Ep.241 | What does “WORKING HARD” Actually Mean?

The Matterhorn Fit All-Path Series is here including the Western, Ontario, and Quebec. Coach Eric will be leading the charge with the All-Path Ontario event with NCAA Division 1 and OHL programs set to join!Visit matterhornfitevents.com to REQUEST REGISTRATION!Wondering where we've been? Big announcement coming soon!

In this Q&A episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric and Andy answer real questions submitted by hockey parents and players from across North America.From navigating early development in U13 to handling politics, effort, and opportunity at U18, this conversation tackles some of the most common (and misunderstood) challenges in youth and junior hockey.This episode is all about clarity, confidence, and perspective whether you're a player, a parent, or a coach trying to support the right way.TIMESTAMPS:08:00 – Q1: U13 AAA & extra skills sessions — what’s too much?12:30 – Q2: How do you teach “compete” to a 15U player?17:40 – Q3: U18AA girl aiming for D3 — how to stand out without being flashy26:00 – Q4: Coach plays favorites and doesn’t reward effort — should parents step in?30:15 – Q5: 15 y/o working out but doesn’t feel like he’s improving38:00 – Q6: Coach wants development, parents want wins — how to manage the gap42:30 – Q7: My kid is dialed in on nutrition — what’s next?50:40 – Q8: Choosing between prep hockey and Canadian Jr/OHLThis episode was fueled by questions from our audience.Have a question for a future Q&A? Send it in.🎧 New episodes weekly - subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzoloWant to support the show? Become a ⁠MEMBER⁠ or reach out for sponsorships ⁠HERE⁠.

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric and Andy open up about the things they wish more hockey parents knew earlier - especially during the intense and emotional U16/U18 years.With so much focus on the OHL Draft, rankings, and comparison, many families lose sight of what truly matters in a player’s long-term development. This conversation cuts through the noise and delivers honest advice rooted in experience — both as coaches and as parents.If you’re navigating the pre-draft years, or even just trying to support your kid the right way, this episode will give you clarity, confidence, and peace of mind.What You’ll LearnWhy comparison ruins joy… and progressThe mindset that separates long-term developers from short-term hypeWhat parents should stop saying (even with good intentions)Why rankings and draft predictions don’t tell the full storyWhat actually matters at the junior level and how it’s different from youth hockeyTIMESTAMPS02:30 – Setting proper expectations during the draft year06:30 – “Comparison is the thief of joy” — how it shows up in hockey07:30 – A realistic, long-term approach for families09:40 – When parents push too hard — and why it backfires10:15 – The problem with subscription rankings and overhype12:00 – Don’t promise your kid where they’ll be drafted15:00 – Outperforming others doesn’t always equal opportunity17:30 – Evolving into a learner — not just a performer20:00 – Don’t expect someone else’s lucky break to be yours21:00 – “When did you become a scout?” — over-analysis from the stands29:00 – What most don’t understand about junior hockey vs. youth hockey35:00 – Identifying your market — where do you actually fit?38:00 – Be willing to take the ego hit for development42:00 – Parents: Don’t add to the emotional weight your kid already carries-🎧 New episodes weekly — subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzoloWant to support the show? Become a ⁠MEMBER⁠ or reach out for sponsorships ⁠HERE⁠.

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric sits down with Brian Gill, an NHLPA Certified Agent with Maloney and Thompson, to pull back the curtain on what agents actually do, and what families think they do.This isn’t a conversation about multimillion-dollar NHL contracts. It’s about the junior-level journey, the questions families are asking, the decisions players face, and the role of a good agent in guiding the process.Brian shares what his day-to-day looks like, how they onboard families, and what traits he looks for in young athletes. He also speaks openly about some common misconceptions like thinking an agent is going to magically “get you there.”Whether you're a parent, coach, or player, this episode delivers a grounded, honest perspective from someone in the trenches of high-performance hockey development.What You’ll LearnWhat agents actually do and don’t do for young playersWhen it’s the right time to get an agentKey differences between agents and advisorsWhat top players do differently - habits, mindset, and sacrificesWhy are you deciding to get an agent?TIMESTAMPS00:00 – Intro to the episode and Brian Gill’s background02:50 – How Brian got started with Maloney and Thompson05:50 – A day in the life: What an agent’s work looks like06:45 – What services does the agency provide players and families?09:50 – Is there a standard onboarding process or is it customized case by case?13:40 – What Brian looks for in the players he chooses to represent17:00 – Agents don’t have “magic powers” — it’s still up to the player18:40 – Is the OHL Draft a reason to get an agent? What families need to understand22:40 – The real difference between agents and advisors25:20 – Advice for players who aren’t top prospects — should they even be thinking about agents?29:30 – Work-life balance: What elite players do differently32:00 – Habits of high-end athletes: focus, structure, consistency34:00 – Where should players actually be playing? Fit vs. prestige36:00 – The role great coaches play in a player's growth42:00 – What today’s players are missing — it’s not skill, it’s awarenessThanks to Brian and the Maloney and Thompson team for making this episode possible.-🎧 New episodes weekly — subscribe on Spotify, Apple, and YouTube📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzoloWant to support the show? Become a ⁠MEMBER⁠ or reach out for sponsorships ⁠HERE⁠.

