Episodes

  • In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the complexities of athlete development with Ryan Blair, who has extensive experience in hockey from various roles such as player, coach, and hockey operations manager. Ryan shares his journey from playing four seasons at UMass Lowell to coaching in the EHL and ECHL, and ultimately becoming the hockey operations manager at the Carolina Ice Palace. They discuss the different phases of hockey careers, the importance of balance in player development, and the impact of family dynamics on career choices. The episode also explores the benefits and challenges of specialized coaching, the role of video analysis in player development, and the importance of making educated decisions for young athletes.

    00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host

    00:18 Guest Introduction: Ryan Blair's Hockey Journey

    03:12 Ryan Blair's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings

    04:36 The Challenges and Decisions in Youth Hockey

    13:12 College Hockey Experience and Transition to Professional Play

    20:11 Post-Playing Career: Coaching and Operations

    24:57 Current Role and Reflections on Hockey Development

    33:52 The Importance of Video in Hockey Training

    34:23 Implementing Video Sessions for Youth Teams

    35:37 Challenges in Providing Individual Attention

    36:40 Balancing Skill Development and Decision Making

    38:31 Parental Guidance in Youth Hockey

    41:27 Team vs. Individual Development

    43:15 Future Directions for Charleston Hockey

    48:09 The Debate on Specialized Coaching

    56:30 Closing Thoughts and Reflections

  • In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the complexities of athlete development through a conversation with former professional hockey player Hunter Bishop. Hunter discusses his unique journey from playing in junior leagues to founding Hunter Bishop Hockey, which offers development programs for players of all ages. The discussion touches on the importance of maintaining passion for the game, the balance between specialized and translatable skills, and the role of video analysis in player development. Hunter also reflects on his own career decisions, such as leaving the University of North Dakota to return to junior hockey, and provides advice for both aspiring athletes and their parents on navigating the challenging path to professional sports while also preparing for life beyond the rink.

    00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host

    00:21 Guest Introduction: Hunter Bishop's Hockey Journey

    01:29 Hunter's Early Career and College Decisions

    05:06 Hunter Bishop Hockey: From Player to Coach

    10:12 The Importance of Multi-Sport Athletes

    15:19 Balancing Passion and Structure in Player Development

    21:34 The Decision to Leave North Dakota

    27:42 Navigating High School and Junior Hockey Decisions

    28:39 Balancing Hockey Dreams with Life Goals

    29:12 The Role of Hockey in Personal Development

    31:28 Transitioning Out of Professional Hockey

    33:19 Building a Post-Hockey Career

    37:15 The Importance of Skill Development in Hockey

    42:24 Leveraging Video for Player Development

    52:31 Future of Player Development and Technology

    56:12 Final Thoughts and Parting Words

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  • Pioneering Modern Hockey Strategies with Coach Luke Strand from Minnesota State

    In this episode of 'The Next. Next.', host Jason Jacobs dives deep into the intricacies of athlete development with seasoned hockey coach Luke Strand, currently head coach at Minnesota State. As the episode unfolds, Jason and Coach Strand explore topics such as the evolution of coaching styles, the increasing role of data and technology in sports, player and coach development, and the balance between maintaining consistent standards and personalizing coaching approaches. Coach Strand shares his journey, the importance of competitiveness and character in players, and his philosophy on maintaining the joy of the game while striving for excellence. They also discuss the changing landscape of hockey, recruiting considerations, and the value of community and relationships in achieving success. Tune in for a comprehensive look at the nuances of modern coaching and athlete development.

    00:00 Introduction to the Show

    00:23 Meet Coach Luke Strand

    01:01 Coach Strand's Journey and Achievements

    01:35 Starting the Interview: Jason's Hockey Focus

    04:26 Luke Strand's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings

    06:52 Influence of Coaches and Early Aspirations

    08:28 Coaching Philosophy and Evolution

    19:17 Balancing Fun and Competition

    22:11 Standards and Personalization in Coaching

    28:00 The Unpredictability of Young Athletes

    28:25 Attributes of Successful Hockey Players

    29:51 Recruiting and Character Evaluation

    30:33 The Story of Jake Genzel

    31:38 Competitiveness and Player Development

    33:21 Coaching Philosophies and Hiring

    39:17 Technology in Hockey

    42:45 Transitioning to Minnesota State

    49:28 Future of College Hockey

    52:09 Conclusion and Parting Words

  • In-Depth with Mike Jamieson: From College Hockey to Player Development and AI Analytics

