Ep.237 | U18 Hockey Pressure, Private Lessons & Coaching Kids with Learning Differences
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.-Become a MEMBER to support the show!Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.
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Ep.236 | Hockey Parent Pressure, Burnout & Comparison
In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we talk directly to hockey parents.If you've ever felt like:You're not doing enoughYour kid is falling behindOther families seem more committedYou'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.Become a MEMBER to support the show!Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.
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Ep.235 | Attention to Detail, Taking Breaks, and the Skill of Recovery
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.-Become a MEMBER to support the show!Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.
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Ep.234 | Inside the World’s Best Youth Hockey Programs with Matt Dumouchelle
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)-Become a MEMBER to support the show!Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.
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Ep.233 | Ovechkin BREAKS Gretzky's Record, Being Good *Enough*, OHL Draft Tips
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.Become a MEMBER to support the show!Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.
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