Puck Academy

Jason Jacobs
  • 5.0 (2)
  • HOCKEY
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Puck Academy is a show and newsletter exploring how hockey players grow — on and off the ice. Each week, we share conversations with coaches, players, and experts about the habits, mindset, and development process that lead to peak performance. Our mission is to help players and families make sense of the journey — what matters, what doesn’t, and how to navigate it all with purpose. How It Works 🎙 The Podcast — Smart, practical conversations with the people shaping player development. ✉️ The Newsletter — Weekly highlights and reflections to help players and parents learn together. Together, they form a growing library of ideas and stories for anyone serious about getting better — and helping others do the same. Hosted by Jason Jacobs Jason Jacobs is a lifelong builder, parent, and student of development — exploring how people and systems improve over time. Through Puck Academy, he’s combining a love of hockey with a passion for learning, growth, and making sense of how players reach their fullest form.

  1. 3D AGO

    Developing Hockey IQ: An In-depth Conversation with Coach Wes Wolfe

    In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Wes Wolfe, assistant coach of the Reading Royals in the ECHL, to discuss his comprehensive coaching background and insights on player development. Wes shares valuable lessons he has learned through 15 years of coaching across various levels, from minor leagues to international teams. The conversation dives into topics such as the evolution of coaching, the importance of building relationships with players, and the role of analytics and video in enhancing player performance. Extensive discussion also focuses on the challenges of modern hockey training environments and the potential of using technology to make high-level coaching more accessible. The episode concludes with Wes emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game and finding joy in the process as key factors for achieving high performance.  00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy  00:15 Meet Wes Wolfe: A Coach's Journey  02:26 Diving into Hockey IQ  08:47 The Evolving Role of a Coach  11:13 Analytics in Hockey: Eye Test vs. Data  19:02 Challenges in Modern Player Development  31:06 Team Dynamics and Individualization  37:13 Practical Coaching Strategies  44:17 Understanding Play Away from the Puck  45:58 The Importance of Context in Watching Games  46:40 Self-Discovery vs. Guided Learning  48:49 Learning from Different Levels of Play  50:36 The Role of Commentary and Analysis  53:37 High Frequency, High Failure Rate Areas  56:04 Balancing Individual and Team Development  01:07:30 The Potential of AI in Coaching  01:11:07 Closing the Loop in Player Development  01:12:28 The Future of Hockey Coaching  01:18:50 Barriers to Entry and Access to Resources  01:23:55 Final Thoughts and Parting Words Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

    1h 26m

  2. FEB 3

    Inside Babson Hockey: Coach Jamie Rice on Player Development and Leadership

    In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Jamie Rice, the head coach of Babson College's men's ice hockey team. Rice, a Babson alum and experienced coach, shares insights from his 21-year tenure, including his unconventional coaching methods that emphasize development, empowerment, and game-based learning over traditional drills. The discussion also explores broader themes of youth sports, parenting, and coaching philosophy, as well as the challenges facing modern college sports. Both enlightening and reflective, this episode provides a deep dive into what it takes to cultivate a successful and cohesive hockey program.  00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy  00:16 Meet Coach Jamie Rice  01:27 Coach Rice's Unique Coaching Philosophy  03:06 Personal Connections and Background  06:21 Growing Up in Newton  09:42 The Importance of Team and Sports  12:39 Goals and Aspirations  22:34 Recruitment and Team Building  26:54 Parenting and Youth Sports  47:15 Practice Philosophy and Methods  48:49 Self-Learning and Coaching Philosophy  49:40 Over-Coaching in Sports  50:15 Planning and Key Points in Practice  52:50 Influences and Inspirations  58:13 Challenges in Division One Hockey  01:06:48 Commitment to Player Development  01:12:40 Entrepreneurial Insights and Reflections  01:13:19 The Role of Individual Skill Development  01:30:03 Parental Influence and Societal Expectations  01:33:51 Final Thoughts and Reflections Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