    Host Jason Jacobs sits down with Mike Jamieson to discuss his journey from growing up in Billerica, Massachusetts, to playing college hockey at Northeastern, and eventually playing professionally in Germany. Mike shares insights from his experiences as a Director of Hockey Operations and his current role at 49 ing, a sport data and analytics company. They explore various aspects of player development, the role of analytics in hockey, and the balance between nurturing talent and raw determination. Mike also provides advice for young athletes and their families navigating today's increasingly competitive landscape. 00:00 Introduction to the Show 00:35 Guest Introduction: Mike Jamieson 02:18 Mike's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings 05:03 College Hockey Experience at Northeastern 10:44 Professional Hockey Journey in Germany 13:09 Transition to Coaching and Hockey Operations 15:42 Advice for Aspiring Hockey Players 22:11 Role of Director of Hockey Operations 29:46 Betting on Talent and Drive 31:31 Parental Influence on Success 34:00 Personal Reflections and Coaching Philosophy 36:00 Introduction to 49-ing 40:12 The Role of Technology in Hockey 51:03 Future of AI in Player Development 58:08 Final Thoughts and Reflections

  • In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the multifaceted world of athlete development with guest Freddy Meyer. Freddy shares his storied career in hockey, including playing at Boston University, ~300 NHL games, and coaching at various levels. Now the head coach at the Rivers School and founder of Dream Big Hockey Stars, Freddy discusses the balance between playing and coaching, the evolving landscape of youth hockey, and his philosophies on player development. The conversation also touches on Freddy's personal journey as a hockey dad, raising two sons who are deeply immersed in the sport.

    00:00 Introduction to The Next Next

    00:16 Meet Freddy Meyer: From College Hockey to the NHL

    00:42 Freddy's Coaching Journey and Family Life

    02:42 Freddy's Early Years in Hockey

    04:03 The Path to Professional Hockey

    15:01 Transitioning from Player to Coach

    26:17 Balancing Family and Career

    28:39 Dream Big Hockey Stars and Coaching Philosophy

    31:09 The State of Hockey: New England vs. Minnesota

    33:16 The Massachusetts Hockey Dilemma

    34:19 Cost of Entry and Talent Distribution

    35:51 Philosophy on Youth Development

    37:57 Balancing Multiple Sports

    39:20 Nature vs. Nurture in Athletic Development

    43:06 The Importance of Passion and Fun

    45:59 Navigating Distractions and Maintaining Focus

    47:54 Deciding When to Develop or Move On

    51:08 The Challenges of College Hockey

    58:49 The Role of Video in Player Development

    01:01:28 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents

  • Optimizing Athlete Development Through Load Management with Dr. Stephen McGregor

    In this episode of 'The Next Next', host Jason Jacobs engages in a detailed discussion with Dr. Stephen McGregor, a professor of exercise science at Eastern Michigan University and an expert in sensor technology for sports performance. Dr. McGregor shares insights from his 25+ years of experience in using sensors for monitoring athlete performance, particularly in hockey. The conversation covers a range of topics including load management, the application of sensor data for both team and individual athlete development, and the unique challenges of measuring physical exertion in sports settings. Dr. McGregor also discusses how his company, Sport Performance Technologies, under the brand Achieve, uses data to help teams optimize training loads and performance metrics. The episode delves into how different sensors and metrics can be used to tailor training regimens to individual athletes’ needs, ensuring optimal performance without overtraining.

