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Built From Steel Podcast

Coach Eric Palazzolo

A raw and honest look into high-performance hockey development, from youth to elite levels. From the creators you know and love, Built From Steel brings together the worlds of player development through real world experience the BioSteel performance ecosystem.

Hosted by Coach Eric Palazzolo, the show blends insight, experience, and real talk for athletes, coaches, and parents who are serious about long-term growth, on and off the ice.

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  • 25 episodes
  • weekly
  • Avg 1 hr 8 min
  • English

Episodes 25

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  • S1 · E48
    Sunday · 58 min

    Ep.48 | Youth Hockey Q&A: Bad Shifts, Winning, Injuries & Favourites

    In this Q&A episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy answer listener questions covering some of the most common situations players, parents, and coaches navigate throughout youth hockey. From resetting after a bad shift and creating alignment between coaches to practice volume, fear of making mistakes, conflicting advice, winning, injuries, and favouritism, this episode tackles the everyday issues that can have a major impact on a player’s development. The conversation focuses on separating perception from reality and giving players, parents, and coaches practical ways to think through situations that rarely have simple answers. Development requires learning how to respond to mistakes, manage competing messages, and understand the difference between what feels unfair and what actually helps a player grow. Key Moments 0:00 – Intro 7:45 – How good players reset after a bad shift 10:30 – Three things to focus on when the game isn’t going your way 16:00 – How a coach’s reaction shapes the team’s reaction 20:15 – How to get coaches working together within an organization 21:30 – Why creating alignment between youth coaches can be so difficult 24:00 – The pressure every coach feels to win 25:35 – Does your organization actually know what it stands for? 30:10 – Are young players practicing too much? 32:00 – Why additional training needs to be driven by the athlete 36:00 – What happened to players practicing on their own? 39:30 – Are coaches making players afraid to make mistakes? 40:00 – Sitting young players after mistakes 42:00 – What happens when a private skills coach and team coach disagree? 46:45 – At what age should winning actually start to matter? 48:50 – Playing hurt: toughness versus making a bad decision 53:50 – Do coaches really have favourite players? Key Themes Good players develop the ability to reset quickly after mistakes Coaches help determine how players and teams respond to adversity Organizations need clear development standards while still allowing coaches individuality More training is not automatically better training Players need opportunities to experiment, fail, and solve problems Private training should complement the player’s team environment rather than compete with it Winning can matter without becoming more important than development Learning the difference between being hurt and being injured is part of becoming an athlete What looks like favouritism may sometimes be a coach placing greater trust in a player who has earned it Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E47
    October 4 · 1 hr 8 min

    Ep.47 | 10 Things Coach Andy Notices Behind the Bench in 2026

    Youth hockey is changing, and so are the players, parents, and coaches involved in the game. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Coach Eric and Coach Andy explore 10 observations Andy has made from behind the bench in 2026 and how the youth hockey environment continues to evolve. From communication and feedback to the professionalization of youth sports, player preparation, and the growing dependence on coaches, trainers, and advisors, this conversation explores both the positive developments and concerning trends shaping today's game. While players have access to more resources, information, and development opportunities than ever before, are we losing some of the fundamental lessons and experiences that make hockey so valuable? The game continues to evolve, but we can't lose sight of the fundamentals that make great players and great people. Key Moments 0:00 – Intro 5:00 – Kids are still kids: the importance of guidance and patience 9:00 – Understanding that development is a process you can't rush 10:00 – The communication problem in today's youth hockey 16:45 – Players want feedback and need to understand how to improve 20:00 – How video technology like LiveBarn has changed the game 22:30 – Coaches have more resources than ever, regardless of playing experience 25:00 – How coaching has evolved over time 31:50 – Players need to understand WHY they're doing things 37:30 – Today's players are generally more skilled, but are they better hockey players? 45:10 – Are we losing important details and habits in the game? 46:30 – How players prepare for games today 49:30 – The desire to be elite before earning it 52:00 – Why players can't skip steps in the development process 56:00 – Players want to train, but does everything require a coach, trainer, or advisor? 1:03:00 – Have we gotten too far away from the roots of hockey? Key Themes Youth athletes still need guidance, patience, and strong relationships with adults Communication and meaningful feedback are fundamental to player development Modern coaching resources have created new opportunities for coaches to improve Players need to understand the purpose behind what they're being taught Increased skill development doesn't necessarily translate to better hockey habits Preparation, accountability, and attention to detail still matter The professionalization of youth hockey is changing player and parent expectations External coaching and guidance should complement, not replace, player independence Development takes time, and players can't skip the process Preserving the fundamentals, enjoyment, and culture of hockey is essential as the game evolves Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E46
    September 27 · 1 hr 8 min

