The USA Hockey Podcast: A Youth Sports Conversation5 Touko

#56 Growing the Game, One Player at a Time with Darren Elliott

On this episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, host Zack Nowak is joined by Darren Elliott, former NHL goaltender, broadcaster, and VP of Hockey Programming and Facility Operations for the Vegas Golden Knights. Elliott shares how street hockey, multi-sport participation, skating out as a young goalie, and playing with older kids shaped his development and long-term view of youth sports. The conversation explores how the game has changed since his playing days, especially the evolution of goaltending, the increased importance of skating, and the way today’s players must learn to play with their heads up, make decisions, and create space in small areas.

Elliott also discusses the value of age-appropriate environments, cross-ice hockey, small-area games, and allowing young players to discover solutions through play. From there, he offers insight into building hockey in nontraditional markets, including the growth of youth programming in Las Vegas, the importance of clear pathways from learn-to-skate to house league, and why programs should avoid rushing players before they are ready. The episode closes with practical advice for coaches, including the importance of fun, trust, intentional practice design, and understanding the skill inside each drill.

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Jaksot(63)

#62 Madison Packer: Leadership On and Off the Ice

On this episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, we’re joined by former professional hockey player and longtime captain Madison Packer. Madison reflects on growing up playing hockey in Detroit, her path to ...

25 Elo 53min

#61 Anya Packer: Growing the Women’s Game

On this episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, host Zack Nowak is joined by former professional player, executive and coach Anya Packer to discuss her journey through hockey and the continued growth of th...

18 Elo 45min

#60 Rick DiPietro: Developing the Complete Goaltender

Former NHL goaltender Rick DiPietro joins host Zack Nowak on the USA Hockey Podcast to reflect on his journey from youth hockey to the NHL and share what he has learned about developing goaltenders an...

13 Elo 47min

#59 Building a Mentally Healthy Hockey Culture with Dr. Kristen Dieffenbach

In the final episode from Mental Health Awareness Month, the USA Hockey Podcast welcomes special host Abby Woodford back again for a thoughtful conversation with Dr. Kristen Dieffenbach of West Virgin...

12 Kesä 44min

#58 Building a Healthier Mental Game with Dr. Erica Force

In this Mental Health Awareness Month episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, host Zack Nowak and co-host Abby Woodford are joined by Dr. Erica Force, a lead psychological services provider with the U.S. O...

28 Touko 47min

#57 Parenting the Athlete with Dr. Sue Schimmel and Maureen Breeze

Dr. Sue Schimmel and Maureen Breeze join the USA Hockey Podcast, with Abby Woodford serving as special guest co-host, to discuss how parents can support athletes through pressure, burnout, failure and...

12 Touko 1h 11min

#55 Why Relationships Matter Most in Coaching with Bill Kangas

In this episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, host Zack Nowak sits down with Bill Kangas, head coach at NCAA Division III Williams College and one of the longest tenured coaches in college hockey.Coach K...

11 Maalis 44min