    00:00 Introduction to The Next Next

    00:17 Meet Dr. Stephen McGregor: Expert in Sports Performance

    01:26 The Role of Sensors in Sports

    04:02 Steve's Journey from Soccer to Cycling

    06:49 Innovations in Hockey Performance Tracking

    12:12 Balancing Customization and Standardization

    15:07 Achieve's Unique Approach to Load Management

    20:22 Comparing Achieve with Other Wearables

    25:57 Practical Applications and Success Stories

    31:50 Balancing Rest and Performance

    32:12 The Importance of Not Being Too Fresh

    32:23 Case Study: Collegiate Team Experience

    33:48 Stanley Cup Playoffs: Rest vs. Sharpness

    35:05 Modeling and Metrics for Optimal Performance

    36:30 Contextual Load Management

    37:15 Team Characterization and Individual Needs

    37:46 Practical Applications of Load Management

    38:45 High Capacity Players and Workload

    41:19 International Tournaments and Player Workload

    43:24 Technology in Hockey: Adoption and Challenges

    46:31 Comparing Sensor Systems in Hockey

    50:57 Achieve's Role in Player Development

    58:41 Integrating AI and Big Data in Hockey

    01:04:58 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

  • In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs dives into the intricacies of athlete development with Cason Hohmann, a former professional hockey player turned agent. The discussion explores Cason's journey in hockey, from a late start in roller hockey to captaining the Boston University hockey team. The episode delves into the role of parents, the balance between pushing for excellence and avoiding burnout, and how technology and video analysis are transforming player development. Cason shares insights on the evolution of advisory roles in player development and his vision for making elite player development more accessible.

    00:00 Introduction to The Next Next

    00:31 Guest Introduction: Cason Hohmann

    01:15 Cason's Early Hockey Journey

    03:41 Parental Influence and Player Development

    10:22 High School and Junior Hockey Experience

    22:00 The Importance of Individual Development

    28:26 The Role of Video Analysis in Hockey

    38:08 Natural Hockey IQ: Innate or Taught?

    40:29 The Importance of Skating in Youth Hockey

    41:22 Understanding the Game: A Math Test Analogy

    45:24 The Role of Advisors in Hockey Development

    45:55 Balancing Accessibility and Cost in Hockey

    47:34 Parental Involvement in Player Development

    50:13 The Evolution and Importance of Hockey Advisors

    59:10 Future Goals and Professional Aspirations

    01:15:26 Closing Thoughts and Future Collaboration

  • The Intricacies of Player Development with Matt Whitney of IPH Hockey

    In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs interviews Matt Whitney from IPH Hockey, a skills organization in Connecticut. They delve into Matt's journey from playing youth hockey to becoming a player development coach. The discussion covers IPH's inclusive approach to training, the balance between fun and skill development, and the influence of technology and social media on the sport. Jason and Matt also talk about the changing landscape of hockey, the importance of confidence-building, and maintaining a balance between individual skills and team play. The episode ends with insights on the future direction of IPH Hockey and Matt's personal reflections on coaching.

    00:00 Introduction to The Next Next

    00:29 Guest Introduction: Matt Whitney of IPH Hockey

    01:02 Matt's Journey in Hockey

    01:42 The Evolution of Player Development

    02:48 Starting IPH Hockey

    05:22 Philosophy and Training Approach

    09:03 Balancing Fun and Skill Development

    12:56 Parental Involvement and ROI

    16:59 State of Hockey Development

    19:35 Valuable Resources for Coaches and Parents

    19:52 The Importance of Watching Hockey and Learning from Staff

    20:57 Balancing Creativity and Consistency in Coaching

    21:33 Training and Development of Coaches

    22:47 Technology in Hockey: The Good and the Bad
    26:17 The Role of Video and Data in Player Development

    32:00 Future of IPH and Personal Reflections

    34:09 Closing Remarks and Podcast Information

  • Creating the Next Level in Hockey: A Deep Dive with Player Development Expert Tyler Dittmer

    In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs talks with Tyler Dittmer, a seasoned player development coach from Brandon, Manitoba, who has an extensive background in both playing and coaching hockey. Tyler delves into his philosophy surrounding effective player development, the balance between individual skills and team dynamics, and the importance of mental training and holistic approaches in athletics. He also discusses his current work at the Western Canada Hockey Academy, the collaboration between different coaches, and his role as a consultant for an NHL agency. Tyler provides insights into optimizing hockey IQ and the nuances of integrating unstructured play with structured training. In the latter part of the episode, Jason and Tyler brainstorm innovative ways to make advanced player development more accessible and effective for young athletes and their families.