    Ep.46 | Successful Youth Hockey Program Blueprint (The Coaches Site)

    This special episode is presented in collaboration with The Coaches Site. Sign up for a premium membership and save 25% on your first year using code NEWSEASON. Visit thecoachessite.com or download the app to sign up! Matt Doumochelle hosts this webinar discussion with panelists Eric Palazzolo, Maco Balkovek, and Lukas Havlicek. Drawing on their work at BioSteel Sports Academy, Rink Hockey Academy Kelowna, and HC Slovan Bratislava, they compare ways to create alignment, give coaches room to work, start a season with staff, and bring new coaches into an organization. From culture and parent communication to delegation and coach development, the panel discusses the day-to-day work behind a successful youth hockey program. They also take on development versus winning, the timing of systems and skills, how much a group can understand, difficult player personalities, and the non-negotiables they would put in place when building an organization. Key Moments 0:00 – Intro 10:15 – Establishing organizational alignment 12:50 – Giving coaches freedom within an established program 17:30 – Onboarding new coaches 19:45 – Defining a development-focused program 22:55 – Guiding coach-parent interactions 26:00 – Building culture at HC Slovan 32:40 – Delegating across a hockey organization 37:10 – Structuring coach development 44:25 – Non-negotiables for a new organization 51:55 – Managing coaches' urge to win 54:30 – When to teach systems versus skills in youth hockey 57:40 – Deciding how much a group can understand 59:40 – Managing difficult player personalities 1:02:45 – Improving yourself and your organization Key Themes • Alignment, culture, and non-negotiables give a youth hockey program direction. • Coach freedom works alongside onboarding, development, and support. • Development-focused decisions balance skills, systems, winning, and player capacity. • Parent communication and delegation shape the day-to-day running of an organization. • Leaders need to keep improving themselves and their organizations. Webinar Panel • Matt Doumochelle, webinar host • Eric Palazzolo, BioSteel Sports Academy • Maco Balkovek, Rink Hockey Academy Kelowna • Lukas Havlicek, HC Slovan Bratislava Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E45
    September 20 · 1 hr 3 min

    Ep.45 | Youth Hockey Development: Positions, Communication & Flexibility

    Coach Eric and Coach Andy respond to an email from a U9 coach planning a development-first season: rotating players through centre, wing and defence, using balanced lines, and encouraging kids to communicate directly with coaches. On the Built From Steel Podcast, they discuss the mixed parent response, including concerns about preparing for AAA next year. They also talk about the approach and feel behind coaching young players, managing a bench with 10 forwards, and learning what interests each player. The conversation considers the learning curve created by new drills and why a coach may need to adapt roles and plans as the season progresses. Key Moments 0:00 – Intro 15:30 – A U9 coach's development-first season plan 19:41 – The coaching approach behind player development 24:30 – Developing a feel for what players need 27:30 – Managing 10 forwards on a youth hockey bench 32:10 – The case for changing positions 38:00 – Player preferences for playing centre 48:00 – Avoiding doing too much as a coach 51:00 – The learning curve for new drills 1:01:10 – Learning player interests and getting them to speak 1:03:00 – Adapting as the season progresses Key Themes Player development at U9 can include communication, accountability and self-advocacy. Changing positions and playing with different teammates can build a broader understanding of the game. Coaches need a feel for individual players, including what interests them and how to get them talking. New drills and season plans come with a learning curve and may need adaptation. Parent expectations about early AAA preparation can clash with a development-first plan. Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Stay Connected Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo

  • S1 · E44
    September 13 · 1 hr 20 min

    Ep.44 | Getting Noticed: Scouting, Development & Hockey Paths

    Coach Eric and Coach Andy were invited to speak with the Grey Bruce Highlanders organization about getting noticed and choosing a hockey path. This Built From Steel Podcast episode shares their full conversation on what development means, why love of the game matters, and how practice, roles, identity and intent fit into a player’s growth. They also cover evaluating games beyond goals, the balance of skill and hockey IQ, what scouts care about, the urge to move away from home, and what can get a player noticed. The conversation includes guidance for parents as they help their kids manage disappointment and make sense of the development process. Key Moments 17:00 – Managing disappointment 19:00 – What player development actually means 20:00 – Why love of the game matters 24:20 – Evaluating games beyond goals 26:00 – Helping kids assess whether they played well 28:00 – Skill development and hockey IQ 29:00 – Practice players 31:50 – When player roles begin to matter 33:00 – Developing a player identity 34:45 – What scouts care about 38:00 – The urge to move away from home 41:00 – Playing with intent 43:00 – What actually gets a player noticed 47:30 – Supporting kids as a hockey parent Key Themes • Development is about more than goals • Love of the game matters alongside skill and hockey IQ • Roles, identity, practice and intent shape a player’s growth • Scouts look beyond obvious production • Parents can help kids reflect on games and manage disappointment Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E43
    September 6 · 54 min

