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.26 | A/AA to AAA: What Actually Matters in Player Development

    18H AGO

    Ep.26 | A/AA to AAA: What Actually Matters in Player Development

    In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy tackle one of the biggest questions in youth hockey development: When should players move from A/AA to AAA and how much does it actually matter? From the pressure parents feel to “move up” early to the reality of how players develop over time, this conversation breaks down what truly separates good players from great ones. The episode also explores expectations when joining new teams, the emotional side of parenting through hockey, the evolution of the game itself, and how today’s youth hockey system is changing. At its core, this episode challenges one of the biggest myths in youth sports: The best players are usually just the best players regardless of where they play when they’re young. Key Moments 0:00 – NHL Draft Lottery & OHL Draft discussion 4:00 – You don’t need to play AAA at 10 years old 5:30 – Reflecting on an OHL career as a hockey parent 9:00 – Expectations when joining a new team 13:00 – Living life through your child 18:00 – Introduction to A/AA → AAA development 22:00 – What makes a good young hockey player? 25:40 – The best players usually separate themselves naturally 27:00 – Why kids leave teams and organizations 28:15 – A first-round pick is a first-round pick anywhere 28:50 – When should AA players jump to AAA? 34:00 – Repetition and building skill through reps 38:15 – Coaching differences across levels 40:00 – Teaching the skills required to advance levels 42:20 – Why superteams can create bad habits 44:00 – Demographic shifts in hockey participation 47:00 – Why hockey is losing inner-city athletes 50:00 – Old vs New age hockey players 53:00 – The financial realities of hockey 53:30 – Rethinking the youth hockey system 55:00 – The rise of academy models 57:00 – Asking better questions in life and hockey Key Themes AAA at a young age is not a guarantee of long-term success Development is about habits, reps, and growth over time The environment matters — but so does perspective Great players tend to separate themselves regardless of level Superteams can sometimes hide development flaws Parents must balance support without projecting expectations Hockey’s system continues to evolve socially, financially, and structurally 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 SportsLearn more at www.biosteel.com

    1h 8m
  2. Ep.25 | Exceptional Status, Junior Camps & The Reality of “Making It”

    MAY 3

    Ep.25 | Exceptional Status, Junior Camps & The Reality of “Making It”

    In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy take a hard look at one of the most misunderstood parts of the hockey journey: what it actually takes to make it and why most players don’t. From Exceptional Status in the OHL to junior camps, draft results, and long-term outcomes, this conversation breaks down the gap between perception and reality. They dive into the mindset parents often bring into these moments, how difficult it truly is to make junior teams, and what happens to players years after they’re drafted, not just on draft day. This episode is about removing emotion, understanding the odds, and making better decisions based on reality not hype. Key Moments 1:30 – Exceptional Status in the OHL 2:30 – Andy’s perspective on Exceptional Status 14:00 – Junior tryouts & team selection reality 2:10 – Why you might not make a team even if you’re good enough 24:20 – Taking the “parent lens” off when evaluating your kid 30:00 – Where players from the 2021 OHL Draft ended up (Rounds 1–15) 46:50 – Where players from the 2021 OHL Draft ended up (Rounds 2) 48:00 – When skill doesn’t translate to staying at the next level 54:30 – Easton Cowan’s path toward the NHL 58:00 – Second-round picks who stopped playing 1:02:00 – Comparing two second-round picks — different outcomes 1:08:00 – The reality: hockey paths are all over the map 1:09:00 – The “filters” of hockey development 1:10:15 – Adversity is coming — no matter what 1:12:00 – The thing you think matters most… usually isn’t Key Themes Exceptional status doesn’t guarantee long-term success Junior camps are evaluation tools not guarantees Draft position ≠ career outcome Parents often view the journey emotionally instead of objectively The best opportunities come when you’re wanted, not chasing validation  Every player’s path is different and unpredictable Development is about surviving the filters, not winning early 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 14m
  3. Ep.24 | Tryouts, Open Borders, & What to do After U16 Hockey

