
Insights from recent episode analysis
Audience Interest
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Platform Reach
Insights are generated by CastFox AI using publicly available data, episode content, and proprietary models.
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Total monthly reach
Estimated from 1 chart position in 1 market.
By chart position
- 🇳🇿NZ · Hockey#166500 to 3K
- Per-Episode Audience
Est. listeners per new episode within ~30 days
250 to 1.5K🎙 ~2x weekly·84 episodes·Last published 2mo ago - Monthly Reach
Unique listeners across all episodes (30 days)
500 to 3K🇳🇿100% - Active Followers
Loyal subscribers who consistently listen
200 to 1.2K
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* Data sourced directly from platform APIs and aggregated hourly across all major podcast directories.
On the show
From 1 epsHost
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Recent episodes
Brown Women’s Hockey Coach Mel Ruzzi on Player Development, Recruiting, and Keeping Youth Hockey Fun
Apr 14, 2026
53m 48s
Sean Skahan on Modern Hockey Strength & Conditioning, Youth Development, and Avoiding Burnout
Mar 31, 2026
Unknown duration
Elevating the Game: Insights from Jon Lounsbury, NHL Player Development Coach
Mar 24, 2026
Unknown duration
Jack Ceglarski on Player Development, Recruiting, and Building Middlebury Hockey
Mar 17, 2026
Unknown duration
Insights on Player Development from Tyler Holske, Head Coach & GM of NCDC South Shore Kings
Mar 10, 2026
Unknown duration
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| Date | Episode | Topics | Guests | Brands | Places | Keywords | Sponsor | Length | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4/14/26 | ![]() Brown Women’s Hockey Coach Mel Ruzzi on Player Development, Recruiting, and Keeping Youth Hockey Fun✨ | player developmentrecruiting+4 | Mel Ruzzi | BrownPrinceton+7 | MinnesotaOntario | hockeycoaching+7 | — | 53m 48s | |
| 3/31/26 | ![]() Sean Skahan on Modern Hockey Strength & Conditioning, Youth Development, and Avoiding Burnout | Host Jason Jacobs interviews Sean Skahan, former NHL strength and conditioning coach (Minnesota Wild, Anaheim Ducks; 2007 Stanley Cup) and owner of Skahan Sports Conditioning. Skahan describes shifting from football into hockey performance, and how training evolved from heavy aerobic work to a year-round emphasis on strength, speed, power, and injury prevention. He argues youth players often overdo offseason ice time, limiting recovery and gains, and outlines an 11-week, four-days-per-week model with alternating high/low intensity sessions, sprint/plyometric/Olympic-style work, and conditioning. Skahan emphasizes coaching technique, choosing safe exercises, and avoiding training-related injuries; he tracks metrics like vertical jump and 10-yard dash but avoids labeling young kids with deficits. He advocates multi-sport participation to prevent burnout, discusses balancing experts with long-term development, shares why he left the NHL to focus on youth advancement, and offers parent advice to stay calm at games and respect referees, plus ways to access his gyms, online programs, and podcast. | — | ||||||
| 3/24/26 | ![]() Elevating the Game: Insights from Jon Lounsbury, NHL Player Development Coach | Host Jason Jacobs welcomes Jon Lounsbury to Puck Academy. Jon is the owner of 11 Hockey, a player development coach who works with multiple NHL players, and a youth coach for his daughters. Jon shares his journey from youth and high school hockey in Winthrop to prep school at Bridgeton Academy, college hockey at the University of Southern Maine, and six years of professional hockey before transitioning into coaching. After coaching at Bridgeton and in the EHL, he eventually moved into full-time player development, where he now works with players at all levels, including the NHL. In the conversation, Jon discusses how injuries helped him rediscover his love for the game and shaped his coaching philosophy. He explains the importance of building trust and strong relationships with players, and how he uses video to highlight missed opportunities while respecting team systems. While he uses some analytics tools, such as heat maps, his approach remains primarily rooted in observation and experience. Jason and Jon also dive into the current youth hockey landscape, including the risks of early professionalization, overscheduling, and the constant “chasing” of teams, showcases, and tournaments. They discuss the importance of giving the game back to kids, encouraging multi-sport participation, allowing space for boredom and creativity, and helping parents and coaches strike the right balance between discipline, patience, and realistic expectations. | — | ||||||
| 3/17/26 | ![]() Jack Ceglarski on Player Development, Recruiting, and Building Middlebury Hockey | Jack Ceglarski, head coach of Middlebury men’s hockey, joins Puck Academy to talk about building players — and building a program — in today’s evolving hockey world. A former SUNY Geneseo national champion and pro (Reading, Indy, Huntsville), Jack shares his path from player to coach, including lessons learned from growing up in a deeply rooted hockey family and navigating expectations along the way. We cover: • Why he believes multi-sport athletes develop better long term • What’s broken in modern youth hockey (over-specialization, money, drill culture) • Why cross-ice and small-area play matter more than ever • What he actually looks for in recruiting (hint: it’s not just points) • How academics factor into roster building at a place like Middlebury • His philosophy on the transfer portal and NIL • Practice structure, video usage, and the balance between analytics and the eye test • Why players should dominate a level before moving up • The importance of trust, relationships, and enjoying the college experience Jack also shares his vision for Middlebury: competing annually for NESCAC and national championships while developing complete people, not just hockey players. A thoughtful conversation about development, patience, and choosing your own path in an increasingly complicated hockey ecosystem. | — | ||||||