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, Eric and Andy reflect on the parenting journey from early youth hockey days to one of the biggest milestones in any hockey family: the NHL Draft.Andy shares the emotional experience of watching his son get drafted to the Dallas Stars, how he navigated being both a coach and a dad, and where he sometimes went too far. Together, they offer honest, real-world advice for parents who want to support their kids without pushing them too hard.This episode is packed with insight for anyone involved in youth sports — parents, coaches, and players alike.Key Themes:Why time changes your perspective as a parentThe difference between “nudging” and “pushing” your childLetting kids take ownership of their developmentCreating safe, honest environments for young athletesWhy enjoying the journey matters more than the outcome02:00 – Time Passing: Eric reflects on growing out of playing; Andy on stepping away from business and battling complacency 09:00 – NHL Draft Moment: Andy shares the experience of watching his son get drafted by the Dallas Stars 14:30 – Never Forced: Why Andy never made his son play or pressured him to pursue hockey 17:30 – Nudge, Don’t Push: What it means to support your kid without forcing them 26:30 – Player Autonomy: Letting athletes come up with ideas and make choices 29:50 – Honest Development Environments: Eric on removing judgment so players don’t hide struggles 34:00 – Overstepping: Andy shares times he went too far as a parent and coach 39:00 – Long-Term Perspective: Andy’s goals when his son started playing vs. now 49:00 – Enjoy the Journey: Why parents need to take pride in the process, not just the results 🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo-Become a MEMBER to support the show!Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we’re joined by Jason Guerriero - a former pro player, NCAA coach, and longtime contributor to USA Hockey’s development model.Jason shares a thoughtful and experienced perspective on what true development means at every level from young kids to elite college players. This episode breaks down how to think long-term, how USA Hockey approaches player growth, and what families need to understand about preparing the right way.They cover:The day-to-day of development coachingWhy unscripted play and adversity matterWhat real development looks like beyond drillsAge-appropriate teaching and mindsetNCAA commitments and decision-makingUSA vs Canada development philosophiesThis episode is full of real-world insight for players looking to reach the next level, parents trying to support the right way, and coaches shaping young athletes with purpose.🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo-Become a MEMBER to support the show!Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.

In this episode, Eric and Andy have a deep, personal conversation about the importance of understanding your values — as a person and as a team. From faith and family to leadership and decision-making, they explore why identifying your core values builds the foundation for growth, performance, and long-term success.They also touch on lessons from Game 5 of the NHL playoffs, tools like Instat for player development, and key takeaways from the TCS Live coaching summit.Topics Covered:Little habits leading to game 5 Stanley Cup Final goalsWrap up on The Coaches Site Live conference weekendWhy your personal values drive everything you doBuilding a team identity around shared beliefsTeaching athletes to think, speak, and lead🎧 Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube 📲 Follow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo

Coach Eric and Coach Andy dive into one of the most commonly communicated but poorly explained concepts in sports and development: hard work. What does it really mean to work hard? Why do so many people think they’re grinding, but aren’t actually getting better?They unpack what true effort looks like — from training on the ice, to gym habits, to mental focus and nutrition. Whether you’re a hockey player, a parent, or a coach, this one will challenge how you define success and effort.Key Topics:Why feeling tired isn’t the same as progressThe real definition of hard workOff-ice work and focus as the foundationHow to develop consistent, intentional habitsAvailable on Spotify, Apple, and YouTubeFollow us: @powertechonline | @epzolo-Become a MEMBER to support the show!Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE. 

In this episode of the PowerTech Development Podcast, we’re joined by Matt Gilroy—former walk-on at Boston University, Hobey Baker winner, NHL defenseman, and now a coach with Harvard University.Matt’s story is the kind every player and family should hear: a journey from underdog to NHL, built on work ethic, character, and the right mindset.We also go deep into the recruiting side of college hockey:What Harvard looks for in playersHow academics and athletics balanceThe value of creativity and hockey IQHow to stand out when “everyone’s good”This episode is full of real-world advice for players looking to get to the NCAA level and parents trying to support the right way.Matt Gilroy’s Walk-On Story at BU (EJHL to NCAA to NHL)Playing His First NCAA Game and Sticking as a DefensemanTransitioning Into Coaching at HarvardWhat Harvard Prioritizes in Recruits – Academics, Offense, IQ, and CreativityHow to Stand Out When Everyone is SkilledManaging Distractions as a Young PlayerWhat It Takes to Get Noticed by NCAA ProgramsBecome a MEMBER to support the show!Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE. 

Brian Willsie is the Director of Player Development for the Colorado Avalanche of the NHL. In this episode, he and Coach Eric discuss strategies to own your development path as a player including decisions on where to play. Become a MEMBER to support the show!Want to sponsor? Contact Us HERE.