Built From Steel Podcast

Coach Eric Palazzolo
  • 5.0 (3)
  • HOCKEY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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.

  1. Ep.14 | Phones, Performance & Personal Responsibility in Youth Hockey

    3D AGO

    Ep.14 | Phones, Performance & Personal Responsibility in Youth Hockey

    Phones are shaping today’s athletes - for better or worse. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Coach Eric and Coach Andy tackle one of the most relevant topics in modern youth hockey: cell phone use. From sleep disruption and social media comparison to personal branding and digital discipline, this is a balanced conversation about how devices are influencing development on and off the ice. The episode opens with Olympic takeaways and a David vs. Goliath mindset story, before diving into how phones impact performance, confidence, team culture, recruiting, and mental health. Are phones ruining development? Or are they the greatest tool young athletes have ever had? The answer isn’t simple. Whether you're a player managing screen time, a parent navigating device rules, or a coach trying to build culture in a digital world, this episode will challenge how you think about technology and performance. Key Moments: 0:00 – Olympics perspective & elite preparation 9:42 – Intro to phone use + David vs Goliath mindset 26:30 – Sleep destruction & performance drop 32:45 – Social media comparison & identity 38:40 – Getting in trouble online (real examples) 39:20 – OHL teams check your social media 40:20 – Snapchat issues & digital discipline 49:10 – Unlimited access to information (for free) 50:20 – Personal branding for young athletes 52:00 – Connectivity in today’s hockey world 54:20 – Phones, mental health & awareness Episode Themes: You can’t out-train poor sleep Your Instagram is your first interview The phone isn’t the problem, it’s how you use it Comparison culture is quietly killing confidence One post can undo five years of work Stay Connected: 🎥 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube 📲 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries Partner accounts: @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

    1h 4m
  2. Ep.13 | From the NHL to Youth Development with Brian Willsie - Built From Steel Podcast

    FEB 5

    Ep.13 | From the NHL to Youth Development with Brian Willsie - Built From Steel Podcast

    In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric is joined by former NHL forward and current player development coach Brian Willsie.Brian shares insights from his 15-year pro career including time in the NHL, AHL, and Europe and how that experience now shapes his approach to developing youth players. From his transition into coaching and mentorship to his current work with Washington Capitals prospects and elite youth programs, Brian offers a grounded and honest perspective on what young players need today.This conversation hits on the importance of:Building confidence at the youth levelAvoiding over-coaching and letting kids developHow the pro game has changed over the yearsWhat truly matters in long-term developmentWhether you’re a parent, coach, or player, this episode offers valuable wisdom from someone who’s lived every level of the game — and now teaches it the right way.🕒 Key Moments:0:00 – Brian Willsie intro & career snapshot4:30 – Playing in the NHL vs. Europe10:20 – Transitioning from pro to player development15:45 – What youth hockey often gets wrong20:30 – How to build confidence in young players28:00 – Pro advice that still applies at the grassroots35:00 – What Willsie looks for when working with young athletes🎥 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube 📲 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries | @CoachEpzolo | @BioSteelSportsAcademy The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

    21 min
  3. Ep.12 | Trades, Moving Away for Hockey, and Chasing Teams

    JAN 28

    Ep.12 | Trades, Moving Away for Hockey, and Chasing Teams

    In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy dive into one of the most loaded questions in youth hockey: When is it the right time to move away from home? From the pressure to chase better teams and “big-name” programs to the reality of playing with, and against, weaker players, this episode unpacks how development actually happens… and how families can make better long-term decisions. They also dig into the mental side of the game, the different types of intelligence athletes show, and why traditional academics don’t always reflect a player’s hockey IQ or real-world skill set. This one’s for families navigating: Big decisions about moving away The myths of chasing top teams The truth about talent and how it rises over time How to develop in “non-traditional” programs When it’s worth leaving… and when it’s not Key Moments: 1:20 – Athletic intelligence vs classroom intelligence 28:00 – Why chasing teams usually backfires 32:30 – Is chasing a championship always worth it? 35:50 – Moving away from the northern loop for U18 hockey 39:50 – Why playing with weaker players can help you grow 42:45 – There’s no hiding good players — they always get noticed 44:00 – The story of Justin Brazeau & New Liskeard Cubs 47:00 – First-round picks who still don’t stick at the next level 53:50 – Parents, emotion, and the whirlwind of youth hockey Stay Connected 📺 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube 📲 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries | @CoachEpzolo | @BioSteelSportsAcademy 🔗 Learn more: www.biosteel.comThe Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports.