    Ep.43 | Foundations for Centermen in Youth Hockey *Mini Series Ep.3*

    In the third episode of this Built From Steel Podcast mini-series, Coach Eric covers positional play for centermen, from acting as a third defenceman in the defensive zone to protecting middle ice, supporting battles, and sorting out coverage when the puck changes sides. He also breaks down getting underneath the puck on breakouts, creating short passing options and speed, staying connected through the neutral zone, and shifting into F1, F2, or F3 in the offensive zone. The episode closes with faceoffs and the responsibility that starts as soon as the puck drops. Key Moments 4:30 – Third-defenceman responsibilities in the defensive zone 7:00 – Protecting the middle of the ice 11:00 – Supporting a defensive-zone corner battle 15:30 – Moving through the middle when the puck switches sides 19:00 – Reading the play as the defensive-zone quarterback 23:20 – Common defensive-zone mistakes for centermen 26:15 – Getting underneath the puck on breakouts 29:00 – Creating short passing lanes and support 33:00 – Questions to ask when supporting a breakout 35:00 – Staying low and connected in the neutral zone 40:00 – Forechecking inside-out in the neutral zone 44:00 – Forward roles on entries: F1, F2, and F3 48:00 – Faceoff responsibilities after the puck drops Key Themes • Centers protect middle ice and stay defensive-side rather than chase the puck. • Patience below battles helps centermen cover loose pucks and dangerous ice. • Getting underneath the puck creates short passing options and speed. • Offensively, a centerman’s role shifts to F1, F2, or F3 as play becomes fluid. • Faceoff responsibility continues with the read after the puck drops. Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E42
    August 30 · 1 hr

    Ep.42 | Foundations for Defencemen in Youth Hockey *Mini Series Ep.1*

    In Episode 2 of this Built From Steel Podcast Mini-Series, Coach Eric continues on the white board with transferable foundations for defencemen, from defending the rush to making decisions with the puck. He focuses on protecting the middle, controlling the gap, defending inside-out, and recognizing that good defence starts with managing time and space rather than chasing every play. He also breaks down defensive-zone responsibilities, puck retrievals, partner support in the neutral zone, and when a defenceman has earned the chance to join the rush. The conversation closes with offensive-zone habits, pinching decisions, and a defence-first approach to faceoffs. Key Moments 3:00 – Defending the rush 9:10 – Gap control and managing attacking space 16:28 – Defending a 2-on-1 19:00 – Defensive-zone coverage responsibilities 23:00 – Defending out of the corners 27:00 – Protecting the front of the net 31:00 – Communicating switches in coverage 34:30 – Puck retrievals 37:00 – Puck management under pressure 40:00 – Neutral-zone responsibilities 40:30 – Using the D-to-D hinge for partner support 45:00 – When to join the rush 47:00 – Offensive-zone positioning 52:00 – Pinching and understanding the risk 55:00 – Defence-first faceoff responsibilities Key Themes • Protecting inside ice gives attackers fewer dangerous options. • Gap control is about matching speed without surrendering space. • Scanning before puck retrievals helps defencemen solve pressure earlier. • Good puck movement gives teammates usable options instead of passing along pressure. • Defencemen can join the offence when possession and support are in place. Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E41
    August 23 · 1 hr 2 min

    Ep.41 | Foundations for Wingers in Youth Hockey *Mini Series Ep.1*

    In the first Built From Steel Podcast Mini-Series episode, Coach Eric lays out the foundations of playing wing, using a right winger’s responsibilities to explain key terms and reads across the ice. This solo episode starts in the defensive zone with coverage areas, weak-side support, strong-side positioning, switches, and common mistakes that can open dangerous ice. Coach Eric then moves into breakouts from both sides, options along the wall, and neutral-zone responsibilities after a change of possession. He also explains why players shift from C, LW, or RW into F1, F2, and F3 as play becomes fluid, before closing with basic winger responsibilities on faceoffs. Key Moments 4:00 – Defensive-zone coverage areas for wingers 5:00 – Weak-side defensive-zone coverage 10:45 – Strong-side defensive-zone coverage 13:35 – Coverage responsibilities near the boards 15:00 – Adjusting when defencemen switch 22:00 – Common defensive-zone mistakes 24:00 – Dot lanes and protecting middle ice 28:50 – Defending the point and angling lanes 31:30 – Defensive-zone coverage summary 32:20 – Strong-side breakout transitions 36:10 – Weak-side breakout options 38:00 – Keys to successful breakouts 40:00 – Breakout options along the wall 44:00 – Strong-side neutral-zone responsibilities 49:30 – Changing from position labels to F1, F2, and F3 Key Themes • Wingers need to recognize when to protect middle ice and when to pressure. • Strong-side and weak-side responsibilities require different reads. • Defensive positioning affects how quickly a winger can become useful on a breakout. • As play becomes fluid, forward roles matter more than fixed position labels. • Faceoff responsibilities begin with knowing the immediate threat. Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E40
    August 16 · 1 hr 18 min

