Episode Description:

In this episode, Alex and Zane start with a hilarious and insightful conversation about balancing the chaos of club and high school hockey schedules. They share tips on managing priorities, avoiding burnout, and the importance of communication between players, parents, and coaches (spoiler: surprises are bad). Zane even takes us on a detour to Newfoundland, where hockey made him the unofficial mayor of a small fishing town and earned him a seat at every family dinner. Meanwhile, Alex dives into what it takes to start coaching and why committing to the job is like jumping into a frozen lake—you’re either all in, or you’re not in at all.

Then, they’re joined by Coach Corey Cannon, who takes us on a journey through his hockey career. From racking up penalty minutes at Mizzou to coaching at Clayton High School, Corey shares his thoughts on building a winning program, the state of high school hockey in St. Louis, and how video coaching can transform a player’s development. Expect funny stories about late-night puck drops at Kentucky, advice for aspiring coaches, and reflections on what it means to leave a legacy in hockey.

This episode is packed with laughs, lessons, and plenty of hockey wisdom. Whether you’re a player, coach, or just a fan of the game, this one’s for you!

Timeline:

0:00-1:30 – Intro: Alex and Zane chat about a big college signing and set the stage for today’s guest.

1:31-6:00 – Balancing Club and High School Hockey: Tips on managing schedules, priorities, and communication.

6:01-9:00 – Starting Your Coaching Journey: How to get into coaching and build lasting connections.

9:01-11:30 – Introducing Coach Corey Cannon: A closer look at his playing and coaching career.

11:31-14:30 – College Hockey Tales: Mizzou penalty minutes, midnight games, and club hockey pride.

14:31-18:00 – Coaching at Mizzou and Clayton: Building programs and creating lasting legacies.

18:01-22:00 – State of High School Hockey: Corey’s take on the growing talent and areas for improvement in St. Louis.

22:01-25:00 – The Power of Video Coaching: Leveraging tech to develop hockey IQ and positioning.

25:01-28:00 – Reflections on STL Hockey Training: Corey shares his experience working with Alex and Zane.

28:01-30:00 – Outro: Wrapping up with thanks, laughs, and a promise from Corey to visit STLHT soon.

Episode Description:

In this episode of the On Call Coaches Podcast, Coach Switz and Coach Zane dive into the crucial topic of team roles. From leadership to grit players, they discuss how understanding, embracing, and excelling in your role can lead to personal and team success. They highlight examples like the playmaker, the enforcer, and even the locker room chemistry guy, all while sharing actionable advice for players looking to solidify their position on a team.

Then, they welcome their guest, Allie Granato, a hockey coach and former player with an impressive resume. Allie shares her journey from playing for the Chicago Fury to her standout college career at the University of Vermont, where she was a three-time Barbara Bates Award recipient. She delves into her coaching philosophy, the challenges of growing up in a prominent hockey family, and the advice she has for young players looking to advance their careers.

Timeline

1. [00:00:00] Introduction

   Coach Switz and Coach Zane welcome listeners and share updates from their morning lessons, focusing on helping players improve on-ice positioning and stick placement.

2. [00:03:00] Understanding Team Roles

   Discussion on identifying different roles on a hockey team, including leadership, playmakers, grinders, and more. The coaches share insights into how players can find and excel in their roles.

3. [00:11:30] Adapting to New Teams

   Tips for players transitioning to higher levels of hockey or new teams, emphasizing attitude, building trust, and being a good teammate.

4. [00:15:00] Embracing Your Role

   The coaches share advice on accepting roles, whether as a first-line scorer, a faceoff specialist, or a locker room motivator, and highlight the importance of positivity and adaptability.

5. [00:19:00] Interview with Allie Granato

   Introduction to Allie Granato, covering her hockey background, experiences playing for the Chicago Fury, and her transition to the University of Vermont.

6. [00:25:00] Navigating Pressure and Family Legacy

   Allie discusses the challenges and advantages of growing up in a prominent hockey family and how she learned to manage expectations.

7. [00:30:00] The Evolution of Roles in Hockey

   Insights from Allie on how players’ roles can change as they progress in their careers and the importance of being adaptable and supportive as a teammate.

8. [00:38:00] Private Coaching and Player Development

   Allie shares her current work as a professional skills coach in Boston, her approach to player development, and how she uses video review to help players improve.

9. [00:45:00] Advice for Young Players

   Allie offers advice for young female players aspiring to play at higher levels, emphasizing the importance of hard work, resilience, and being a great teammate.

10. [00:50:00] Closing Thoughts

    Final reflections from Allie and the hosts on the importance of embracing roles, working hard, and supporting teammates. Allie shares how listeners can connect with her for private coaching or video review.

In this special episode of the On Call Coaches Podcast, Coach Switz and Coach Zane take a break from interviews to share their story. From growing up as hockey rivals to becoming business partners, they recount how their shared passion for player development led to the creation of STL Hockey Training. Learn about their journey through challenges like finding the right facility, building their business, and staying true to their mission of helping athletes succeed.

The episode also dives into practical tips for parents and youth athletes, with advice on nutrition, training routines, and making the most of your hockey journey. Tune in for a mix of nostalgia, insight, and inspiration.

Timeline Summary

0:00 - 2:50: Intro and Small Talk

• Coach Zane shares highlights from his recent Disney World trip.

2:51 - 8:30: The Origin Story

• How Coach Switz and Coach Zane met, from childhood hockey rivals to college and early coaching days.

• Zane’s early coaching journey and how Switz joined the coaching team.

8:31 - 15:00: Founding STL Hockey Training

• Starting their first camp, “Hockey IQ,” and the transition to building their first facility.

• Challenges like skate sharpening, lessons scheduling, and balancing work/life.

15:01 - 21:00: Growth and Lessons Learned

• Expansion to multiple locations, adapting to client feedback, and creating a sustainable model.

• The move to their larger De Pere facility and its impact on older players.

21:01 - 27:30: Nutrition Tips for Youth Athletes

• Practical advice for fueling young athletes, from eggs to whole foods and easy snack prep.

• Tips for parents on grocery shopping and meal planning.

27:31 - 29:00: Wrap-Up

• Reflecting on the journey, sharing stats about STL Hockey Training’s current success, and teasing future podcast episodes.