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Youth Hockey PodcastS6 E5 Lance talks about leaving (not the podcast), Corwing talks hockey watching, Randall talks about kids looking at their own gamesRandall talks about getting kids to start being critical of their own games.Corwin talks about how watching hockey makes a better hockey player. Lance talks about the balance of hockey and summer.
2025-10-1932 minYouth Hockey PodcastS6 E4 Randall shows his abs - Corwin talks coaching- Lance questions Canada DayRandall knows his Canadian TV. He brings up the idea of hockey levels and parent satisfaction.Corwin loves the idea of coaches being one of the barometers of success.Lance doesn't understand what it's like to have his kids on anything less than AAA.
2025-08-3133 minYouth Hockey PodcastS6 E3 Violence in the sport - Lance takes it on - Randall talks about parents - Corwin takes a huge dump on social mediaLance wants to know why people are so violent in the stands. The anger that is in the sport is perhaps growing.Corwin talks up the social media winners.Randall wants to know why his parents never came to his games. Wasn't he special?
2025-08-0533 minYouth Hockey PodcastS6 E2 Corwin Talks How to Become a Coach - Lance Wants Details- Randall Celebrates Canada DayCoach wants to talk about how one gets into coaching in the US. The steps are really interesting.Lance wants to know if systems are part of hockey coaching training.Randall shows his love for Canada by responding to the new information that Canada day is being celebrated all over the 49th parallel.
2025-07-0449 minYouth Hockey PodcastS6 E1 Wisconsin Loves Women Corwin Reacts- Lance Has Peeves- Randall Talks End of Game StrategiesCorwin talks about puck possession and how it applies to strategy.Lance wants to know more about how kids learn how to make good decisions on ice.Randall runs the numbers for the Nation Women's teams of Canada and US.
2025-06-0629 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5E25 Corwin takes over the show - Randy's go to Lunch on the road - Lance gets into the weeds with smarter hockeyOut of order, but still just as fun. We had to post our nationals podcast early.Lance talks about the smartest way to end a game.Corwin gets into the safety of kids on the ice. How the coach has to be the final say.Randy gets into the tactics of hockey. He loves it when a plan beats up brute force.
2025-05-0843 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E26 Corwin talks tryouts - Lance wants to eat- Randall thanks special fanRandall thanks a special fan of the podcast. It's so cool meeting people who love the podcast. We were at nationals and we had the warmest welcome.Lance explains how to get noticed at tryouts.Corwin gives the coaches' experience watching a tryout. First to the puck is his motto.
2025-04-2143 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E24 Playoff hockey- Lance talks coaches preferences - Corwin knows his historyPlayoff hockey in the youth world. Everything is coming down to spring. Lots of new things for a young hockey player.Lance talks about how different coaches (on the same team) managed games. When one coach was missing, the style of play changes. The favored players changed. It was a chaotic mess and he loved every minute of it. That's my take. :)Corwin talks about how teams see each other in the playoffs.
2025-03-1833 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E23 Randall talks about the puberty mirage - Lance has examples - Corwin comments on birthday blues for hockey parentsRandall looks into a few flashes in the pan who were aided by early maturity. There are kids who will appear at 12u and just rocket past the kids. Are they benefiting from a mirage?
Lance has several examples of how kids have been pushed to the top by growth spurts only to come back to the pack later.
Corwin amplifies this with talk about hockey birthdays.
2025-01-2837 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E22 Lance talks 10-7 rule- Corwin gets out his calculator - Randall talks about Junior's ChampionshipLance talks about the 10-7 rule in college hockey. He knows about how to get your kid ready for college with course choice preparation in high school.
Corwin talks about the Canadian college process.
Randall has a game relating to world juniors. Corwin knows the kid who helped put the US on top this year.
2025-01-1429 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E21 Lance's hot topic - Corwin talks Zambonis - Randall teases a coach returnLance got an email about a five-year-old hockey player. The question was: how do they start out and then get to where his kids got?
Corwin talks helmets and kids.
Randall talks about how the fit of the skates makes all the difference.
2024-12-1840 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E20 Randall talks scandals - Corwin talks Canadian scandals - Lance creates scandalsRandall goes through the reporting on the top twenty youth hockey scandals as presented by AI.
Corwin has a more personal approach.
Lance thinks that every team his kid played on were choirboys and the other teams are filled with thugs.
2024-12-0440 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E19 Antidepressants and Hockey - Lance asks a question about soap - Talking about how body image lowers sports participationLance talks about how people are quitting hockey in their teens.
Corwin is a bit shocked by the number. He talks about how it might be part of the lower levels.
Randall makes a point about AAA girls teams.
2024-11-2031 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E18 Randall talks Club Envy - Lance tags in with Ducks love- Corwin is nuancedClub envy. So many people go there. Is it the best place to vacation? Does your kid get lost in travel because of swaps?
Lance knows how to get from one club to the next.
Corwin thinks that San Diego needs more clubs to jump around to.
2024-11-0529 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E17 Lance talks about reputations- Randall has stories - Corwin talks about the coach sideLance talks about how reputation shapes a season. There are kids who get a lot of attention because of who they are.
Randall gives some much needed perspective on how Lance's kids were perceived.
Corwin knows how to put all the pieces in place for the players who have a reputation regardless of level.
2024-10-2633 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E16 Randall thinks Strident Hockey Parents have all the answers - Corwin talks about wild expectations - Lance talks about how parents follow a systemRandall tries to get to the bottom of why people are so committed to their ideas in youth hockey. Don't try to get people to listen to yours.
Corwin keeps us balanced by noting that kids need to be able to grow into their talents.
