In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs welcomes Andy Jones, head coach of Bentley University's Division I men's ice hockey team. Jones shares insights from his journey and coaching philosophy, emphasizing the importance of unstructured play, passion, and effort in player development. He discusses the evolving landscape of hockey, including the increasing cost barriers and the rise of specialized training. Jones advocates for maintaining a balance between structured guidance and allowing creativity and instinct to flourish. He also touches on the challenges posed by the current system and the need to make hockey more accessible and affordable. The episode offers a thoughtful exploration of both individual and systemic approaches to improving the game.

00:00 The Magic of Unstructured Learning

00:25 Introduction to Andy Jones

01:34 Andy Jones' Journey and Achievements

03:39 The Importance of Passion and Love for the Game

06:48 Challenges in Modern Hockey Development

16:09 Balancing Academics and Athletics

19:24 Effort, Curiosity, and Culture in Coaching

22:43 Navigating the Evolving Landscape of College Hockey

29:24 Systems vs. Habits in Coaching

31:41 Understanding Defensive Concepts

32:28 The Role of Soft Skills in Hockey

33:05 Building Relationships in Coaching

35:19 The Importance of Unstructured Play

41:10 Balancing Structure and Freedom in Training

46:39 Leveraging Data and Analytics

55:16 Affordability and Accessibility in Hockey

58:58 Final Thoughts and Reflections

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

Habits Over Systems: The Coaching Style of Bentley's Andy Jones