Crazy Hockey Dads Podcast

What does a coach who’s spent decades developing elite players actually look for? Scott and Jamie sit down with longtime North Jersey Avalanche coach Jamie Cahill to talk player development, hockey IQ, coaching, and what separates players as they move into the highest levels of youth hockey. Jamie gets into why he’ll take hockey IQ over size , why players need the freedom to make mistakes, and how coaches can teach creativity instead of creating robots. He also explains why developing the person matters just as much as developing the player and why kids need to learn to advocate for themselves instead of having their parents do it for them. The conversation also gets into body checking, puberty and development, position specialization, video work, player advancement, crazy hockey parents, and the changing path from youth hockey to juniors and college. In this episode: Teaching hockey IQ by allowing players to fail When kids should start learning body contact Developing the person - not just the hockey player Navigating the changing path through elite youth hockey This one gets right to the heart of development: give players room to think, make mistakes, and learn how to play the game. North Jersey Avalanche: https://www.icehousenj.com/north-jersey-avalanche https://www.instagram.com/nj_avalanche/ Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026 Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

NTDP, USHL, Ivy League baseball and a path that was anything but straightforward. Scott and Jamie sit down with Subject founder Mike Vilardo to talk about a unique athletic journey that took him through AAA hockey, the U.S. National Team Development Program, the USHL, and Division I baseball at Penn and Purdue. Mike talks candidly about struggling when he went from a top-line player to a fourth-line role, walking away from hockey, coming back to the USHL, and the decisions he’d make differently today. He also gets into why his dad prioritized ice time and puck touches over chasing the best team, and the value of letting kids work through adversity themselves. The conversation also gets into playing multiple sports, navigating seven schools in five years , and how Mike’s experience as a student-athlete eventually helped shape Subject and its work in education. In this episode: Making the jump to the NTDP Going from a top player to a fourth-line role Choosing ice time over the “best” team The value of playing multiple sports How Mike’s athletic and academic path helped shape Subject This one is about adversity, second chances, and realizing there’s rarely one right path. Subject: https://subject.com Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026 Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

He never made the NHL. He still built a decade-long pro hockey career. Scott and Jamie sit down with former North Dakota and professional hockey player Brad Miller , now with Turtlebox Audio , to talk about a hockey path that took him from Atlanta to Shattuck-St. Mary’s, the USHL, North Dakota, and professional hockey. Brad talks about growing up with nearly unlimited access to ice, spending hours playing unstructured hockey with his buddies, and how that helped develop creativity and hockey sense. He also gets into the jump to college hockey, unexpectedly moving from forward to defense, injuries, and building a long pro career without ever reaching the NHL. In this episode: Growing up playing unstructured hockey in Atlanta The path from Shattuck to North Dakota Going from forward to defense in college Building a pro career without making the NHL This one is a good reminder for hockey families: the NHL isn’t the only path to a successful hockey career. Turtle Box: https://turtleboxaudio.com/ Pacific Rink: https://www.pacificrink.com/ discount code: CrazyDad10 Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026 Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

How one hockey dad turned a broken bag into one of hockey's most recognizable gear brands. Scott and Jamie sit down with Pacific Rink co-founder and CEO Brad Serkin to talk about how a frustrating hockey bag experience sparked an idea that eventually grew into a brand seen in rinks around the country. Brad takes us behind the scenes of building Pacific Rink, from prototypes and Kickstarter to getting into major retailers, and explains why the company refuses to launch products just to launch them. He also shares what's coming next, including a wheel bag they've spent years developing and new ideas designed around how hockey players actually use their gear. The conversation also gets into surviving COVID, tariffs and supply-chain chaos, designing products through player feedback. In this episode: How three broken bags helped spark Pacific Rink Why organization became central to the original design Going from Kickstarter to major hockey retailers Why Pacific Rink won't make a product just because competitors do The wheel bag they've spent years trying to get right This one is a look behind a piece of hockey gear most of us never think much about and how two hockey dads built a business by obsessing over it. Pacific Rink: https://www.pacificrink.com/ discount code: CrazyDad10 Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026 Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

