Puck Academy

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).

Host Jason Jacobs welcomes Jack Ceglarski, head coach of Middlebury men’s hockey, for a wide-ranging conversation on development, recruiting, and leading a program in today’s changing hockey landscape. A former SUNY Geneseo national champion and pro (Reading Royals, Indy Fuel, Huntsville Havoc), Jack shares his path from player to coach — including stops at New England College, Notre Dame, and ultimately Middlebury, where he became head coach in 2024. Jack reflects on growing up at Governor’s Academy in a prominent hockey family and why expectations around his last name felt more motivating than burdensome. He credits multi-sport development and patience in juniors for shaping his long-term growth — and critiques today’s youth hockey culture as overly specialized, travel-heavy, and increasingly money-driven. We discuss: Why early specialization may hurt long-term development The tradeoffs of modern “skills” training vs hockey IQ Why cross-ice and small-area games matter How he transitioned from playing to coaching The importance of borrowing ideas and learning from mentors As a head coach, Jack emphasizes relationships, trust, and culture. He looks for “thumb guys” — players who respond to adversity — and prioritizes character, academic fit, compete level, and winning traits over raw point totals. On Middlebury’s larger ice surface, skating and puck skill are essential. He also shares: Practice structure: systems early, more adaptive later How he balances video, data, and the eye test Why players should dominate a level before moving up His cautious approach to the transfer portal How NIL, the portal, and major junior shifts are reshaping the college path Jack closes by outlining his vision for Middlebury: competing annually for NESCAC and national championships while developing complete people — not just hockey players — and encouraging families to trust their own path rather than chasing someone else’s. Show notes: 00:00 Welcome to Puck Academy + Meet Middlebury HC Jack Ceglarski  02:36 Hockey family roots: Grandfather, dad, and early influences  04:48 Jack’s playing journey: Governors Academy to juniors, college, and pro  07:49 Pressure, expectations, and building your own name  08:58 Multi-sport development vs early specialization  12:35 State of youth hockey today: money, travel, and the Minnesota model  15:44 Skill camps vs hockey IQ: why small-area games matter  19:10 When coaching took over: deciding to hang up the skates  21:14 Coaching development: mentors, “borrowing” ideas, and learning fast  24:36 Taking the Middlebury job: culture, buy-in, and leading with care  29:52 Academics vs athletics: what it takes to get recruited at Middlebury  33:12 Choosing the right level: reclassing, juniors, patience, and dominating your league  36:08 When to Make the Jump: Timing Your Next Step  36:38 Recruiting Non‑Negotiables: Character, Community & Compete Level  37:29 Building a Balanced Roster: Different Player Types, One Team  39:22 Winning Traits Over Points: What Actually Translates  42:44 Coachability & Details: Teaching ‘Stick on Puck’ and Other Habits  44:23 Transfer Portal Strategy: Add Pieces Without Breaking Culture  48:24 The New Hockey Landscape: Major Junior, Prep Paths & Tough Tradeoffs  51:08 Practice Planning Like a DJ: Systems Early, Adjustments Later  52:59 Consistency, Accountability & Responding to Adversity  55:27 Video, Data & the Eye Test: What Tech Can’t Replace  57:22 Developing Players In-Season vs Off-Season: Who Owns What  59:23 Parents, Advisors & Communication: Recruiting the Player, Not the Handler  01:01:28 Who Gets Scouted In Person: Showcases, Shortlists & Final Eye Tests  01:02:30 Selling Middlebury & the NESCAC ‘Best Package’ Pitch  01:03:56 Where the Program—and the Coach—Go Next (and Final Advice) Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode of Puck Academy, Jason Jacobs sits down with Tyler Holske — head coach and general manager of the South Shore Kings (NCDC), where he is in his fourth season leading the program. He also serves as assistant general manager and director of scouting for the Sioux City Musketeers (USHL) and as a regional scout for NHL Central Scouting, evaluating draft-eligible players across New England. A former goaltender, Tyler played junior hockey in New England with the