He never made the NHL. He still built a decade-long pro hockey career.

Scott and Jamie sit down with former North Dakota and professional hockey player Brad Miller, now with Turtlebox Audio, to talk about a hockey path that took him from Atlanta to Shattuck-St. Mary’s, the USHL, North Dakota, and professional hockey.

Brad talks about growing up with nearly unlimited access to ice, spending hours playing unstructured hockey with his buddies, and how that helped develop creativity and hockey sense. He also gets into the jump to college hockey, unexpectedly moving from forward to defense, injuries, and building a long pro career without ever reaching the NHL.

In this episode:

• Growing up playing unstructured hockey in Atlanta
• The path from Shattuck to North Dakota
• Going from forward to defense in college
• Building a pro career without making the NHL

This one is a good reminder for hockey families: the NHL isn’t the only path to a successful hockey career.

Turtle Box: https://turtleboxaudio.com/
Pacific Rink: https://www.pacificrink.com/ discount code: CrazyDad10

Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/
CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026

Partners:

• https://www.pacificrink.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/
• https://hockeytraining.com/
• https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads
• https://howieshockeytape.com/
• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

Socials:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast
• X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

How one hockey dad turned a broken bag into one of hockey's most recognizable gear brands.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Pacific Rink co-founder and CEO Brad Serkin to talk about how a frustrating hockey bag experience sparked an idea that eventually grew into a brand seen in rinks around the country.

Brad takes us behind the scenes of building Pacific Rink, from prototypes and Kickstarter to getting into major retailers, and explains why the company refuses to launch products just to launch them. He also shares what's coming next, including a wheel bag they've spent years developing and new ideas designed around how hockey players actually use their gear.

The conversation also gets into surviving COVID, tariffs and supply-chain chaos, designing products through player feedback.

In this episode:

• How three broken bags helped spark Pacific Rink
• Why organization became central to the original design
• Going from Kickstarter to major hockey retailers
• Why Pacific Rink won't make a product just because competitors do
• The wheel bag they've spent years trying to get right

This one is a look behind a piece of hockey gear most of us never think much about and how two hockey dads built a business by obsessing over it.

Pacific Rink: https://www.pacificrink.com/ discount code: CrazyDad10

Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/
CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026

Partners:

• https://www.pacificrink.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/
• https://hockeytraining.com/
• https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads
• https://howieshockeytape.com/
• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

Socials:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast
• X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

The Stanley Cup champion who reached hockey's highest level while fighting a battle he didn't understand.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Stanley Cup champion Brent Sopel for a raw conversation about his NHL career, dyslexia, ADHD, mental health, self-esteem, and the way we teach kids in youth hockey.

Brent talks candidly about reading at a fourth-grade level in high school, being labeled “dumb, stupid and lazy,” and not discovering his learning differences until age 32. He explains why hockey became his source of self-esteem, why winning the Stanley Cup was also the “emptiest” feeling of his life, and how he learned to play hockey instead of think hockey.

The conversation also gets into why Brent believes “youth sport has become youth business,” what private training often gets wrong, the details today's players are missing, and why coaches need to become better teachers, especially for kids who learn differently.

In this episode:

• Why winning the Stanley Cup felt unexpectedly empty
• Growing up with undiagnosed dyslexia and ADHD
• Why self-esteem matters so much for young athletes
• Why coaches need to understand how different kids learn

This one gives hockey parents something they need to hear: sometimes the kid isn't struggling because they can't do it, they may just need to be taught differently.

Sopel Foundation: https://www.sopelfoundation.org/
Brent Sopel IG: https://www.instagram.com/brent_sopel/

Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/
CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026

Partners:

• https://www.pacificrink.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/
• https://hockeytraining.com/
• https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads
• https://howieshockeytape.com/
• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

Socials:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast
• X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

One Princeton player's path - and why more isn't always better.

Recorded on location at Princeton's summer hockey camp, Scott and Jamie sit down with Princeton defenseman Chris Reiniger to talk about the path from Maryland youth hockey to South Kent, the Chicago Steel, and eventually Division I hockey at Princeton.

Chris talks candidly about starting hockey late, the sacrifices that nearly made him walk away from the game, and why finding the right environment helped keep his love for hockey alive. He also shares why he never did one-on-one training growing up, prefers competitive group sessions, and believes too much extra hockey can become exactly that...too much.

The conversation also gets into the jump from AAA to prep to juniors and college, mental performance and visualization, managing Princeton academics, and what life as a D1 athlete actually looks like.

In this episode:

• Why he nearly questioned whether hockey was worth the sacrifice
• The massive jump from juniors to college hockey
• Visualization, confidence, and avoiding the “energy vampire”
• Balancing hockey, academics, and life at Princeton

This one gives hockey parents something they don't hear enough: there isn't one required development formula for getting to the next level.

Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/
CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026

Princeton University Men's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey
Princeton University Women's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/womens-ice-hockey
Princeton Sports Camps: https://www.princetonsportscamps.com

Partners:

• https://www.pacificrink.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/
• https://hockeytraining.com/
• https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads
• https://howieshockeytape.com/
• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

Socials:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast
• X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

Why culture wins long before talent does.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Princeton Assistant Coach Shane Talarico, recorded on location at Princeton University's summer hockey camp, for a behind-the-scenes look at college coaching, recruiting, and what separates good teams from great ones.

Shane shares his unlikely coaching journey from Division III to Princeton, why there isn't one path to success, and how great coaches - and great players - are built through relationships, culture, and continuous learning. He also explains what Princeton really looks for in recruits, why character carries as much weight as talent, and how the hockey world stays connected behind the scenes.

In this episode:

• Shane's path from Division III to Princeton
• Why great teammates become great players
• What Princeton looks for beyond talent
• How the transfer portal and CHL changes are reshaping college hockey

Whether your child dreams of college hockey or you're simply trying to understand what coaches actually value, this episode is full of insight from one of the game's rising young coaches.

Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/
CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026

Princeton University Men's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey
Princeton University Women's Ice Hockey: https://goprincetontigers.com/sports/womens-ice-hockey
Princeton Sports Camps: https://www.princetonsportscamps.com

Partners:

• https://www.pacificrink.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/
• https://hockeytraining.com/
• https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads
• https://howieshockeytape.com/
• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

Socials:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast
• X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

This week, Crazy Hockey Dads heads to Longwood Hockey for the Mo's Smile fundraiser benefiting Memorial Sloan Kettering and Shoot for a Cure.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Maurice Campbell, Rob Laferriere, Evan Rodrigues, and Dan Muse for honest conversations about hockey, parenting, adversity, and why this sport is bigger than wins and losses. From raising kids who love the game to trusting the process, giving back, and supporting families through unimaginable loss, every guest shares what the hockey community looks like at its very best.

In this episode:

• Maurice Campbell on Mo's legacy and why the mission continues
• Rob Laferriere on keeping youth hockey fun
• Evan Rodrigues on confidence, commitment, and falling in love with the process
• Dan Muse on leadership, adversity, and why hockey is a community first

This isn't just another hockey episode, it's a reminder of why so many families fall in love with this game in the first place.

Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/
CHD/MSK Donation Page: http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/chdmsc2026
Longwood Academy: https://www.floridasurfhockey.com/longwood-academy
Evan Rodrigues IG: https://www.instagram.com/evanr17/?hl=en
Dan Muse IG: https://www.instagram.com/danmuse12/?hl=en

Partners:

• https://www.pacificrink.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/
• https://hockeytraining.com/
• https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads
• https://howieshockeytape.com/
• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

Socials:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast
• X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

The championship coach behind one of youth hockey's top programs.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Danielle Ward - head coach at Mid Fairfield, Breakaway Academy coach, and former pro player for an honest conversation about what actually develops hockey players.

Danielle explains why parents often make development harder by chasing the next team, overanalyzing every decision, and focusing on status instead of confidence. She shares why accountability has to be fair, why kids need room to make mistakes, and how the right environment matters more than the logo on the jersey.

The conversation also covers the growth of girls hockey, building championship teams at Mid Fairfield, academy hockey, burnout, spring hockey, and what Danielle looks for in players beyond talent.

In this episode:

• Why chasing the next team can hurt development
• The biggest mistakes hockey parents make
• Building accountability without losing confidence
• Why kids need to make and learn from their own mistakes

This episode is a masterclass in long-term player development from one of the most respected youth coaches in the game.

Danielle Ward IG: https://www.instagram.com/dwardy22/?hl=en
Mid Fairfield Hockey: https://www.instagram.com/mid_fairfield_hockey/?hl=en
Breakaway Academy: https://breakawayacademy.net/

Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/

Partners:

• https://www.pacificrink.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/
• https://hockeytraining.com/
• https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads
• https://howieshockeytape.com/
• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

Socials:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast
• X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

The late bloomer who proved everyone wrong.

Scott and Jamie sit down with former NHL forward and Stanley Cup champion Erik Cole for an honest conversation about the winding road from small-town hockey in upstate New York to nearly 900 NHL games.

Erik shares how he didn't play AAA hockey, grew up in a community program, was a late bloomer physically, and almost let a difficult college coaching experience derail his career. He explains how one breakthrough season changed everything and why confidence can be just as important as talent.

The conversation also dives into youth hockey today, becoming a hockey dad, coaching his own son, and the lessons he learned from both the NHL and behind the bench.

In this episode:

• How a late growth spurt changed Erik's career
• Why confidence was the turning point
• The college coaching experience that almost pushed him out of hockey
• Why adversity prepared him for the NHL

This is a reminder that there's more than one path to the highest level of hockey.

Erik Cole IG: https://www.instagram.com/eriktcole/?hl=en

Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/

Partners:

• https://www.pacificrink.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/
• https://hockeytraining.com/
• https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads
• https://howieshockeytape.com/
• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

Socials:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast
• X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/