The Stanley Cup champion who reached hockey's highest level while fighting a battle he didn't understand. Scott and Jamie sit down with Stanley Cup champion Brent Sopel for a raw conversation about his NHL career, dyslexia, ADHD, mental health, self-esteem, and the way we teach kids in youth hockey. Brent talks candidly about reading at a fourth-grade level in high school , being labeled “dumb, stupid and lazy,” and not discovering his learning differences until age 32. He explains why hockey became his source of self-esteem, why winning the Stanley Cup was also the “emptiest” feeling of his life , and how he learned to play hockey instead of think hockey. The conversation also gets into why Brent believes “youth sport has become youth business,” what private training often gets wrong, the details today's players are missing, and why coaches need to become better teachers, especially for kids who learn differently. In this episode: Why winning the Stanley Cup felt unexpectedly empty Growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD Why self-esteem matters so much for young athletes Why coaches need to understand how different kids learn This one gives hockey parents something they need to hear: sometimes the kid isn't struggling because they can't do it, they may just need to be taught differently. Sopel Foundation: https://www.sopelfoundation.org/ Brent Sopel IG: https://www.instagram.com/brent_sopel/ Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026 Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

One Princeton player's path - and why more isn't always better. Recorded on location at Princeton's summer hockey camp, Scott and Jamie sit down with Princeton defenseman Chris Reiniger to talk about the path from Maryland youth hockey to South Kent, the Chicago Steel , and eventually Division I hockey at Princeton. Chris talks candidly about starting hockey late , the sacrifices that nearly made him walk away from the game, and why finding the right environment helped keep his love for hockey alive. He also shares why he never did one-on-one training growing up, prefers competitive group sessions, and believes too much extra hockey can become exactly that...too much. The conversation also gets into the jump from AAA to prep to juniors and college, mental performance and visualization, managing Princeton academics, and what life as a D1 athlete actually looks like. In this episode: Why he nearly questioned whether hockey was worth the sacrifice The massive jump from juniors to college hockey Visualization, confidence, and avoiding the “energy vampire” Balancing hockey, academics, and life at Princeton This one gives hockey parents something they don't hear enough: there isn't one required development formula for getting to the next level. Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026 Princeton University Men's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey Princeton University Women's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/womens-ice-hockey Princeton Sports Camps: https://www.princetonsportscamps.com Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

Why culture wins long before talent does. Scott and Jamie sit down with Princeton Assistant Coach Shane Talarico , recorded on location at Princeton University's summer hockey camp, for a behind-the-scenes look at college coaching, recruiting, and what separates good teams from great ones. Shane shares his unlikely coaching journey from Division III to Princeton , why there isn't one path to success, and how great coaches - and great players - are built through relationships, culture, and continuous learning. He also explains what Princeton really looks for in recruits, why character carries as much weight as talent, and how the hockey world stays connected behind the scenes. In this episode: Shane's path from Division III to Princeton Why great teammates become great players What Princeton looks for beyond talent How the transfer portal and CHL changes are reshaping college hockey Whether your child dreams of college hockey or you're simply trying to understand what coaches actually value, this episode is full of insight from one of the game's rising young coaches. Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026 Princeton University Men's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey Princeton University Women's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/womens-ice-hockey Princeton Sports Camps: https://www.princetonsportscamps.com Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

