In this episode of the USA Hockey Next Gen podcast, hosts Drew Shore and Lyndsey Fry sit down with three-time Paralympic gold medalist Declan Farmer to explore his path from discovering sled hockey in Tampa to becoming one of the sport’s most accomplished athletes. Declan shares how early exposure to adaptive hockey, steady development, and a growing training community shaped his career. The conversation examines the evolution of sled hockey, the expansion of grassroots programs, the rise in skill standards, and the importance of veteran leadership. Declan also reflects on memorable international moments, upcoming Paralympic goals, and the impact of USA Hockey’s support in moving the sport forward.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Introduction to the USA Hockey Next Gen podcast.

[00:00:25] Drew and Lyndsey open the episode and catch up.

[00:01:38] Introducing guest Declan Farmer and his longstanding connection with Lyndsey.

[00:03:39] Declan joins and shares how he discovered sled hockey in Tampa.

[00:05:13] Early development and the moment he began taking training seriously.

[00:07:40] Declan discusses memorable Team USA moments, including dramatic Paralympic wins.

[00:10:21] Thoughts on the Milan Paralympic ice situation.

[00:11:01] Biggest challenges faced during his career and managing full-time training demands.

[00:14:18] How sled hockey has evolved and how the skill level has risen.

[00:16:38] Lyndsey reflects on trying sled hockey and asks about advice for newcomers.

[00:17:43] Declan’s guidance for athletes finding sled hockey later in life.

[00:18:56] How USA Hockey’s leadership and long-term planning have helped grow the sport.

[00:21:04] Recognizing athletes’ contributions to USA Hockey’s broader mission.

[00:22:26] ESPYs experience and memories from the event.

[00:23:28] What Declan hopes to feel when he looks back on his career.

[00:25:39] What it means to leave the sport in a better place for future athletes.

[00:26:21] Lyndsey’s first memory meeting the sled team.

[00:27:58] Closing reflections and appreciation for Declan’s impact.

[00:28:42] Emerging young players to watch.

[00:29:35] Kids Corner: How long Declan has played sled hockey.

[00:30:08] Kids Corner: Favorite pregame meal.

[00:30:43] Kids Corner: What winning his first gold medal felt like.

[00:32:00] Drew and Lyndsey wrap up the episode and look ahead to Milan.

Links:

PWHL: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/

USA Hockey - ⁠⁠https://www.usahockey.com⁠⁠

Drew Shore - ⁠https://www.drewshore.com⁠⁠

Lindsey Fry - ⁠⁠https://fryhockey.com/⁠