Lance tells the podcast audience how frustrated he was with waiting his turn.
2024-10-0334 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5E15 Corwin Talks Travel logistics - Randall talks "the drive" - Lance Only Missed two games for his kids entire YH timeCorwin takes on the topic of travel. What are the rules in stay to play? How do the decisions about tournaments get made? Will anyone be happy with a decision that is not their own?
Lance went across the country several times for his kids. Driving. Flying. Walking. Running. Waverunning.
Randall notes that there is often issues with hotels with all of the different families. It's still been pretty chill for most of the hockey time.
2024-09-2040 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5E14 Randall talks pre-season panic- Lance reports on crazies - Corwin weeps for refsRandy smells the panic in all the teams who are just about to begin their seasons. It is so desperate, and fun.
Lance reports on crazy parents, refs and rinks.
Corwin thinks that refs should throw more people out of the arena. OK, that's not true.
2024-09-1436 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5E12 Lance talks about ranking systems- Randall scrambles to understand the newsletter culture - Corwin sheds light on rankings in CanadaLance used to pay for a newsletter that ranked all of the hockey players in North America. It was the best money he ever spent.
Randall likes to think about how rankings push the buttons of other parents. Good to keep them on their toes.
Corwin talks about how Canada keeps track of players. And there are a lot of them.
2024-08-3036 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5E10 CCM 68 kicks in the door- Randall talks top 68 kids in US - Corwin talks top 68 kids in Canada - LanceCorwin Talks managers. He has important criteria for a team manager.
Lance talks fundraising.
Randall updates the podcast on the top talent meeting in Chicago last weekend. Man could those CCM 68 bantams put the puck in the net.
2024-08-1240 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E9 Lance thinks coaches don't matter - Randall has opinions - Corwin talks about exceptions in junior hockeyLance has a theory that coaches and how much they matter in the development of a young hockey player.
Randall has his own take.
Corwin talks about player buy in as an important part of the player coach relationship.
2024-08-0636 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E8 Lance takes off his shirt - Corwin talks about equipment and how to get your kid ready over the summer- Randall guesses "jockstrap"Corwin talks about equipment and how to know when it needs to be replaced over the summer.
He also peppers Randall and Lance with trivia. They underperform on most questions.
2024-07-3035 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E7 Randall talks about how kids get promoted - Lance has stories of injuries leading to promotion - Corwin resists specifics but finally cavesHow do you get your kid promoted to a better line? It's something every hockey dad has thought about. It has kept them up at night.
Randall has some stories on how he's seen the promotions play out over the years.
Lance takes it to another level.
Corwin looks at it from the perspective of a coach. It's pretty informative.
2024-07-2332 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E6 Randall talks about the parent that bothers him- Lance lies about the civility of his son - Corwin keeps the conversation honest by reminding people kids can't hear you on the iceRandall sets the tone with some tough love on parents who stalk the sidelines with outbursts during the game. Take some allergy medicine and sit.
Corwin talks about the constant critics that can get in a kids head. Mistakes are part of the game, bringing up each one does not need discussion.
Lance has the stats on the best goalscorer of all time in Squirt hockey. Hint. It's a Canadian.
2024-07-0931 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E5 Coach Corwin takes over - Randall works over Chipotle sponsorship issues - Lance predicts how many women were put in a headlock at a squirt hockey gameCoach Corwin talks about how stars of the game are always chosen from one kind of player. Where is the love for the support players?
Randall talks about how violence in the sport is not uniquely Canadian or American. There is something else that determines how much blood will be on the ice.
Lance talks about some of the barns that his kids have played in.
2024-07-0232 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E4 Tryout notes from coaches - Lance reveals the secret of sharing the journey - Coach Corwin has good insights on captainsFirst notes on how hockey teams are built in the offseason.
Coach Corwin knows what makes the best captain. He lets the kids vote, but then uses his own judgement.
Lance talks about the elements of his best season and how he participated in it.
2024-06-2532 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E3 Corwin talks beaver tails and summer training - Lance talks camps - Randall talks about how spring hockey is often not worth the costCorwin has tips for your kids over the summer. How do you get them advantages going into the next season.
Lance gets his kids on the ice in Las Vegas. Family fun that ends in hitting the tables.
Randy remembers how Lance got his kids on a Canadian team, thus bringing everyone together in their love of hockey, Canada and Vegas.
2024-06-1137 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E2 Randall talks to short dad - Lance talks about competition V. development - Corwin looks to maximize linesRandall talks to short dad about why his kid is not on the first line.
Lance talks about the years of cutthroat competition and where it got the kids who participated.
Corwin knows how to balance lines. He talks about how it looks on the bench.
2024-06-0442 minYouth Hockey PodcastS5 E1 Corwin the Canuck joins the cast - Randall talks about tryout frenzy - Lance remembers being recruitedWe have a Canadian. We have reached the point where Canada itself has come to the aid of the podcast. We are so proud. Corwin Nicolochat is a bona fide coach and player of the game with insights that Lance and I are in awe of.
Randall talks about tryout frenzy. It's the glorious time of the year when rumors are more important that truth. Relationships are strained between neighbor, brother, sister and dog-walker alike. Nobody can breathe until the list of who made the team is posted.
Lance...
2024-05-2842 minYouth Hockey PodcastS4 Episode 13 Randall talks about the meanest thing a parent on his own team said to him (brutal)- Lance and Coach share their own stories.What is the worst thing that someone on your own team has said to you? I can tell you that the nastiest comments come from your "friends" in the stands.
