences in hockey and life, Coach Andy and Eric discuss how you can better train your inner Coach and control your inner Critic.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric discuss the OHL draft and what it truly means for the career of a player.  They revisit the 2013 OHL priority selection and discuss where the former top players are today, and what general outcomes can be expected for the 300 players chosen.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric discuss the importance of always being prepared for opportunities in hockey, and life.  Recounting his trip to Russia training with NHL hall of famer Igor Larionov, Coach Andy goes over some of the keys to his success in getting that opportunity, and how he was able to excel with it. The boys go on to breakdown what it means to be prepared and the action s...

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric breakdown the process of seeking help in hockey.  With the path to success being so difficult, the two discuss where to find help and how to evaluate whether the resource is adequate. They go on to discuss how coaches can make themselves a resource in youth hockey, and how to shape your mentality as a player to find the help you need. Coach Andy also prese...

In this episode, Coach Andy reads several excerpts from the popular book "The Way Of The Fight" by UFC legend Georges St-Pierre. He and Eric discuss the path St-Pierre took to becoming a champion, focusing mostly on his early stages on development, his mentality as a kid, and the early judgements of his coaches. They go on to contextualize these lessons for young players looking to grow in the spo...

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric breakdown why having a purpose is the key driver to your success.  As a player, the two discuss how you can define a purpose to nurture your goals. For parents and coaches, they touch on how to facilitate the development of a young athlete by helping them to align with their purpose on the day-to-day.

Coach Stephen DiLustro earned his Bachelor of Science in Exercise Physiology from UMass Lowell, followed by a Masters Degree in Teaching Education from the University of Arizona. Growing up, he partook in all sports until high school where track and field became his main focus. Drawing inspiration from his uncle who was an avid gym user, Stephen observed early on that the work in the weight room d...

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric discuss parenting surrounding youth sports.  They touch on common problems with the uninformed parent, overanalyzing and over-involvement, and what to look for in trainers and coaches to make sure you are well informed when it comes to your child.

In this episode, Coach Andy sits down with 20-year NHL veteran, Kris Draper. They discuss everything from player development, scouting, parents, and coaching through the lens of Kris' storied carrier. Through his experience in minor, junior, and professional hockey, as well as his role scouting in the Red Wings organization, this interview offers great insights covering all aspects of the game. &n...

In this episode, Coach Andy breakdown the importance of developing simple daily habits to achieve your goals. The pair introduce the concept of creating “The Slight Edge” for yourself over others – a principle derived from the popular book written by Jeff Olson. In short, creating little habits for yourself that are seemingly insignificant on the day-to-day will make all the difference in the long...

In this episode we learn what scouts really look for in a player from off-ice behaviour and family life, to on-ice skills and hockey sense. Hear firsthand where the emphasis lies when selecting a player, what background checks are done, and what factors contribute to predicting a player’s potential. Prior to working in Hockey Operations, Brian worked on the business side of hockey. He earned a deg...

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric sit down to discuss the necessity for quality hours spent honing your craft - or DEEP PRACTICE as some call it.  Everything from what it means, how to apply it, and what the results will be, are covered in detail. As always, several stories and examples are shared to help illustrate the usefulness of devoting time to deep practice across many domains.&nbsp...

In this episode we hear about the habits and traits of players who stand out, as well as the pitfalls players can fall victim too, from NHLPA Certified Agent, Ian Pulver.   As a lawyer and NHLPA Certified Agent, Ian Pulver is the founder of the well-known hockey player agency, Will Sports Group (WSG). WSG has become a major presence in the hockey industry representing and advising some of the...

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric breakdown the challenges and obstacles that young athletes face as they move on to higher levels of sport.  Everything from moving away from home and billeting, to team dynamics and hazing are discussed with a focus on how young players can prepare themselves to handle these situations. 

In this episode, Sean Venedam joins the podcast to share his incredible story! A former OHL star and professional hockey player, Sean Venedam embodies what it means to be a captain.   As a talented and hardworking young player, Sean skated in the Ontario Hockey League for the Sudbury Wolves where he capped his career with a 47 goal season. He then moved on the play in the AHL and ECHL from 19...

In this episode, Coach Andy discusses everything to do with the Ontario Hockey League with Kyle Pereira, OHL Director of Player Recruitment. Learn about the OHL route and how it prepares players for a life in professional hockey. Hear the true details about the OHL draft, school packages, and opportunities after junior hockey.   Kyle is the acting Director of Player Recruitment for the Ontari...

In this episode, Coach Andy discusses the ins and outs of college hockey with Mike Snee, Executive Director of College Hockey Inc. Learn about the advantages of college hockey, how to get a scholarship, the rules to obtain a college scholarship, and much more.   A talented hockey executive with experience in amateur hockey and the NHL, Mike Snee was named College Hockey, Inc.’s Executive Dire...

In this episode, Dr. Lanoue discusses how to excel on the ice and in the classroom. He recounts his own personal story while outlining the habits hockey teaches for success.   Dr. Derek Lanoue is a recent graduate of the University of Ottawa School of Medicine, currently practicing in Ottawa, Ontario. He was a 2009-10 Memorial Cup winner with the Windsor Spitfires of the Ontario Hockey League...

In this episode, Coach Andy discusses the science behind mental toughness with Dr. Krista Chandler of the University of Windsor. Dr. Chandler’s areas of research include the use of imagery in sport, the application of sport psychology interventions, exercise and mental health, and disability sport.    Dr. Chandler has been a Faculty member in the Kinesiology Department at the University...

In this episode, Coach Andy discusses the mental side of the game with Dr. Jason Novetsky, sport psychologist and founder of Champion Mindset Group. Learn how to deal with pressure and anxiety, be in the moment, control the controllables, and own your mental traps.   As a coach, Dr. Novetsky subscribes to the notion that talent is over-emphasized and mental toughness is the competitive advant...