    Ep.40 | Youth Hockey Q&A: Ice Time, The Car Ride Home, Phones & Player Confidence

    In this Q&A episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy answer listener questions across some of the decisions and conversations that shape youth hockey. They talk about earning a role on a stronger team versus being the go-to player elsewhere, how parents can handle the car ride home, and how coaches can communicate without turning every decision into a negotiation. They also get into helping young athletes build steadier confidence, phones and comparison, when promotion or advisors may be useful, moving from smaller markets, getting cut, and how their opinions on NCAA/OHL pathways are changing. Key Moments 3:30 – Question 1: Go to a strong team or be the go-to player? 8:00 – Making limited minutes count 13:50 – Question 2: What should parents say on the car ride home? 14:45 – Helping a player understand what made a good game 22:30 – Question 3: How to find the right balance in coach-parent communication? 28:00 – Communicating with players versus parents 30:30 – Question 4: How to help players become more emotionally steady? 34:00 – Building confidence as a young athlete 40:20 – Question 5: Are phones that bad? 43:00 – Managing phone use on a team 49:30 – Question 6: When do youth players need promotion from an advisor/agent? 50:30 – Why a player's performance is the best promotion 58:30 – Question 7: Do small market players need to move to bigger centers? 1:05:10 – Question 8: How do you help a player work through getting cut? 1:08:00 – Question 9: How have your opinions on NCAA/OHL pathways changed? Key Themes • A stronger team can still be a good development setting when players make their opportunities count. • Parents can support players by listening and helping them process games rather than taking over the conversation. • Clear communication matters, but coaches need boundaries around decisions and roles. • Confidence needs to hold up when a young athlete makes mistakes or faces disappointment. • Performance and patience matter amid phones, promotion, movement, and changing pathways. Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E39
    August 9 · 1 hr 8 min

    Ep.39 | 5 Undervalued Qualities of A Great Coach

    The best coaches are not always the loudest, most intense, or most tactical. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the undervalued qualities that make coaches truly effective, especially in youth hockey. From clarity and emotional control to confidence in your identity, patience with development, and relationship building, this conversation focuses on the coaching traits that often separate the adults who simply run a bench from the ones who actually impact players. A lot of coaching problems are not system problems. They are communication problems, emotional problems, or relationship problems. Players do not need perfect coaches; they need clear, steady, intentional coaches who actually care. Key Moments 0:00 – Intro 5:20 – Clarity as a coach: expectations, roles, standards, and feedback 6:20 – Aligning vocabulary and keeping coaching language simple 9:00 – What coaches need to be clear about with players 12:00 – How confusion from coaches affects player performance 17:00 – Emotional control behind the bench 17:10 – The danger of being proud of “snapshow” coaching 24:05 – Berating refs and losing control of the bench 28:00 – How the coach sets the emotional tone 32:00 – A key lesson for every coach 34:00 – Confidence in your identity as a coach 37:00 – Putting players in positions to succeed 39:30 – Understanding your priorities as a coach 44:00 – Knowing your coaching identity 45:00 – Having confidence without becoming stubborn 50:00 – Patience with development 50:50 – Writing players off too early 51:55 – Why you shouldn’t fall in love with players too early either 54:30 – Finding ways for different players to contribute 58:00 – Building relationships with players 1:01:00 – Why relationship building may be the most important coaching skill 1:05:00 – The impact coaches can have on people beyond the game Key Themes Players cannot meet standards they do not understand Clear roles, simple language, and consistent feedback matter The bench often takes on the emotional state of the coach Emotional control is a coaching skill, not just a personality trait Coaches need an identity, but they also need the humility to grow Knowing the game and teaching the game are not the same thing Development requires patience from adults who usually want immediate proof Relationship building creates the trust needed for accountability Players do not need a best friend, but they need to know the coach cares Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E38
    August 2 · 1 hr 2 min

