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.
A Player Development Deep Dive with Tyler Dittmer, Director of Player Development at Western Canada Hockey Academy and Skills Coach for the Brandon Wheat Kings
Puck Academy
1 hour 24 minutes 52 seconds
3 months ago
A Player Development Deep Dive with Tyler Dittmer, Director of Player Development at Western Canada Hockey Academy and Skills Coach for the Brandon Wheat Kings
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.
Puck Academy
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.