Rolly has some history with parents who have tried to get him banned from a rink. Rolly! The nicest guy around.
Lance is pretty well known all over the country for the skirmishes with parents on his own team
2023-10-2541 minYouth Hockey PodcastS4 Episode 12 Randall talks about parental friction - Lance talks about the outcast kid on a team - Rolly thinks that friendships have to be formed in natural conditionsLance has a great topic. How do you deal with the outcast on the team. Is there a way to draw them in? Is it better to leave it alone or rally to a cause.
Rolly talks about how friendships are not formed under duress. Sometimes kids need be left alone in dealing with roster issues.
Randall talks about parental friction. Hint. There is lots.
2023-10-1730 minYouth Hockey PodcastS4 Episode 11 Rolly takes profiling to a new level - Randall introduces a new character to the show: Doug - and Lance questions when skates should become a big ticket item for a young hockey playerRolly knows stuff. He shows it in this episode. He takes on the profiling of skates and how that effects a skater and what they can do on the ice. He mainly sticks to two of the systems for profiling skates, but he gives great advice for those in the market to do some aftermarket upgrading of the blade.
Randall talks about how he always trusts any skate shop that employs a guy named Doug. Doug knows how to sharpen skates.
Lance asks questions about when skate profiling should be on the agenda for a...
2023-10-1041 minYouth Hockey PodcastS4 Episode 10 Randall talks about chirping, his son is an expert - Rolly talks about team chemistry in teams that are fresh starts and returning many kids - Lance has Duck appreciation nightRandall has a story from his kids playing league hockey. One kid was getting a beat down and the other came to the rescue. It's not fun to get in a fight, but a brother can sometimes be good at having your back.
Rolly has insights on teams that have multiple returning players and those that are fresh starts for everyone. The chemistry is different. The culture is sometimes different.
Lance loves the ducks. He credits them for the formation of ice in So. Cal. A duck could crap...
2023-10-0640 minYouth Hockey PodcastS4 Episode 9 Rolly talks about youth hockey broadcasting options - Talking Girl's Hockey with Randall - Lance is totally checked out this episode (honestly drink when you hear his voice)Rolly talks about some of the meager options to watch your kid play hockey at tournaments and local rinks. New Youtube options are especially interesting to the crew.
Randall talks about hockey for girls. His daughter is currently playing. The landscape is interesting and the rules are different (just like in the game). But in the end, the sport is a great one for the maidens of mayhem (a real team in Iowa).
Lance is so checked out that when I listened to this, I took a shot every time he talked. Stone cold sober...
2023-09-2752 minYouth Hockey PodcastS4 Episode 8 Lance talks about how youth sports participation is going down - Rolly thinks it might be the overbearing coaching - Randall thinks it might be the rise of the phoneLance does not like the new numbers for youth sport participation. He remembers some things that pushed his kids away.
Rolly thinks that coaches need to modulate their approach to the younger groups.
Randall thinks that the phone somewhat is replacing the kids' enthusiasm for activity. It also is replacing other parts of the growth of some kids.
Kathy joins the podcast with invaluable insights on how a kid views hockey. And how a mom views hockey through their kids' eyes.
2023-09-1841 minYouth Hockey PodcastS4 Episode 7 Randall has some intel on teams that fold during the year - Rolly has seen teams disband because of "grabbing kids" off lower teams - Lance talks about how coaches sweet talk parentsThe podcast talks about how teams sometimes fold in the middle of the season. It's something that seems like it's an extraordinary circumstance, but it happens more than people think.
Lance talks about how both his kids were pushed up on the same team then treated less than generously when the season ends.
Rolly gives us a cautionary tale about sandbagging.
2023-09-0734 minYouth Hockey PodcastS4 Episode 6 Randall fields an email about tournaments - Rolly takes on Riverside - Lance thinks the scouts are always watchingRandall takes a listener's email on tournaments and turns it into a frenzy of conversation.
Rolly talks about the Boston tournaments that only have two periods for the regular games and only one period for the semifinals and finals. He also has a take on the Brick tournament in Edmonton (in a mall).
Lance talks a little about Quebec peewee tournament.
2023-08-3035 minYouth Hockey PodcastS4 Episode 5 Randall suggests that parents rather than kids be cut - Rolly talks about the Californians on the national team - Lance talks about the camps that lead to national recognitionRandall decides that the idea of cuts should be part of the stands. Cut the parents. Not the kids. Just kidding, but sometimes it seems like kids are best off on their own.
Rolly reports on the Californians on the national team. There is some good news. Kids from the coast are scoring and winning medals.
Lance talks about the camps that lead to the national program. His kids kept going to the camps and having great memories of hockey glory.
2023-08-2439 minYouth Hockey PodcastS4 Episode 4 Lance talks about not leaving home- Coach talks about essentials before having a kid billet - Randall talks about what to do when people come back to their home rink after leavingLance did not want to leave his home. He talks about how the next generation is just catching up to the experience in his youth.
Coach has a lot of suggestions for what kids need when they leave the home. He has great ideas about how to prepare a modern kid for free range roaming.
Randall runs into a parent who left the rink two years ago swearing that they would never be back. At tryouts. It is a bit strange watching somebody who was too big for the...
2023-08-1545 minYouth Hockey PodcastS4 Episode 2 Coach talks California prospects on national team - Lance digs into motivation and mites - IDTA (I was Definitely The Asshole) Youth Hockey editionCoach talks about how many players from California are making a splash nationally. Is there a trend? Is there a way to get your kid into that upper echelon? The kids from the west coast are getting opportunities.
Lance looks at how his kids started out and sees if he can refine the process for the next group of mighty mites.
