The USA Hockey Podcast: A Youth Sports Conversation

On this episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, we’re joined by former professional hockey player and longtime captain Madison Packer. Madison reflects on growing up playing hockey in Detroit, her path to the University of Wisconsin and professional hockey, and the coaches and experiences that shaped her along the way. She also discusses the evolution of the women’s professional game, leadership and team culture, and her transition from player to coach. Madison shares lessons from her own coaching experience, including the importance of empathy, creating an environment where players feel heard, and understanding the impact coaches can have on their athletes both on and off the ice.

On this episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, host Zack Nowak is joined by former professional player, executive and coach Anya Packer to discuss her journey through hockey and the continued growth of the women’s game. Packer shares how playing multiple sports, finding coaches who fueled her love of hockey and embracing the work required to improve helped take her from Massachusetts youth hockey to Boston University and eventually the inaugural season of the NWHL. She also reflects on her transition from player to executive leadership and the growth she has witnessed throughout professional women’s hockey. The conversation also explores what comes next for girls’ and women’s hockey, including accessibility, representation, inclusion and the importance of creating environments where young athletes feel welcomed, challenged and supported. Packer shares practical thoughts for coaches and youth hockey organizations on developing athletes, growing girls’ hockey and creating experiences that inspire players to remain connected to the game long after their playing careers end.

Former NHL goaltender Rick DiPietro joins host Zack Nowak on the USA Hockey Podcast to reflect on his journey from youth hockey to the NHL and share what he has learned about developing goaltenders and young athletes. DiPietro discusses the value of playing multiple sports, the importance of athleticism and puck handling for goaltenders, and how coaches can create better practice environments that develop goalies alongside the rest of the team. He also shares his perspective on how the goaltending position has evolved, his experiences with the U.S. National Team Development Program and representing Team USA, and the lessons he has carried into coaching youth hockey today. The conversation closes with DiPietro’s advice for coaches working with goaltenders: if you do not know, ask, find resources, involve your goalie and make their development an intentional part of practice.

In the final episode from Mental Health Awareness Month, the USA Hockey Podcast welcomes special host Abby Woodford back again for a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Kristen Dieffenbach of West Virginia University and the United States Center for Coaching Excellence. Together, they explore what it means to build a mentally healthy hockey culture, starting with respect, proactive education, open communication, and intentional leadership. Dr. Dieffenbach shares practical ways coaches, captains, and teammates can support one another before challenges become crises, while also helping athletes navigate difficult moments, team transitions, and the balance between competitive toughness and compassion. This episode encourages the hockey community to view mental health as part of everyday athlete development, not something addressed only when problems arise.

In this Mental Health Awareness Month episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, host Zack Nowak and co-host Abby Woodford are joined by Dr. Erica Force, a lead psychological services provider with the U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Committee. Dr. Force shares practical insight on athlete mental health, mental performance training, handling pressure, staying present, building self-awareness, sleep and recovery, and why asking for help should be seen as a strength. The conversation also explores how coaches, parents, and teammates can help create a sport culture where athletes feel supported both on and off the ice.

Dr. Sue Schimmel and Maureen Breeze join the USA Hockey Podcast, with Abby Woodford serving as special guest co-host, to discuss how parents can support athletes through pressure, burnout, failure and growth. The conversation explores practical ways parents can listen, ask better questions, model resilience, communicate with coaches and help athletes build ownership over their sport experience. Purchase their book, Playing the Long Game: A Handbook for Parenting Elite and College Athletes , here: https://a.co/d/0aaarBrq

On this episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, host Zack Nowak is joined by Darren Elliott, former NHL goaltender, broadcaster, and VP of Hockey Programming and Facility Operations for the Vegas Golden Knights. Elliott shares how street hockey, multi-sport participation, skating out as a young goalie, and playing with older kids shaped his development and long-term view of youth sports. The conversation explores how the game has changed since his playing days, especially the evolution of goaltending, the increased importance of skating, and the way today’s players must learn to play with their heads up, make decisions, and create space in small areas. Elliott also discusses the value of age-appropriate environments, cross-ice hockey, small-area games, and allowing young players to discover solutions through play. From there, he offers insight into building hockey in nontraditional markets, including the growth of youth programming in Las Vegas, the importance of clear pathways from learn-to-skate to house league, and why programs should avoid rushing players before they are ready. The episode closes with practical advice for coaches, including the importance of fun, trust, intentional practice design, and understanding the skill inside each drill.

