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.18 | Using Sports to Parent *Mini Series Ep.1*

    1D AGO

    Ep.18 | Using Sports to Parent *Mini Series Ep.1*

    Youth sports are filled with passionate parents, but very little guidance on how to actually navigate the journey. In Episode 18 of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy begin a six-part mini series focused entirely on parenting in youth sports. This first episode sets the foundation by addressing why parent education is one of the most overlooked parts of player development. From understanding why kids should play sports in the first place, to the reality of where most players ultimately end up, the conversation explores the difficult balance between supporting your child’s ambitions while staying grounded in realistic expectations. They also tackle one of the hardest questions families face: how much influence should a parent have in the path, and how much should come from the player themselves? There is no single formula, no perfect development path, and no guaranteed outcome, which is exactly why these conversations matter. This episode is designed for parents trying to support their child the right way, while navigating the noise, pressure, and constant information surrounding youth sports today. Key Moments 0:00 – Why parent education matters in youth sports 10:00 – The real reasons kids should play sports 18:00 – Where most hockey players ultimately end up 27:00 – There is no recipe for making it 31:00 – Balancing support vs realistic expectations for your child 40:30 – How much should the player guide their own path? Key Themes Why youth sports can feel like the blind leading the blind Sports teach kids that life is not always fair Why sports can actually make parenting easier — if approached correctly The myth that you must play AAA at a young age to succeed Why parents often search for a “formula” that doesn’t exist The challenge of letting your child drive their own development journey Stay Connected: Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

    55 min
  2. Ep.17 | Why Hockey Players "Slow Down" During the Season

    MAR 8

    Ep.17 | Why Hockey Players "Slow Down" During the Season

    In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we break down one of the most misunderstood areas of hockey development: in-season training. Many players and parents assume lifting should stop once the season begins. Others go to the opposite extreme - training too hard, too often, and destroying recovery between games. The reality sits somewhere in the middle. We discuss how to structure training during the season so players can maintain strength, stay explosive, and reduce injury risk, without interfering with performance on the ice. The conversation also touches on player expectations, emotional maturity in the game, the team concept, and the realities of how difficult hockey truly is at higher levels. If you’re a player, parent, or coach trying to understand how to train properly during a long season, this episode provides practical clarity on what to prioritize — and what to avoid. In This Episode, We Cover Why most players slow down by the end of the season The difference between fatigue and overtraining Why stopping strength training causes performance drop-off Intensity vs volume in-season What actually causes soreness before games The structure of an effective in-season workout Why communication between coaches and trainers matters The “all-or-nothing” mistake many athletes make with training How hockey is ultimately a battle against physical breakdown Key Moments 00:00 – Parent expectations and early conversation 08:30 – Players are watching their parents 11:00 – How difficult hockey really is 14:00 – Brian Prout takeaways 19:30 – The 60/20/20 rule 22:00 – What the true average level of play looks like 23:00 – Managing emotions during games 25:50 – Buying into the team concept 28:00 – Players with size and handling physical play 30:00 – Listening more than talking In-Season Training Discussion 34:00 – The five buckets of off-ice training 35:00 – Strength, power, and injury prevention 36:00 – The “all-or-nothing” training mistake 38:50 – Intensity vs volume 43:15 – Structure of an in-season workout 44:50 – Sticking to the script with training plans 48:30 – Hockey as a battle against body breakdown 52:00 – Understanding overtraining 53:00 – Trainers not aligned with game schedules 54:30 – What actually causes soreness 57:00 – Conditioning during the season In-season training isn’t about getting stronger. It’s about not getting weaker. The players who stay consistent with smart training are the ones who still feel explosive when playoffs arrive. - 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 5m
  3. Ep.16 | Inside OHL Scouting with Saginaw Spirit AGM Brian Prout