    Ep.38 | 5 Undervalued Qualities All Hockey Players Need

    Some of the most important qualities in hockey don’t always show up on the scoresheet. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the undervalued traits that separate players over time, the things coaches notice, teammates appreciate, and winning teams rely on. From second and third effort to being easy to play with, handling imperfect hockey, buying into a team-first role, and developing vision and creativity, this conversation focuses on the details that help players earn trust. Talent may get you noticed, but the habits underneath your game determine whether coaches can actually use you when it matters. Key Moments 0:00 – Intro: learning from champions and what winning players do differently 20:00 – Second and third effort: where grit actually shows up 27:30 – Being easy to play with and making the game better for teammates 30:20 – Handling imperfect hockey: bad passes, broken plays, bad ice, and chaos 37:30 – Team-first buy-in and accepting a winning role 44:00 – Coaches notice the underrated players who do things the right way 48:25 – Vision, creativity, and why multi-sport development matters 57:00 – Communication as an undervalued player quality Key Themes The first effort is expected - second and third effort build trust Great players make the game easier for the people around them Hockey is messy, and good players solve problems in imperfect situations Everyone wants to win until they have to sacrifice for a winning role Coaches notice players who contribute beyond points and highlights Creativity matters, but players need the maturity to know when and how to use it Communication, support, and predictability are major parts of being trusted Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E37
    July 26 · 1 hr 16 min

    Ep.37 | The Key Lessons You Learn Playing Hockey

    What’s the point of playing hockey? In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy zoom out from the day-to-day pressure of drafts, teams, rosters, and development to talk about the bigger lessons the game can teach. From NHL Draft realities and changing player profiles to timing, confidence, social development, culture, networking, and resilience, this episode is about why hockey matters beyond the scoreboard. The goal of playing hockey should not be to avoid hard things. It should be to become better equipped to deal with them. At its core, this episode comes down to one simple idea: Hockey should help build people who are stronger, more confident, more resilient, and better prepared for life. Key Themes The hockey journey is rarely linear Draft results are only one part of a much bigger development story Timing, opportunity, and environment all matter Hockey can teach confidence, resilience, communication, and social awareness The network and relationships built through the game can last far beyond playing Players need to learn how to handle adversity, not avoid it The real value of hockey is often found outside the game itself Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E36
    July 19 · 1 hr 17 min

    Ep.36 | The State of Coaching Youth Hockey in 2026 [The Coaches Site Report]

    In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down The Coaches Site report on The State of Coaching Youth Hockey in 2026 and discuss what the findings reveal about the modern coaching experience. - You Can Download the FULL REPORT for free HERE - From organizational support and development expectations to parent pressure, player challenges, communication, and the growing complexity of youth hockey, this episode takes a real look at what coaches are dealing with behind the bench. The conversation also explores where the game is improving, where coaches still feel unsupported, and what organizations can do to create stronger development environments for players, parents, and coaches. At its core, this episode comes down to one simple idea: Youth hockey development only works when coaches, parents, players, and organizations are aligned. Key Moments 0:00 – Intro: injuries, getting older, and trying to stay fit 8:00 – Introducing The Coaches Site report on youth coaching in 2026 12:20 – Who responded to the coaching survey? 15:00 – Do youth coaches feel supported by their organizations? 17:15 – Do organizations set clear development expectations? 20:20 – Common struggles inside youth hockey organizations 21:30 – What real development actually means 27:00 – Creating a true development standard as an organization 29:30 – What resources coaches use to improve 32:00 – Building a more holistic development model 35:00 – Where coaches feel they need more help and resources 40:00 – Are we overcomplicating youth hockey with video and analytics? 45:20 – How much pressure do coaches feel to win? 52:00 – How coaches see their relationships with parents 53:24 – The truth about “crazy hockey parents” 56:00 – Optics between parents and coaches 1:00:30 – Having players lead dialogue while keeping parents informed 1:02:40 – The biggest challenges coaches face with today’s players 1:14:00 – Positive changes coaches are seeing in youth hockey Key Themes Coaches need more support, structure, and clear development expectations Development must be defined by organizations, not left up to every individual coach Parents are often a major source of pressure, but most parent-coach relationships are still positive Winning pressure can quietly change decisions at the youth level Video, analytics, and systems are useful only when they serve player development Today’s coaches are dealing with more than tactics — they are managing attention, confidence, communication, habits, and culture Youth hockey improves when adults create alignment around development, fun, accountability, and long-term growth Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E35
    July 12 · 1 hr 9 min