South Shore Kings and Boston Junior Bruins before playing four years at Southern New Hampshire University, where he captained the team and became the program’s all-time saves leader. He went on to play professionally in Europe for two seasons in the Netherlands. Tyler brings a rare perspective shaped by experience as a player, coach, general manager, and scout — giving him a comprehensive view of player development and the evolving hockey pathways. What we cover: What really matters in player evaluation Hockey sense first Compete level second Skill third Why high-IQ, high-compete players win long term. Can hockey IQ be developed? Small-area games vs. skill-only training Teaching “how to play” instead of just skating better Using video the right way Building internally motivated self-starters How development has changed The rise of 12-month hockey Early specialization and burnout Why kids need to love going to the rink Prep vs. juniors vs. CHL There is no single right path Why academics still matter Due diligence families should do before leaving prep How the landscape is getting more competitive The bigger picture There aren’t enough college spots Most players won’t play pro If you love the game, keep playing Show notes: 00:00 Welcome to Puck Academy + Meet Tyler Holske (Goalie to GM/Scout) 02:28 Tyler’s Current Roles: South Shore Kings, USHL Scouting, NHL Central Scouting 03:34 Origin Story: Backyard Rink, Choosing Goalie, College & Pro in Europe 05:10 From Player to Coach: Kings Goalie Coach to Head Coach/GM & Building a Winning Culture 07:55 How the Development Path Has Changed: 12-Month Hockey, Specialization & Burnout 10:45 Let Kids Be Kids: Balancing Love of the Game, Commitment, and Parent Pressure 13:51 Synergy of Coaching + Scouting Hats Across Levels 15:57 What Tyler Looks For: Hockey Sense, Compete Level, and Skill (In That Order) 18:07 Can Hockey IQ & Compete Be Taught? Video, Self-Starters, and Accountability 20:17 Raising Hockey IQ: Small-Area Games, Teaching ‘How to Play,’ and Video-to-Ice Pairing 24:19 Tools of the Trade: InStat Workflow, Drill Sources, and Learning as a Coach 27:26 Analytics vs Eye Test: Opponent Prep, Special Teams Tendencies, and Key Metrics 29:29 When Skill Work Backfires: Making Training Game-Translatable 30:31 Can You Develop Compete & Hockey IQ Over Time? 32:26 Modern Coaching: Managing 26 Personalities & Building Buy-In 34:05 Choosing the Right Path: Don’t Rush Levels + Academics Matter 37:05 Prep vs Juniors: The 24/7 Hockey Environment Explained 39:36 Should You Skip Juniors? Readiness, Reps, and Due Diligence 43:18 CHL Rule Changes & the NCDC’s Niche in College Placement 46:27 Advisors, Outreach, and the Behind-the-Scenes Placement Machine 49:23 Recruiting vs Development: Culture, Process, and Handling Adversity 51:22 A Tougher Landscape: Not Enough Spots + What Needs to Change 54:24 Reality vs Dreams: Playing for the Love of the Game 56:44 Future of Hockey: Opportunity, Cost Barriers, and Final Wrap-Up Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs talks to Ben Guite, the head coach of men's ice hockey at Bowdoin College. They discuss Ben's journey from playing at the University of Maine to his professional career in the NHL, AHL, and ECHL, and his transition into coaching. They explore the impact of growing up in a hockey household and how the game and player development have evolved over the years. Key topics include Ben's coaching philosophy, the role of video and data, recent rule changes like NIL and the transfer portal, and the future of the game. Ben also shares insights on balancing fun and hard work in youth hockey, the importance of character and culture in building successful teams, and the influence of individual skills training on hockey IQ. 00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy 00:15 Meet Ben Guite: From Player to Coach 01:28 Ben's Early Life and Hockey Journey 01:57 The Evolution of Hockey and Player Development 03:19 Balancing Fun and Competitiveness in Youth Sports 15:25 Recruitment and Character in College Hockey 20:30 Challenges and Growth in College Hockey 27:01 The Importance of Mastering Junior Hockey 28:46 Personal Journey to the NHL 30:13 Balancing Academics and Hockey 33:02 Rise of Specialized Training and Academies 36:26 Evaluating and Teaching Hockey IQ 40:22 Coaching Tactics and Player Development 43:27 Impact of