Episode 66: The Man Building “Hockey Paradise” in Florida - Larry Robbins

About this episode

Larry Robbins discusses the evolution of youth hockey and the development ecosystem he is building in Florida.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Larry Robbins - hedge fund founder, former Chicago Steel owner, builder of Longwood Hockey, and the driving force behind the Florida Surf - for one of the most honest youth hockey conversations CHD has had yet. Larry pulls back the curtain on how he went from a self-described “bad hockey player” to helping build powerhouse development environments that produced NHL stars like Lane Hutson, Macklin Celebrini, Adam Fantilli, Owen Power, and Alex Laferriere . But this episode isn’t about flexing hockey résumés. It’s about what youth hockey is becoming and whether parents are chasing the wrong things. Larry talks about: The pressure cooker of “elite” youth hockey The insanity of hockey becoming a business Why some families are leaving states like Michigan, Illinois, and New Jersey for Florida hockey What actually creates development (hint: it’s not always the logo) He also explains the vision behind Longwood Hockey and the Florida Surf: building a full development ecosystem in Florida with AAA hockey, academy training, a new two-sheet rink, strength training, academics, and a pathway designed to keep elite players in-state instead of leaving at 13 years…

People in this episode

Hosts: Scott, Jamie

Guest: Larry Robbins

Topics covered

• youth hockey
• hockey development
• Florida hockey
• elite hockey
• hockey business

Keywords

• youth hockey
• hockey development
• Florida Surf
• Longwood Hockey
• NHL stars

Sponsors

Pacific Rink, Big John Dangles, Hockey Training, Titan Battle Gear, Howie's Hockey Tape

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Chicago Steel, Longwood Hockey, Florida Surf

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