    1 hr
  4. Ep.11 | What NCAA Programs Actually Look & USA Hockey Development

    JAN 19

    Ep.11 | What NCAA Programs Actually Look & USA Hockey Development

    In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we take a deep dive into what NCAA hockey programs truly look for in players, and how USA Hockey approaches long-term development.This episode features two insightful conversations recorded live at the Matterhorn Fit All-Ivy Showcase:🎙 Matt Gilroy — Assistant Coach at Harvard, former NHL defenseman, and Hobey Baker winner 🎙 Jason Guerriero — USA Hockey development coach and national educatorWe start with Matt’s journey, from an underdog NCAA walk-on to a decorated pro career, and explore what separates players when everyone is talented. From hockey IQ and creativity to mindset, academics, and maturity, he breaks down how top college programs evaluate prospects.Then, Jason joins the conversation to provide a national perspective from inside USA Hockey. He shares how development is built over time, not rushed, and why creativity, adversity, and unscripted play are essential ingredients in player growth.Key Themes Covered:How NCAA coaches evaluate players on and off the puckThe role of academics, character, and consistency in recruitingUSA Hockey’s long-term development modelWhy unscripted environments are critical for player growthAge-appropriate coaching and the risks of early specializationHow parents and coaches can better support developmentWhether you’re a player chasing an NCAA opportunity, a parent trying to make sense of the system, or a coach shaping future athletes, this episode brings honest insight from people inside the process.🎧 Watch or listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📲 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries | @CoachEpzolo | @BioSteelSportsAcademy The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

    36 min
  5. Ep.10 | Mismatch Games & Global Growth - Lessons from the World Juniors

    JAN 9

    Ep.10 | Mismatch Games & Global Growth - Lessons from the World Juniors

    Sometimes the score doesn’t tell the real story, but your response always does. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy take lessons from the World Juniors and connect them directly to youth hockey. From how Latvia and other small nations compete against the best in the world, to how players should approach mismatched games at the youth level, this episode is about mindset, preparation, and perspective. They break down why mismatches happen, how coaches can prepare their teams (whether they’re the underdog or the favorite), and what players and parents need to understand about showing up with purpose no matter who’s on the other bench. Whether you're facing a powerhouse or leading by 6, this episode is a masterclass in how habits, preparation, and leadership show up when the game doesn’t go as expected. Key Moments: 2:00 – Billeting, maturity, and life skills 4:50 – 2009 WJC memories 7:00 – Canada’s identity at the World Juniors 13:00 – NHL Central Scouting & early evaluation 17:00 – Latvia: structure over star power 21:15 – Hockey registration numbers by country 24:00 – Why smaller countries can still compete 27:00 – Is playing on a super team always best? 36:00 – Elevating non-star players 41:30 – Mindset going into mismatch games 42:00 – Motivation means nothing without preparation 47:00 – How to stay engaged on a struggling team 50:00 – What can you do to stand out? 54:10 – Don’t let your habits slip when you’re the best 56:00 – The scoreboard doesn’t always reflect the effort 1:00:00 – When it’s frustrating for your kid 1:08:30 – Advice for parents during uneven seasons 📲 🎥 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube 📱 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries Partner accounts: @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