Randall has a new segment to end the show. IDTA (I was definitely the asshole) Youth Hockey edition.
2023-08-0751 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 39 YHP is taking a month off - Bubble players and bubble parents - Lance talks about penalties killing opportunities for the lower linesRolly gets us all ready for summer. It's time to hang up the microphone for a month and get back at it in the fall. He will recharge and be better than before.
Randall talks about bubble players and bubble parents. Are there ways to make sure you kid is not on the bubble? Are there parents who you wouldn't mind if they don't make the cut for the next year's team? It's partially in jest, but there is some truth in it.
Lance talks about how his kid...
2023-06-0945 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 38 Coach talks about "Outliers" by Gladwell and how it has been updated recently on his podcast - the month a kid is born changes athletic outcomes - Lance notes the difference a year makesCoach talks about the update to the Gladwell examination of hockey players in Outliers. There is science to the idea that maturity has a statistical advantage.
Lance examines the break between kids who have hit their growth spurts. The scoreboard is merciless.
Randall tries to give balance to the idea that kids with late birth months are going to always be disadvantaged. They will have their day on the ice!
2023-05-2429 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 37 Lance talks Bantams (what programs are the best) - Randall gets into girls rankings why is MN missing from Peewee - Rolly gets into the Jr. Flyer programLance talks about the best bantam programs in the nation. He also digs into the SoCal programs. Is there a program that is consistently the best in the region? Are there programs on the rise?
Rolly talks about how programs grow and fade back east. He seems to know every program Lance brings up on the list. It's a bit frightening.
Randall gets questions about the girls. They have some great programs growing across the country. The future feels bright for the women's side.
2023-05-1837 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 36 Lance defends the refs - Coach does a great job of taking both sides - Randall talks about parents getting thrown out of gamesLance takes a strange stance. He backs the refs in youth hockey. He tries to make the case that they are just doing their job and deserve universal respect and patience for a hard job.
Coach modifies this to be a little more in line with the product on the ice. Are they doing the best job possible? Shouldn't we expect the effort to match the level of professionalism they seek to be treated with?
Randall moves on to talk about what it takes to get thrown out of a game in California. Refs have...
2023-05-1027 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 35 Club hoppers: the good, the bad and the angry, Lance talks lateral moves, Coach questions if a family can outgrow a programRandall looks at the So. Cal landscape and decides to zoom in on the club hoppers. Who are they? Why are they hopping? Will they ever be able to just walk to another club rather than jumping?
Lance decides that it is often about moving up. Lateral moves are not the way to club hop in his humble opinion.
Rolly gets into the stats of how many slots are really open on a given team. The numbers are often disheartening.
2023-05-0341 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 32 Rolly takes on coach speak - Randall defends defensive coaches - Lance calls BS on some recruitersRolly brings up some of the classic "coach speak" moments from his time with his kids in the sport. He can't believe how long the deceptions can last. Honesty brings confrontation. Is that the right way to do it?
Randall takes on the idea of how defensive coaches sometimes put the defense in the spotlight. This means they sometimes want to involve the defense in ways that favor the position.
Lance is tired of recruiters talking out of both sides of their mouth. He is not taking any prisoners...
2023-04-1233 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 31 Lance talks about determining success in a season - Randall talks about how the fit on a team matters - Rolly gives his impression on being on the ice at important timesLance has a take on how to gauge success in a hockey season. He wants his kids on the ice at the important moments. That's necessary for a good season.
Coach agrees and talks about how merit can play against a player in some circumstances.
Randall wants his kids to fit onto the team. It's a difficult thing to quantify, but fitting in makes for a good season in his experience. Fairness is almost impossible to expect. So, go for a situation where he or she is comfortable and happy (this is a bit of...
2023-04-0535 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 30 Laura takes on co-hosting duties - Chicago hockey mom talks about her experiences raising a AAA kid - Lance is a big fanWelcome to Laura, our guest host for the week.
Laura keeps her sense of humor as she talks about youth hockey. She knows the ins and outs of social media and how hockey seeps into a family dynamic. It's hard to let go of the experience, but she talks about that too.
Lance is a big fan. He read her book and loves the way it conveys the hockey landscape to an audience of experts or newbies.
Randall is just trying to keep up. He does get in some questions about how Laura's...
2023-03-2945 min
Youth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 29 Coach builds the best youth hockey coach - Strange strategies that worked in games - Lance talks open coach communicationRolly builds the best coach possible from his experience. Each layer is painstakingly analyzed in Coach's best practices. He shares his years of experience and judges accordingly.
Randall recounts a strange strategy that worked in a tournament.
Lance talks about communication with coaches. It can be strained, but it can also be something that elevates the young player. Understanding is key. Lance is the master of getting information out of a coach.
2023-03-2252 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 25 Randall talks about the perils of jumping levels - Rolly talks about social consequences of birth year teams - Lance talks about how parents can try to force kids to be friendsRandall looks at jumping levels as a double-edged sword. It can really damage the social group around a talented kid. It's great if it works, but there are stories where the kid gets punished for moving up without his friends.
Rolly talks about the way the locker room can move against a younger player if there isn't careful monitoring and adjustment by all of those involved.
Lance remembers when a coach and a parent tried to force two kids to be friends. The result was predictable.
2023-02-2242 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 24 Lance talks about snacks - Podcast shatters listener ratings 1K thanks - Ways to flex in hockeyLance shatters all records and decides to talk turkey. Also juice boxes. Randy uses snack to clear his pantry.
YHP has the best week ever. There are 1000 people listening weekly. It's a privilege and honor to get the chance to talk to the hockey community this way. Thanks.