    00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host

    00:33 Guest Introduction: Tyler Dittmer's Background

    02:57 Tyler's Journey in Hockey

    05:08 Transition to Player Development

    10:30 Balancing Skills and Team Play

    15:30 Parental Involvement in Player Development

    18:14 Optimizing Training and Development

    20:15 Video Analysis and Skill Application

    36:46 Collaborative Coaching and Future Prospects

    42:01 Peer Collaboration in Player Development

    42:46 Resuming the Discussion with Tyler

    43:45 The Importance of Collaboration and Peer Groups

    46:24 Specific Examples of Collaboration in Action

    47:30 Balancing On-Ice and Off-Ice Development

    49:07 The Role of Academies in Player Development

    52:35 Specialization vs. Multi-Sport Participation

    57:25 Personal Reflections and Career Aspirations

    01:00:34 Leveraging Video and AI in Player Development

    01:00:44 Hockey Canada Master's Coaching Program

    01:02:07 Consulting and Agency Work with Matt Calvert

    01:03:07 Challenges and Opportunities in Player Development

    01:23:13 Final Thoughts and Contact Information

  • Unpacking Youth Athlete Development with Nathan Bowen of Total Package Hockey

    In this engaging episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the complexities of youth athlete development with Nathan Bowen, co-founder of Total Package Hockey and TPH Academy. The discussion explores Bowen's founding journey, the expansion of TPH Academy, the balance between sports specialization and sampling, and the importance of holistic development. They also touch on the evolving role of technology in sports, the critical traits of successful athletes and coaches, and strategies for navigating the challenging landscape of youth sports. Bowen shares insights from his experience in building TPH Academy, stressing the significance of passion, compete level, and personalized coaching in unlocking a student's full potential.

    00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host

    00:56 Guest Introduction: Nathan Bowen

    01:48 Nathan Bowen's Journey in Hockey

    03:35 Founding Total Package Hockey and TPH Academy

    06:20 Expanding TPH: Camps, Clinics, and Academies

    09:41 Balancing Passion and Business in Sports

    30:23 Academy Model vs. Traditional Schooling

    35:16 Parental Guidance in Youth Sports

    39:01 Parental Advice for Building Leaders

    39:40 The Evolution of Sports Development Paths

    41:18 Balancing Sports and Personal Interests

    46:18 The Role of Technology in Sports

    59:09 Characteristics of Special Players and Coaches

    01:03:58 Balancing Professional and Personal Life

    01:07:40 Closing Thoughts and Future Plans

  • Player Development Insights with Tabor Academy Assistant Coach Pete Gintoli

    In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs dives into the world of athlete development with guest Pete Gintoli, an assistant coach and teacher at Tabor Academy. The discussion covers Pete's unique background, his transition from player to coach, and his experiences in various coaching environments including junior hockey, college, and prep school. The conversation highlights key aspects of player development, the balance between academic and athletic pursuits, parental involvement, and the state of youth hockey in New England. Additionally, Peter shares insights on using video analysis as a coaching tool and offers advice to aspiring athletes and their families.

    00:00 Introduction to the Show and Host

    00:54 Introducing Today's Guest: Pete Gintoli

    01:25 Peter's Background and Early Career

    02:00 Peter's Coaching Philosophy and Experiences

    02:23 How Peter Found Tabor Recruit Chase McCoy

    04:09 Peter's High School and Junior Hockey Path

    08:46 Transition to College Hockey

    10:11 The Role of Multi-Sport Participation

    16:41 Peter's Professional and Coaching Transition

    32:22 Insights on Academy and Online Schooling

    39:01 Encouraging Kids to Keep Improving

    39:56 Balancing Schoolwork and Sports

    41:35 The Importance of Structure and Discipline

    43:59 Navigating the Hockey Path

    46:04 Recruiting and Player Development

    48:58 Role of the Assistant Coach

    50:17 Player Development Tools and Techniques

    57:46 State of New England Hockey

    01:02:33 Balancing Development and Competition

    01:18:14 Final Thoughts and Advice

  • Navigating the Challenges of Youth Sports Development with Brian Collins

    In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the intricacies of youth sports development with guest Brian Collins, a former high school hockey star and collegiate player at Boston University. They explore various facets of modern-day youth sports, from the challenges faced by sports parents to the differences in athletic development paths between generations. Collins shares his unique perspective as a coach and a father, discussing the balance between fostering a love for the game and pushing for competitive success. They also touch upon the impact of privatization in sports and navigating overwhelming schedules for young athletes. This insightful conversation provides valuable takeaways for parents, coaches, and anyone interested in the evolving landscape of youth sports.