    Ep.35 | How to Improve Hockey IQ Using Video

    Video can be one of the most powerful tools in player development, but only if it’s used the right way. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down how players, parents, and coaches can use video to actually improve hockey IQ. From understanding time and space to reading pressure, scanning before touches, supporting teammates, and recognizing habits away from the puck, this episode explains how video can help players see the game more clearly. But video can also be misused. When it becomes a tool for blame, criticism, or proving a point, players stop learning from it. The goal is not to embarrass players, overwhelm them, or turn every mistake into a lecture. The goal is to create awareness. At its core, this episode comes down to one simple idea: Video doesn’t make you smarter by itself. It helps you see the game more clearly, if you know what to look for. Key Moments 0:00 – Intro 3:30 – Coach Andy’s philosophy on using video 12:20 – The negative side of video 13:00 – Communicating through video 15:00 – Is video being overused? 18:50 – How to use video effectively 20:30 – Why framing matters when using video 26:00 – Should parents watch video with their kid? 30:30 – Understanding the parent’s role with video 35:00 – How parents should approach video if they use it 41:10 – As a coach, what is your goal with video? 45:00 – How players can use video to help themselves 54:00 – Watching details, habits, and decisions 58:00 – How skill development coaches can use video Key Themes Video should be used for learning, not blaming Hockey IQ starts with awareness, scanning, and decision-making Parents should ask questions instead of giving lectures Coaches should use video to simplify, not overload Players need to learn how to watch their own habits honestly The smartest players don’t just watch highlights — they watch details Video should connect back to practice and game habits Hockey IQ is often built away from the puck Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelPodcsat @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E31
    July 5 · 1 hr 13 min

    Ep.34 | 5 Ways to Make Your Summer Training Successful

    Summer training doesn’t need to be complicated but it does need to be intentional. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down 5 ways hockey players can make their summer training more successful. From building a plan and training with purpose to developing your body off the ice, recovering properly, and staying consistent without losing your summer, this episode gives players and families a practical framework for approaching the off-season the right way. The goal isn’t to sign up for everything, chase sweat, or copy what everyone else is doing. The goal is to understand what you actually need, train with purpose, and build habits that carry into the season. At its core, this episode comes down to one simple idea: Most players don’t fail in the summer because they don’t work hard. They fail because they don’t have a plan. Key Moments 0:00 – Where do you start if you know nothing? 3:00 – Everyone wants to skip steps 8:00 – Training doesn’t need to be complicated 12:00 – Muscle groups hockey players need to develop 15:30 – The attitude you need to actually get better 17:00 – Tip 1: You need to have a plan 19:00 – Parents want to see “sweat” even when it doesn’t matter 19:51 – Getting advice from reputable people 25:40 – Tip 2: Have a purpose 25:45 – Different versions of hard work 25:50 – Finding your purpose no matter what you have access to 31:30 – Asking what the purpose is behind what you’re doing 39:10 – Tip 3: Build your body off the ice 41:00 – The 5 buckets of strength and conditioning 46:00 – Training correctly 48:45 – Strength, speed, and power 51:25 – Tip 4: Recovery 51:35 – Learn to hit the gas pedal before you learn to recover 53:40 – Why you need to hit your max to create adaptation 56:00 – Sleep tips for athletes 58:30 – Hydration and nutrition 1:02:00 – Mobility and injury prevention 1:08:10 – Tip 5: Consistency is king Key Themes Don’t just train more, train with a plan Summer development should have clear priorities On-ice work needs to transfer into games Off-ice training should build a better athlete, not just a better hockey player Recovery is part of development Consistency matters more than perfection Parents should avoid turning summer into a pressure cooker The best summer plan is one the player can actually stick to Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E33
    June 28 · 1 hr 12 min

    Ep.33 | Which Hockey Opportunities Are ACTUALLY Worth It? (Showcases, Spring Hockey & More)

    Every hockey family reaches a point where they're faced with more opportunities than they know what to do with. Showcases. Spring hockey. Invitational tournaments. Skills camps. Identification camps. "You've been selected" emails. But which opportunities actually help your development and which ones are simply selling the dream? In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down how players and families should evaluate opportunities outside of their regular season, the questions every parent should be asking before committing time and money, and why chasing every event often leads players further away from their long-term goals. From understanding showcase value to recognizing the difference between legitimate opportunities and clever marketing, this episode provides a practical framework for making better decisions throughout the hockey journey. At its core, this episode comes down to one simple idea: The best opportunity isn't always the biggest one, it's the one that actually helps you become a better player. Key Moments 4:00 – Eric's perspective on tournaments and showcases beyond the regular season 8:00 – How many showcases and extra tournaments should players actually do? 10:30 – The good and bad sides of extra hockey opportunities 14:00 – Legitimate reasons to play spring hockey or attend additional events 15:30 – The tough questions every family should ask before committing 18:00 – Recognizing the "slimy salesman" in youth hockey 20:00 – The downside of superteams and inflated egos 22:00 – How to evaluate "You've Been Identified" emails 23:50 – Following the crowd vs. making smart decisions 25:00 – Why navigating opportunities is so difficult for parents 31:30 – Seize the opportunities you already have every day 38:00 – No opportunity replaces putting in the work 45:00 – You probably don't understand how much competition is actually out there 47:00 – The reality of just how many players are chasing the same dream 51:00 – Age gaps, competition, and understanding where you truly fit 56:00 – The hockey development funnel and why perspective matters Key Themes Every opportunity deserves to be evaluated, not automatically accepted Spring hockey and showcases are tools, not requirements Ask difficult questions before investing your time and money Be skeptical of organizations selling exposure instead of development Great players still have to do the work regardless of where they play Success comes from consistency, not collecting events Understanding the size of the hockey landscape creates better perspective Development should always come before exposure Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E32
    June 21 · 1 hr 17 min