In this episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, host Zack Nowak sits down with Bill Kangas, head coach at NCAA Division III Williams College and one of the longest tenured coaches in college hockey. Coach Kangas reflects on more than four decades behind the bench and shares the lessons that shaped his approach to coaching and player development. The conversation explores the value of multi-sport participation, why individual sports can build accountability, and how coaches can create environments where players learn to think and react rather than simply follow systems. Kangas also discusses how coaching has evolved over time, the importance of building trust and relationships with players, and why reflection and communication are critical tools for team culture. He explains how his program uses weekly player reflections to support athlete well-being, development, and honest dialogue. For coaches at every level, this conversation offers practical insight into teaching the game, developing people, and creating an environment where athletes can thrive both on and off the ice.

Former NHL defenseman Alex Biega joins the USA Hockey Podcast to share his journey through youth hockey, multi-sport participation, college hockey at Harvard, and the perseverance required to earn, and sustain, a career in the NHL. In this episode, Alex reflects on the importance of patience in player development, how finding a role can shape long-term success, and why preparation, both mental and physical, matters at every level of the game. Now a youth hockey coach and father, Alex also discusses what hockey teaches beyond the rink and how the sport can help develop confident, resilient people for life after the game. This conversation offers valuable insight for players, parents, and coaches navigating the long-term development pathway. Key Topics Covered Youth sport experiences and the value of multi-sport participation Choosing development pathways: junior hockey vs. college hockey Transitioning from NCAA hockey to the AHL and NHL Finding a role and redefining success at the professional level Deliberate practice and tracking what matters Mental preparation, mindfulness, and performance under pressure Coaching youth hockey and teaching life skills through sport Why patience and love for the game matter in long-term development

In this episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, former NHL player Ryan Suter shares his journey from youth hockey in Madison, Wisconsin, to playing in the NHL and representing the USA on the international stage. He discusses the importance of foundational skills, the impact of experiences at Culver Military Academy, and the transition to the National Team Development Program. Suter emphasizes the significance of head-up play, safety on the ice, and the role of other sports in developing hockey skills. As a parent now involved in youth hockey, he reflects on the changes in the sport and the dedication required to reach elite levels.

In this episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, host Zack Nowak engages with Dr. Julia Cawthra of the USOPC and Abby Woodford of USA Hockey to explore the critical role of mental health and performance psychology in sports. They discuss their personal journeys into the field, the evolution of psychological services at the USOPC, and the distinctions between mental health and mental performance. The conversation also addresses common misconceptions about seeking mental health support, strategies for preparing athletes for major events like the Olympics, and practical techniques such as breathing exercises and visualization to enhance performance. The episode emphasizes the importance of connection and adaptability in high-pressure situations, providing valuable insights for athletes and coaches alike.

USA Hockey’s U18 National Team Development Program Head Coach Nick Fohr joins Zack Nowak for an in-depth conversation on player development, coaching adaptability, and what it truly takes to prepare young athletes for the highest levels of hockey. Fohr reflects on his own upbringing in Grand Forks, North Dakota, where outdoor rinks, unstructured play, and competing with older players shaped his hockey IQ and love for the game. He connects those early experiences to how the NTDP intentionally challenges players today by placing them in demanding environments that force adaptation, creativity, and growth . Now leading the U18 NTDP group, Fohr breaks down how the program balances high-volume practice, elite competition, and a long-term development mindset. He explains why practice density matters, how small-area games drive competitiveness, and how drills can be designed to “teach the concept” without over-coaching. Throughout the episode, Fohr emphasizes that development, not short-term winning, is the true priority at the national level . Listeners will also hear: Why practice-to-game ratios matter in elite development How competitiveness is intentionally built through environment design Why players must learn to adapt when they no longer have a size or skill advantage How coaches individualize development without treating players “equally” Why loving the game and maintaining balance off the ice are critical to long-term success

Two-time Stanley Cup champion Rob Scuderi joins Zack Nowak on the USA Hockey Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation on defensive habits, player development, and the mindset required to succeed at every level of the game. From growing up in a non-traditional hockey market and playing multiple sports, to learning how to adapt his game at Boston College, the AHL, and eventually the NHL, Scuderi shares how embracing role clarity, consistency, and competitiveness shaped his career. He reflects on becoming a trusted shutdown defenseman, what it truly means to take away time and space, and why good defensive play often goes unnoticed Now serving as a Defensive Development Coach with the Nashville Predators, Scuderi explains how his role has shifted from focusing on his own game to helping young defensemen prepare for the jump from amateur hockey to the professional level. He discusses the importance of self-awareness, buying into a role, and developing a broad skill set early. This episode is packed with practical takeaways for youth, junior, and older-level coaches, including: Why mobility, positioning, and balance are non-negotiables for defensemen How consistent language and simple cues accelerate learning When to encourage creativity and when risk management matters Why development is about adapt, survive, then thrive Whether you’re coaching 8U players or working with elite prospects, Scuderi’s perspective reinforces a core USA Hockey message: develop the whole player, love the process, and stay in the game for life. Join the discussion on X at @USAHockeyCoach

