In this episode of 'The Next Next,' host Jason Jacobs delves into the multifaceted world of athlete development with guest Freddy Meyer. Freddy shares his storied career in hockey, including playing at Boston University, ~300 NHL games, and coaching at various levels. Now the head coach at the Rivers School and founder of Dream Big Hockey Stars, Freddy discusses the balance between playing and coaching, the evolving landscape of youth hockey, and his philosophies on player development. The conversation also touches on Freddy's personal journey as a hockey dad, raising two sons who are deeply immersed in the sport.
00:00 Introduction to The Next Next
00:16 Meet Freddy Meyer: From College Hockey to the NHL
00:42 Freddy's Coaching Journey and Family Life
02:42 Freddy's Early Years in Hockey
04:03 The Path to Professional Hockey
15:01 Transitioning from Player to Coach
26:17 Balancing Family and Career
28:39 Dream Big Hockey Stars and Coaching Philosophy
31:09 The State of Hockey: New England vs. Minnesota
33:16 The Massachusetts Hockey Dilemma
34:19 Cost of Entry and Talent Distribution
35:51 Philosophy on Youth Development
37:57 Balancing Multiple Sports
39:20 Nature vs. Nurture in Athletic Development
43:06 The Importance of Passion and Fun
45:59 Navigating Distractions and Maintaining Focus
47:54 Deciding When to Develop or Move On
51:08 The Challenges of College Hockey
58:49 The Role of Video in Player Development
01:01:28 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents
