Skip to main content
Youth Hockey Podcast

Youth Hockey Podcast

By Randy Gifford Lance Alexander

Trying to navigate the youth hockey landscape? We have seen it all and done it all. Our experiences include the top prep school in the nation down to the dirtiest rink in Southern California. One thing has become clear. It's better to have a bit of a roadmap and a shoulder to cry on when everything heads south. We are optimistic, ebullient, and sharp as a rusty old skate that's seen too many ponds. We want to help you glide along the path to hockey stardom, and have a few chuckles along the way.

Email: youthhockeypodcast@gmail.com
Sponsor: gabegiffordhockey.thinkific.com

Available on
Google Podcasts Logo
Overcast Logo
Pocket Casts Logo
RadioPublic Logo
Spotify Logo
Currently playing episode

S3 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 champs

Youth Hockey PodcastFeb 01, 2023

00:00
41:37
Special Announcement

Special Announcement

Special Announcement from the YHP gang.

Jan 24, 202401:11
S4 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.

S4 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

Oct 25, 202341:17
S4 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 conditions

S4 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 conditions

Lance 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.

Oct 17, 202330:00
S4 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 player

S4 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 player

Rolly 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 young skater. He also manages to make us all laugh twice.

Oct 10, 202341:05
S4 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 night

S4 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 night

Randall 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 in his path and he would shine his shoes with the droppings.

Oct 06, 202340:52
S4 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)

S4 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 at the end.


Sep 27, 202352:12
S4 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 phone

S4 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 phone

Lance 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.

Sep 18, 202341:16
S4 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 parents

S4 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 parents

The 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.

Sep 07, 202334:47
S4 Episode 6 Randall fields an email about tournaments - Rolly takes on Riverside - Lance thinks the scouts are always watching

S4 Episode 6 Randall fields an email about tournaments - Rolly takes on Riverside - Lance thinks the scouts are always watching

Randall 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.

Aug 30, 202335:24
S4 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 recognition

S4 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 recognition

Randall 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.

Aug 24, 202339:19
S4 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 leaving

S4 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 leaving

Lance 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 neighborhood rink come back.

Aug 15, 202345:52
S4 Episode 2 Coach talks California prospects on national team - Lance digs into motivation and mites - IDTA (I was Definitely The Asshole) Youth Hockey edition

S4 Episode 2 Coach talks California prospects on national team - Lance digs into motivation and mites - IDTA (I was Definitely The Asshole) Youth Hockey edition

Coach 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.

Aug 07, 202351:45
S4 Episode 1 Training days (summer) how to make the best of them - ice reports as temperature soar - fantasy tender game to end

S4 Episode 1 Training days (summer) how to make the best of them - ice reports as temperature soar - fantasy tender game to end

The podcast is back!

The podcast crew talks about how kids train during the summer. Each member of the team has their favorite activities. From spin class to beach runs. We all have our picks.

The ice is melting at the barns around the summer. Some rinks are holding up better than others.

Fantasy tender is the name of the game to end the show. Where would you like your kid to get a tender from?

Jul 31, 202353:37
S3 Episode 39 YHP is taking a month off - Bubble players and bubble parents - Lance talks about penalties killing opportunities for the lower lines

S3 Episode 39 YHP is taking a month off - Bubble players and bubble parents - Lance talks about penalties killing opportunities for the lower lines

Rolly 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 misses shifts for penalties. It can really affect a kid lower on the roster.


We love all of the listeners. Thank you for tuning in. We will be back in the August.

Jun 09, 202345:51
S3 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 makes

S3 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 makes

Coach 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!

May 24, 202329:31
S3 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 program

S3 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 program

Lance 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.

May 18, 202337:52
S3 Episode 36 Lance defends the refs - Coach does a great job of taking both sides - Randall talks about parents getting thrown out of games

S3 Episode 36 Lance defends the refs - Coach does a great job of taking both sides - Randall talks about parents getting thrown out of games

Lance 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 actually thrown out the wrong person in the stands too. It's hilarious.

May 10, 202327:07
S3 Episode 35 Club hoppers: the good, the bad and the angry, Lance talks lateral moves,  Coach questions if a family can outgrow a program

S3 Episode 35 Club hoppers: the good, the bad and the angry, Lance talks lateral moves, Coach questions if a family can outgrow a program

Randall 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.

May 03, 202341:49
S3 Episode 34 Rolly interviews Jason Yee - Literally the best podcast we've done up to this point - best resource for skating Rolly has ever had - we just loved having him on the show

S3 Episode 34 Rolly interviews Jason Yee - Literally the best podcast we've done up to this point - best resource for skating Rolly has ever had - we just loved having him on the show

Rolly brings skating guru Jason Yee onto the program to talk about video feedback, shin angle, Finland, Mckinnon and more. He credits this coach as the best resource in hockey for a young player in his developmental years.

Lance asks about the corkscrew. It turns out to be one of the secrets of the game for Yee.

Randall knows when he's out of his depth and stays quiet. You heard right. It's like I'm barely even there. That should improve our ratings. :)

Apr 27, 202347:55
S3 Episode 33 The season is over, now what? - Randall talks about outdoor hockey and what it means to kids- Rolly loves hockey that has no time limit (8hours on a lake is mentioned)

S3 Episode 33 The season is over, now what? - Randall talks about outdoor hockey and what it means to kids- Rolly loves hockey that has no time limit (8hours on a lake is mentioned)

Randall digs up a hockey league for kids that is totally outdoors. It's the kind of thing that CA kids can't even imagine, but it sounds like the kind of place most of our kids would love.

Lance talks about the way hockey without coaching can be the best idea for a kid who has only seen the game as a structured event.

Rolly talks about how enthusiasm goes hand in hand with pond hockey. There's no pressure. There are no parents. It's just the kids and the sport.

Apr 19, 202328:13
S3 Episode 32  Rolly takes on coach speak - Randall defends defensive coaches - Lance calls BS on some recruiters

S3 Episode 32 Rolly takes on coach speak - Randall defends defensive coaches - Lance calls BS on some recruiters

Rolly 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 with his opinions. The story about being told there are no first, second and third lines don't hold up in games.

Apr 12, 202333:41
S3 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 times

S3 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 times

Lance 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 a unicorn, but it sounds good).

Apr 05, 202335:21
S3 Episode 30 Laura takes on co-hosting duties - Chicago hockey mom talks about her experiences  raising a AAA kid - Lance is a big fan

S3 Episode 30 Laura takes on co-hosting duties - Chicago hockey mom talks about her experiences raising a AAA kid - Lance is a big fan

Welcome 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 experiences have brought up interesting comparisons in his own life. He also brings back the end of the podcast "Character" to the delight of Lance.

Mar 29, 202345:08
S3 Episode 29  Coach builds the best youth hockey coach - Strange strategies that worked in games - Lance talks open coach communication

S3 Episode 29 Coach builds the best youth hockey coach - Strange strategies that worked in games - Lance talks open coach communication

Rolly 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.

Mar 22, 202352:49
S3 Episode 28 Randall makes a tough argument- concussions add up in our experience - is there new tech to mitigate concussion risk? Rolly thinks so.

S3 Episode 28 Randall makes a tough argument- concussions add up in our experience - is there new tech to mitigate concussion risk? Rolly thinks so.

Randall makes an observation that almost all players who make it to the NCAA share.  He's seen a lot of fast, skilled kids bail out of hockey.  He's never seen kids with this attribute get drummed out of the sport.

Lance talks about the idea that concussions lead to more concussions.  What evidence is there?

Rolly takes a nasty swipe at Randall, then makes an excellent point about new tech that might help with concussions.  Randall rises above the abuse and finds common ground with his old friend.

Mar 14, 202336:50
S3 Episode 27 Gifford's theory of disallowence, is it real? - Great trainer who is a bit of a psycho- Coach talks about rewards that are not in line with performance

S3 Episode 27 Gifford's theory of disallowence, is it real? - Great trainer who is a bit of a psycho- Coach talks about rewards that are not in line with performance

Randall gets into the idea of goals being disallowed.  Is there a mathematic theory that can explain the way they are called?

Lance talks about great trainers who have small character issues.

Coach talks about how performance is not always recognized by those in charge of picking youth hockey teams.  The people who are on great teams are still often not getting their kid developed.

Mar 08, 202342:56
S3 Episode 26 Randy talks Spirit Airlines to anywhere - How can tournaments not know the schedule until the day before the puck drops - Rolly has stats on how different teams get more assists recorded

S3 Episode 26 Randy talks Spirit Airlines to anywhere - How can tournaments not know the schedule until the day before the puck drops - Rolly has stats on how different teams get more assists recorded

Randall is about to take a trip on Spirit Airlines.  It was fun knowing all of you.

Lance talks tournament schedules that can't get out the details until the ten minutes before the puck drops.  How can a person plan a weekend when there is no schedule of games?  Come on tournament people.

Rolly has some shocking stats on point distribution among teams in So. Cal.  It won't shock anyone who has played in certain rinks, but some teams get statistically more points per goal than others.  It might not be wrong, but it sure tells a story.

Mar 01, 202346:43
S3 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 friends

S3 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 friends

Randall 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.

Feb 22, 202342:25
S3 Episode 24 Lance talks about snacks - Podcast shatters listener ratings 1K thanks - Ways to flex in hockey

S3 Episode 24 Lance talks about snacks - Podcast shatters listener ratings 1K thanks - Ways to flex in hockey

Lance 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)

Feb 15, 202333:35
S3 Episode 23 Jockeying for the next year - transition from home to prep school - should you try to build a team

S3 Episode 23 Jockeying for the next year - transition from home to prep school - should you try to build a team

What do people do at this point of the season to set themselves up for the next?  Stories of skating with the next coach while still on the old team.

How does the transition to prep school work out best?  What did Lance go through when his kids were going to Minnesota.

Is it good to build a team?  There are mistakes that can be made and friendships are tested.  Strained. And sometimes marketing a team can leave you on the hook for a bad season.  Still, it can be great to put together a team that exceeds expectations.

Feb 08, 202347:01
S3 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 champs

S3 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 champs

Lance 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.

Feb 01, 202341:37
S3 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 ranch

S3 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 ranch

Randall 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.

Jan 25, 202330:54
S3 Episode 20 How do you balance a line in youth hockey? Randall asks, Coach and Lance answer.   Does it change when kids become Bantams?

S3 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.



Jan 18, 202336:24
S3 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 AAA

S3 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 AAA

Randall 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.

Jan 11, 202342:58
S3 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 target

S3 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 target

Randall 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.

Jan 04, 202339:42
S3 Episode 17 Randall says the quiet part out loud - Rolly talks about prep schools - Billet stories that make Lance's flow stand on end

S3 Episode 17 Randall says the quiet part out loud - Rolly talks about prep schools - Billet stories that make Lance's flow stand on end

Randall 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.

Dec 28, 202246:02
Episode 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 everything

Episode 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 everything

Dave 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.

Dec 21, 202241:52
Episode 15 Part Two Team Captains in Youth Hockey - Honesty in How Leaders are Chosen - Taking New Paths in Hockey with Injustice

Episode 15 Part Two Team Captains in Youth Hockey - Honesty in How Leaders are Chosen - Taking New Paths in Hockey with Injustice

Rolly talks about how Captains are chosen in youth hockey.  There are multiple stories of shinanigans.  

Lance questions the honesty of some of the scenarios in the past.  

Randall talks about how it is sometimes best to just leave the field when there is injustice.  Discussing the delicate balance of  treatment of kids in youth hockey- it's not always best to confront the issue.

Dec 14, 202233:29
S3 Episode 14 PART ONE Late bloomers in hockey - struggling kids who made it NCAA div one - undrafted stories that end well

S3 Episode 14 PART ONE Late bloomers in hockey - struggling kids who made it NCAA div one - undrafted stories that end well

Rolly pilots the show with precision and artful result.  He talks about late bloomers in hockey.

Lance has multiple stories of how kids who struggled in one level played much better in the next. 

Randall talks about hockey birthdays and how they can affect the way a player gets seen. 

Dec 06, 202234:14
S3 Episode 13 Rolly takes over the podcast - Classy Fans Scale (who is on top) - Holiday tournament tales

S3 Episode 13 Rolly takes over the podcast - Classy Fans Scale (who is on top) - Holiday tournament tales

Rolly is now the host of the cast.  He does such a great job, he may replace everyone else.