    Ep.32 | 2026 OHL Draft Analysis: What the Results Actually Tell Us - Built From Steel Podcast

    The 2026 OHL Priority Selection is officially in the books. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the draft from every angle from the emotions families experience during draft weekend to the realities hidden beneath rankings, draft lists, and public opinions. Using real draft data and examples from the 2026 class, they discuss what OHL teams actually value, how players separate themselves, and why the draft often tells a very different story than people expect. The conversation also explores the role of politics in youth hockey, the impact of league affiliation, late bloomers, player projection, and what families should really take away from the results. At its core, this episode comes down to one simple idea: The draft is not the end of the story. It's simply another filter in a much longer journey. Key Moments 0:00 – Opening thoughts on the OHL Draft and how it affects families 3:30 – Reflecting on the draft now that it's over 9:30 – How politics affects youth hockey and the draft process 13:00 – What does a "good player" actually mean? 15:00 – Understanding draft lists, rankings, and ratings 17:00 – A message for parents navigating draft season 22:00 – Who is actually creating these rankings? 23:40 – Garrett Sutton's selection in the 4th Round from BioSteel Sports Academy 29:30 – Finish every interview with this question 31:40 – The difference between getting better and understanding your role 35:00 – The subtle details that separate high-quality players 36:40 – What OHL teams are actually asking and evaluating 40:00 – Don't be vanilla as a player 47:30 – 2026 OHL Draft analysis by the numbers 48:00 – U.S. players selected in the draft 49:50 – Players drafted outside the 2010 birth year 50:30 – The role of late bloomers in player development 55:00 – Average height and weight of drafted players 55:30 – Draft breakdown by position 58:40 – Total eligible players 59:00 – Draft breakdown by league (GTHL, OMHA, HEO, NOHA, Prep, Alliance, etc.) 1:06:00 – Being honest when analyzing draft results 1:07:12 – The reality: you haven't seen every player 1:09:50 – Two ways to think about the draft process 1:13:00 – A reality check from the final draft results 1:15:00 – Don't get caught up in all the noise Key Themes Rankings and draft lists are opinions, not outcomes OHL teams are projecting future players, not rewarding current production The best players separate themselves in subtle ways Politics exist, but they don't tell the whole story Draft position doesn't define a player's future Development is rarely linear Families should focus on growth, not validation The hockey journey continues long after draft day Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E31
    June 14 · 1 hr 2 min

    Ep.31 | NCAA Coaches Roundtable Discussion

    In this special episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we release the full NCAA Coaches Roundtable from the inaugural Matterhorn Fit All-Path Ontario Showcase. Following the Welcome Reception, six NCAA coaches and staff members sat down to answer questions from players, parents, and coaches about recruiting, player development, academics, the transfer portal, NCAA eligibility, and what they are actually looking for when evaluating prospective student-athletes. This conversation provides a rare opportunity to hear directly from NCAA decision-makers about how recruiting works behind the scenes, how the landscape is changing, and what players can do to maximize their opportunities both on and off the ice. Whether you're pursuing NCAA hockey, evaluating different development pathways, or simply trying to better understand the recruiting process, this discussion offers valuable insight from some of the top programs in college hockey. Featured Guests Leio Mauron – Assistant Coach, Miami University (Ohio) Andrew Sturtz – Assistant Coach, Penn State University Cam Clark – Assistant Coach, Cornell University Gudge Gentzler – Assistant Coach, Bentley University Jeff Giuliano – Assistant Coach, University of New Hampshire Matt Nicholson – Assistant Coach, Bowling Green State University Key Moments 1:40 – Welcome and introduction from Matterhorn Fit CEO Ryan Vesce 2:15 – Miami University introduction 5:20 – Penn State introduction 8:40 – Cornell University introduction 11:50 – Bentley University introduction 14:10 – University of New Hampshire introduction 16:40 – Bowling Green State University introduction 19:30 – What makes Miami unique and what it's like to play there 24:10 – The transfer portal, recruiting, and what Penn State looks for in players 30:10 – Life at Cornell: balancing elite academics and hockey 35:40 – Player development at Bentley and navigating the post-high school years 39:50 – Recruiting at UNH and how NCAA eligibility changes are impacting the landscape 43:41 – What Bowling Green looks for in players and the role families play in recruiting Audience Q&A 48:40 – Are scouting services worth it for NCAA recruiting? 50:40 – What does the recruiting timeline actually look like? 55:20 – What does it mean when a player "commits" to a school? 58:31 – Understanding the NCAA Eligibility Center and its role in the process Key Themes What NCAA coaches actually prioritize when evaluating players How the transfer portal is changing recruiting The role academics play in the recruiting process When and how players should communicate with schools How families can support the recruiting journey effectively The realities of commitments, eligibility, and long-term planning Why development, character, and consistency still matter most Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo @MatterhornFitEvents The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E30
    June 7 · 1 hr 2 min

