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.21 | Coaches, Conflict & Communication *Mini Series Episode 4*

    1D AGO

    Ep.21 | Coaches, Conflict & Communication *Mini Series Episode 4*

    Every parent and player will face it at some point - frustration with a coach. In Part 4 of our Parenting Through Sports Mini-Series, Eric and Andy break down the realities of coaching in youth hockey, what families should actually expect, and how to handle conflict when things don’t go your way. From ice time, favoritism, and communication gaps to deeper issues like misalignment, politics, and difficult personalities behind the bench, this episode tackles the situations that create the most tension between parents, players, and coaches. More importantly, it provides a framework for how to respond. Because in most cases, you won’t change your coach, but you can change how you handle it. Key Moments 0:00 – U16 OHL Cup play-in game & expectations at high levels 11:50 – What should you expect from a youth hockey coach? Parent–Coach Dynamics 12:20 – What “good coaching” actually looks like 14:00 – The reality: good coaching often comes at a cost 16:00 – Volunteer or paid — responsibility is the same 19:10 – Common parent–coach conflicts – Favoritism and parent coaches – Poor communication – Power dynamics and “control” coaching – Misalignment in expectations 22:40 – What to do when you disagree with your coach 28:10 – Coaches don’t see everything 32:30 – You may not fully understand what’s being asked 38:00 – You don’t need to know every detail of the plan Handling Difficult Situations 40:45 – Dealing with a difficult or emotional coach 42:40 – You won’t change your coach — now what? 48:00 – When you don’t agree with how you’re being used 50:30 – Developing your game regardless of role Communication & Growth 54:00 – Asking better questions reveals better answers 59:00 – Politics mainly affects fringe players 1:09:00 – Hockey is tough — and that’s part of it 1:12:00 – How to approach conversations with your coach 1:13:45 – Players should lead communication Key Themes You don’t need a perfect coach to develop Most conflict comes from misalignment, not malice Parents often underestimate what they don’t see behind the scenes Politics exist but they rarely stop top players Communication is a skill that players need to learn early Growth comes from how you respond not your situation 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

    1h 25m
  2. Ep.20 | Age Appropriate Development *Mini Series Ep.3* - Built From Steel Podcast

    MAR 29

    Ep.20 | Age Appropriate Development *Mini Series Ep.3* - Built From Steel Podcast

    Development isn’t one-size-fits-all, and timing matters more than most people think. In Episode 3 of our Parenting Through Sports Mini-Series, Eric and Andy break down what age-appropriate development actually looks like from the earliest years all the way through U18. Using real examples and current conversations around events like the OHL Cup, they walk through what players should be focusing on at each stage and where parents often get it wrong. From over-instruction at a young age to the pressure of AAA decisions, early development illusions, and navigating puberty and the draft years, this episode provides a clear framework for how players should grow physically, mentally, and emotionally over time. The goal isn’t to rush development.It’s to align it. Key Moments 0:00 – OHL Cup play-in game & what these tournaments really mean 2:00 – Committing to what actually translates 6:00 – Do big tournaments matter at young ages? Ages 0–8: Foundations 9:01 – Early development: fun, movement, and avoiding over-instruction 13:00 – The dangers of over-coaching young players 26:10 – Half-ice vs full-ice development Ages 9–11: Building Confidence & Skill 31:01 – When to consider AA → AAA 36:00 – Timing the jump to higher levels 38:00 – Confidence and its impact on outcomes 43:00 – The politics behind making teams Ages 12–14: Growth & Reality Checks 44:40 – Development through puberty 52:00 – Learning to train and love the gym 1:04:00 – Early vs late development (and the illusion it creates) Ages 15–18: Identity & Opportunity 1:10:46 – Finding your role vs putting yourself in a box 1:15:00 – Building skills that complement your game 1:19:00 – Preparing for the U16 draft years 1:22:00 – What actually separates players 1:27:00 – Everyone says they want it but do they really?  Key Themes Development must match where the player is, not where you want them to be Early success doesn’t guarantee long-term outcomes Confidence and timing play a bigger role than most people realize Over-instruction can limit creativity and growth The best players evolve by adding to their game, not forcing an identity too early Long-term development always beats short-term wins Stay Connected Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube Follow on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeries @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzoloThe Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

    1h 34m
  3. Ep.19 | The Pressures on Sports Parents *Mini Series Ep.2*

    MAR 22

    Ep.19 | The Pressures on Sports Parents *Mini Series Ep.2*

    In Episode 2 of our Parenting Through Sports mini-series, Eric and Andy dive into the most common pressures parents face navigating the youth hockey world. • When should you move to AAA? • How should you approach extra skill development? • Is spring hockey actually worth it? • Should you switch organizations or stay where you are? • Do you really need an agent? • What are the true costs: financial, social, and family-related? This episode breaks down the reality behind these questions and offers practical guidance for parents trying to make the right decisions. From the pressure of competing with other parents at a young age to the growing business of youth hockey, the focus is on helping families make clear, long-term decisions — not emotional, short-term ones. At its core, this episode comes down to one simple idea:There is no single decision that will make or break your child’s hockey future. Key Moments 0:00 – The importance of community and the “family” feel in youth hockey 1:30 – When parents start competing with each other 8:30 – Introduction to the pressures of parenting in sport Section 1 – Moving Up & Chasing Levels 12:00 – When should you move to AAA or a higher level? 12:50 – Competing at age 10: who’s better? 17:50 – Thinking long-term vs short-term decisions 23:30 – Jumping teams at the junior level 28:10 – Focus on where you are today 29:10 – “Be where your feet are” 31:30 – Chasing the dream vs chasing the wrong things Section 2 – Training & Skill Development 33:00 – Extra training: player-driven vs parent-driven 34:20 – The reality of extra skill sessions 41:00 – How to evaluate skills coaches 44:00 – Why generic advice doesn’t apply to your child 47:30 – Parents chasing validation and feedback 49:00 – The illusion of early development Section 3 – Spring Hockey & the Industry 50:00 – Spring hockey and what it actually means 51:00 – Youth hockey as a growing business 53:00 – Is spring hockey the “real” hockey? Section 4 – Structure, Movement & Systems 58:00 – What if your local organization isn’t ideal? 1:01:00 – Why being good where you are still matters 1:02:30 – Open borders and movement decisions Section 5 – Agents & Exposure 1:10:00 – Do players actually need an agent? Section 6 – Cost & Reality 1:16:00 – The real cost of youth hockey (time, money, lifestyle) 1:24:10 – Financial considerations families overlook 1:26:00 – The one piece of equipment worth investing in 1:30:00 – Making hockey more accessible (Minnesota model) Section 7 – Social Pressure & Life Balance 1:35:00 – Balancing hockey with real life – Navigating pressure, expectations, and priorities 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

    1h 42m
  4. Ep.18 | Using Sports to Parent *Mini Series Ep.1*

    MAR 15

    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
  5. 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
  6. 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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    21
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Coach Eric Palazzolo
  • Show Website
    Built From Steel Podcast

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