    1h 36m

  3. JAN 27

    Inside the World of Hockey Development with Dwayne Blais, Detroit Red Wings Skill Development Coach

    In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Dwayne Blais, a Hockey Canada certified skills coach currently working with the Detroit Red Wings. They discuss Dwayne's extensive experience in player development with teams like the London Knights, Hershey Bears, and Washington Capitals, as well as his work with youth hockey through his company, Total Package Hockey (TPH). The conversation covers Dwayne's journey from his late start in hockey to coaching, the importance of fundamentals like stick-handling and scanning the ice, and the challenges and strategies of developing elite hockey talent.  They also touch on topics like balancing skill development with a love for the game, the role of technology and analytics, and the changing landscape of hockey development pathways. Throughout, Dwayne emphasizes creating good people and maintaining a balanced perspective on the sport.  00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy  00:15 Meet Dwayne Blais: Hockey Skills Coach  01:23 Dwayne's Journey in Hockey  04:47 The Importance of Skill Development  06:54 Starting Total Package Hockey  12:48 Transition from Player to Coach  19:14 The Rise of Private Hockey Schools  24:00 Balancing Hockey and Life  32:42 Parental Influence on Athletic Development  34:19 Balancing Encouragement and Accountability  35:48 Personal Reflections on Parenting Styles  36:59 The Role of Self-Motivation in Sports  38:52 Challenges of Modern Youth Sports  41:16 Outdoor Rinks and Unstructured Play  44:50 Accessibility and Resources in Competitive Sports  49:58 Teaching Hockey IQ and Skills  55:54 The Importance of Communication and Scanning  01:02:00 Coaching Strategies for Skill Development  01:06:56 Accountability and Skill Development at Home  01:10:10 The Role of Coaches in Player Development  01:13:51 Analytics vs. Eye Test in Hockey  01:21:47 Teaching Hockey IQ and Player Development  01:32:18 Changes in the Development Path and NCAA  01:38:47 Final Thoughts on Hockey Development Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

    1h 42m

  4. JAN 20

    Navigating the Evolving Landscape of College Hockey with Sacred Heart's Scott McDougall

    In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs delves into the intricate world of college hockey with Scott McDougall, Senior Associate Head Coach for Sacred Heart University's Men's Hockey Program. Scott shares insights from his extensive coaching career, starting from his days as a player at the University of Connecticut, through his coaching stints at Wesleyan and the Neponset Valley River Rats. They discuss the challenges of recruiting in a constantly shifting landscape, the impact of the CHL and pro players on college hockey, and the vital elements in player development and scouting. Scott recounts a recent ordeal during a recruiting trip to Canada, reflecting on the unpredictabilities of a coach's life on the road. The episode offers a candid look at the pressures, changes, and joys of coaching college hockey today.  00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy  00:15 Meet Scott McDougall: Sacred Heart's Senior Associate Head Coach  00:33 Scott's Journey and Career Highlights 01:19 Challenges and Changes in College Hockey  02:35 A Crazy Recruiting Story  07:48 Life on the Road as a Coach  08:59 Jason's Personal Hockey Journey  11:01 Scott's Early Hockey Days  12:42 Coaching Philosophy and Changes Over Time  15:23 Transition to Coaching and the River Rats  21:17 The Evolution of Sacred Heart's Hockey Program  22:04 The Role of Family in Hockey Development  26:22 The Role of Recruiting in College Hockey  28:10 Balancing Early Talent Identification and Development  29:45 The Importance of Competitiveness  33:52 Navigating the Path to College Hockey  39:40 Challenges in College Hockey Recruiting  40:31 The Impact of Changes in College Hockey  45:11 Adapting to the Evolving Landscape  51:23 Advice for Aspiring Players and Coaches  53:38 Concluding Thoughts on the Future of Hockey Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