    00:00 Introduction to The Next Next

    00:55 Meet Brian Collins: High School to Pro Hockey Journey

    02:19 Brian's Coaching Philosophy and Youth Sports Today

    02:48 Podcasting and Hockey Conversations

    06:58 Brian's Early Hockey Days and Family Influence

    12:57 Youth Sports Evolution and Free Play

    16:41 Challenges and Changes in Youth Hockey

    25:25 Balancing Sports and Development

    28:50 The Rarity of Offensive Coaches

    30:02 Balancing Free Play and Structured Training

    30:56 The Struggle with Technology and Kids

    32:57 The Importance of Enjoying the Game

    35:20 Building a Development Platform

    37:29 The Role of Video Analysis in Development

    42:06 Fostering Passion and Work Ethic in Kids

    44:41 Reflecting on Personal Experiences

    50:21 Advice for Sports Parents and Players

    53:58 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • Unlocking the Secrets of Player Development with Brett Leonard

    In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the nuances of athlete development in youth sports with Brett Leonard from Leonard Hockey. Jason, a founder exploring the potential of a new player development company and a sports dad himself, discusses the intricacies of analyzing player data and development. Brett shares insights into his methods of video analysis, skill training, and game situational drills to help players improve their hockey IQ. The conversation explores the potential of integrating AI to scale the analysis process and make advanced coaching techniques more accessible. Tune in to learn about the future of player development and how it can transform youth sports.

    00:00 Introduction to The Next Next

    00:54 Meet Brett Leonard from Leonard Hockey

    01:35 Diving into Player Development

    03:18 The Importance of Video Analysis

    05:49 Analyzing Player Data

    09:50 Personalized Development Plans

    18:09 Measuring Progress and Setting Objectives

    28:47 Scouting and Player Development

    33:26 Integrating Traditional Skills with Game Context

    44:56 Balancing Coaching and Player Development

    46:56 Studying Hockey: Techniques and Insights

    51:32 Practical Advice for Young Players

    55:34 Innovative Training Methods

    01:01:09 Scaling Coaching with Technology

    01:12:43 The Future of AI in Player Development

    01:21:57 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

  • In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves deep into the nuances of athlete development with guest Brett Leonard, a former UVM hockey captain turned elite player development coach. Leonard discusses his journey from building a local gym and coaching Vermont youth hockey to specializing in video-driven, data-centric training methods for D1 and pro athletes. The conversation explores the importance of game situational practice over traditional drill-based training, and Leonard shares insights on how leveraging data analytics can significantly improve player development. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of sports training.

    00:00 Introduction to The Next Next

    00:51 Meet Brett Leonard: From UVM Captain to Elite Hockey Trainer

    04:41 Brett's Early Hockey Journey and Family Influence

    08:49 The Importance of Multi-Sport Play and Free Play

    17:54 Transition from Player to Coach: Building Vermont Hockey Training Center

    20:32 Specialized Training: From Mass Development to Elite Individual Focus

    29:04 The Light Bulb Moment

    29:28 Off-Puck Strategies

    30:20 Analyzing Player Performance

    32:17 Tracking and Customizing Player Data

    35:53 Manual vs. Automated Data Tracking

    38:16 Data-Driven Player Development

    41:07 Challenges and Future of Player Development

    51:53 Practical Training Techniques

    57:47 Concluding Thoughts and Future Directions

  • Mastering Mental Performance: Insights from a Veteran Coach

    In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason Jacobs delves into the world of mental performance coaching with guest John Couture, a seasoned mental performance coach at IMG Academy and director at the Kinkaid School. With over 30 years of experience, including 11 years in the MLB, John shares his insights on how mental performance techniques can turn physically gifted athletes into well-rounded performers who excel under pressure. They discuss the nuances of mental performance coaching, the right time to engage with a coach, and the benefits of integrating mental skills training into an athlete’s routine. John also talks about the growing prominence of mental performance coaching, the certification process, and his experiences working with athletes at various levels. The episode includes practical advice for parents and athletes, and highlights the importance of communication and collaboration among coaches, parents, and mental performance professionals. Jason also explores the impact of commercialization in youth sports and the balance between pushing athletes and allowing them to find their own paths.