| 3/10/26 | ![]() Insights on Player Development from Tyler Holske, Head Coach & GM of NCDC South Shore Kings | Host Jason Jacobs welcomes Tyler Holske to Puck Academy to discuss hockey player development and Holske’s end-to-end experience as a former goalie, coach, general manager, and scout. Holske outlines his current roles as head coach and general manager of the South Shore Kings (NCDC), assistant general manager and director of scouting for the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL), and regional scout for NHL Central Scouting covering draft-eligible prospects across New England. He recounts growing up with a backyard rink, transitioning to full-time goalie in youth hockey, playing junior hockey with the Boston Junior Bruins and South Shore Kings, captaining Southern New Hampshire University and finishing as the program’s all-time saves leader, and playing two years professionally in the Netherlands. He explains his coaching path beginning in 2016 as a goaltending coach, working at Milton Academy under Paul Cannata, and eventually leading the Kings to sustained success including three straight finals and a 2024 Dineen Cup championship. This conversation is about what actually drives long-term success in hockey — and what too many players and families get wrong. Drawing from his experience as a junior head coach, USHL scout, and NHL Central Scouting evaluator, Tyler Holske breaks down how he evaluates players and why hockey sense and compete level consistently separate prospects over raw skill. We talk about whether hockey IQ can truly be developed (his answer: yes, but only intentionally), why small-area games and game-translatable reps matter more than endless skill sessions, and how video — used properly — can accelerate decision-making. Tyler also shares a candid view of today’s development landscape: the rise of 12-month hockey, the risks of early specialization, and the increasing pressure on families navigating prep, juniors, CHL, and NCAA pathways. He emphasizes that there is no single “right” route — but there is a wrong one: forcing the process or chasing status over development. The episode closes with a grounded reminder: there are fewer college spots than ever, most players won’t play pro, and the players who thrive are the ones who genuinely love going to the rink. This is a practical, honest conversation for players, parents, and coaches trying to make smarter long-term decisions in a complicated hockey world. | — | ||||||
| 3/3/26 | ![]() From Player to Coach: Bowdoin Head Coach Ben Guite's Hockey Journey | In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Ben Guite, head coach for men's ice hockey at Bowdoin College. They discuss Ben's accomplished hockey career, including his college years at the University of Maine, his professional hockey journey, and transition into coaching. Ben shares insights about player development, his coaching philosophy, and the evolving game of hockey. Topics include the role of video and data in coaching, the impact of rule changes, and navigating the competitive landscape of modern hockey. Ben also touches on the balance between fun and hard work for young players and the increasing costs of the sport. The conversation emphasizes the importance of character, culture, and community in team sports. | — | ||||||
| 2/24/26 | ![]() Sibling Rivalries and Coaching Legacies with Sean and Tyler Walsh | In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs chats with brothers Sean and Tyler Walsh, who come from a legendary hockey coaching family. Sean is an assistant coach at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, while Tyler is the head men's coach at Gustavus Adolphus College. They discuss their upbringing in a deeply hockey-centric family and how it shaped their paths into coaching. Key topics include the nature vs. nurture debate in athletic and coaching development, differences in coaching styles over generations, and evolving gameplay strategies. They also delve into recruitment, the increasing skill levels in college hockey, and the importance of individual skill development. They also touch on how they use analytics for performance improvement and the balance parents should strike in supporting their children’s athletic pursuits without leading to burnout. | — | ||||||
| 2/17/26 | ![]() Habits Over Systems: The Coaching Style of Bentley's Andy Jones | In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs talks with Andy Jones, head coach of Bentley University's Division I men's ice hockey team. Jones, who led Bentley to its first Atlantic Hockey Championship, shares his insights on player development, coaching philosophies, and the importance of unstructured play. They discuss Jones' career journey and his approach to balancing academics and athletics. Jacobs and Jones also explore broader topics in youth hockey, including the barriers to entry and the role of structured versus unstructured environments in cultivating creativity and passion for the game. | — | ||||||