The podcast ends with a playful round of Kings or Ducks (which team is leading in each AAA class)
2023-02-1533 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 22 What would Lance do if he could do it all over again? - End of season tactics - Rolly talks about some of the High School champsLance talks about what he would have done differently in his hockey journey. Randall and Dave get into a brawl. Dave wins easily but Randall lands some haymakers (unfortunately they landed on Lance).
Randall sees the landscape of hockey at the end of the season. What are some of the things you have to do to get ready to move on to the next year that start at the end of this year.
Rolly talks about how specialization can be dangerous in young athletes. It's so logical and well reasoned that it starts a fight.
2023-02-0141 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 21 Stories from team hotels - Lance talks about risky business, a parent arrested in the hotel parking lot - Rolly talks about a hotel near a cattle ranchRandall tees up hotel stories from travel hockey. There are some details that should be left on the road. Or on a podcast.
Lance has two stories that each have police arriving at the end.
Rolly smells the stench of cattle as he pulls up to the team hotel. How did the weekend go? He can't remember.
2023-01-2530 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 20 How do you balance a line in youth hockey? Randall asks, Coach and Lance answer. Does it change when kids become Bantams?Randall talks about building lines. What kind of players naturally complement each other? Is there a recipe for the best combination?
Lance talks about some line woes of the past. Where did he make mistakes with his top-tier sons?
Rolly talks chemistry. It's not about player types, it's about how any three kids blend and get coached.
2023-01-1836 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 19 Randall talks to an angry hockey mom - Rolly talks about blowouts (they aren't as bad as people think) - Lance remembers a good decision about AAARandall talks to a hockey mom who has a kid who leads the league. She was very angry that he hadn't scored for three games.
Rolly talks about blowouts. He thinks they might not be as bad as some parents make them out to be. The idea of parity is not every going to work out well, so let the kids play.
Lance remembers a AAA story about a losing team. He dodged a slapper there. Lance has a theory about MN hockey too.
2023-01-1142 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 18 Randall finds ways to win during a loss - Lance talks about how parents sometimes root against their own team - Rolly finds morons make the best targetRandall finds a reason to be happy during a loss. It's not the same as winning, but there are some good things to pull from some losses.
Lance talks about how a few parents he knew rooted against their own team when their kids weren't on the first line. Ouch. It sounds like the kind of thing that is hard to handle.
Rolly has ideas about what happens when a kid is much lower than the level he plays at. He is kind, but firm.
2023-01-0439 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 17 Randall says the quiet part out loud - Rolly talks about prep schools - Billet stories that make Lance's flow stand on endRandall talks about how a hat trick can make the car rid home awesome.
Rolly talks about prep schools. He has a take on the hockey academies and the prep schools that try to balance academics and hockey.
Lance talks about how schools can make it hard on hockey players who miss school. Even when parents communicate with the principals and teachers, sometimes the results are hit and miss.
2022-12-2846 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode 16 Dave talks top 100 - Randall tells people what to do when somebody is mean to their kid (it will happen) - Lance has a youth hockey story for everythingDave gloats openly about how the podcast has broken into the top 100 hockey podcasts in the US. Big in Hungary as well. Thanks Hungary.
Randall talks about what to do when a kid, parent or coach is mean to your kid. It will happen. It always does. It's hard to keep emotions out of this, but he tries to keep an even keel.
Lance corrects Rolly and he defies the Internet.
2022-12-2141 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 12 Lance talks about how far he's gone to watch a hockey game - great stories of hockey commutes - hockey facts quizLance talks about his travels. Don't listen to the badger story if you have a weak stomach.
Hockey commutes and billets. How far do people go to get their players on the ice?
Hockey facts quiz at the end. Lance and Dave battle for control of the podcast for the next three episodes.
2022-11-2240 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 11 CAHA Play in Weekend - Dave calls out Live Barn - Lance talks about the Hitmen in NCDCTier two controversy. There is a play in weekend in So. Cal. It's a strange system, but it does produce some good hockey.
Dave goes scorched earth on live barn. He is not happy with the results of his subscription.
Lance admires the New Jersey Hitmen in the NCDC for their video presentation of their games.
2022-11-1544 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 8 Randall talks about the most incredible result he's ever seen in PEEWEES - Rolly has positive coaching news - Lance has stories that coaches loveRandall sees the strangest result in PEEWEE hockey. It was impossible. A unicorn. It still haunts his dreams in disbelief. And it was cool to see that two teams could accomplish it.
Rolly talks about positive coaching initiatives. How does a kid take criticism best?
Lance has some off color stories that we don't see coming.
2022-10-2540 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 7 Crisis at the CAHA Weekend - Lance has helpful advice for Coaches - Rolly talks about how to balance being on the bench with your kid on the teamRandall talks about a crisis at the CAHA weekend. It's a deep and personal admission on his part. It might get ugly.
Lance digs into his coaching grievance logs. He finds a list of issues that he believes can be solved.
Rolly has hockey terminology quiz that stumps the hosts.
2022-10-1842 minYouth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode 6 Lance has spreadsheets of players - Dave talks about rankings of Junior A programs - Randall thinks Missoula should be a hockey destinationLance has spreadsheets of all of the players in California. He knows every kid his sons have ever played with.
Dave talks about the Junior A programs and how they have been evaluated as facilitating getting people into NCAA Div. 1.
Randall thinks that Missoula should be considered a hockey powerhouse.