    00:00 Introduction to The Next Next

    00:35 Meet John Couture: Mental Performance Coach

    01:32 The Role and Importance of Mental Performance Coaching

    02:45 John's Journey into Mental Performance Coaching

    05:43 Techniques and Universals in Mental Performance

    10:49 Certification and Legitimacy in Mental Performance Coaching

    14:30 Mental Performance Coaching in Practice

    20:21 Daily Integration of Mental Performance

    24:03 Group vs. Individual Coaching

    26:30 The Importance of Communication in Coaching

    27:38 Athlete's Perception vs. Objective Performance

    28:39 Managing Parental Influence on Athletes

    30:15 The Role of Mental Performance Coaches

    31:56 Balancing Youth Sports and Family Life

    34:11 The Business of Youth Sports

    38:03 Digital Solutions for Mental Performance Coaching

    43:01 Parental Perspectives vs. Athlete's Reality

    44:54 The Importance of Autonomy in Youth Sports

    48:35 The Future of Youth Sports

    51:43 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

  • In this episode of The Next Next, Jason Jacobs sits down with Matt Wheeler and Chris Meade, co-founders of SportsRecruits. The company connects millions of high school athletes with college coaches, helping them find the right fit for their athletic and academic future. Matt and Chris share their entrepreneurial journey, starting from their days at Wesleyan University where they played lacrosse, to identifying inefficiencies in the sports recruiting process, and eventually founding SportsRecruits. They discuss the initial challenges, including their early model of filming lacrosse events and transitioning to a scalable digital platform. They reveal the company's scaling through partnerships with clubs and events, leading to a significant growth in user base. Furthermore, they highlight the company's recent acquisition by IMG Academy, aiming to deliver more value in the increasingly complex recruiting landscape. Beyond business, the conversation also touches on personal experiences and philosophies concerning youth sports, player development, and parenting.

    00:00 Introduction to SportsRecruits

    00:40 Founders' Background and Early Challenges

    01:23 Transition to Digital and Business Scaling

    01:44 Recent Acquisition and Future Vision

    02:03 Reconnecting and Reflecting on the Journey

    02:26 Welcome to the Show: Matt and Chris

    03:26 Early Career Paths and Initial Business Idea

    03:52 First Steps and Initial Struggles

    07:14 Breakthrough Moment and Business Model Shift

    17:59 Expansion into Other Sports

    22:05 The Role of Clubs in Recruiting

    28:21 Challenges and Successes in Scaling

    34:42 The Importance of Technology in Recruiting

    35:57 Defense vs. Offense in Club Marketing

    36:53 The Role of SportsRecruits in Club Success

    39:29 The Impact of AI and Future Prospects

    40:39 Transitioning to Software and Funding Challenges

    44:51 Acquisition by IMG Academy

    55:57 Balancing Parenting and Youth Sports

    01:06:01 Reflections on the Journey and Final Thoughts

  • Navigating Hockey Development with Advisor Brock Kautz

    In this episode of The Next Next, former University of Minnesota goalie and current hockey player advisor, Brock Kautz, shares his extensive journey from a junior hockey player to a college athlete and finally transitioning into coaching and player representation. Discussing his early beginnings in Minnesota hockey, Kautz highlights the importance of multi-sport participation, the evolving role of parents in youth hockey, and the significance of adapting to different roles within a team. He provides insights on player development, the impact of technology, and the essentials of being a good teammate. This episode offers valuable perspectives for young athletes, parents, and anyone involved in hockey.

    00:00 Introduction to Brock Kautz

    00:49 Brock's Early Hockey Journey

    03:50 College and Coaching Career

    11:10 Transition to Player Advisor

    17:17 Parental Involvement in Youth Hockey

    25:04 Hockey IQ and Skill Development

    30:58 The Role of Coaches and Video Analysis

    33:57 Embracing Roles and Identity in Hockey

    36:08 The Rise of Agents and Advisors

    41:48 Balancing Development and Exposure

    43:56 Key Attributes Scouts Look For

    47:16 Training, Burnout, and Multi-Sport Benefits

    51:46 The Impact of Technology in Player Development

    56:25 Changes in Junior and College Hockey

    58:29 Life as a Hockey Advisor

    01:03:09 Final Thoughts and Advice

  • In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason converses with Jesse Winchester, a former NHL player and player development coach for the Ottawa Senators. Jesse shares his unconventional journey to the NHL, emphasizing the importance of work ethic and passion. They discuss the evolution of the game, contrasting Jesse's development era with the present, and the increasing role of skill at the expense of hockey IQ. The conversation also delves into the challenges of raising young athletes today, balancing ambition, intrinsic motivation, and healthy development. The episode explores the potential for new platforms to better support youth athletes in their development, focusing on skill-building, competition, and balancing passion with structured growth.

