Crazy Hockey Dads Podcast

CHD Media

A relatable and honest podcast about the highs and lows of being a youth hockey parent. Join us as we share real stories, struggles, and wins from the rink, offering insights and support for parents navigating the world of youth hockey.

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20 episodes
Updated Wednesday
Explicit

Episodes20

Newest first

Wednesday · 2 hr 46 min
Episode 77: Hockey Is Bigger Than the Game | Live from Mo's Smile
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/
July 22 · 2 hr 45 min
Episode 76: Mid Fairfield's Danielle Ward - Your Kid Doesn't Need a Better Team
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/
July 15 · 2 hr 43 min
Episode 75: I Didn't Need AAA to Make the NHL (w/ Stanley Cup Winner Erik Cole)
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/
July 8 · 2 hr 10 min
Episode 74: 2026 Hobey Baker Winner Max Plante - Small, Overlooked… Then Everything Changed
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/
July 1 · 2 hr 40 min
Episode 73: TopLine Hockey - Your Kid Doesn’t Need the Best Team…They Need the Right Coach
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/
June 24 · 2 hr 19 min
Episode 72: The Hockey World Got Bigger... Not Easier (with Sean Flanagan)
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/
June 17 · 2 hr 34 min
Episode 71: The Craziest Hockey Parent I Ever Met Was Me (with Rich Cohen)
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/
June 10 · 1 hr 47 min
Episode 70: Hockey Is Becoming Unaffordable (with Zechariah Thomas)
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/
June 3 · 2 hr 23 min
Episode 69: Bring The Juice w/ Princeton Head Coach Ben Syer
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/
May 27 · 2 hr 10 min
Episode 68: Keith Mondillo - The Youth Sports Machine Is Out of Control
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/
May 20 · 1 hr 41 min
Episode 67: Spring Hockey Is Out of Control… and Hockey Parents Know It
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/
May 13 · 2 hr 39 min
Episode 66: The Man Building “Hockey Paradise” in Florida - Larry Robbins
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/
May 6 · 2 hr 18 min
Episode 65: “If You’re Good, They’ll Find You” w/ Connor & Kellen Jones
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/
April 29 · 1 hr 44 min
Episode 64: Dr. Alicia Naser, Ph.D - Stop Turning the Car Ride Home Into a Therapy Session
How hockey parents accidentally make the mental game harder. Scott and Jamie sit down with Dr. Alicia Naser, behavioral scientist, board certified behavior analyst, and founder of The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology, for a parent-first conversation about pressure, confidence, mistakes, and the ride home from the rink. Dr. Naser explains why kids need space to make mistakes, why parents should be careful about watching every practice, and how constant feedback can quietly damage the parent-child dynamic. She breaks down what to say after a bad game, how to handle comparison, why “just forget about it” doesn’t work, and how players can build confidence by learning to recover emotionally after mistakes. In this episode: Why the car ride home matters more than parents think What to say when your kid is frustrated after a game Why comparison can crush confidence Why confidence is learned, not something kids are just born with If your kid is already hard on themselves, this episode might change what you say next. Disclaimer This podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical or mental health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Listening to this content does not establish a professional or therapeutic relationship. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare or mental health professional with any questions you may have. The views and opinions expressed by Dr. Naser are her own and do not represent those of the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB). Dr. Alicia Naser - https://www.instagram.com/doctoralicianaser 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/
April 23 · 2 hr 7 min
Episode 63: RJ Burns - “You’re Not Raising a Hockey Player… You’re Burning One Out”
Why most youth hockey development is completely backwards. Scott and Jamie sit down with RJ Burns, Co-Owner of TopLine Hockey, and this one hits a nerve for every hockey parent. RJ breaks down why “just skating around cones” isn’t development, why kids need to think the game instead of memorize drills, and how the obsession with reps, travel, and “more ice” is actually hurting players long-term. He shares blunt truths about parent pressure, over-scheduling, and kids who clearly don’t even want to be at the rink, plus why sometimes the best thing you can do is… take a break. The guys also get into: Why jumping teams chasing “better situations” can backfire The problem with coaches who only care about winning at U10 Why kids need freedom (and parents need to get off the glass) How real development comes from decision-making, not drills RJ also shares his own journey from bouncing teams and chasing the path, to realizing hockey became a job instead of something he loved, and how coaching brought that passion back. TopLine Hockey - https://tlhockey.com/ 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/
April 15 · 1 hr 46 min
Episode 62: “You’re Racing to the Wrong Finish Line” with Heather Mannix - USA Hockey
Why youth hockey development is getting misunderstood. Scott and Jamie sit down with Heather Mannix, Manager of Education & Player Development at USA Hockey, for a deep dive into what development actually means and where parents and coaches get it wrong. Heather explains how parent pressure impacts even the most informed families, why so many are rushing kids toward the wrong goals, and why the most important thing at young ages is simple: kids have to love the game. She also breaks down the evolution of USA Hockey’s coaching education, shifting from what to teach to how to coach, and why creating fun, competitive, game-like environments leads to better development than traditional drills. The conversation also dives into burnout, over-scheduling, girls hockey growth, and the reality that fun isn’t goofing off...it’s competing, learning, and being engaged. In this episode: Why parents are “racing to the wrong finish line” The biggest misconception about development Why fun is the #1 driver of long-term success How coaching is shifting from drills to decision-making The real risk of burnout (even if kids don’t quit) If you think more ice time, more teams, and more pressure = better development…this episode will make you rethink everything. 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/@crazy.hockey.dads X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551
April 8 · 2 hr 32 min
Episode 61: USHL Commissioner Glenn Hefferan - “Your Kid Doesn’t Need You… They Need You to Shut Up”
Scott and Jamie sit down with USHL Commissioner Glenn Hefferan for a blunt, parent-first conversation on what actually matters in youth hockey. Glenn explains why kids play better when the pressure is off, why parents need to focus on “love and fun”, and how over-involvement can quietly hurt development. He also breaks down the realities of junior hockey and why the jump from youth to juniors is the hardest step, what the USHL actually demands, and why chasing exposure and spending more doesn’t guarantee anything. In this episode: Why kids performed better without parents in the rink The “love + fun” reminder every parent needs Why youth to junior is the hardest leap in hockey The truth about cost, exposure, and development If your kid isn’t having fun...nothing else matters. 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/@crazy.hockey.dads X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551
April 1 · 1 hr 53 min
Episode 60: Pat Shea - “I Didn’t Even Know If Hockey Was My Dream”
When the game starts to feel like a job. Scott and Jamie sit down with Pat Shea (IG @pshea25) former University of Maine Black Bear, pro hockey player, and creator behind Hockey House and Full Ride for a raw conversation about identity, pressure, and walking away from the game. Pat opens up about a turning point many players don’t talk about: realizing that what was once fun started to feel like work. He explains how losing passion at the college level, combined with a growing interest in creating, forced him to ask a tough question…was hockey actually his dream, or something he grew up in? He also shares his path through youth hockey, prep school, and Maine including being a late bloomer, dealing with early rejection, and how confidence and obsession (not camps or shortcuts) drove his development. In this episode: When hockey starts feeling like a job and what that does to players The question most players never ask: is this actually my dream? Late bloomer reality vs early recruiting pressure How Pat turned hockey life into one of the most relatable content brands in the game This one hits different, especially if your kid loves the game… but the pressure is starting to creep in. 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/@crazy.hockey.dads X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551
March 25 · 1 hr 32 min
Episode 59: Dartmouth Asst. Coach Jason Tapp - “I’ve Crossed Kids Off Because of Their Parents”
What really matters in recruiting… and what quietly kills it. Scott and Jamie sit down with Jason Tapp, Dartmouth College's assistant Men's Ice Hockey coach, live from Lake Placid ahead of the ECAC semis, for a candid look at how college recruiting actually works (and what families get wrong). Tapp breaks down the three non-negotiables they look for in players - character, compete, and hockey IQ - and why talent alone isn’t enough to make it at the college level. He also shares a blunt reality: he’s crossed players off recruiting lists because of parent behavior and why that’s an immediate red flag for programs. The conversation goes deeper into youth hockey decisions, why chasing the “best team” is often a mistake, why tier doesn’t really matter at younger ages, and how development is a long runway, not a sprint. Tapp also opens up as a hockey parent himself, admitting he feels the same pressure as everyone else and why he’s shifted to letting his kids drive their own development. In this episode: The 3 traits Dartmouth won’t compromise on in recruiting Why parent behavior can eliminate a player instantly The truth about Tier 1 vs Tier 2 (and when it actually matters) The biggest misconception in youth hockey: “you have to be on the best team” Recorded live from Lake Placid, but the message applies everywhere. it’s not about where you play… it’s about how you develop. 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/@crazy.hockey.dads X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551
March 21 · 27 min
BONUS Content from Lake Placid - ECAC Finals, Rink Energy, and What This Stage Really Feels Like
Scott and Jamie are on location in Lake Placid ahead of the ECAC Finals, soaking in the atmosphere and breaking down what makes this moment different for players, parents, and everyone around the rink. From the energy in the building to what it actually takes to perform on a stage like this, this quick-hit episode captures the feel of big-game hockey in real time. 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/@crazy.hockey.dads X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551

