Puck Academy is a show and newsletter exploring how hockey players grow — on and off the ice. Each week, we share conversations with coaches, players, and experts about the habits, mindset, and development process that lead to peak performance. Our mission is to help players and families make sense of the journey — what matters, what doesn’t, and how to navigate it all with purpose.
How It Works
🎙 The Podcast — Smart, practical conversations with the people shaping player development.
✉️ The Newsletter — Weekly highlights and reflections to help players and parents learn together.
Together, they form a growing library of ideas and stories for anyone serious about getting better — and helping others do the same.
Hosted by Jason Jacobs
Jason Jacobs is a lifelong builder, parent, and student of development — exploring how people and systems improve over time. Through Puck Academy, he’s combining a love of hockey with a passion for learning, growth, and making sense of how players reach their fullest form.
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Puck Academy is a show and newsletter exploring how hockey players grow — on and off the ice. Each week, we share conversations with coaches, players, and experts about the habits, mindset, and development process that lead to peak performance. Our mission is to help players and families make sense of the journey — what matters, what doesn’t, and how to navigate it all with purpose.
How It Works
🎙 The Podcast — Smart, practical conversations with the people shaping player development.
✉️ The Newsletter — Weekly highlights and reflections to help players and parents learn together.
Together, they form a growing library of ideas and stories for anyone serious about getting better — and helping others do the same.
Hosted by Jason Jacobs
Jason Jacobs is a lifelong builder, parent, and student of development — exploring how people and systems improve over time. Through Puck Academy, he’s combining a love of hockey with a passion for learning, growth, and making sense of how players reach their fullest form.
This episode of The Next Next, hosted by Jason Jacobs, features an in-depth conversation with Ryan Blair, a seasoned hockey professional with a diverse background in playing and coaching. Blair shares insights from his extensive experience, including playing in the ECHL, coaching at various levels, and his current role as Hockey Operations Manager at the Carolina Ice Palace. The discussion delves into the nuances of player development, the importance of maintaining a love for the game, and the challenges of balancing professional aspirations with family life. Key themes include the debate over early specialization in sports, the role of parents in their children's athletic journeys, and the benefits and drawbacks of structured training and specialized coaching.
In this episode of 'The Next, Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the hockey and life journey of Hunter Bishop, a former professional hockey player and current founder of Hunter Bishop Hockey. Bishop shares his path from playing junior and college hockey to signing an NHL contract with the Montreal Canadians, playing several years in the pros, and eventually retiring to focus on player development. The episode covers Bishop’s transition from playing to coaching, his philosophies on multi-sport participation, the importance of fun in hockey, and the life lessons learned through the sport. The conversation also explores the potential of video analysis in player development and the challenges players face in transitioning out of the game. Bishop emphasizes the significance of passion and maintaining a balance between optimizing for sports and life.
In this episode of 'The Next, Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the intricacies of athlete development with Coach Luke Strand, the head coach of Minnesota State's hockey program. The conversation explores Luke's coaching journey, the evolution of his coaching style, and the increasing role of data and technology in the sport. Coach Strand shares valuable insights on the importance of commitment, competitiveness, relationship-building, and the balance between individual skill and team dynamics. They also discuss recruiting philosophies, including the significance of character, coachability, and the evolving landscape of collegiate hockey in the face of new challenges like NIL. Finally, Luke addresses the need for maintaining a love for the game while pushing athletes to excel and the potential benefits of adopting certain changes within college hockey.
Host Jason Jacobs interviews Mike Jamieson, a former professional hockey player and current VP of Sales at 49ing, a sports data and analytics company specializing in ice hockey. Mike discusses his upbringing in Billerica, Massachusetts, his hockey journey, and the evolving landscape of the sport. The conversation touches on various aspects of player development, the influence of analytics, and the balance between innate talent and hard work. Mike also shares insights about the role of technology in modern hockey and its impact on coaching and player development.
In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the multifaceted world of athlete development with guest Freddy Meyer. Freddy shares his storied career in hockey, including playing at Boston University, ~300 NHL games, and coaching at various levels. Now the head coach at the Rivers School and founder of Dream Big Hockey Stars, Freddy discusses the balance between playing and coaching, the evolving landscape of youth hockey, and his philosophies on player development. The conversation also touches on Freddy's personal journey as a hockey dad, raising two sons who are deeply immersed in the sport.