    00:00 Introduction to Jesse Winchester

    00:43 Jesse's Journey to the NHL

    01:10 Comparing Past and Present Hockey Landscapes

    03:43 Early Influences and Work Ethic

    15:32 The Role of Parents in Youth Sports

    24:27 Balancing Structure and Freedom in Development

    29:30 Building a New Athlete Development Platform

    31:04 Emphasizing Joy in Skill Development

    32:11 Balancing Development and Joy

    33:59 Intrinsic Motivation and Gameplay

    35:03 Challenges of Home Training

    37:28 The Role of Parents in Development

    38:47 Hockey IQ and Skill Development

    42:25 The Importance of Video Analysis

    44:44 Coaching Philosophy and Player Development

    50:04 The Role of Agents in Player Development

    52:15 Balancing Competitive and Personal Goals

    57:37 Reflections on Personal Development

    01:00:52 Future Plans and Advice for Parents

  • Matt Calvert: From Aspiring Accountant to NHL Veteran

    In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason welcomes former NHL player and current player agent Matt Calvert. They delve into Matt's journey from a small town in Brandon, Manitoba, to becoming a professional hockey player with the Columbus Blue Jackets and Colorado Avalanche. The episode explores the contrasts in upbringing and development paths between Matt and his friend and former NHL teammate Colin Wilson. Matt shares his insights on youth player development, the importance of mindset, and how he balances structure with fun in coaching his own sons. They also discuss the role of player agents in today's hockey world and the value of small-scale, personalized player development.

    00:00 Introduction to Matt Calvert

    00:42 Matt's Early Life and Hockey Beginnings

    03:34 The Journey to Professional Hockey

    06:53 Draft Day and Early Professional Career

    10:32 Making it to the NHL

    26:22 Balancing Structure and Freedom in Training

    40:01 Engaging Kids in Hockey Training

    40:47 The Role of Fun and Competition

    41:39 Coaching Styles and Learning from Others

    43:16 Balancing Parental Expectations and Child's Enjoyment

    44:09 Reading Your Child's Needs

    48:14 Different Paths to Success in Hockey

    52:31 Parental Involvement in Child's Development

    57:13 Team Concepts vs. Individual Skills

    01:02:18 Mindset and Handling Adversity

    01:08:40 The Role of Agents and Advisors

    01:17:09 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents

  • Navigating the Evolution of Youth Sports with Coaches Matt Kingsley and Tobin Anderson

    In this episode of The Next Next, host Jason catches up with Matt Kingsley, associate head coach for Yale's men's basketball team, and Tobin Anderson, special assistant to the head coach at University of South Florida's men’s basketball team. They discuss their wealth of coaching experience across different levels of college basketball, sharing insights into the changing landscape of youth sports, athlete development, and the increasing role of specialization and privatization. The conversation covers the impact of modern sports structures on young athletes, challenges with accessibility, the balance between fun and competition, and the evolving responsibilities of parents and coaches. The episode closes with personalized advice for sports parents and reflections on their own journeys and the joy of seeing their kids thrive in sports.

    00:00 Introduction to Guests: Matt Kingsley and Tobin Anderson

    00:04 Matt Kingsley's Coaching Journey at Yale

    00:27 Tobin Anderson's Diverse Coaching Experience

    01:52 Personal Reflections and Catching Up

    02:09 Discussion on Athlete Development Across Sports

    02:42 Current Roles and Coaching Backgrounds

    05:57 Changes in Youth Sports Development

    06:49 Impact of Specialization in Sports

    10:33 Parental Involvement and Organized Sports

    14:54 The Business of Youth Sports

    15:26 Positives and Negatives of Modern Youth Sports

    19:12 Recruitment and Specialization Debate

    26:29 Parental Roles in Athletic Development

    31:46 Coaching Challenges and Personal Growth

    32:53 Parenting and Coaching Dynamics

    34:57 Youth Coaches' Impact

    36:38 Balancing Involvement and Independence

    41:02 Accessibility in Youth Sports

    44:51 Development vs. Competition

    48:01 Digital Solutions for Skill Development

    57:46 Final Thoughts and Advice for Sports Parents