    58 min

  5. JAN 13

    Preserving the State of Hockey: A Conversation with the Minnesota Wild's Mike Snee

    In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Mike Snee, Vice President of Foundation and Community Relations for the Minnesota Wild. Mike speaks about his extensive career in hockey, including his tenure as Executive Director of College Hockey Inc. and Minnesota Hockey. He discusses the unique community-oriented model of hockey in Minnesota, emphasizing the importance of public ice facilities and local participation. The conversation also explores the challenges of maintaining this model amidst the privatization of youth sports, and why it is crucial to preserving and growing the sport in Minnesota. Additionally, Mike explains the new 'Skate It Forward' initiative aimed at making hockey more accessible and ensuring continuous player participation across the state.  00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy  00:15 Meet Mike Snee: A Hockey Visionary  01:34 Mike's Journey in Hockey  01:58 The Minnesota Hockey Model  02:06 Community vs. Privatized Youth Sports  06:20 Mike's Early Life and Hockey Passion  12:07 The State of Hockey: Minnesota's Unique Approach  23:05 The Role of Community Ice Facilities  30:38 Comparing Rink Ownership Models: Massachusetts vs. Minnesota  32:20 Philanthropy in Minnesota Hockey: The Skated Forward Initiative  33:52 Making Hockey Accessible: Overcoming Cost Barriers  36:35 The Big Wild Program: Introducing Kids to Hockey  38:14 The Minnesota Model: Community-Based Hockey Development  39:44 Historical Context: The Evolution of Hockey in Minnesota  43:16 Challenges and Opportunities: Privatized vs. Community Hockey  45:38 The Importance of Youth Participation in Hockey  47:48 Minnesota's Success: Producing Top-Level Hockey Players  56:38 Concluding Thoughts: The Future of Minnesota Hockey Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

    58 min

  6. JAN 6

    Breaking New Ground: Peter Masters on the Rise of the Junior Bruins and Masters Academy International

    In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs talks with Peter Masters, owner and program director of the Junior Bruins and co-founder of Masters Academy International. Peter shares insights from his extensive experience in player development and club hockey, detailing the growth of the Junior Bruins, the evolution of youth hockey in New England, and the challenges and triumphs of founding New England's first academy combining elite sports and top-tier academics. He also discusses the significance of individual skill, player IQ, and the role of family in athletic development. The episode delves into the ambitious vision behind Masters Academy International, its comprehensive facilities, and the rigorous planning and partnerships that are bringing this pioneering school to life.  00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy  00:18 Meet Peter Masters: Junior Bruins Legacy  01:51 The Evolution of Junior Hockey  02:28 Masters Academy International: A New Venture  03:12 Peter's First Podcast Experience  04:34 Growing Up with Hockey: Peter and Chris  09:07 The Origin Story of the Junior Bruins  14:49 The Junior Hockey Experience  17:46 Player Development and Early Specialization  22:43 Family Influence in Hockey  25:30 Balancing Push and Passion in Youth Sports  30:41 The Changing Landscape of Youth Hockey  31:50 The Role of Club Teams and Tournaments  36:23 The State of Hockey Today  38:39 Development Inside and Outside the Team  41:10 Skill vs. IQ in Modern Hockey  46:23 Reflecting on Past Hockey Experiences  47:50 Transition to Building a Youth Hockey Academy  48:26 Challenges in Recruiting and Competing with Prep Schools  49:27 Conceptualizing a New Prep School Model  55:51 Finding the Right Property for the Academy  01:01:07 Securing Funding and Overcoming Obstacles  01:14:00 Building the Academy: Facilities and Staff  01:17:20 Recruitment Strategies and Enrollment Goals  01:21:54 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Prospective Students Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

