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 clarity, confidence, and perspective whether you're a player, a parent, or a coach trying to support the right way.
TIMESTAMPS:
08:00 – Q1: U13 AAA & extra skills sessions — what’s too much?
12:30 – Q2: How do you teach “compete” to a 15U player?
17:40 – Q3: U18AA girl aiming for D3 — how to stand out without being flashy
26:00 – Q4: Coach plays favorites and doesn’t reward effort — should parents step in?
30:15 – Q5: 15 y/o working out but doesn’t feel like he’s improving
38:00 – Q6: Coach wants development, parents want wins — how to manage the gap
42:30 – Q7: My kid is dialed in on nutrition — what’s next?
50:40 – Q8: Choosing between prep hockey and Canadian Jr/OHL
This episode was fueled by questions from our audience.
Have a question for a future Q&A? Send it in.
🎧 New episodes weekly - subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube
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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 honest advice rooted in experience — both as coaches and as parents.
If you’re navigating the pre-draft years, or even just trying to support your kid the right way, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.
What You’ll Learn
Why comparison ruins joy… and progress
The mindset that separates long-term developers from short-term hype
What parents should stop saying (even with good intentions)
Why rankings and draft predictions don’t tell the full story
What actually matters at the junior level and how it’s different from youth hockey
TIMESTAMPS
02:30 – Setting proper expectations during the draft year
06:30 – “Comparison is the thief of joy” — how it shows up in hockey
07:30 – A realistic, long-term approach for families
09:40 – When parents push too hard — and why it backfires
10:15 – The problem with subscription rankings and overhype
12:00 – Don’t promise your kid where they’ll be drafted
15:00 – Outperforming others doesn’t always equal opportunity
17:30 – Evolving into a learner — not just a performer
20:00 – Don’t expect someone else’s lucky break to be yours
21:00 – “When did you become a scout?” — over-analysis from the stands
29:00 – What most don’t understand about junior hockey vs. youth hockey
35:00 – Identifying your market — where do you actually fit?
38:00 – Be willing to take the ego hit for development
42:00 – Parents: Don’t add to the emotional weight your kid already carries
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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 role of a good agent in guiding the process.
Brian shares what his day-to-day looks like, how they onboard families, and what traits he looks for in young athletes. He also speaks openly about some common misconceptions like thinking an agent is going to magically “get you there.”
Whether you're a parent, coach, or player, this episode delivers a grounded, honest perspective from someone in the trenches of high-performance hockey development.
What You’ll Learn
What agents actually do and don’t do for young players
When it’s the right time to get an agent
Key differences between agents and advisors
What top players do differently - habits, mindset, and sacrifices
Why are you deciding to get an agent?
TIMESTAMPS
00:00 – Intro to the episode and Brian Gill’s background
02:50 – How Brian got started with Maloney and Thompson
05:50 – A day in the life: What an agent’s work looks like
06:45 – What services does the agency provide players and families?
09:50 – Is there a standard onboarding process or is it customized case by case?
13:40 – What Brian looks for in the players he chooses to represent
17:00 – Agents don’t have “magic powers” — it’s still up to the player
18:40 – Is the OHL Draft a reason to get an agent? What families need to understand
22:40 – The real difference between agents and advisors
25:20 – Advice for players who aren’t top prospects — should they even be thinking about agents?
29:30 – Work-life balance: What elite players do differently
32:00 – Habits of high-end athletes: focus, structure, consistency
34:00 – Where should players actually be playing? Fit vs. prestige
36:00 – The role great coaches play in a player's growth
42:00 – What today’s players are missing — it’s not skill, it’s awareness
Thanks to Brian and the Maloney and Thompson team for making this episode possible.
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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 honest, real-world advice for parents who want to support their kids without pushing them too hard.
This episode is packed with insight for anyone involved in youth sports — parents, coaches, and players alike.
Key Themes:
Why time changes your perspective as a parent
The difference between “nudging” and “pushing” your child
Letting kids take ownership of their development
Creating safe, honest environments for young athletes
Why enjoying the journey matters more than the outcome
02:00 – Time Passing: Eric reflects on growing out of playing; Andy on stepping away from business and battling complacency
09:00 – NHL Draft Moment: Andy shares the experience of watching his son get drafted by the Dallas Stars 14:30 – Never Forced: Why Andy never made his son play or pressured him to pursue hockey
17:30 – Nudge, Don’t Push: What it means to support your kid without forcing them
26:30 – Player Autonomy: Letting athletes come up with ideas and make choices
29:50 – Honest Development Environments: Eric on removing judgment so players don’t hide struggles
34:00 – Overstepping: Andy shares times he went too far as a parent and coach
39:00 – Long-Term Perspective: Andy’s goals when his son started playing vs. now
49:00 – Enjoy the Journey: Why parents need to take pride in the process, not just the results
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo
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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 player growth, and what families need to understand about preparing the right way.
