Navigating The Youth Hockey Experience with Topher Scott

Sports Dad Hub Podcast Episode 19 with Topher Scott from The Hockey Think Tank.com and The Hockey Think Tank Podcast. On this episode Topher helps hockey parents navigate the complex and often confusing world of youth hockey.

Bingeworthy Podcast

I discovered the Hockey Think Tank Podcast over the winter and I’ve never binged on a podcast so much. I highly recommend it to every hockey parent. 

Topher and his cohost Jeff LoVecchio are entertaining as heck to listen to, but most importantly, they provide some great advice to hockey parents when it comes to helping your kids navigate the unusual world of youth hockey.

How Far Can Hard Work & Passion Take You?

Topher’s hockey background & career is pretty remarkable. Even though he's listed at 5' 6" and 154 lbs. he got everything he could have out of his body and talent. Because he had an incredible work ethic and pure love for playing the game he wound up playing for one of the top Division One college programs in the nation. 

He played at Cornell University where he was a two-year captain. He played professionally for a brief time, but his outstanding leadership & communication skills helped him move on to be a Division One assistant coach for six years at Miami University in Ohio and then at Cornell. 

The Good, The Bad, The Ridiculous & The Awesome

In this episode we dive into the good, the bad, the ridiculous and the awesome of youth hockey. Topher provides some great insights and advice in a lot of areas, including... 

Why do so many parents seem to professionalize youth hockey & make it more like a job to kids?What should sports parents focus on to help their kids developHow to not be taken advantage of by "elite" off season tournaments & combines - don't fall for FOMOWords of advice for new hockey parentsWhy youth hockey creates stronger bonds and tighter knit parent and player groups vs. other sportsHow to make youth hockey more affordable, without doing fundraisers Do AAA teams with corporate naming sponsors have more affordable team and ice fees? Topher gives us the 4 characteristics that separate kids who make it to play college hockey and beyondHow do the parents of players who made it to the highest levels handle the car rides home from games & practicesHow important is nutrition for young athletes? Does it really impact their performance?

Additional links mentioned in this episode:
- The Hockey Think Tank FREE Hockey Parent Guidebook
- Hockey Think Tank Podcast episode with nutritionist Kelly Springer.
- The Hockey Think Tank YouTube Channel

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