    1h 11m
  6. Ep.9 | Youth Hockey Recruiting: What Actually Matters

    12/31/2025

    Ep.9 | Youth Hockey Recruiting: What Actually Matters

    Recruiting isn’t a moment, it’s a body of work. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down what actually matters when it comes to recruiting, scouting, showcases, and promotion in youth hockey. From the myth of “being seen” at tournaments to the rise of agents and advisors at younger and younger ages, they cut through the noise to give players, parents, and coaches a clear perspective. This episode also covers how players should prepare, what scouts are really looking for, and why the best promotion is still just being a good player. Whether you’re chasing the OHL Cup, planning your next showcase, or just trying to help your kid navigate it all, this one’s for you. Key Moments: 2:00 – Moving away & life skills through billeting 6:00 – How living away matures athletes 8:00 – Preparation for tournaments as a young player 12:30 – Mixed messages on how to prepare for games 14:00 – Do tournaments and showcases really matter? 17:30 – The importance (and limits) of the OHL Cup 20:40 – You don’t need a top team to be scouted 25:50 – Scouts can only see so much 26:10 – Handedness and other overlooked scouting factors 30:00 – Agents, advisors, and who really needs them 32:30 – Why do so many kids have reps now? 46:30 – Recruiting timelines and when things really happen 51:00 – Parent involvement: help or harm? 55:00 – The impact of parent behavior on player opportunity Stay Connected: 🎥 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube 📱 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries Partner Accounts: @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

    1h 3m
  7. Ep.8 | “Good.” Mindset, Adversity & How Great Players Respond

    12/23/2025

    Ep.8 | “Good.” Mindset, Adversity & How Great Players Respond

    Bad call? Good. Tough weekend? Good. Didn’t get the bounce, the shift, or the outcome? Good. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy take a hard look at adversity and why how you respond matters more than what actually happens. Starting by recounting the officiating at a recent tournament, they dive into the mindset made popular by Jocko Willink’s “Good” philosophy, and how it applies to hockey and life. They also explore the parable of the Chinese Farmer, and how players, parents, and coaches can use perspective to build real toughness, not just fake positivity. This one is about rewiring your brain to lean into struggle, reframe frustration, and keep showing up. Whether you’re a player who didn’t get the shift, a parent watching your kid go through it, or a coach trying to model calm under fire,  this is the episode for you. - Watch this inspiration for this podcast: Jocko Willink - “Good” - Stay Connected: Watch the Academy docu-series "Built From Steel" on YouTube Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries Partner accounts: @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzoloThe Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports.🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

    1h 1m
  8. Ep.7 | Ryan Vesce: CEO Matterhorn Fit, CHL/NCAA Changes & Future of Hockey

    12/16/2025

    Ep.7 | Ryan Vesce: CEO Matterhorn Fit, CHL/NCAA Changes & Future of Hockey

    More Information on the Matterhorn Fit All-Path Series: ⁠All-Path Ontario - Windsor, Ontario - May 15-18 2026⁠ ⁠All-Path Quebec - Montreal, Quebec - May 29-June1, 2026⁠ ⁠All-Path Western - Calgary, Alberta - June 11-14, 2026⁠ Hockey is a vehicle - for education, leadership, and life. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric is joined by Ryan Vesce, Co-Founder and CEO of Matterhorn Fit, in a special two-part release. The first half features a brand-new conversation recorded at the 2025 Matterhorn Fit All-Ivy Showcase, followed by a re-release of their original interview from over a year ago that first introduced the Matterhorn Fit philosophy, the All-Ivy event, and the now-rolling All-Path Series launching in 2026. Ryan brings a unique perspective as a retired 14-year pro, Ivy League graduate (Cornell), and now visionary behind one of the most player-focused development ecosystems in North America. Together, he and Eric dig into what’s changing in hockey between the CHL and NCAA, the implications for young players and families, and how collaboration, mindset, and long-term thinking will define who actually moves forward. Whether you're a player trying to navigate your next step, a parent weighing your options, or a coach looking at the bigger picture, this one is essential listening. Key Moments: 6:25 – The eligibility rule change & hockey as a life vehicle 7:10 – Why the collaborators will win 7:39 – What the All-Path Series is and where it's going 8:50 – NCAA recruiting trends: CHL/USHL crossover 10:35 – What kind of players actually move on 12:12 – Using hockey as a platform for life beyond the game  Re-release section includes: Ryan’s journey as an undersized player who made it pro Division I recruiting + Ivy League experience Building Matterhorn Fit into a leading performance brand The launch of the All-Ivy Showcase & vision for athlete support The All-Path Series expanding into Canada in 2026 Stay Connected: Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries Partner Accounts: @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo @MatterhornFitEvents  The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at⁠ www.biosteel.com⁠

    1h 15m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Coach Eric Palazzolo
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    14
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Coach Eric Palazzolo
  • Show Website
    Built From Steel Podcast

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