Classy fan scale.  Who is the least classy in the land?  It's an open conversation.

Holiday tournaments are now a staple.  How can a hockey family navigate these festive times.

Nov 30, 202236:48
S3 Episode 12 Lance talks about how far he's gone to watch a hockey game - great stories of hockey commutes - hockey facts quiz

S3 Episode 12 Lance talks about how far he's gone to watch a hockey game - great stories of hockey commutes - hockey facts quiz

Lance 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.

Nov 22, 202240:56
S3 Episode 11 CAHA Play in Weekend - Dave calls out Live Barn - Lance talks about the Hitmen in NCDC

S3 Episode 11 CAHA Play in Weekend - Dave calls out Live Barn - Lance talks about the Hitmen in NCDC

Tier 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.

Nov 15, 202244:28
S3 Episode 10 We reach #2 in South Korea - Middle season issues for players, coaches and parents - breaking in to local hockey teams as an outsider

S3 Episode 10 We reach #2 in South Korea - Middle season issues for players, coaches and parents - breaking in to local hockey teams as an outsider

Coach talks about how South Korea has embraced the podcast.  We are officially #2 in ice hockey podcasts in the country.  Thank you Seoul.  

Middle season issues for players.  How do you change course when things are not going well.

A listener asks about breaking into a new hockey situation when moving to a new area.  Lance has some ideas on how to best get your kids on the right track.

Nov 08, 202239:07
S3 Episode 9 Randall talks rankings - Rolly tears those ratings apart - Questions about how to choose positions for new players

S3 Episode 9 Randall talks rankings - Rolly tears those ratings apart - Questions about how to choose positions for new players

Randy talks about how myhockeyrankings has changed the lobby.  There are many people who love to watch how the teams go up and down the lists.  It's mesmerizing and seriously toxic.

Lance talks about Eliteprospects and how to find anyone you've ever known who has played hockey.  Play the game with people who were on your first team.  Where are they now?  Only do this if you are old and your kid is out of hockey.

Rolly takes on an email question about how to choose to what position a new player should learn.  He has advice for how to put the younger kids through drills that will help them become a balanced hockey player.

Nov 01, 202232:13
S3 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 love

S3 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 love

Randall 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.

Oct 25, 202240:15
S3 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 team

S3 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 team

Randall 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.

Oct 18, 202242:20
S3 Episode 6 Lance has spreadsheets of players - Dave talks about rankings of Junior A programs - Randall thinks Missoula should be a hockey destination

S3 Episode 6 Lance has spreadsheets of players - Dave talks about rankings of Junior A programs - Randall thinks Missoula should be a hockey destination

Lance 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.

Oct 11, 202201:00:15
S3 Episode 5 Buyout at Tier II - Crazy calls and crazy rules enforced in in youth hockey -Austria has real hockey

S3 Episode 5 Buyout at Tier II - Crazy calls and crazy rules enforced in in youth hockey -Austria has real hockey

Email question on buyout of contracts.  If your kid's team doesn't make AA, then should you try to switch teams?

Lance and Randall talk about the rules that make no sense to most of the people in the stands.  Also the craziest calls we've seen on the ice.  Refs be crazy.

 Dave talks about a team that won the best uniforms in youth hockey.

Oct 04, 202243:45
S3 Episode 4 Ratings go up - Unwritten rules of youth hockey - Players who explode at the end of the game (in anger, not production)

S3 Episode 4 Ratings go up - Unwritten rules of youth hockey - Players who explode at the end of the game (in anger, not production)

Lance likes to talk about the ratings when people listen.  Thank you.

The unwritten rules of hockey are discussed.  What are the things that nobody talks about, but they are carved in stone.

Rolly talks about the way physicality can be a trait that defines a player.

Sep 27, 202238:09
S3 Episode Three Randall is trapped in Lance's House - Websites that never update for hockey programs - Coaches that change

S3 Episode Three Randall is trapped in Lance's House - Websites that never update for hockey programs - Coaches that change

Randall 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.

Sep 20, 202246:34