Crazy Hockey Dads Podcast

Episode 77: Hockey Is Bigger Than the Game | Live from Mo's Smile

Episode 76: Mid Fairfield's Danielle Ward - Your Kid Doesn't Need a Better Team

Episode 75: I Didn't Need AAA to Make the NHL (w/ Stanley Cup Winner Erik Cole)

Episode 74: 2026 Hobey Baker Winner Max Plante - Small, Overlooked… Then Everything Changed

Episode 73: TopLine Hockey - Your Kid Doesn’t Need the Best Team…They Need the Right Coach

Episode 72: The Hockey World Got Bigger... Not Easier (with Sean Flanagan)

Episode 71: The Craziest Hockey Parent I Ever Met Was Me (with Rich Cohen)

Episode 70: Hockey Is Becoming Unaffordable (with Zechariah Thomas)

Episode 69: Bring The Juice w/ Princeton Head Coach Ben Syer

Episode 68: Keith Mondillo - The Youth Sports Machine Is Out of Control

Episode 67: Spring Hockey Is Out of Control… and Hockey Parents Know It

Episode 66: The Man Building “Hockey Paradise” in Florida - Larry Robbins

Episode 65: “If You’re Good, They’ll Find You” w/ Connor & Kellen Jones

Episode 64: Dr. Alicia Naser, Ph.D - Stop Turning the Car Ride Home Into a Therapy Session

Episode 63: RJ Burns - “You’re Not Raising a Hockey Player… You’re Burning One Out”

Episode 62: “You’re Racing to the Wrong Finish Line” with Heather Mannix - USA Hockey

Episode 61: USHL Commissioner Glenn Hefferan - “Your Kid Doesn’t Need You… They Need You to Shut Up”

Episode 60: Pat Shea - “I Didn’t Even Know If Hockey Was My Dream”

Episode 59: Dartmouth Asst. Coach Jason Tapp - “I’ve Crossed Kids Off Because of Their Parents”

BONUS Content from Lake Placid - ECAC Finals, Rink Energy, and What This Stage Really Feels Like