In this episode, host Zack Nowak sits down with former NHLer Derek Ryan, whose remarkable career stands as one of hockey’s greatest examples of perseverance, adaptability, and late-bloomer success. From growing up in Spokane to Canadian university hockey, to Austria and Sweden, to finally earning a full-time NHL role at age 29, Derek shares how every stop along the way shaped him into the trusted, reliable 200-foot player he became. Derek discusses the challenges of being overlooked, learning to reinvent himself at every level, and embracing the mindset required to keep climbing when most players stop. He reflects on the offensive freedom he found in Europe, the defensive discipline he learned in Sweden, the grind of the AHL, and the humility it took to grow, change his game, and prove he belonged in the NHL. Listeners also get insight into Derek’s evolution into a top faceoff specialist, the importance of multi-sport development, and how his experiences now shape him as a youth coach—helping players avoid the trap of being “one type” of athlete. Derek’s story is a powerful reminder that there is no single path to elite performance and that embracing discomfort, challenge, and growth can unlock opportunities far beyond what many players imagine. Join the discussion on X @USAHockeyCoach

In this episode, hosts Zack Nowak and Derek Read sit down with 2025 USA Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Zach Parise to explore one of the most undervalued, yet game-changing, skills in hockey: net-front play. Parise shares stories from his youth hockey days, his development at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, and the lessons passed down from his father that shaped his relentless work ethic and leadership. He walks through what it takes to succeed in tight spaces, from mastering screens, tips, and rebounds to understanding timing, positioning, and mentality at the crease. Listeners get an inside look at how Parise practiced his craft, from driveway puck sessions and three-on-three games at Shattuck to his “stop at the net” habits that carried into an NHL career defined by grit and consistency. Coaches will also gain insight into how Parise now teaches those same habits to young players, emphasizing detail, repetition, and fun in every practice. Whether you’re a player learning to battle at the net front or a coach looking to teach scoring in the hard areas, this conversation delivers practical takeaways on how to create offense where goals are really scored, within five feet of the crease. Join the discussion on X: @USAHockeyCoach

#47 Supporting Every Skater (Pt. 2) How to use parents to help the player with Dr. Brady Flachs In Episode 47, we continue exploring the connections between education and hockey with Dr. Brady Flachs, a Professor of Education at Ferris State University. Brady, a father of four hockey-playing boys, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the conversation. Host Zack Nowak, a former Special Education teacher, joins him to bridge the gap between classroom strategies and coaching on the ice. Each episode, we’ll tackle one key question, drawing from education research and teaching strategies to help coaches develop their teams more effectively. In this episode, we answer the question of How do we use parents as a tool to help the player? Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach

#46 Supporting Every Skater (Pt. 3): How do we help kids with following directions? with Dr. Brady Flachs In Episode 46, we continue exploring the connections between education and hockey with Dr. Brady Flachs, a Professor of Education at Ferris State University. Brady, a father of four hockey-playing boys, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the conversation. Host Zack Nowak, a former Special Education teacher, joins him to bridge the gap between classroom strategies and coaching on the ice. Each episode, we’ll tackle one key question, drawing from education research and teaching strategies to help coaches develop their teams more effectively. In this episode, we answer the question of 'How do we help kids with following directions?' Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach

#45 Sport Institute of Finland and its Impacts on Coaching with Derek Read In Episode 45, we delve into the international aspect of hockey coaching development with Derek Read of the Blue Jackets Hockey League. Derek’s journey includes time spent at the VIERUMÄKI Sport Institute in Finland, one of the world’s premier centers for sport education. Host Zack Nowak sits down with him to discuss how these experiences shaped his approach to coaching, leadership, and player growth back home with the BJHL Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach

In episode 44, we sit down with Kenny McGinley, the president of the Arizona High School Hockey Association (AHSHA), to discuss what they are doing in Arizona to continue growing hockey in a non-traditional market. From marketing and branding to player and coach development, AHSHA continues to grow yearly and sold out in a record 15 minutes this year. Tune in to learn how they are making this growth and their plans for the future. To learn more: https://www.ahsha.org/

#43 Supporting Every Skater (Pt. 2) How do we respond to behaviors on the ice? with Dr. Brady Flachs In Episode 43, we continue exploring the connections between education and hockey with Dr. Brady Flachs, a Professor of Education at Ferris State University. Brady, a father of four hockey-playing boys, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the conversation. Host Zack Nowak, a former Special Education teacher, joins him to bridge the gap between classroom strategies and coaching on the ice. Each episode, we’ll tackle one key question, drawing from education research and teaching strategies to help coaches develop their teams more effectively. In this episode, we answer the question of How do we respond to our players behaviors? Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach