PowerTech Development Podcast

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric use Navy Seal concepts to discuss the benefits of having extreme habits. Becoming exceptional requires sacrifice, and there is no better example of properly developing the characteristics needed than those developed in military training. The boys site several quotes and mentors to describe the traits you should work towards en route to making the next level.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric finish part two of their first Ask Me Anything segment answering your questions! This discussion covers everything from in-season training and nutrition, to pre-game preparation and the jump to junior hockey!

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric wrap up this year’s OHL training camps.  They start with a great story on a 12th round pick signing out of camp, and go on to discuss the big differences young players can expect when making the jump to the OHL.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric answer your questions!  They first touch on the OHL camps that started up this past week, and then move into the questions asked by young players that were just drafted or are approaching their OHL draft year.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric go over the common distractions young athletes face as they mature through the game.  Everything from video games and nutrition, to the big hitters like girls and partying. They provide a framework for dealing with these issues in the hopes that you stay on track and learn to navigate difficult situations.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric discuss what it takes to make it to the next level in hockey.  They detail the character traits players need to be noticed, skills to add to your game on the ice, elements you should look to display in training camp, and how parents can better aid their kids along the development path.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric cover the importance of having a “good” attitude, especially as a young player. They first define what it means to have a good attitude, the reasons why it is important as you develop, and how parents and coaches can help their players in this area.

In this episode, Coach Andy is joined by OHL Central Scouting’s, Kevin Hess. They discuss the inner workings of being a scout, how players are ranked, the key criteria scouts look for, and what players/parents/coaches can do to have the best chance at getting noticed.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric discuss the different mentalities they find in training young players and professionals. From training and team dynamics to parents and coaches, the boys cover a variety of topics on how you should approach the game mentally. To close they touch on some of the common speed training and power skating questions.

In this episode, Coach Andy is joined by Edmonton Oilers Strength & Conditioning Coach, Chad Drummond.  Learn how to structure off-season training, maintenance protocols in-season, injury prevention, sleep and nutrition, and common mistakes in fitness programs and exercise execution. This episode is jam packed from start to finish with quality information/resources to help you take an int...

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric discuss the importance of playing without the puck.  They cover lesser-known skills and tips that make a player effective without possession. From the d-zone, neutral zone, and o-zone, the mindset and skills necessary to excel are outlined in detail for all positions.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric cover the ins and outs of coaching from the minor hockey to junior level.  Coach Andy recounts some of his own coaching experience in discussing how to come up with a team identity, how to properly communicate with players, and how to come up with practice plans to fit your team.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric cover the hot topic of “agents”, especially in minor hockey.  They discuss the role of an agent, what their role is in the game, what agents DON’T do, red flags when seeking out an agent, who actually needs an agent, and more!

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric discuss the value of different practices and themes related to hockey. Find out Coach Andy’s thoughts on what is underrated/overrated in terms of recovery and training protocols to better shape your development.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric discuss the importance of competition and how to become a competitor.  They cover the topic of ‘superteams’ and the negatives that can come from always winning, how to create a winnable battle even on a below average team, and how to learn and develop your own compete level.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric have a wrap up discussion on the 2021 OHL Priority Selection.  They cover Coach Andy’s experience going through it with his son, what players can expect for next year whether they were drafted or not, and a reflection on what parents should take away from this experience.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric outline the principles needed to have a quality nutrition regimen as an athlete.  They cover general nourishment guidelines surrounding your food choices, how to create better eating habits, and how to structure a game day protocol for yourself. The discussion also includes tips on how to reframe your thinking about nutrition to better suit an athlete life...

In this episode, Coach Andy is joined by former NHLer and current Assistant Coach of the OHLs Windsor Spitfires, Mike Weber.  Mike demonstrates an intense passion for the game while taking us through his hard-working journey from youth hockey to junior, and from professional to coaching. He touches on youth hockey and agents, while going into detail on his time with the Windsor Spitfires (as...

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric provide a framework for inexperienced athletes to structure an off-season training program.  They discuss the general principles that should be held when training for hockey as opposed to other sports, what to prioritize in your training, and how to take a phased and progressive approach to prepare for training camp.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric cover a few excerpts from the book “There’s No Plan ‘B’ in Your ‘A’ Game” by Bo Eason.  The episode opens with a discussion on the importance of developing listening as a skill. Coach Andy then shares a few key points from the book including the necessity of fully committing to your development journey, using your resources, and the benefit of pursuing som...

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric discuss the future of players that go UNDRAFTED. The boys open with a conversation on the circumstances of this years’ (2021) OHL Draft, and what the scouts and general managers have done to prepare. They move on to outline the various paths a young player can follow if they do go undrafted, and what the appropriate mentality is in handling the disappointment.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric discuss the unavoidable mental habit of comparing yourself to others.  They cover what it means to make comparisons, healthy vs. unhealthy comparisons at all levels of hockey, and what parents and coaches can do to help their players handle this mental habit.

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric cover the importance of asking questions in pursuit of your goals.  The episode opens by answering a viewer question on what it means to have ‘balance’ and the implications of participating in different social situations as a young athlete. This leads to an extended conversation on why players tend to shy away from seeking help, what it means to ask qualit...

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric discuss the hot topic of “politics” in hockey.  The boys open with a discussion on the importance of being well-rounded in hockey and always presenting your best. The talk then moves on to discuss the darker side of hockey and what the term ‘politics’ actually means. Coach Andy finishes with his thoughts on the impact of politics on the game, and how much...

In this episode, Coach Andy and Eric outline some quick tips for handling a team interview.    The interview process can make all the difference in capitalizing on an opportunity. Practicing the ability to have an adult conversation and communicate well articulated responses can make or break an athlete. Whether the CHL, NCAA, or any other junior or professional team, the boys cover some...