Analytics and Video in Coaching 46:33 Changes in Junior and College Hockey 49:54 The Growing Competitiveness of Youth Hockey 51:55 Building Team Cohesion and Culture 53:39 Final Thoughts and Advice for Hockey Dads Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs talks with Sean and Tyler Walsh, brothers from a legendary hockey family. Sean, an assistant coach at the University of Alaska Fairbanks, and Tyler, the head men's hockey coach at Gustavus Adolphus College, share their experiences of growing up in a hockey-centric environment and their journey into coaching. They delve into discussions on coaching philosophies, the nature versus nurture debate, player development, and the evolving style of modern hockey. The episode also covers the balance between recruiting and development, the role of data and analytics, and advice for parents navigating the increasingly competitive landscape of youth hockey. 00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy 00:15 Meet the Walsh Brothers 00:52 Growing Up in a Legendary Hockey Family 01:30 Coaching Philosophies and Player Development 12:36 Nature vs. Nurture in Coaching 16:34 Evolution of Hockey Coaching Styles 21:53 Traits of Successful Hockey Players 41:18 Balancing Recruitment and Development 44:44 Recruiting Philosophy and Player Development 46:37 Challenges and Advantages of Playing in Alaska 54:02 The Role of Data and Analytics in Hockey 59:56 Teaching Through Scoring Chances 01:05:05 The Importance of Hockey IQ 01:13:56 Balancing Specialization and Multi-Sport Development01:15:33 Final Thoughts and Advice for Parents Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

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).

In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Wes Wolfe, assistant coach of the Reading Royals in the ECHL, to discuss his comprehensive coaching background and insights on player development. Wes shares valuable lessons he has learned through 15 years of coaching across various levels, from minor leagues to international teams. The conversation dives into topics such as the evolution of coaching, the importance of building relationships with players, and the role of analytics and video in enhancing player performance. Extensive discussion also focuses on the challenges of modern hockey training environments and the potential of using technology to make high-level coaching more accessible. The episode concludes with Wes emphasizing the importance of enjoying the game and finding joy in the process as key factors for achieving high performance. 00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy 00:15 Meet Wes Wolfe: A Coach's Journey 02:26 Diving into Hockey IQ 08:47 The Evolving Role of a Coach 11:13 Analytics in Hockey: Eye Test vs. Data 19:02 Challenges in Modern Player Development 31:06 Team Dynamics and Individualization 37:13 Practical Coaching Strategies 44:17 Understanding Play Away from the Puck 45:58 The Importance of Context in Watching Games 46:40 Self-Discovery vs. Guided Learning 48:49 Learning from Different Levels of Play 50:36 The Role of Commentary and Analysis 53:37 High Frequency, High Failure Rate Areas 56:04 Balancing Individual and Team Development 01:07:30 The Potential of AI in Coaching 01:11:07 Closing the Loop in Player Development 01:12:28 The Future of Hockey Coaching 01:18:50 Barriers to Entry and Access to Resources 01:23:55 Final Thoughts and Parting Words Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Jamie Rice, the head coach of Babson College's men's ice hockey team. Rice, a Babson alum and experienced coach, shares insights from his 21-year tenure, including his unconventional coaching methods that emphasize development, empowerment, and game-based learning over traditional drills. The discussion also explores broader themes of youth sports, parenting, and coaching philosophy, as well as the challenges facing modern college sports. Both enlightening and reflective, this episode provides a deep dive into what it takes to cultivate a successful and cohesive hockey program. 