Puck Academy

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.