| 2/10/26 | ![]() Developing Hockey IQ: An In-depth Conversation with Coach Wes Wolfe | In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs discusses player development with Wes Wolfe, the assistant coach of the Redding Royals in the ECHL. Wes shares his extensive coaching journey and insights into the evolving role of modern hockey coaching, emphasizing the importance of relationships and individualized training. They discuss the challenges of current player development practices, especially the lack of emphasis on team play and hockey IQ, which have been affected by the rise of individualized skill coaching. The conversation also delves into the potential of using technology and analytics to better analyze and teach the game. They highlight the need for a balance of human intuition and data to foster better coaching and player development. The episode underscores the importance of joy and satisfaction in sports participation and development. | — | ||||||
| 2/3/26 | ![]() Inside Babson Hockey: Coach Jamie Rice on Player Development and Leadership | In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs discusses player development with Jamie Rice, the head coach of men’s ice hockey at Babson College. Coach Rice shares his unconventional coaching philosophy, which focuses on creating game-like practice environments and fostering player autonomy. With 21 years at Babson, Rice has led the team to significant successes, including four ECAC East Tournament Championships. The conversation also touches on broader themes such as the pressures modern athletes and parents face, the balance between skill development and team dynamics, and the importance of resilience and failure in personal growth. Coach Rice underscores the need for a passion-led approach to both coaching and parenting, emphasizing that there's no one-size-fits-all path to success in hockey or life. | — | ||||||
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| 1/27/26 | ![]() Inside the World of Hockey Development with Dwayne Blais, Detroit Red Wings Skill Development Coach | In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs speaks with Dwayne Blais, Skill Development Coach with the Detroit Red Wings and co-founder of Total Package Hockey (TPH) and the National Skill Development Association (NSDA). Dwayne shares his journey from starting hockey at age 9 to becoming an influential skills coach working with players at all levels, including youth through NHL. He emphasizes the importance of player development, best practices, and the evolving nature of hockey. Dwayne also discusses how competitive landscape is shifting, the role of parents, the integration of skill development into coaching, and the opportunities presented by the changing rules in the development path for young players. Additionally, the conversation highlights the balance between on-ice and off-ice training, the potential of AI and technology in hockey coaching, and the importance of cultivating good humans, not just good players. Dwayne concludes with reflections on his personal journey and the future of player development. | — | ||||||
| 1/20/26 | ![]() Navigating the Evolving Landscape of College Hockey with Sacred Heart's Scott McDougall | In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs welcomes Scott McDougall, the Senior Associate Head Coach for Sacred Heart University's Men's Hockey Program. They discuss the evolving landscape of college hockey, Scott's coaching journey, and the challenges and best practices of player development. Scott shares insights from his extensive experience in coaching and recruiting, the impact of the changing rules and regulations, and the importance of high compete level in young players. He also recounts a recent challenging recruiting trip in Canada, highlighting the unpredictable nature of the coaching life. The episode delves into the balance between specialization and maintaining a love for the game, providing valuable advice for players, parents, and coaches navigating the path to college hockey. | — | ||||||
| 1/13/26 | ![]() Preserving the State of Hockey: A Conversation with the Minnesota Wild's Mike Snee | In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs chats with Mike Snee, Vice President of Foundation and Community Relations at the Minnesota Wild. The discussion highlights Snee's extensive experience and dedication to growing hockey through community engagement. Mike shares insights into Minnesota's unique community-based hockey model, its impact on player development, and the importance of maintaining this model to keep hockey accessible and affordable. They cover NCAA program expansions, the relationships between high school and youth hockey programs, and the influence of public investment in ice facilities. The episode also explores the challenges posed by the privatization of youth sports and emphasizes the need to protect Minnesota's local, community-driven approach to ensure the sport's continued vibrancy and success. | — | ||||||