00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy 00:16 Meet Coach Jamie Rice 01:27 Coach Rice's Unique Coaching Philosophy 03:06 Personal Connections and Background 06:21 Growing Up in Newton 09:42 The Importance of Team and Sports 12:39 Goals and Aspirations 22:34 Recruitment and Team Building 26:54 Parenting and Youth Sports 47:15 Practice Philosophy and Methods 48:49 Self-Learning and Coaching Philosophy 49:40 Over-Coaching in Sports 50:15 Planning and Key Points in Practice 52:50 Influences and Inspirations 58:13 Challenges in Division One Hockey 01:06:48 Commitment to Player Development 01:12:40 Entrepreneurial Insights and Reflections 01:13:19 The Role of Individual Skill Development 01:30:03 Parental Influence and Societal Expectations 01:33:51 Final Thoughts and Reflections Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs interviews Dwayne Blais, a Hockey Canada certified skills coach currently working with the Detroit Red Wings. They discuss Dwayne's extensive experience in player development with teams like the London Knights, Hershey Bears, and Washington Capitals, as well as his work with youth hockey through his company, Total Package Hockey (TPH). The conversation covers Dwayne's journey from his late start in hockey to coaching, the importance of fundamentals like stick-handling and scanning the ice, and the challenges and strategies of developing elite hockey talent. They also touch on topics like balancing skill development with a love for the game, the role of technology and analytics, and the changing landscape of hockey development pathways. Throughout, Dwayne emphasizes creating good people and maintaining a balanced perspective on the sport. 00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy 00:15 Meet Dwayne Blais: Hockey Skills Coach 01:23 Dwayne's Journey in Hockey 04:47 The Importance of Skill Development 06:54 Starting Total Package Hockey 12:48 Transition from Player to Coach 19:14 The Rise of Private Hockey Schools 24:00 Balancing Hockey and Life 32:42 Parental Influence on Athletic Development 34:19 Balancing Encouragement and Accountability 35:48 Personal Reflections on Parenting Styles 36:59 The Role of Self-Motivation in Sports 38:52 Challenges of Modern Youth Sports 41:16 Outdoor Rinks and Unstructured Play 44:50 Accessibility and Resources in Competitive Sports 49:58 Teaching Hockey IQ and Skills 55:54 The Importance of Communication and Scanning 01:02:00 Coaching Strategies for Skill Development 01:06:56 Accountability and Skill Development at Home 01:10:10 The Role of Coaches in Player Development 01:13:51 Analytics vs. Eye Test in Hockey 01:21:47 Teaching Hockey IQ and Player Development 01:32:18 Changes in the Development Path and NCAA 01:38:47 Final Thoughts on Hockey Development Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).

In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs delves into the intricate world of college hockey with Scott McDougall, Senior Associate Head Coach for Sacred Heart University's Men's Hockey Program. Scott shares insights from his extensive coaching career, starting from his days as a player at the University of Connecticut, through his coaching stints at Wesleyan and the Neponset Valley River Rats. They discuss the challenges of recruiting in a constantly shifting landscape, the impact of the CHL and pro players on college hockey, and the vital elements in player development and scouting. Scott recounts a recent ordeal during a recruiting trip to Canada, reflecting on the unpredictabilities of a coach's life on the road. The episode offers a candid look at the pressures, changes, and joys of coaching college hockey today. 00:00 Introduction to Puck Academy 00:15 Meet Scott McDougall: Sacred Heart's Senior Associate Head Coach 00:33 Scott's Journey and Career Highlights 01:19 Challenges and Changes in College Hockey 02:35 A Crazy Recruiting Story 07:48 Life on the Road as a Coach 08:59 Jason's Personal Hockey Journey 11:01 Scott's Early Hockey Days 12:42 Coaching Philosophy and Changes Over Time 15:23 Transition to Coaching and the River Rats 21:17 The Evolution of Sacred Heart's Hockey Program 22:04 The Role of Family in Hockey Development 26:22 The Role of Recruiting in College Hockey 28:10 Balancing Early Talent Identification and Development 29:45 The Importance of Competitiveness 33:52 Navigating the Path to College Hockey 39:40 Challenges in College Hockey Recruiting 40:31 The Impact of Changes in College Hockey 45:11 Adapting to the Evolving Landscape 51:23 Advice for Aspiring Players and Coaches 53:38 Concluding Thoughts on the Future of Hockey Note: Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com).