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/⁠

In this episode of the USA Hockey Next Generation Podcast, hosts Drew Shore and Lyndsey Fry are joined by John Vanbiesbrouck, Assistant Executive Director of USA Hockey and General Manager of the U.S. World Junior Team. The conversation centers on the upcoming World Junior Championship, USA Hockey’s recent international success, and what has driven sustained growth across the development pipeline. John shares insight into roster construction, leadership, goaltending evaluation, and the importance of skating, competition, and consistency at the elite level. He also reflects on his NHL career, his transition into leadership with USA Hockey, and why giving back to the game remains central to his work today.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Introduction to the USA Hockey Next Generation Podcast and its focus on the future of the game

[00:00:44] Drew discusses the Colorado Extreme alumni event and growing access to hockey

[00:02:00] Lindsey introduces John Vanbiesbrouck and previews the World Junior Championship

[00:04:05] John shares updates on World Junior preparations and training camp in Duluth

[00:04:28] Factors behind Team USA’s recent success and depth at the U20 level

[00:05:57] Emphasis on fun, skill development, and creativity in USA Hockey’s growth model

[00:08:21] Expansion into non-traditional markets and the impact of the ADM

[00:10:43] Role of college hockey, junior leagues, and development pathways

[00:14:24] Evaluating goaltenders and the importance of consistency

[00:16:30] Identifying under-the-radar players and leadership qualities

[00:18:50] Reflections on Vanbiesbrouck’s NHL career and lessons from longevity

[00:22:42] Playing behind elite defensemen and learning from championship teams

[00:25:13] Key ingredients in building elite international teams

[00:32:43] Why Vanbiesbrouck chose to give back through USA Hockey

[00:34:49] Advice for young players aspiring to play at the World Junior level

[00:37:29] What sets coach David Carle apart as a leader

[00:39:14] Closing reflections on skating, pace, and the future of international hockey

Links:

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

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

Lindsey Fry - ⁠⁠https://fryhockey.com/⁠

In this episode of the USA Hockey Next Gen Podcast, hosts Lyndsey Fry and Drew Shore sit down with Tony Granato to examine a lifetime spent in the game. Tony reflects on how hockey shaped his family, his journey as a player, coach, and broadcaster, and what USA Hockey has meant throughout each stage of his career. The conversation explores Olympic roster decision-making, the value of adaptability and role acceptance, and why loving both the game and the work behind it matters at every level. Tony also shares powerful lessons for young players, parents, and coaches on development, versatility, and keeping passion at the center of the experience.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Introduction to the USA Hockey Next Gen Podcast and episode focus

[00:00:25] Lyndsey Fry and Drew Shore introduce Tony Granato

[00:01:40] Tony Granato’s playing, coaching, and Olympic experience with USA Hockey

[00:03:07] Career highlights and transition from player to coach

[00:04:16] Tony reflects on how hockey shaped his family and lifelong connection to the game

[00:06:16] Inside the 2018 Olympic team selection process

[00:07:36] Balancing current performance versus overall body of work when building Olympic rosters

[00:09:58] Lessons from Olympic team building that apply to youth and player development

[00:11:33] Importance of coachability, details, and earning trust at every level

[00:13:43] Value of versatility and playing multiple roles to create more opportunities

[00:14:12] Dylan Larkin example and embracing role changes on elite teams

[00:16:58] Power play versatility and adapting skills to fit team needs

[00:19:30] Playing for the love of the game and reducing outcome-driven pressure

[00:20:58] Loving the grind and commitment required to reach elite levels

[00:22:50] Tony discusses his sister Cammi Granato and the early challenges of women’s hockey

[00:26:55] Comparing coaching at the college and professional levels

[00:30:36] Growth of USA Hockey and the impact of volunteers and development programs

[00:33:57] Transition to broadcasting and sharing the game from a new perspective

[00:38:18] Reflections on USA Hockey pride and representing the United States

[00:41:03] Episode wrap-up and preview of upcoming USA Hockey conversations

Links:

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

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

Lindsey Fry - ⁠⁠https://fryhockey.com/⁠