| 1/6/26 | ![]() 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 speaks with Peter Masters, the longtime Owner and Program Director of the Junior Bruins, a club hockey program based in Marlborough, MA. Running the program since 1998, Peter spent 17 seasons as head coach of the Junior Bruins’ top Junior Team (NCDC) before shifting into full-time program leadership, overseeing all Junior, full season Midget teams, and the half season “Little Bruins” teams. These teams have captured national championships and league titles, and hundreds of alums have gone on to play Division I hockey, represent the US national team, and compete in the NHL.He also founded the Beantown Classic tournament series and served on the USPHL executive committee for 8 years. A Boston College graduate (97) and former varsity hockey player, appearing in over 130 games and a member of the 1994 Beanpot Championship team. Alongside his brother, Chris Masters, Peter’s most recent endeavor is co-founding Masters Academy International, which they describe as New England’s first and only academy combining elite sports and top-tier academics to prepare leaders ready for the future – excelling in sport, school, and life. This discussion delves into Masters’ journey in the sport, the Junior Bruins origin story and evolution, the rise of club teams in New England, and some of the ways the game has evolved since he first got into it several decades ago. It also unpacks the Masters Academy International origin story, it’s reason for being, the twists and turns they have gone through to get it off the ground, what makes it special, and what kinds of students would be the best fit to attend. | — | ||||||
| 12/30/25 | ![]() Mastering the Game: Insights with Trevor Edwards, GM of Dubuque Fighting Saints | In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Trevor Edwards, a former 4-year varsity hockey player at Clarkson University and current GM of the Dubuque Fighting Saints in the USHL. Edwards also holds multiple coaching roles within the Pittsburgh Penguins Elite Youth organization. The discussion delves into Edwards' journey in hockey, his philosophy on player development, and the evolving landscape of the sport. Key topics include the role of self-direction, the impact of environment on player growth, balancing parental involvement, and fostering hockey IQ in young athletes. Edwards emphasizes the importance of creating a supportive and structured environment while maintaining the player's passion for the game. The episode offers insights into effective coaching strategies and the critical aspects of nurturing talent both on and off the ice. | — | ||||||
| 12/23/25 | ![]() Ryan Kosecki, GM of Youngstown Phantoms, on Hockey Player Development | In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs speaks 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. They discuss Ryan's extensive experience in the sport, the evolving landscape of hockey, rule changes, the role of technology and analytics, privatization versus nonprofit models, and advice for players and families. Ryan also shares his thoughts on the importance of hockey IQ and competitiveness, as well as insights into scouting, player development, and the benefits and challenges of different hockey systems. | — | ||||||
| 12/16/25 | ![]() The Future of College Hockey: A Deep Dive with Sean Hogan | In this episode of 'Puck Academy,' host Jason Jacobs interviews Sean Hogan, Executive Director of College Hockey Inc. This nonprofit organization, primarily funded by the NHL, aims to grow and promote college hockey. Hogan discusses College Hockey Inc.'s evolution since its inception in 2010, addressing issues such as the significant role of college hockey in player development, feasibility studies for starting new college hockey programs, and educational outreach for players and families. The conversation covers the impact of recent rule changes on player pathways, the trickle-down effects on youth and prep hockey, and strategic priorities for expanding and elevating the profile of college hockey over the next 12 to 18 months. Hogan also touches on the challenges of expanding the sport, the importance of celebrating all levels of college hockey, and the potential for increasing the number of NCAA Division I teams. | — | ||||||
| 12/9/25 | ![]() Navigating the Path to Hockey Success with Francis Anzalone from TPH | In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs sits down with Francis Anzalone, a seasoned hockey coach at various levels, and COO of TPH (Total Package Hockey). While Jason recently had the TPH founder, Nathan Bowen, on the show, Francis brings quite a different perspective from growing up as the son of well-known coach Frank Anzalone to transitioning into a successful coaching career himself. With experience coaching at various levels from AAA to national teams, including the Latvian U-20 team, Francis delves into his coaching philosophies, the evolution of the sport, and the nuances of player development. The discussion covers the challenges and opportunities for young players and the critical role of environment in nurturing talent. Additionally, the conversation touches on the impact of changing dynamics in youth hockey, including the increase in parental involvement and the complexities of navigating the current hockey landscape. A great discussion for anyone trying to sort through these nuances yourselves, or helping others to do so. | — | ||||||
| 12/2/25 | ![]() A Discussion on Hockey and Life with Coach Paul Cannata | In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs speaks with Paul Cannata, a renowned hockey coach with over 30 years of experience in NCAA and New England Prep hockey. Coach Cannata shares his journey from assistant coach at Northeastern University to head coach at Milton Academy, where he transformed a struggling hockey program into a top contender. The conversation covers various aspects of hockey player development, parenting, and the evolution of the sport. Coach Cannata provides valuable insights into the challenges and benefits of multi-sport participation, the impact of privatization in sports, and the balance between specialization and being a well-rounded athlete. He emphasizes the importance of creating practice environments that mimic game conditions and the significant role of athletic IQ in player development. The episode concludes with reflections on Cannata's transition to a less structured lifestyle post-retirement and his ongoing contributions to the hockey community. | — | ||||||
