Worth Repeating: Ross Gurney on Enjoying Youth Sports for What They Are

Worth Repeating: Ross Gurney on Enjoying Youth Sports for What They Are

May 29, 2026 · 13 min · Season 1

About this episode

Ross Gurney discusses the importance of enjoying youth sports as a joyful experience rather than a pathway to professional sports.

Veteran sports agent and advisor Ross Gurney has helped players like Duncan Keith, Devon Toews, and Zach Benson navigate their way to and through the NHL, but he's also a father who's had to navigate the youth sports environment with his own two children. Though he's seen what it actually takes to make it to the highest levels of sport, Ross doesn't believe that early specialization, "elite" camps, and rushing kids up levels have improved the youth sports environment or experience for kids. In this segment, Ross encourages parents to slow down and enjoy youth sport for what they're meant to be - a joyful experience filled with growth and learning, not one that replicates the demands of professional sports. Listen to the full episode: ⁠Spotify⁠ ⁠Apple⁠ Watch on ⁠YouTube

People in this episode

Host: Scott Rintoul

Guest: Ross Gurney

Topics covered

Keywords

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: NHL

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