They cover:
The day-to-day of development coaching
Why unscripted play and adversity matter
What real development looks like beyond drills
Age-appropriate teaching and mindset
NCAA commitments and decision-making
USA vs Canada development philosophies
This episode is full of real-world insight for players looking to reach the next level, parents trying to support the right way, and coaches shaping young athletes with purpose.
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo
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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 player development, and key takeaways from the TCS Live coaching summit.
Topics Covered:
Little habits leading to game 5 Stanley Cup Final goals
Wrap up on The Coaches Site Live conference weekend
Why your personal values drive everything you do
Building a team identity around shared beliefs
Teaching athletes to think, speak, and lead
🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube
📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo
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 player, a parent, or a coach, this one will challenge how you define success and effort.
Key Topics:
Why feeling tired isn’t the same as progress
The real definition of hard work
Off-ice work and focus as the foundation
How to develop consistent, intentional habits
Available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTubeFollow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo
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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 hockey:
What Harvard looks for in players
How academics and athletics balance
The value of creativity and hockey IQ
How to stand out when “everyone’s good”
This episode is full of real-world advice for players looking to get to the NCAA level and parents trying to support the right way.
Matt Gilroy’s Walk-On Story at BU (EJHL to NCAA to NHL)
Playing His First NCAA Game and Sticking as a Defenseman
Transitioning Into Coaching at Harvard
What Harvard Prioritizes in Recruits – Academics, Offense, IQ, and Creativity
How to Stand Out When Everyone is Skilled
Managing Distractions as a Young Player
What It Takes to Get Noticed by NCAA Programs
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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.
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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 truth about talent (can you train to be like Jack Eichel?), the emotional rollercoaster of youth hockey, and the life lessons learned along the way.
Jack Eichel & Genetic Talent in Hockey (1:00)
The Zero-to-One Principle in Development (4:00)
Appreciating Your Opportunities (8:00)
Hockey Careers Rarely Last Past 18 (10:50)
The Entitlement Mindset in Youth Sports (11:45)
Why Good Kids Deserve Positive Feedback (18:00)
What to Say After a Cut (24:00)
Playing Because You Love It (26:40)
Keep Showing Up Even When It’s Hard (30:50)
When to Start or Stop Paying for Hockey (41:00)
Coaching, Feedback, and Perspective (46:00 – End)
Whether you're a hockey parent trying to support your kid through tough cuts or a player struggling to find your path, this episode is packed with real, honest advice to help you stay focused on what really matters
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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 episode offers a realistic and practical guide for parents, players, and coaches trying to make smart decisions about development, communication, and long-term growth.
📌 Key Topics Covered:
Why Everyone Feels Rushed in U18 Hockey (4:45)
How Serious Are You at 16–17? (10:30)
Athletic Career Windows – Don’t Waste It (13:40)
Making the Best Decision With the Info You Have (20:00)
Understanding and Supporting Learning Differences in Players (24:00 – 25:30)
Being Aware of Dyslexia, ADHD, and Processing Needs as a Coach (25:00 – 32:00)
Camp Culture – You Can Train Yourself to Death (39:00)
Private Lessons – Good or Bad? It Depends. (54:00)
What Makes a Private Lesson Effective? (1:03:00)
The Power of Honest Coach Feedback (1:06:00)
Whether you're a parent deciding how much is too much, a coach learning to adapt, or a player trying to grow at your pace, this episode brings the clarity and real talk you need.
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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, and the comparison traps. But we also share real insight—drawn from experience—on why every player’s path is different, and why it’s okay if your kid isn’t the top player today.
📌 Key Moments Covered:
Learning through attention, not fear of consequences (3:10)
Slow sessions & real conversations with kids (8:20)
Letter from a hockey dad – perspective changer (9:30)
How to resist pressure from intense hockey parents (17:40)
Are private lessons helping or hurting? (23:00)
Why your child’s motivation matters more than yours (27:00)
There’s no single formula for success (30:00 – 32:50)
Burnout, arms races, and early developer envy (39:00 – 45:00)
Be careful what you wish for… (45:00 – end)
Whether you're new to youth hockey or deep in the grind, this episode will help you re-center, reflect, and refocus on what actually matters in your child’s journey.
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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.
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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)
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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.
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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*
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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.
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