| 11/25/25 | ![]() Mastering Skating for Hockey Players: Insights from Pro Stride Skating | In this episode, host Jason Jacobs welcome Angelo Serse and Erik Kallio from Pro Stride Skating, a specialized skating school focused on developing faster, more powerful, and efficient skating for hockey. They discuss their personal journeys in hockey, the foundation of Pro Stride, and the importance of proper skating mechanics. The conversation covers the balance between on-ice training and off-ice workouts, the use of technology and video analysis, and the dedicated, long-term effort required to become a great skater. They emphasize the need for a holistic approach to player development, integrating insights from different coaches, and the essential role of skating in a player's overall hockey performance. The episode concludes with advice for parents and players on how to choose the right training programs and the importance of consistent, dedicated practice. | — | ||||||
| 11/18/25 | ![]() Navigating Youth Hockey: Insights from USA Hockey's Ken Martel | In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Ken Martel, Senior Director of Player and Coach Development at USA Hockey. They discuss the evolution of youth hockey in the US, the principles of the American Development Model (ADM), and the balance between maintaining tradition and driving forward new initiatives. Ken shares insights into his journey in hockey, the challenges of coaching and player development, and the importance of maintaining both fun and high-performance elements in youth sports. Additionally, they touch on the impact of technology in player development, the role of parents, and the importance of a multi-sport approach for young athletes. | — | ||||||
| 11/11/25 | ![]() Welcome to Puck Academy | Welcome to Puck Academy: A Show for Students of Hockey Development Join host Jason Jacobs on Puck Academy, a show dedicated to the growth of hockey players on and off the ice. The series focuses on player development, featuring conversations with players, coaches, scouts, and hockey thinkers of all stripes. Tune in weekly for insights on skill work, mindset, leadership, and life lessons from the game, designed for players, parents, and coaches alike. Subscribe to learn, reflect, and grow in your hockey journey. | — | ||||||
| 9/1/25 | ![]() Ryan Blair: Balancing Passion, Purpose, and Family in Hockey | This episode of The Next Next, hosted by Jason Jacobs, features an in-depth conversation with Ryan Blair, a seasoned hockey professional with a diverse background in playing and coaching. Blair shares insights from his extensive experience, including playing in the ECHL, coaching at various levels, and his current role as Hockey Operations Manager at the Carolina Ice Palace. The discussion delves into the nuances of player development, the importance of maintaining a love for the game, and the challenges of balancing professional aspirations with family life. Key themes include the debate over early specialization in sports, the role of parents in their children's athletic journeys, and the benefits and drawbacks of structured training and specialized coaching. | — | ||||||
| 8/25/25 | ![]() Scoring Goals On and Off the Ice: Hunter Bishop’s Path | In this episode of 'The Next, Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the hockey and life journey of Hunter Bishop, a former professional hockey player and current founder of Hunter Bishop Hockey. Bishop shares his path from playing junior and college hockey to signing an NHL contract with the Montreal Canadians, playing several years in the pros, and eventually retiring to focus on player development. The episode covers Bishop’s transition from playing to coaching, his philosophies on multi-sport participation, the importance of fun in hockey, and the life lessons learned through the sport. The conversation also explores the potential of video analysis in player development and the challenges players face in transitioning out of the game. Bishop emphasizes the significance of passion and maintaining a balance between optimizing for sports and life. | — | ||||||
| 8/20/25 | ![]() Pioneering Modern Hockey Strategies with Coach Luke Strand from Minnesota State | In this episode of 'The Next, Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the intricacies of athlete development with Coach Luke Strand, the head coach of Minnesota State's hockey program. The conversation explores Luke's coaching journey, the evolution of his coaching style, and the increasing role of data and technology in the sport. Coach Strand shares valuable insights on the importance of commitment, competitiveness, relationship-building, and the balance between individual skill and team dynamics. They also discuss recruiting philosophies, including the significance of character, coachability, and the evolving landscape of collegiate hockey in the face of new challenges like NIL. Finally, Luke addresses the need for maintaining a love for the game while pushing athletes to excel and the potential benefits of adopting certain changes within college hockey. | — | ||||||
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Chart Positions
1 placement across 1 market.
Chart Positions
1 placement across 1 market.
