On this episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, we’re joined by former professional hockey player and longtime captain Madison Packer. Madison reflects on growing up playing hockey in Detroit, her path to the University of Wisconsin and professional hockey, and the coaches and experiences that shaped her along the way.

She also discusses the evolution of the women’s professional game, leadership and team culture, and her transition from player to coach. Madison shares lessons from her own coaching experience, including the importance of empathy, creating an environment where players feel heard, and understanding the impact coaches can have on their athletes both on and off the ice.

On this episode of the USA Hockey Podcast, host Zack Nowak is joined by former professional player, executive and coach Anya Packer to discuss her journey through hockey and the continued growth of the women’s game.

Packer shares how playing multiple sports, finding coaches who fueled her love of hockey and embracing the work required to improve helped take her from Massachusetts youth hockey to Boston University and eventually the inaugural season of the NWHL. She also reflects on her transition from player to executive leadership and the growth she has witnessed throughout professional women’s hockey.

The conversation also explores what comes next for girls’ and women’s hockey, including accessibility, representation, inclusion and the importance of creating environments where young athletes feel welcomed, challenged and supported. Packer shares practical thoughts for coaches and youth hockey organizations on developing athletes, growing girls’ hockey and creating experiences that inspire players to remain connected to the game long after their playing careers end.

Former NHL goaltender Rick DiPietro joins host Zack Nowak on the USA Hockey Podcast to reflect on his journey from youth hockey to the NHL and share what he has learned about developing goaltenders and young athletes.

DiPietro discusses the value of playing multiple sports, the importance of athleticism and puck handling for goaltenders, and how coaches can create better practice environments that develop goalies alongside the rest of the team. He also shares his perspective on how the goaltending position has evolved, his experiences with the U.S. National Team Development Program and representing Team USA, and the lessons he has carried into coaching youth hockey today.

The conversation closes with DiPietro’s advice for coaches working with goaltenders: if you do not know, ask, find resources, involve your goalie and make their development an intentional part of practice.