2022-10-111h 00Youth Hockey PodcastS3 Episode Three Randall is trapped in Lance's House - Websites that never update for hockey programs - Coaches that changeRandall is trapped in Lance's house in the blistering So. Cal heat.
Lance notices that some of the hockey club websites have not been updated in decades.
The group talks about how sometimes hockey coaches have different reputations.
2022-09-2046 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 52 Lance takes over the cast - Rolly talks about heads up hockey - Cow pies and how they relate to hockeyLance introduces the podcast. He is sharp.
Rolly talks about heads up hockey. He knows what it takes to get kids to see the ice. The physical part of hockey changes the game. There are stories about how kids have really changed their games because they're not keeping their heads up.
The history of the puck.
2022-08-3137 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 51 Most important thing to keep in your kid's bag - Lance talks about advisors and agents - A short lightning lesson on ZambonisWe start with a short talk about what's the most important thing to keep in your kid's bag. What did we use and what did we throw away after it rattled around in there for over a year? Rolly gives some good advice on the topic.
Lance talks about advisors and agents. He answers questions from an email we received from a parent who was just beginning that part of the journey. He uses his own experience as a guide and gives out sage wisdom.
The lightning round is all about the Zam.
2022-08-2341 minYouth Hockey PodcastSeason 2 Episode 50 Rink Rundown - Bitter rivalries (sometimes among the parents not helpful) - Stick Curve patterns for the lighting roundRolly talks about Lakewood ice rink. Randall and Lance have fond memories of the rink in Blaine Minnesota. Our teams usually lost to Minnesota teams, but fun was had anyway.
Randall talks about rivalries. He is especially interested in the rivalries of parents in different birth year ages. It's just strange to see people not getting along because the 04 year is more special than the 03 year. I think we can do better.
The lightning round is all about stick curve patterns. Can Lance finally get out of the doghouse and win something?
2022-08-1635 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 49 Randall talks about lowering expectations for new teams - Rolly talks about major year and minor year expectations - Lance is still sad about losing the contestRandall talks about how a new team brings new expectations. It's always good to have certain buffers between where you think you may end up and real level of the team. They sometimes match. They sometimes don't. How a person goes into the situation can help it out a lot.
Rolly talks about how minor year kids and major year kids have different expectations. He pines for birth-year teams.
Lance is still frustrated about the results. He wants a recount. He demands a full investigation into an organization called the FRONT SUISSE - a group that in...
2022-08-0950 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 47 Alexander boys crash the cast - Talk about equipment needed for top tier leagues - Podcast winner is announced!Lance brings his boys onto the show to talk about what equipment has saved them from injury and what equipment has failed them on occasion. Pucks fly.
Randall announces the winner of the podcast challenge. Who is going to have to be silent for the next podcast?
Rolly takes it all in with his usual charm and grace.
2022-07-2633 min
Youth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 46 Randall talks taking a date to a rink - Lance talks about the nostalgia of raising hockey kids - Rolly talks about girls hockeyThe best snack bar in existence is in a hockey rink. Maybe it should be the next great date spot.
Lance talks about the nostalgia of raising kids in the hockey world. What is better than a kid in skates?
Rolly talks about girls hockey and how it has progressed.
We talk about A- AA and AAA commentary on the podcast.
2022-07-1933 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 45 Randall talks bad teams - Rolly gets into the five exercises for the offseason - Lance talks tacosLance talks tacos and where to find them in rinks. He even digs into pupusas.
Rolly gets into the exercises that should help the kids in the off season. How do you build quick twitch muscles?
Randall talks about how a bad team can mean a great year for a kid.
2022-07-1230 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 43 Lance goes Batman - USHL tryout information - What do you do when your line is very unequal in levelLance talks about a recent USHL tryout. What does it take to get up to that level? What was it like?
Dave talks about how to make an impression on the ice. He actually agrees with Randall. It's a YHP first. Lance almost passes out.
Randall and Lance talk about what to do when the line your child is on has very different levels represented. What is the solution? Lance does his best.
2022-06-2843 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 41 Part Three Lance Takes the MicLance Takes the Mic and helps you NOT make the mistakes he has.
2022-06-2016 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 40 Club Affiliations - Coaching Changes Mid-Year - Three CornersDave and Lance talk about how clubs can sometimes affiliate to create more opportunity for players.
Randall and Lance talk about coaching changes mid year. How many times did a coach bug out on your season?
Rolly talks about the three corners of hockey satisfaction. He wants to know if Lance ever got all three in a year. Lance surprises everyone.
2022-06-081h 02Youth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 38 Lance thinks your kid should Play AA to impress the AAA coach - Randall talks about effort in hockey - Rolly loses his temperLance talks about how a coach gave him advice about youth hockey levels. He thought that it was much better to dominate a lower level rather than be invisible on a great team.
Randall talks about how effort can be preached to the benefit and detriment of the young player.
Rolly loses his temper. Rolly talks about some of the strange things he's seen youth teams do.
2022-05-2454 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 37 Corsi stats from coach Rolly - Lance talks about how coaches prepare for big games - Talking about decline of numbers in youth sportsRolly takes time to educate the podcast about the Corsi numbers. What kind of insight do they give to the youth hockey player training to excel in the game.
Lance talks about how coaches prepare using stats. He hasn't seen enough of the prep work for his taste. He loves numbers.
Lance and Randy talk about the decline in numbers in youth sports, hockey in particular. How do we get kids back into the sport post lockdown?
2022-05-1754 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 34 Rolly talks about a phantom goal that decided a national championship youth hockey game - Lance talks about burnout - Randall stands up against authoritarianismRolly wants USA hockey to take over the calendar. He cannot stand the idea of individual freedom. No LOI's, no tryouts for individual clubs - just a top-down system of oppression. He makes a good case.