In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs interviews Dr. Stephen McGregor, a professor of exercise science at Eastern Michigan University and an expert in using sensors to monitor and manage sports performance. Dr. McGregor shares insights from his 25-year career advising world-class athletes and teams across various sports, including NFL, NCAA basketball, and hockey. He discusses his company, Sport Performance Technologies, and its flagship product, Achieve, which helps teams manage athlete load and optimize performance. The conversation covers the practical applications of sensor technology in sports, the complexities of load management, and integrating heart rate and external load metrics to enhance athlete training and readiness. They also delve into the potential future use of AI to improve performance metrics and individual development, especially in hockey.
In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into athlete development with guest Cason Hohmann. Hohmann, a former professional hockey player and now an agent and development coach, shares his journey from starting late in hockey to his professional career and current endeavors. They discuss the influence of family in sports, player development strategies, and the critical role of video analysis in enhancing player performance. Jacobs and Hohmann also explore the balance between pushing young athletes and allowing them to enjoy the game, and the importance of having the right advisory support for aspiring hockey players. Hohmann emphasizes a personalized approach to development and the necessity of sacrificing short-term gains for long-term growth.
In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs explores the intricacies of athlete development with Matt Whitney of IPH Hockey. Matt discusses his transition from player to coach and the evolution of his philosophies on player development. They delve into the state of hockey, covering topics such as skill training, the impact of technology, and the balance between individual skills and team play. Jason and Matt also talk about the role of parents in youth sports, the importance of maintaining fun and engagement, and the future of IPH Hockey. The episode offers valuable insights for parents, coaches, and anyone involved in youth sports and player development.
In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs talks with Tyler Dittmer, a seasoned player development coach from Brandon, Manitoba, who has an extensive background in both playing and coaching hockey. Tyler delves into his philosophy surrounding effective player development, the balance between individual skills and team dynamics, and the importance of mental training and holistic approaches in athletics. He also discusses his current work at the Western Canada Hockey Academy, the collaboration between different coaches, and his role as a consultant for an NHL agency. Tyler provides insights into optimizing hockey IQ and the nuances of integrating unstructured play with structured training. In the latter part of the episode, Jason and Tyler brainstorm innovative ways to make advanced player development more accessible and effective for young athletes and their families.
In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the intricacies of youth sports and athlete development, focusing particularly on the innovations and growth spearheaded by Nathan Bowen, co-founder of Total Package Hockey (TPH) and TPH Academy. Bowen discusses the founding and evolution of TPH, emphasizing the importance of holistic development for student-athletes, blending academics, sports training, and character building. Highlighting TPH’s expansion to multi-sport academies, Bowen explains how TPH supports both elite-level athletes and those seeking personal growth through sports. The conversation also touches upon the role of technology in sports development and how TPH Academy integrates video analysis to enhance training effectiveness. This insightful dialogue showcases the balance between talent, passion, and education, offering a comprehensive look at modern approaches to youth sports development.
In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the complexities of athlete development with guest Pete Gintoli, an assistant coach and teacher at Tabor Academy with a rich background in hockey. The conversation explores how Pete's journey from a dedicated player to a prominent coach shapes his approach to developing young athletes. Topics include the challenges and nuances of coaching, the role of parents in player development, and the importance of multi-sport participation. Pete also shares insights on innovative coaching tools and techniques such as video analysis and analytics to refine players' skills. The episode offers valuable perspectives for aspiring athletes and their families aiming to navigate the intricate landscape of sports development.
In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the intricacies of youth sports and athlete development, drawing from his experience as a founder and a sports dad. Featured guest Brian Collins, a former BU hockey star and current club hockey coach for his two little guys, discusses his journey from high school hockey at St. John's Shrewsbury to playing at BU and briefly in professional hockey. The conversation touches upon the evolving landscape of youth sports, the importance of fostering passion over pressuring young athletes, and how today's structured, overscheduled environment contrasts with the more organic, free-play days of the past. Both Jason and Brian share their philosophies on balancing competitive development with ensuring kids still enjoy the game. Collins offers insights on how coaching and athletic development can adapt to better suit the current generation while also reflecting on his own experiences both as a player and a coach.
Brett came on the show earlier in the week, talking about how data-driven video analysis and personalized development plans are the cornerstone of his player development practice.
His approach sounded awesome, but we only got partway into it. So we scheduled this follow-up to do a deep dive. The context is I am a pretend intern and it is my first day, and Brett does an almost 90 minute deep dive on his player development framework and how he works with elite athletes.
If you care about player development, this is one you DO NOT want to miss!
In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into youth athlete development with Brett Leonard, a former UVM hockey captain who transitioned into data-driven athlete development. Brett shares his journey from a player to an elite skills coach, emphasizing the importance of game-specific training and situational awareness. The conversation covers his innovative methods of using video analysis and analytics to improve player performance, highlighting the limitations of traditional training techniques and the potential for scaling his practices to benefit a broader audience.
