Welcome to Episode 13 of the On Call Coaches podcast, where hosts Coach Switz and Coach Zane dive into the art of amateur player development. This holiday week, we tackle the common parental frustration of encouraging kids to practice at home, making it fun rather than a chore, and the value of spending quality time with your children through sports. We also discuss the importance of using video footage for self-analysis in sports, providing insights and practical tips for parents and coaches to help young athletes improve their game. Join us for a blend of humor, personal anecdotes, and actionable advice, all from Tulsa, Oklahoma, where Coach Zane is enjoying some family time and golf.

Timeline Summary:

• 00:00 - 01:12: Introduction by Coach Switz, welcoming listeners to the podcast and introducing the hosts, with a note that Coach Zane is on a trip.

• 01:12 - 01:40: Coach Zane checks in from Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the Christmas holidays, discussing his golf game and family time.

• 01:40 - 02:17: Conversation about golf, leading into the main topic of encouraging kids to practice at home.

• 02:17 - 04:37: Discussion on making practice fun for kids, sharing personal anecdotes like using credit cards for targets and competitions for shooting pucks.

• 04:37 - 05:10: Extending the concept of fun practice to other sports, using examples from soccer.

• 05:10 - 07:11: The importance of quality time during practice; Coach Zane shares stories about connecting with his daughters through their interests, not just sports.

• 07:11 - 08:54: More on how to make practice engaging rather than assigning it like homework, with specific tips like turning shooting into a points game.

• 08:54 - 10:11: Addressing the issue of overloading practice, emphasizing the need for structured and fun sessions to avoid bad habits.

• 10:11 - 11:31: Reinforcing the fun aspect of practice while subtly integrating skill improvement without making it feel like work.

• 11:31 - 12:01: Transition to discussing the use of video for coaching, highlighting how technology has changed athlete training.

• 12:01 - 14:37: Coach Zane explains the effectiveness of video feedback for athletes, allowing them to see and learn from their own gameplay.

• 14:37 - 16:15: Wrapping up the episode with a summary of making practice fun and the benefits of video self-analysis, with holiday wishes and plans for the next episode.

This episode gives listeners practical strategies for engaging young athletes in both practice and self-improvement through the lens of personal coaching stories and experiences.

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.