PowerTech Development Podcast

PowerTech Online
  • 4.8 (131)
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Providing the best information, education, and general content for young athletes, parents, and coaches looking to get to that next level.

  1. Announcing the Matterhorn Fit All Path Series Powered by BioSteel!

    2025-10-26

    Announcing the Matterhorn Fit All Path Series Powered by BioSteel!

    The Matterhorn Fit All-Path Series is here including the Western, Ontario, and Quebec. Coach Eric will be leading the charge with the All-Path Ontario event with NCAA Division 1 and OHL programs set to join! Visit matterhornfitevents.com to REQUEST REGISTRATION! Wondering where we've been? Big announcement coming soon!

    2 min
  2. Ep.247 | Ask Me Anything VII - PowerTech Development Podcast

    2025-07-27

    Ep.247 | Ask Me Anything VII - PowerTech Development Podcast

    In this Q&A episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric and Andy answer real questions submitted by hockey parents and players from across North America. From navigating early development in U13 to handling politics, effort, and opportunity at U18, this conversation tackles some of the most common (and misunderstood) challenges in youth and junior hockey. This episode is all about clarity, confidence, and perspective whether you're a player, a parent, or a coach trying to support the right way. TIMESTAMPS: 08:00 – Q1: U13 AAA & extra skills sessions — what’s too much? 12:30 – Q2: How do you teach “compete” to a 15U player? 17:40 – Q3: U18AA girl aiming for D3 — how to stand out without being flashy 26:00 – Q4: Coach plays favorites and doesn’t reward effort — should parents step in? 30:15 – Q5: 15 y/o working out but doesn’t feel like he’s improving 38:00 – Q6: Coach wants development, parents want wins — how to manage the gap 42:30 – Q7: My kid is dialed in on nutrition — what’s next? 50:40 – Q8: Choosing between prep hockey and Canadian Jr/OHL This episode was fueled by questions from our audience. Have a question for a future Q&A? Send it in. 🎧 New episodes weekly - subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube 📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzoloWant to support the show? Become a ⁠MEMBER⁠ or reach out for sponsorships ⁠HERE⁠.

    59 min
  3. Ep.246 | What We Wish Hockey Parents Knew Sooner | Lessons From the U16/U18 Journey - PowerTech Development Podcast

    2025-07-20

    Ep.246 | What We Wish Hockey Parents Knew Sooner | Lessons From the U16/U18 Journey - PowerTech Development Podcast

    In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric and Andy open up about the things they wish more hockey parents knew earlier - especially during the intense and emotional U16/U18 years. With so much focus on the OHL Draft, rankings, and comparison, many families lose sight of what truly matters in a player’s long-term development. This conversation cuts through the noise and delivers honest advice rooted in experience — both as coaches and as parents. If you’re navigating the pre-draft years, or even just trying to support your kid the right way, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind. What You’ll Learn Why comparison ruins joy… and progress The mindset that separates long-term developers from short-term hype What parents should stop saying (even with good intentions) Why rankings and draft predictions don’t tell the full story What actually matters at the junior level and how it’s different from youth hockey TIMESTAMPS 02:30 – Setting proper expectations during the draft year 06:30 – “Comparison is the thief of joy” — how it shows up in hockey 07:30 – A realistic, long-term approach for families 09:40 – When parents push too hard — and why it backfires 10:15 – The problem with subscription rankings and overhype 12:00 – Don’t promise your kid where they’ll be drafted 15:00 – Outperforming others doesn’t always equal opportunity 17:30 – Evolving into a learner — not just a performer 20:00 – Don’t expect someone else’s lucky break to be yours 21:00 – “When did you become a scout?” — over-analysis from the stands 29:00 – What most don’t understand about junior hockey vs. youth hockey 35:00 – Identifying your market — where do you actually fit? 38:00 – Be willing to take the ego hit for development 42:00 – Parents: Don’t add to the emotional weight your kid already carries - 🎧 New episodes weekly — subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube 📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo Want to support the show? Become a ⁠MEMBER⁠ or reach out for sponsorships ⁠HERE⁠.

    47 min
  4. Ep.245 | Do You Need an Agent? - Inside the World of Hockey Representation w NHLPA Certified Agent Brian Gill

    2025-07-13

    Ep.245 | Do You Need an Agent? - Inside the World of Hockey Representation w NHLPA Certified Agent Brian Gill