Lance talks about the age group he will choose once the fundraiser to give a team a free year of club hockey. He is ready to get out the spreadsheet on all top scorers in all levels of hockey in the continuous 48 (and maybe Alaska).
https://www.gofundme.com/manage/donate-to-put-a-youth-hockey-program-on-the-map
Randy gives the lightning round a Staple...
2022-04-2656 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 33 Lance accepts challenge that will be his downfall- Randall sets him up, he also talks about AAA players on AA teams - Lightning round about favorite tournament destinationRandall asks a question about AA kids on AAA teams and AAA kids on AA teams. Which is the better situation for the kid and the development of the kid.
Dave digs the lightning round about the best and worst places to travel for a tournament. Hint: Vacaville is not on the good list.
Lance Alexander gets set up. He claims he knows how to win states in California. He is surprised to find out that I've set up a gofundme site to fund a team that Lance guarantees will go to the state finals and...
2022-04-1958 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 30 Team friendships carrying into off season - off season camps and training - what sports comlement hockey in the offseasonRandall talks about team chemistry. Who are the best friends on the team? Sometimes this can tip off a parent about the locker room environment.
Rolly and Lance talk about off season camps and training.
Lance talks about how other sports can help a hockey player with skills and stoke competition.
2022-03-291h 08Youth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 29 High School finals - Nationals - New Hockey League on the West CoastRandall talks about the California Div.1 HS finals. It was some ride.
Lance gives everyone insight into what it's like to go to Nationals. His kids did it every year they played almost. :)
Lance and Rolly talk about the new hockey league that is starting on the west coast. It might open up some opportunities for elite players who live and play in the west.
2022-03-2251 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 28 Lance asks if coaches really want to win - Randall talks line combinations - Rolly talks about how lines work from a coach's perspectiveLance has stories about how his kid has been in situations where doing well didn't seem to change the coach's mind on how and when to play him.
Randall talks about how a line of the three best players doesn't always make the best line.
Rolly talks about how this decision plays out from a coach's perspective. How does shifting players present an opportunity for the coach to understand the team.
2022-03-1556 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 27 Reviewing the Rule Changes - Skating Mechanics - Finding a Coach Who Helps Your Kid Hit His StrideRandall tees up the rule changes for youth hockey. Did they work out? Rolly kicks the delayed off-sides rule in the butt.
Rolly talks about skating mechanics and breaks down the elements of what makes a skater fast.
Lance kind of took an episode off. If you're a Lance fan, tune in next week.
2022-03-0852 minYouth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 26 Playoff Hockey brings changes to the game - Lance talks about how he got back at a coach - Rolly talks goalies in the playoffsRandall talks about how playoff hockey can be a stressful time. The entire game can shift into a much different phase.
Lance talks about a way to get back at a coach who isn't nice to your kid.
Rolly talks about how play time can be really limited for goalies in the playoffs. There was a goalie who didn't get a single game in the entire playoff run.
2022-03-011h 04Youth Hockey PodcastS2 Episode 24 Lance Takes on the Refs - 5 on 3 Stories - Favorite Hockey MemoriesLance decides that the refs need to be discussed. He has a plan to make reffing better. Randall is dubious about the fix.
Randall asks the crew if they have any 5 on 3 stories that they can share. The topic is a bit of a disappointment for everyone. We still kept it to prove we can own our mistakes.
Rolly calls on everyone to go down memory lane. Lance, Randall and Rolly each have a story that represents their favorite moment in their kid's personal youth hockey history.
2022-02-1549 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode Twenty Who is more crazy moms or dads - Refs issuing suspensions - How to deal with kids who target yoursLance takes on the age old question: who is more crazy as a spectator in the sport of hockey? Moms or Dads?
Randall tries to give the refs a bit of advice, Lance and Rolly thinks they need more than just advice. Is there a way to make sure that suspensions are a bit more fair to the kids on both sides of the hit?
Rolly makes a point about his own experience as a ref in college.
2022-01-1835 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode Nineteen Covid testing supplies for quick tests - Rolly finishes sticks with a blatant lie - Lance talks about justice in hockeyRandall gives an update on how to purchase rapid tests for your child. He's now got an account with a company that brings one to your door in 30 minutes or less. It's like pizza, without the carbs.
Rolly talks sticks. His lies are better than anyone's.
Lance talks justice in the junior leagues. He is concerned about the way refs flip the tables and presume some kids guilty until proven innocent. There's a few missed games in his past that he wants back.
2022-01-1137 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode Eighteen S2 Rolly talks twigs (stick flex and pattern covered) - Lance introduces crazy hockey story V1 - Randall learns how to take back a stick to the manufacturerRolly is shooting bar down like it's nothing talking about sticks. He gets into the different patterns and flex for each position and each player.
Lance introduces his new addition to the show: Crazy Hockey Stories.
Randall is out of his depth, but tries to keep up.
2022-01-0452 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode 16 S2. Rolly goes after high school hockey in So. Cal - Lance admits that he helped ruin HS hockey - Randall talks Utah HS hockeyRolly decides to describe the state of the Kings High school hockey league and in so doing notices that there are many many problems. He has some solutions, but some are beyond even his hockey wisdom.
Lance admits that he was part of the reason that the HS program formed. He takes no responsibility for the shambles that ensued.
Randall talks about Utah High School hockey with great fondness. They really did a great job bringing kids into the sport there.