This week, Crazy Hockey Dads heads to Longwood Hockey for the Mo's Smile fundraiser benefiting Memorial Sloan Kettering and Shoot for a Cure . Scott and Jamie sit down with Maurice Campbell , Rob Laferriere , Evan Rodrigues , and Dan Muse for honest conversations about hockey, parenting, adversity, and why this sport is bigger than wins and losses. From raising kids who love the game to trusting the process, giving back, and supporting families through unimaginable loss, every guest shares what the hockey community looks like at its very best. In this episode: Maurice Campbell on Mo's legacy and why the mission continues Rob Laferriere on keeping youth hockey fun Evan Rodrigues on confidence, commitment, and falling in love with the process Dan Muse on leadership, adversity, and why hockey is a community first This isn't just another hockey episode, it's a reminder of why so many families fall in love with this game in the first place. Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026 Longwood Academy: https://www.floridasurfhockey.com/longwood-academy Evan Rodrigues IG: https://www.instagram.com/evanr17/?hl=en Dan Muse IG: https://www.instagram.com/danmuse12/?hl=en Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

The championship coach behind one of youth hockey's top programs. Scott and Jamie sit down with Danielle Ward - head coach at Mid Fairfield, Breakaway Academy coach, and former pro player for an honest conversation about what actually develops hockey players. Danielle explains why parents often make development harder by chasing the next team, overanalyzing every decision, and focusing on status instead of confidence. She shares why accountability has to be fair, why kids need room to make mistakes, and how the right environment matters more than the logo on the jersey. The conversation also covers the growth of girls hockey , building championship teams at Mid Fairfield, academy hockey, burnout , spring hockey, and what Danielle looks for in players beyond talent. In this episode: Why chasing the next team can hurt development The biggest mistakes hockey parents make Building accountability without losing confidence Why kids need to make and learn from their own mistakes This episode is a masterclass in long-term player development from one of the most respected youth coaches in the game. Danielle Ward IG: https://www.instagram.com/dwardy22/?hl=en Mid Fairfield Hockey: https://www.instagram.com/mid_fairfield_hockey/?hl=en Breakaway Academy: https://breakawayacademy.net/ Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

The late bloomer who proved everyone wrong. Scott and Jamie sit down with former NHL forward and Stanley Cup champion Erik Cole for an honest conversation about the winding road from small-town hockey in upstate New York to nearly 900 NHL games. Erik shares how he didn't play AAA hockey , grew up in a community program, was a late bloomer physically, and almost let a difficult college coaching experience derail his career. He explains how one breakthrough season changed everything and why confidence can be just as important as talent. The conversation also dives into youth hockey today, becoming a hockey dad, coaching his own son, and the lessons he learned from both the NHL and behind the bench. In this episode: How a late growth spurt changed Erik's career Why confidence was the turning point The college coaching experience that almost pushed him out of hockey Why adversity prepared him for the NHL This is a reminder that there's more than one path to the highest level of hockey. Erik Cole IG: https://www.instagram.com/eriktcole/?hl=en Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

The 2026 Hobey Baker winner on late growth, betting on himself, and chasing big dreams. Scott and Jamie sit down with Max Plante for a conversation that has surprisingly little to do with trophies and everything to do with development. Max shares how he was just 5'4", 120 pounds when he left Minnesota high school hockey for the NTDP , why many people questioned the decision, and how learning to compete as one of the smallest players on the ice ultimately became one of his biggest advantages. He also talks about growing up in Hermantown , playing every sport he could, the influence of his hockey family, battling through injuries, winning World Juniors gold , and why pushing yourself into uncomfortable situations is often the fastest path to growth. In this episode: Why being undersized helped shape his game The emotional decision to leave Minnesota for the NTDP What injuries taught him about resilience Why playing multiple sports made him a better hockey player This isn't just the story of a Hobey Baker winner, it's a reminder that development isn't always linear, and betting on yourself is often the hardest move to make. Max Plante: https://www.instagram.com/mdplanet10 University Minnesota Duluth: https://umdbulldogs.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

