Elevating the Game: Insights from Jon Lounsbury, NHL Player Development Coach

In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs sits down with Jon Lounsbury, owner of 11 Hockey and a player development coach who works with players from youth hockey through the NHL.

Jon shares his journey from youth and high school hockey in Winthrop, Massachusetts, to Bridgeton Academy, University of Southern Maine hockey, and six years of professional hockey before transitioning into coaching and player development. Today, through 11 Hockey, he works with players across youth, junior, college, and pro levels.

Jason and Jon discuss what actually drives player development, how video can be used effectively without undermining team systems, and why relationships and trust are central to helping players improve.

The conversation also dives into the current youth hockey environment — including overscheduling, tournament chasing, early specialization, and the pressures facing families — and why giving the game back to kids through creativity, multi-sport participation, and realistic expectations may be the healthiest path forward.

They also discuss analytics in player development, the importance of observational coaching, and how recent CHL–NCAA eligibility changes could reshape the college hockey landscape.

Episode Breakdown

00:00 Welcome to Puck Academy

02:25 Why Youth Hockey Feels Toxic

03:59 Jon’s Hockey Origins

07:23 Falling Out and Back In

10:36 Coaching Path and Mentors

13:20 Inside 11 Hockey Today

16:32 Parenting vs Pushing Kids

22:47 Boredom and Street Hockey Lessons

26:46 Discipline Without Burnout

30:25 What Pros Actually Need

33:13 Trust and Pressure

34:10 Can Hockey IQ Be Developed?

35:05 Breaking Comfort Zones

38:00 Using Video the Right Way

40:22 Analytics and the Eye Test

43:55 What Pros Can Teach Youth Players

47:32 Tryouts, Cuts, and Parents

49:14 Shifts in the College Hockey Path

53:16 Academies, Advisors, and Juniors

58:59 Hope, Patience, or Delusion

01:02:59 Final Thoughts and Farewell

Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).