2021-12-2156 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode Thirteen S2 Rolly finishes sharpening his skates - Lance talks to Lorenz from Switzerland - Randall tries to get Switzerland to sponsor the podcastRolly needs to finish sharpening his skates. You're not done until you've honed. Get your stones ready.
Lance talks to Lorenz, a fantastic fan from Switzerland. He knows how the international game is played and who gets paid.
Randall keeps the discussion moving by stoking regional rivalries.
2021-11-301h 05Youth Hockey PodcastEpisode Eleven S2 Lance goes negative - Randall talks about expectations that are dangerous - Coach keeps his coolLance needs to vent. He's not happy with parents who seem to only be happy when other kids do badly. It's a team sport and Lance tees off on those who can't appreciate the greatness of team play.
Randall has an observation about parents with open aspirations for their kids. Expectations are welcome. Professional aspirations are great. Expecting that your kid is going to the NHL is something that might be counter productive.
Rolly just glides above it all, slightly aloof, but always informative.
2021-11-1639 minYouth Hockey PodcastPodcast Episode 8 S2 Concepts with Rolly - Shooting Challenge - Lance goes for goalies
Rolly starts his new segment concepts with the coach. He talks about a single concept that can make a youth hockey player better.
Randy has a challenge for the listeners.
Lance goes crazy on goalies. How do you handle a rogue goalie on the team as a parent or player? He addresses the common conception that GBC.
2021-10-2640 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode 2 S2 Junior Hockey - Camps - Na3HL Experience - Lance's take on tiersRolly starts with the camps that get people there. What leagues set up a kid for the next step? What does it mean when you get three thousand texts telling you that they saw your kid and want to talk about all the camps he should attend.
Randall talks about NA3HL. Is it developing kids? What is the pathway?
Lance brings us home with a shitload of information on the process of navigating the junior ranks. He mystifies his critics.
2021-09-1447 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode Sixteen - recuriting responses - corona ice (is anywhere open, hint, yes) - kids using guilt to get new gearLance talks about all of the experiences he's had with his kids being recruited. It goes from parents at mites to top Juniors programs just a few days ago. He has some great advice for moms and dads in this position. Randall did a search of the country and found one ice rink open for business. It was kind of just for fun, but he probably wants both of his kids on a bus to South Dakota, just for his own sanity. The character this week is all about kids, guilt and keeping up with the rink rats.
2020-05-0239 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode Fifteen - Life without Hockey - Trying not to fall behind in routines- Guy at the rink who tries to one up you no matter what you sayLance asks the question: What if there is no hockey this year? He talks about his kids routines and how to build hockey reps when you're not on the ice. Randall takes a swing at the concept of the sudden nature of rink closure and has some thoughts on how they will make a comeback. The character of the week is the one who always has a story that's better than yours, always has an experience more valuable than yours and their kids always are on teams that yours can't get on.
2020-04-2036 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode Fourteen - Resume tryouts (corona virus limits tryout system for 2020) - Better system for tryouts in youth hockey - Lazy kids during lockdownLance has been doing his research on what kind of tryouts will occur this summer for next year's season. The resume tryout is being talked about at some rinks. Let's face it, many of these kids might not be able to hit the ice together for some time. Randy talks about a way to make tryouts more accountable. Is there a system that could be a little more fair? Finally Lance talks about family youtube workouts. If you can't go out, get your workout indoors.
2020-04-1140 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode Thirteen - Keeping up with other hockey families - fund raising mistakes and triumphs - the assistant coach who introduces himself after the year is overLance takes aim at the idea of keeping up with other hockey families. Why does that kid get to spend his summer in Canada training with someone who played on three championship NHL teams while mine is mowing grass? Is there a way to compensate for having less in the funding department? Randall is tired of fund raising where it's just another fee. It should be a way to mitigate the contribution from parents, not add to it. Finally, there is that coach that comes over at the wrong time.
2020-04-0437 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode Twelve - Daddy Coaches - Team Captains - Two-faced dadLance takes aim at one of his biggest problems with the sport. The daddy coach who gets his way. Randall talks about some excellent dad coaches that his kids have had along the way. He still ends up agreeing with Lance (that guy is persuasive). Team captain elections get a bit of scrutiny. Finally, the character of the week is the guy that talks your kid up when you're there, and proceeds to bash him every chance he gets in your absence.
2020-03-2829 minYouth Hockey PodcastSo Cal Rundown of Hockey Clubs - Bakersfield Junior CondorsLance and Randall give a sketch of the Condors and the greater Bakersfield hockey program. It's just scratching the surface, but it might be useful to some.
2020-03-2417 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode Eight Moving to the next level - AAA kid blues - Get on the radar of the right coachLance's thoughts touch on moving to the next level. Whether it's from house to travel, AA- AAA or navigating Juniors, Lance goes through the steps he's taken to get his kids noticed. Randall takes on the issue of blended families. No, not families that have different heritage or culture. It's the families that have kids on AAA teams and other teams. Mike from Pasadena asks about getting on a coach's radar, and the character of the week is somebody who just dropped by. Enjoy.
2020-02-2939 minYouth Hockey PodcastEpisode Four Shortening the bench - Winning the Lobby - Jerseys utility and costLance fills in the gaps on his sons' journey to Shattuck, then dives into a topic that every parent struggles with: ice time. Does my kid deserve more? Does my kid get less than another kid? Can I possibly live with the fact that my kid has been replaced on PP1? Setting expectations of the coach and the team is important from the start. Lance has thoughts on how to prepare parents for the type of team that they are getting their kids into. The equipment section for the week is filled with jerseys. Why do they cost so much? Is...
2020-02-0132 min