    APR 26

    Ep.24 | Tryouts, Open Borders, & What to do After U16 Hockey

    In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we break down one of the biggest challenges in youth hockey today: patience. We open with a clip from NHL coach John Tortorella speaking about players wanting everything immediately — roles, opportunity, advancement — without understanding the reality of how progression actually works. From there, we dive into the current state of AAA tryouts in Ontario, how open borders have changed the landscape, and why the traditional idea of “earning your spot” is becoming less clear. We also discuss the growing “entourage” around young players — parents, advisors, outside influences and how that can impact decision-making during some of the most important development years. The conversation then shifts to one of the most critical moments in a player’s path: after the U16 year and draft window. Whether you were drafted, overlooked, or moved teams, we break down how to think through your next steps with a long-term mindset. This episode is for players, parents, and coaches navigating tryout season, roster decisions, and the pressure of early development expectations. In This Episode, We Cover Why players need to learn to wait their turn The reality of progression in hockey development How AAA tryouts and open borders have changed minor hockey The impact of parents, agents, and outside voices What to do if you get cut — or make a new team Why families struggle with decision-making in youth hockey What happens after the U16 draft (drafted and undrafted players) How to evaluate the right path moving forward The importance of removing bias and emotion from decisions Key Moments 01:50 – John Tortorella on players waiting their turn 02:35 – Andy’s reaction and perspective 04:30 – The reality of waiting your turn 05:30 – Rushing to the next level 07:30 – Is there really such a thing as tryouts anymore? 08:40 – The professionalization of youth sports 12:30 – The “entourage” around young players 13:30 – Being careful who you surround yourself with 18:00 – Tryouts and open borders in minor hockey 21:40 – Selling youth hockey to families 27:00 – What to do if you get cut or make a new team 35:00 – Why parents struggle with decisions 37:00 – Draft pick examples and realities 43:00 – What to do after the U16 draft 53:00 – Where players actually end up post-draft 59:00 – Taking off the rose-coloured glasses 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 3m
  4. Ep.23 | Supporting & Communicating with Your Kids *Mini Series Ep.6*

    APR 19

    Ep.23 | Supporting & Communicating with Your Kids *Mini Series Ep.6*

    In Episode 6 of our Parenting Through Sports mini-series, Eric and Andy bring everything together by defining what the role of a parent actually is in youth sports. • What does it really mean to support your child? • How do you balance being positive while still holding them accountable? • When does “pushing your kid” cross the line? • How should you handle distractions, school, and social life? • What does effective communication actually look like? • How do you prepare your child to eventually navigate things on their own? This episode breaks down the reality behind these questions and offers practical guidance for parents trying to raise both strong athletes and well-rounded people. From managing tone and discipline to creating the right environment and leading by example, the focus is on helping parents build habits, values, and independence — not just outcomes. At its core, this episode comes down to one simple idea:Your job isn’t to control your child’s path - it’s to prepare them to handle it themselves. Key Moments 0:00 – Intro & framing the final episode of the series 4:20 – When is a game actually “real”? 5:30 – The downside of easy games Section 1 – The Role of the Parent 11:00 – Wrapping up the parenting mini-series 12:30 – What is the job of the parent in youth sports? 12:50 – Being positive and supportive as a foundation 14:50 – What real discipline actually looks like Section 2 – Balancing Support & Pressure 17:00 – Creating an environment that is fun but serious 18:00 – Why sports should still be enjoyable 20:30 – Being hard on your kid vs crossing the line 24:20 – How to push your child the right way 28:00 – Why tone matters more than message Section 3 – Environment & Development 31:30 – Process over outcomes 34:30 – What defines a good environment 39:00 – Leading by example as a parent Section 4 – Real Life & Distractions 45:00 – Navigating real-life distractions (school, social events) 51:00 – Managing distractions in real time 53:00 – Handling focus as an athlete Section 5 – Communication & Growth 54:30 – Financial support and investment 59:50 – Don’t pretend to be perfect as a parent 1:04:15 – Positive reinforcement vs criticism 1:05:10 – Being specific with feedback 1:06:00 – Using stories to teach lessons 1:08:40 – The importance of non-verbal communication 1:13:00 – Letting your kids learn for themselves 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 14m
  5. Ep.22 | Keys to Training and Skill Development *Mini Series Ep.5*

    APR 12

    Ep.22 | Keys to Training and Skill Development *Mini Series Ep.5*

    What should we actually be doing for skill development? In Part 5 of our Parenting Through Sports Mini-Series, Eric and Andy break down the realities of skill development in youth hockey, what actually translates to games, and how families should approach training in a world full of options. From the explosion of private coaching and “elite” training environments to the pressure of doing more, earlier, this episode tackles one of the biggest questions in youth sports: Is more training actually better? More importantly, it provides a framework for how to make better decisions around development. Because in most cases, it’s not about doing more, it’s about doing the right things, at the right time, for the right reasons. Key Moments 0:00 – OHL Playoff updates 5:40 – TJ Hughes story & what it really means Understanding Skill Development 15:40 – The evolution of skill development in hockey 25:00 – What actually translates to games 28:00 – Practicing the wrong way — does it hurt you? Training Volume vs Effectiveness 33:30 – Is more training actually better? 37:00 – Quality vs quantity 38:40 – Letting kids drive the process Making Smart Development Decisions 43:50 – What’s necessary vs what’s a luxury 46:00 – Building a real training plan 53:00 – Top-tier trainers don’t guarantee results 56:00 – Players don’t need to be perfect going into camps Choosing the Right Environment 1:01:10 – Red flags vs green flags when evaluating coaches and training Key Themes Skill development must translate to the game More training doesn’t always equal better development Quality and intention matter more than volume There is no one-size-fits-all development plan Parents often overestimate what’s “necessary” The best players learn how to work — not just train 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 SportsLearn more at⁠ www.biosteel.com⁠

    1h 6m
  6. Ep.21 | Coaches, Conflict & Communication *Mini Series Episode 4*

    APR 5

    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
  7. 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
  8. 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
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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
    26
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Coach Eric Palazzolo
  • Show Website
    Built From Steel Podcast

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