    In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric sits down with Brian Gill, an NHLPA Certified Agent with Maloney and Thompson, to pull back the curtain on what agents actually do, and what families think they do. This isn’t a conversation about multimillion-dollar NHL contracts. It’s about the junior-level journey, the questions families are asking, the decisions players face, and the role of a good agent in guiding the process. Brian shares what his day-to-day looks like, how they onboard families, and what traits he looks for in young athletes. He also speaks openly about some common misconceptions like thinking an agent is going to magically “get you there.” Whether you're a parent, coach, or player, this episode delivers a grounded, honest perspective from someone in the trenches of high-performance hockey development. What You’ll Learn What agents actually do and don’t do for young players When it’s the right time to get an agent Key differences between agents and advisors What top players do differently - habits, mindset, and sacrifices Why are you deciding to get an agent? TIMESTAMPS 00:00 – Intro to the episode and Brian Gill’s background 02:50 – How Brian got started with Maloney and Thompson 05:50 – A day in the life: What an agent’s work looks like 06:45 – What services does the agency provide players and families? 09:50 – Is there a standard onboarding process or is it customized case by case? 13:40 – What Brian looks for in the players he chooses to represent 17:00 – Agents don’t have “magic powers” — it’s still up to the player 18:40 – Is the OHL Draft a reason to get an agent? What families need to understand 22:40 – The real difference between agents and advisors 25:20 – Advice for players who aren’t top prospects — should they even be thinking about agents? 29:30 – Work-life balance: What elite players do differently 32:00 – Habits of high-end athletes: focus, structure, consistency 34:00 – Where should players actually be playing? Fit vs. prestige 36:00 – The role great coaches play in a player's growth 42:00 – What today’s players are missing — it’s not skill, it’s awareness Thanks to Brian and the Maloney and Thompson team for making this episode possible. - 🎧 New episodes weekly — subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube 📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo Want to support the show? Become a ⁠MEMBER⁠ or reach out for sponsorships ⁠HERE⁠.

    53 min
  5. Ep.244 | The NHL Draft Through A Dads Eyes

    2025-07-06

    Ep.244 | The NHL Draft Through A Dads Eyes

    In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric and Andy reflect on the parenting journey from early youth hockey days to one of the biggest milestones in any hockey family: the NHL Draft. Andy shares the emotional experience of watching his son get drafted to the Dallas Stars, how he navigated being both a coach and a dad, and where he sometimes went too far. Together, they offer honest, real-world advice for parents who want to support their kids without pushing them too hard. This episode is packed with insight for anyone involved in youth sports — parents, coaches, and players alike. Key Themes: Why time changes your perspective as a parent The difference between “nudging” and “pushing” your child Letting kids take ownership of their development Creating safe, honest environments for young athletes Why enjoying the journey matters more than the outcome 02:00 – Time Passing: Eric reflects on growing out of playing; Andy on stepping away from business and battling complacency 09:00 – NHL Draft Moment: Andy shares the experience of watching his son get drafted by the Dallas Stars 14:30 – Never Forced: Why Andy never made his son play or pressured him to pursue hockey 17:30 – Nudge, Don’t Push: What it means to support your kid without forcing them 26:30 – Player Autonomy: Letting athletes come up with ideas and make choices 29:50 – Honest Development Environments: Eric on removing judgment so players don’t hide struggles 34:00 – Overstepping: Andy shares times he went too far as a parent and coach 39:00 – Long-Term Perspective: Andy’s goals when his son started playing vs. now 49:00 – Enjoy the Journey: Why parents need to take pride in the process, not just the results 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo - Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

    54 min
  6. Ep.243 | Perspectives from USA Hockey Development with Jason Guerriero

    2025-06-29

    Ep.243 | Perspectives from USA Hockey Development with Jason Guerriero

    In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we’re joined by Jason Guerriero - a former pro player, NCAA coach, and longtime contributor to USA Hockey’s development model. Jason shares a thoughtful and experienced perspective on what true development means at every level from young kids to elite college players. This episode breaks down how to think long-term, how USA Hockey approaches player growth, and what families need to understand about preparing the right way. They cover: The day-to-day of development coaching Why unscripted play and adversity matter What real development looks like beyond drills Age-appropriate teaching and mindset NCAA commitments and decision-making USA vs Canada development philosophies This episode is full of real-world insight for players looking to reach the next level, parents trying to support the right way, and coaches shaping young athletes with purpose. 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo - Become a MEMBER to support the show!Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

    34 min
  7. Ep.242 | Cup Finals, TCS Live, Finding Your Values

    2025-06-22

    Ep.242 | Cup Finals, TCS Live, Finding Your Values

    In this episode, Eric and Andy have a deep, personal conversation about the importance of understanding your values — as a person and as a team. From faith and family to leadership and decision-making, they explore why identifying your core values builds the foundation for growth, performance, and long-term success. They also touch on lessons from Game 5 of the NHL playoffs, tools like Instat for player development, and key takeaways from the TCS Live coaching summit. Topics Covered: Little habits leading to game 5 Stanley Cup Final goals Wrap up on The Coaches Site Live conference weekend Why your personal values drive everything you do Building a team identity around shared beliefs Teaching athletes to think, speak, and lead 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo

    40 min
  8. Ep.241 | What does “WORKING HARD” Actually Mean?

    2025-06-15

    Ep.241 | What does “WORKING HARD” Actually Mean?

    Coach Eric and Coach Andy dive into one of the most commonly communicated but poorly explained concepts in sports and development: hard work. What does it really mean to work hard? Why do so many people think they’re grinding, but aren’t actually getting better? They unpack what true effort looks like — from training on the ice, to gym habits, to mental focus and nutrition. Whether you’re a hockey player, a parent, or a coach, this one will challenge how you define success and effort. Key Topics: Why feeling tired isn’t the same as progress The real definition of hard work Off-ice work and focus as the foundation How to develop consistent, intentional habits Available on Spotify, Apple, and YouTubeFollow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo - Become a MEMBER to support the show! Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

    33 min
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4.8
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131 Ratings

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Providing the best information, education, and general content for young athletes, parents, and coaches looking to get to that next level.

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