    1h 28m

  7. 12/30/2025

    Mastering the Game: Insights with Trevor Edwards, GM of Dubuque Fighting Saints

    In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs discusses the growth and development of hockey players both on and off the ice with guest Trevor Edwards. Trevor, who is a former varsity hockey player at Clarkson University and the current GM of the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL, shares his extensive experience in player development. He also discusses his role in the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Youth organization. The conversation covers a range of topics, including the evolution of the game, self-direction, the role of parents and coaches, and the balance between structure and creativity. They delve into the importance of environment and decision-making in player development, and explore whether hockey IQ can be taught. Trevor also offers advice to parents on selecting the right developmental environment for their children. This episode provides valuable insights for anyone involved in the world of hockey.  00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy  00:15 Meet Trevor Edwards  00:47 Trevor's Journey and Involvement in Hockey  01:00 Discussion on Player Development and Coaching  01:35 Starting the Interview: Trevor's Initial Reaction  06:48 Trevor's Coaching Philosophy and Experience  11:53 The Role of Environment in Player Development  22:06 Balancing Structure and Creativity in Hockey  27:57 Scouting and Coaching: Eyes vs. Data  31:33 Self-Direction and Holistic Development  35:57 Athlete-Led Development  37:13 Balancing Structure and Fun in Youth Sports  38:31 The Role of Parents and Coaches  39:48 Creating a Positive Team Environment  41:34 Challenges in Youth Sports Development  46:19 Teaching Hockey IQ  59:34 Assessing Coaching Quality  01:02:36 Final Thoughts and Parting Words Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

    1h 5m

  8. 12/23/2025

    Ryan Kosecki, GM of Youngstown Phantoms, on Hockey Player Development

    In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs sits down with Ryan Kosecki, GM of Youngstown Phantoms, Assistant GM for the Maryland Black Bears, Co-General Manager of Junior Hockey at Black Bear Sports Group, and Head Coach for the Fox Motors U16 AAA team. Ryan shares his extensive experience in hockey, discussing his career trajectory and insights into the evolving landscape of the sport. Key topics include the impact of recent rule changes, the role of technology and analytics, the importance of balancing fun with competitiveness in youth hockey, and the intricacies of scouting and player development. Ryan also addresses the challenges of making hockey more accessible and the role of data in enhancing player performance.  00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy  00:15 Meet Ryan Kosecki: A Multifaceted Hockey Manager  04:01 Ryan's Journey in Hockey  05:50 Changes in the Game: Then and Now  08:01 Balancing Fun and Competitiveness in Youth Hockey  11:06 Traits of Impact Players  13:45 Teaching Competitiveness and Hockey IQ  16:20 The Role of Video in Player Development  19:24 The Importance of Skill Coaches  24:05 Late Bloomers and the Path to Success  29:43 Balancing Development and Competition in Youth Hockey  32:47 The Unique Nature of Hockey Scouting  35:21 Evaluating Players: Beyond the Basics  39:06 The Role of GMs and Coaches in Junior Hockey  42:12 Challenges and Trends in Growing the Game  49:04 The Future of Analytics and Technology in Hockey  55:28 Final Thoughts and Parting Words Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

    57 min
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5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Puck Academy is a show and newsletter exploring how hockey players grow — on and off the ice. Each week, we share conversations with coaches, players, and experts about the habits, mindset, and development process that lead to peak performance. Our mission is to help players and families make sense of the journey — what matters, what doesn’t, and how to navigate it all with purpose. How It Works 🎙 The Podcast — Smart, practical conversations with the people shaping player development. ✉️ The Newsletter — Weekly highlights and reflections to help players and parents learn together. Together, they form a growing library of ideas and stories for anyone serious about getting better — and helping others do the same. Hosted by Jason Jacobs Jason Jacobs is a lifelong builder, parent, and student of development — exploring how people and systems improve over time. Through Puck Academy, he’s combining a love of hockey with a passion for learning, growth, and making sense of how players reach their fullest form.

Information

  • Creator
    Jason Jacobs
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    76
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Puck Academy, 2025
  • Show Website
    Puck Academy

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