In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the complexities of youth athlete development with John Couture, a mental performance coach with over 30 years of experience, including 11 years in the MLB. They discuss the role and timing of mental performance coaching, the importance of building confidence, and how mental skills can transform physically gifted athletes into peak performers. Couture shares insights on the certification process for mental performance coaches, the need for ongoing education, and the importance of collaboration with other coaches. The conversation also touches on the role of parents in youth sports, the commercialization of youth sports, and how to balance pushing children with giving them autonomy.
On this episode of The Next Next, founders Matt Wheeler and Chris Meade discuss the journey of their company, SportsRecruits, from its inception to its recent acquisition by IMG Academy. SportsRecruits helps student athletes connect with college coaches and get recruited, providing tools for athlete visibility and recruitment management. Matt and Chris share their story of understanding inefficiencies in the sports recruiting process and transitioning from filming events to developing a digital platform. They highlight the challenges of balancing growth and profitability, the transition to a SaaS model, and strategies for retaining club clients. The discussion also covers the current state of the business, their product's impact, and insights on increasing value through partnerships with clubs, event operators, and other stakeholders. The episode concludes with reflections on entrepreneurship, long-term success, and advice for aspiring founders.
In this episode of The Next Next, the host interviews Brock Kautz, a former University of Minnesota goalie turned player advisor. Brock shares his journey from playing junior hockey and winning an NAHL Championship to receiving a scholarship at the University of Minnesota and transitioning into coaching at Bemidji State. Now an advisor, Brock discusses his role in guiding young players through the evolving landscape of hockey development. Key topics include the influence of parental involvement in youth hockey, the importance of multi-sport participation, and adapting to the changing nature of hockey recruitment and player representation. Brock emphasizes the significance of work ethic, team dynamics, skills development, and the strategic role of advisors in helping players achieve their goals.
In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason interviews Jesse Winchester, a former professional ice hockey player who transitioned into player development after an NHL career from 2008 to 2016. The discussion delves into Jesse's non-linear path to the NHL, highlighting his late blooming, work ethic, and passion for the game. They explore the evolution of hockey from Jesse's youth to the present, the balance between skill development and hockey IQ, and the role of parents in the athletic journey of their children. Jesse shares insights from his time in the NHL and his coaching experience, emphasizing the importance of love for the game and simple, effective training. The conversation also touches on the challenges of youth sports today and potential improvements in player development platforms.
In this episode, Jason interviews Matt Calvert, a former NHL player for the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche, now a player agent. They discuss Matt's unconventional path to professional hockey, from a young boy with aspirations of becoming an accountant to an NHL player. The conversation explores player development, parental involvement, the role of self-direction, and the importance of mindset in achieving success in hockey. Matt contrasts his experiences with teammates like Colin Wilson, who had a generational NHL background, and shares insights on how he approaches coaching his own children. They also delve into the evolving landscape of player development and Matt's current work in athlete management, aiming to provide valuable lessons for parents and young athletes.
In this episode of 'The Next Next,' guests Matt Kingsley, associate head coach for Yale men's basketball, and Tobin Anderson, special assistant to the head coach at University of South Florida, discuss their extensive coaching careers and the evolving landscape of youth sports. Covering over a decade of successful coaching, they delve into changes in player development, the impact of sport specialization, and the role of parental involvement. They highlight the benefits and drawbacks of modern training regimes, explore societal shifts towards over-scheduling, and share personal anecdotes about coaching their own children. The conversation also touches on accessibility issues in sports and how technology could potentially offer solutions. The episode wraps up with advice for sports parents on balancing support and pressure to keep their kids motivated and engaged.
Puck Academy is a show and newsletter exploring how hockey players grow — on and off the ice. Each week, we share conversations with coaches, players, and experts about the habits, mindset, and development process that lead to peak performance. Our mission is to help players and families make sense of the journey — what matters, what doesn’t, and how to navigate it all with purpose.
How It Works
🎙 The Podcast — Smart, practical conversations with the people shaping player development.
✉️ The Newsletter — Weekly highlights and reflections to help players and parents learn together.
Together, they form a growing library of ideas and stories for anyone serious about getting better — and helping others do the same.
Hosted by Jason Jacobs
Jason Jacobs is a lifelong builder, parent, and student of development — exploring how people and systems improve over time. Through Puck Academy, he’s combining a love of hockey with a passion for learning, growth, and making sense of how players reach their fullest form.