    Ep.30 | Everyone Wants It. Few Will Do the Work.

    In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy use the story of Tom Brady's unlikely rise from overlooked draft pick to NFL legend as a framework to explore one of the biggest questions in sports: What actually separates the athletes who make it from those who don't? From OHL Draft expectations and confidence struggles to work ethic, preparation, recovery, and accountability, this conversation breaks down the uncomfortable truths that many players and parents need to hear. Everyone says they want success. Everyone says they'll do whatever it takes. But when nobody is watching, when things get hard, and when adversity arrives, the choices players make begin to separate them from everyone else. At its core, this episode comes down to one simple idea: Dreams are common. The willingness to do the work isn't. Key Moments 0:00 – Intro, staying healthy & athlete recovery 3:20 – Why recovery matters for athletes 4:00 – Athletes need recovery strategies earlier than ever 6:00 – Introducing the Tom Brady story 12:00 – Advice and reality heading into the OHL Draft 18:00 – The beginning of Tom Brady's journey 24:50 – One of the greatest scouting misses in sports history 26:00 – What are you doing when nobody is watching? 27:00 – Most athletes only push themselves to what feels comfortable 31:00 – Doubt and confidence struggles are normal 31:50 – The harsh reality: nobody cares 32:00 – Obsessing over the "how do I make it?" question 36:00 – Your actions have to match your words 40:00 – What does hard work actually mean? 43:00 – Learning not to half-ass the process 47:00 – Nobody is coming to feel sorry for you 48:30 – Competition should be difficult 49:20 – Why many players fail to do the right things in games 50:30 – Effort is only one dimension of hard work 55:20 – The parent mindset when supporting ambitious kids 1:00:00 – Parents can't force the dream onto their children Key Themes Hard work is much more than effort alone Recovery and preparation are part of the process Confidence issues affect every athlete, even elite performers The best players separate themselves when nobody is watching Opportunity follows preparation, not entitlement Parents can support dreams but cannot create them Success requires actions that match your ambitions Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

  • S1 · E29
    May 31 · 1 hr 5 min

    Ep.29 | Opportunity, Patience & Becoming the Player Coaches Trust

    In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy dive into one of the most important realities in hockey development: Everyone wants opportunity but very few players are truly prepared for it when it arrives. From building culture and setting standards to handling slumps, confidence issues, and limited ice time, this conversation explores what separates players who continue moving forward from those who get stuck waiting for someone else to help them. The discussion covers the lonely side of development, the importance of finding ways to contribute, and why patience is often the missing ingredient in a player's journey. At its core, this episode comes down to one simple idea: The players who earn trust create opportunity. The players waiting for an opportunity often miss it. Key Moments 0:00 – Andy's return to training and fitness journey 5:30 – Building culture: how do you actually implement it? 6:45 – Adults set the tone in any environment 13:30 – The lonely road of becoming a high-level athlete 16:00 – Group energy, motivation, and distractions 19:00 – What happens when you don't get the opportunity you wanted? 22:00 – Losing confidence and how players respond 24:00 – Getting the opportunity is the hardest part 31:00 – Learning to fit the line and help the team 32:30 – No one is coming to save you 34:40 – Mental Toughness 101 37:00 – Finding ways to contribute when you're struggling 41:00 – Accepting the type of player you are 43:40 – Opportunity may be closer than you think 45:30 – Are you putting yourself where opportunity exists? 48:50 – Why patience matters more than most players realize 51:30 – The easy path is rarely the better path 52:40 – Smart people can see what you're doing behind the scenes 55:30 – Being fooled into thinking you're something you're not Key Themes Opportunity is earned before it's given Culture starts with the adults in the room Confidence comes and goes but habits remain The best players learn how to contribute before they learn how to lead Patience is often the difference between quitting and breaking through Mental toughness is built through adversity, not comfort Coaches trust players who solve problems, not create them Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

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