Scott and Jamie sit down with Justin Selman and Boo Nieves of TopLine Hockey for a brutally honest conversation about development, coaching, team-hopping, and what parents keep getting wrong. Justin and Boo share their own paths through Michigan, pro hockey, the AHL grind , injuries, coaching, and building TopLine into one of the most trusted development groups in the area. But the real meat of this episode is youth hockey today: why parents chase logos, why kids get stuck in the wrong roles too early, why switching teams every year can backfire, and why the best situation isn’t always the best-ranked team. In this episode: Why “the best team” may be the wrong fit Why team-hopping can become a red flag Why you can’t force a kid to love hockey The brutal reality of the AHL grind If your kid is miserable, underused, or chasing the next logo - this one is required listening. TopLine: https://tlhockey.com/ TopLine IG: https://www.instagram.com/toplinehockey Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/ Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

What college coaches are actually looking for in today's game. Scott and Jamie sit down with Sean Flanagan , Associate Head Coach at Cornell University , for a candid conversation about recruiting, development, and what separates players who keep advancing from those who stall out. Sean explains how the recruiting landscape has changed with more teams, more leagues, and the transfer portal creating a much larger pool of players than ever before. He also shares what Cornell looks for beyond talent, including character, academics, consistency, and a genuine love of the game. The conversation dives into youth hockey development, multi-sport athletes, late bloomers, recruiting misconceptions, and why parents often worry about things that matter far less than they think. In this episode: How recruiting has changed in the portal era What Ivy League coaches actually look for Why development isn't always linear The value of multi-sport athletes Common recruiting mistakes families make Why passion for hockey still matters If you're trying to understand what college coaches are really evaluating , this episode is a must-listen. Cornell University Men's Ice Hockey: https://cornellbigred.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey Cornell University Women's Ice Hockey: https://cornellbigred.com/sports/womens-ice-hockey Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

Before Rich Cohen wrote Pee-Wees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent , he thought he understood youth hockey parents..then he became one. Scott and Jamie sit down with the bestselling author to discuss the real story behind Pee-Wees , the emotional pull of youth hockey, and how even self-aware parents can get caught up in rankings, team placements, and the pursuit of "what's next." Rich shares stories from his own playing days, his son's hockey journey, and the lessons he learned after realizing that parents often spend so much time chasing the next step that they miss the season they're living right now. In this episode: The surprising status game behind team selections What Rich learned after writing Pee-Wees Adult league and youth hockey stories that are almost too good to be true Why parents should stop worrying so much about the next team If you've ever obsessed over tryouts, rankings, or the ride home after a game, this episode will feel very familiar. Rich Cohen https://www.authorrichcohen.com/ Pee Wees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent https://www.amazon.com Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

The former junior player trying to make hockey cheaper. Scott and Jamie sit down with Zechariah Thomas , founder and CEO of Swift Hockey , to talk about the rising cost of hockey and why more families are getting priced out of the game. Zechariah shares his unconventional hockey journey - starting at age 10, playing major junior and pro hockey , and building businesses while still playing. He explains how seeing teammates struggle to afford equipment inspired him to start Swift Hockey and why he's obsessed with making the game more accessible. The conversation covers hockey stick myths , expensive equipment, prep school costs, youth hockey spending, and the reality that parents often spend money in places that don't actually help development. In this episode: Starting hockey at 10 and still reaching the junior/pro level Why hockey is becoming unattainable for many families Why kids don't need a $400 stick Building a hockey company from the trunk of a car If you've ever wondered whether youth hockey is getting too expensive, this episode is for you. Swift Hockey: https://swifthockey.com/ Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

Why development, confidence, and culture matter more than systems. Scott and Jamie sit down with Princeton Head Coach Ben Syer for a conversation about what actually helps kids develop in hockey. Ben shares the youth hockey lesson he learned from his own daughter, why confidence comes from teaching rather than yelling, and how coaches can help players compete regardless of size or physical maturity. The conversation also dives into what Ben looks for when recruiting players , why culture and energy matter so much, and how great coaches create environments where kids are challenged, engaged, and having fun . In this episode: Why confidence comes from teaching, not yelling How smaller players learn to compete against bigger opponents What Ben looks for when recruiting players Why culture and “bringing the juice” matter If you're trying to figure out what actually helps kids develop, this episode is for you. Princeton University Men's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey Princeton University Women's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/womens-ice-hockey Princeton Sports Camps: https://www.princetonsportscamps.com Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

