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/

The 2026 Hobey Baker winner on late growth, betting on himself, and chasing big dreams.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Max Plante for a conversation that has surprisingly little to do with trophies and everything to do with development.

Max shares how he was just 5'4", 120 pounds when he left Minnesota high school hockey for the NTDP, why many people questioned the decision, and how learning to compete as one of the smallest players on the ice ultimately became one of his biggest advantages.

He also talks about growing up in Hermantown, playing every sport he could, the influence of his hockey family, battling through injuries, winning World Juniors gold, and why pushing yourself into uncomfortable situations is often the fastest path to growth.

In this episode:

• Why being undersized helped shape his game
• The emotional decision to leave Minnesota for the NTDP
• What injuries taught him about resilience
• Why playing multiple sports made him a better hockey player

This isn't just the story of a Hobey Baker winner, it's a reminder that development isn't always linear, and betting on yourself is often the hardest move to make.

Max Plante: https://www.instagram.com/mdplanet10
University Minnesota Duluth: https://umdbulldogs.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey

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/

Scott and Jamie sit down with Justin Selman and Boo Nieves of TopLine Hockey for a brutally honest conversation about development, coaching, team-hopping, and what parents keep getting wrong.

Justin and Boo share their own paths through Michigan, pro hockey, the AHL grind, injuries, coaching, and building TopLine into one of the most trusted development groups in the area.

But the real meat of this episode is youth hockey today: why parents chase logos, why kids get stuck in the wrong roles too early, why switching teams every year can backfire, and why the best situation isn’t always the best-ranked team.

In this episode:

• Why “the best team” may be the wrong fit
• Why team-hopping can become a red flag
• Why you can’t force a kid to love hockey
• The brutal reality of the AHL grind

If your kid is miserable, underused, or chasing the next logo - this one is required listening.

TopLine: https://tlhockey.com/
TopLine IG: https://www.instagram.com/toplinehockey

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/

What college coaches are actually looking for in today's game.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Sean Flanagan, Associate Head Coach at Cornell University, for a candid conversation about recruiting, development, and what separates players who keep advancing from those who stall out.

Sean explains how the recruiting landscape has changed with more teams, more leagues, and the transfer portal creating a much larger pool of players than ever before. He also shares what Cornell looks for beyond talent, including character, academics, consistency, and a genuine love of the game.

The conversation dives into youth hockey development, multi-sport athletes, late bloomers, recruiting misconceptions, and why parents often worry about things that matter far less than they think.

In this episode:

• How recruiting has changed in the portal era
• What Ivy League coaches actually look for
• Why development isn't always linear
• The value of multi-sport athletes
• Common recruiting mistakes families make
• Why passion for hockey still matters

If you're trying to understand what college coaches are really evaluating, this episode is a must-listen.

Cornell University Men's Ice Hockey: https://cornellbigred.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey
Cornell University Women's Ice Hockey: https://cornellbigred.com/sports/womens-ice-hockey

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/

Before Rich Cohen wrote Pee-Wees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent, he thought he understood youth hockey parents..then he became one.

Scott and Jamie sit down with the bestselling author to discuss the real story behind Pee-Wees, the emotional pull of youth hockey, and how even self-aware parents can get caught up in rankings, team placements, and the pursuit of "what's next."

Rich shares stories from his own playing days, his son's hockey journey, and the lessons he learned after realizing that parents often spend so much time chasing the next step that they miss the season they're living right now.

In this episode:

• The surprising status game behind team selections
• What Rich learned after writing Pee-Wees
• Adult league and youth hockey stories that are almost too good to be true
• Why parents should stop worrying so much about the next team

If you've ever obsessed over tryouts, rankings, or the ride home after a game, this episode will feel very familiar.

Rich Cohen https://www.authorrichcohen.com/
Pee Wees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent https://www.amazon.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/

The former junior player trying to make hockey cheaper.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Zechariah Thomas, founder and CEO of Swift Hockey, to talk about the rising cost of hockey and why more families are getting priced out of the game.

Zechariah shares his unconventional hockey journey - starting at age 10, playing major junior and pro hockey, and building businesses while still playing. He explains how seeing teammates struggle to afford equipment inspired him to start Swift Hockey and why he's obsessed with making the game more accessible.

The conversation covers hockey stick myths, expensive equipment, prep school costs, youth hockey spending, and the reality that parents often spend money in places that don't actually help development.

In this episode:

• Starting hockey at 10 and still reaching the junior/pro level
• Why hockey is becoming unattainable for many families
• Why kids don't need a $400 stick
• Building a hockey company from the trunk of a car

If you've ever wondered whether youth hockey is getting too expensive, this episode is for you.

Swift Hockey: https://swifthockey.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 development, confidence, and culture matter more than systems.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Princeton Head Coach Ben Syer for a conversation about what actually helps kids develop in hockey.

Ben shares the youth hockey lesson he learned from his own daughter, why confidence comes from teaching rather than yelling, and how coaches can help players compete regardless of size or physical maturity.

The conversation also dives into what Ben looks for when recruiting players, why culture and energy matter so much, and how great coaches create environments where kids are challenged, engaged, and having fun.

In this episode:

• Why confidence comes from teaching, not yelling
• How smaller players learn to compete against bigger opponents
• What Ben looks for when recruiting players
• Why culture and “bringing the juice” matter

If you're trying to figure out what actually helps kids develop, this episode is for you.

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/

Scott and Jamie sit down with Keith Mondillo - longtime college coach, athletic director at Gwynedd Mercy University, and recruiting expert for a brutally honest conversation about recruiting, NIL, youth sports pressure, and what families are getting wrong.

Keith explains why the biggest recruiting mistake parents make is waiting for coaches to “find” their kid, why most early offers are hype, and why families need to understand where their player actually fits instead of chasing unrealistic levels.

The conversation also dives into NIL money, the transfer portal, roster cuts, private equity entering youth sports, and why high school athletes are now often “last on the list” behind transfers and older players.

In this episode:

• The biggest recruiting mistake families make
• Why “they’ll find you” usually isn’t true
• How NIL and the portal changed recruiting
• Why older transfer players are taking roster spots
• The business side of youth sports nobody talks about

This one isn’t just about basketball or hockey...it’s about where all youth sports are heading.

Keith Mondillo Coaching: https://www.keithmondillo.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/