Episode 59: Dartmouth Asst. Coach Jason Tapp - “I’ve Crossed Kids Off Because of Their Parents”

About this episode

Jason Tapp discusses the impact of parent behavior on college hockey recruiting and the essential traits sought in players.

What really matters in recruiting… and what quietly kills it. Scott and Jamie sit down with Jason Tapp , Dartmouth College's assistant Men's Ice Hockey coach, live from Lake Placid ahead of the ECAC semis, for a candid look at how college recruiting actually works (and what families get wrong). Tapp breaks down the three non-negotiables they look for in players - character, compete, and hockey IQ - and why talent alone isn’t enough to make it at the college level. He also shares a blunt reality: he’s crossed players off recruiting lists because of parent behavior and why that’s an immediate red flag for programs. The conversation goes deeper into youth hockey decisions, why chasing the “best team” is often a mistake, why tier doesn’t really matter at younger ages , and how development is a long runway, not a sprint . Tapp also opens up as a hockey parent himself, admitting he feels the same pressure as everyone else and why he’s shifted to letting his kids drive their own development . In this episode: The 3 traits Dartmouth won’t compromise on in recruiting Why parent behavior can eliminate a player instantly The truth about Tier 1 vs Tier 2 (and when it actually matters) The…

People in this episode

Hosts: Scott, Jamie

Guest: Jason Tapp

Topics covered

• college recruiting
• youth hockey
• parent behavior
• player development
• hockey IQ

Keywords

• recruiting
• hockey
• youth sports
• player development
• parent involvement
• character
• compete
• hockey IQ

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Dartmouth College

Places: Lake Placid

More episodes of Crazy Hockey Dads Podcast

• Episode 70: Hockey Is Becoming Unaffordable (with Zechariah Thomas) · June 10, 2026 · 1h 47m
• Episode 69: Bring The Juice w/ Princeton Head Coach Ben Syer · June 3, 2026 · 2h 23m
• Episode 68: Keith Mondillo - The Youth Sports Machine Is Out of Control · May 27, 2026 · 2h 11m
• Episode 67: Spring Hockey Is Out of Control… and Hockey Parents Know It · May 20, 2026 · 1h 42m
• Episode 66: The Man Building “Hockey Paradise” in Florida - Larry Robbins · May 13, 2026 · 2h 39m
• Episode 65: “If You’re Good, They’ll Find You” w/ Connor & Kellen Jones · May 6, 2026 · 2h 19m