Scott and Jamie sit down with Keith Mondillo - longtime college coach, athletic director at Gwynedd Mercy University, and recruiting expert for a brutally honest conversation about recruiting, NIL, youth sports pressure, and what families are getting wrong. Keith explains why the biggest recruiting mistake parents make is waiting for coaches to “find” their kid, why most early offers are hype, and why families need to understand where their player actually fits instead of chasing unrealistic levels. The conversation also dives into NIL money, the transfer portal, roster cuts, private equity entering youth sports, and why high school athletes are now often “last on the list” behind transfers and older players. In this episode: The biggest recruiting mistake families make Why “they’ll find you” usually isn’t true How NIL and the portal changed recruiting Why older transfer players are taking roster spots The business side of youth sports nobody talks about This one isn’t just about basketball or hockey...it’s about where all youth sports are heading. Keith Mondillo Coaching: https://www.keithmondillo.com/ Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

No guest. Just Scott & Jamie going old-school CHD. In this episode, Scott and Jamie talk spring hockey overload, expensive programs kids barely attend, parenting teenage boys, and the reality of trying to balance development, burnout, and family life. The conversation also drifts into hilarious childhood stories, digital parenting, and why today’s kids can’t get away with anything the way parents used to. In this episode: Why spring hockey scheduling is chaos Paying for skates and clinics kids miss anyway Parenting through the teenage years Stories that definitely would’ve ended badly if phones existed back then Just two hockey dads yapping about youth sports, parenting, and life. Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

Scott and Jamie sit down with Larry Robbins - hedge fund founder, former Chicago Steel owner, builder of Longwood Hockey, and the driving force behind the Florida Surf - for one of the most honest youth hockey conversations CHD has had yet. Larry pulls back the curtain on how he went from a self-described “bad hockey player” to helping build powerhouse development environments that produced NHL stars like Lane Hutson, Macklin Celebrini, Adam Fantilli, Owen Power, and Alex Laferriere . But this episode isn’t about flexing hockey résumés. It’s about what youth hockey is becoming and whether parents are chasing the wrong things. Larry talks about: The pressure cooker of “elite” youth hockey The insanity of hockey becoming a business Why some families are leaving states like Michigan, Illinois, and New Jersey for Florida hockey What actually creates development (hint: it’s not always the logo) He also explains the vision behind Longwood Hockey and the Florida Surf: building a full development ecosystem in Florida with AAA hockey, academy training, a new two-sheet rink, strength training, academics, and a pathway designed to keep elite players in-state instead of leaving at 13 years old. Florida Surf: https://www.floridasurfhockey.com/ Longwood Hockey: https://www.instagram.com/longwoodhockey Partners: https://www.pacificrink.com/ https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

Scott and Jamie sit down with Connor Jones , assistant coach at Princeton , and Kellen Jones , assistant coach at Holy Cross , for a raw look at twins, recruiting, compete, and what college coaches actually notice. The Jones brothers talk about growing up in a small-town hockey environment with no spring hockey, no summer hockey, no power skating, and no early hype - just hard work, other sports, and a family standard built around competing. Now on the recruiting side, they explain what really jumps out when watching players: body language, response after mistakes, motor, work ethic, and whether a kid gives up on plays. They also explain why parents need to stop over-talking and let the player show who they are on the ice. In this episode: What college coaches actually notice The red flags: body language, quitting on plays, and parent noise How recruiting has changed with agents, the portal, and more players available Why compete, character, and fit still matter If you think recruiting is just points and exposure, this one will reset your brain. Princeton Men's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey Holy Cross Men's Ice Hockey: https://goholycross.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey Partners: https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/ https://hockeytraining.com/ https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads https://howieshockeytape.com/ https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/ Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/