    MAR 1

    Ep.16 | Inside OHL Scouting with Saginaw Spirit AGM Brian Prout

    This week on the Built From Steel Podcast, we share a full conversation with Brian Prout, Assistant General Manager of the Saginaw Spirit (OHL), who spent time speaking with our U16 and U18 teams about what actually matters at the next level. This wasn’t a highlight reel conversation. It was honest, direct, and educational. Brian breaks down the Five Pillars of OHL Scouting, what scouts really watch during games (including the bench), why character is evaluated long before talent ceiling, and why the draft especially the U16 draft doesn’t guarantee anything. We dive into common youth hockey questions: How important is being on a “good” team? Does it matter who you play with? Are tournaments and the OHL Cup critical? How much should players listen to parents? What do scouts value that families often misunderstand? Brian shares stories of underdog signings, draft misconceptions, emotional maturity, and what separates players who last in the OHL from those who plateau. The Q&A portion covers size, bouncing back from mistakes, defensive vs offensive evaluation, imports, and whether there’s ever a point where it’s too late to chase the game seriously. This episode is for players, parents, and coaches who want real perspective on how OHL organizations evaluate talent, beyond points and rankings. In This Episode, We Cover: The Five Pillars of OHL Scouting Why scouts watch the bench Character and embracing the grind The truth about the OHL Draft Underdog stories and overlooked players Being on a good team vs being a good teammate Parent influence and minor hockey mindset What scouts look for vs what parents think matters Emotional regulation and body language Defensive vs offensive evaluation Finding your voice as a player Key Moments 00:00 – Intro to Brian Prout & the Saginaw Spirit03:30 – The Five Pillars of OHL Scouting06:15 – Character and being a good teammate10:00 – Why scouts watch the bench12:00 – Underdog signings & Sebastien Gervais24:00 – The draft doesn’t guarantee anything28:00 – Do you love hockey, or do you love the draft?44:15 – How important is being on a good team?53:00 – Minor hockey mindset & parent influence1:00:00 – Translatable skills scouts value Player Q&A: 1:31:22 – Advice for players concerned about size and physical development 1:35:00 – How much attention scouts pay to players on the bench 1:39:00 – Bouncing back from mistakes, consistency, and what stands out most 1:47:00 – Defensive zone vs offensive zone habits in player evaluation 1:49:00 – Is there ever a point where it’s too late to pursue hockey seriously? 1:53:00 – Import players and how roster rules impact decisions 1:56:00 – Managing emotions and body language during games 2:02:20 – Memorial Cup ring  If you care about development, projection, and understanding how OHL teams truly build rosters, this conversation offers real clarity. 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

    2h 6m
  4. Ep.15 | Coaching Toughness — What It Is & How to Build It

    FEB 22

    Ep.15 | Coaching Toughness — What It Is & How to Build It

    In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we unpack one of the most misunderstood words in youth hockey: toughness. We break down the difference between physical toughness and emotional toughness, why yelling doesn’t build resilience, and how real toughness is trained through intentional adversity, not fear. Coach Andy shares his coaching philosophy, why he’s stepping back into youth coaching, and what his teams are built on. We also discuss how parents either strengthen or weaken toughness at home especially during difficult seasons. This episode is for anyone who wants to develop athletes who are steady under pressure, disciplined in chaos, and resilient in adversity. In This Episode, We Cover: Why most people define toughness incorrectly Emotional regulation vs physical grit Coaching winning vs coaching development How to design adversity into practice Teaching players to respond instead of react Discomfort with purpose - not punishment Good cop / bad cop dynamics in coaching Modeling toughness as a parent and coach Key Moments: 00:00 – Motivational books & why toughness matters 04:00 – Introducing Coach Andy coaching U16 AAA 10:00 – Andy’s coaching philosophy 17:40 – Defining toughness 21:00 – How to coach toughness 34:00 – Emotional toughness: listen to the message, not the tone 41:00 – Discomfort with purpose 43:00 – Strategies to implement ‘toughness’ with your team 52:00 – Good cop / bad cop coaching dynamics “Toughness is having the skills to survive all challenging moments” - Coach Eric 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

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

    FEB 15

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    18
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Coach Eric Palazzolo
  • Show Website
    Built From Steel Podcast

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