In this episode of the USA Hockey Next Gen Podcast, Lindsey Fry and Drew Shore sit down with four-time Olympian and 1998 gold medalist Angela Ruggiero. Angela reflects on her Olympic experiences, the evolution of Team USA’s mindset against Canada, and the growth of women’s hockey from 5,000 players in 1990 to nearly 100,000 today. She also shares insights on leadership, retirement transition, entrepreneurship, and founding Sports Innovation Lab. From the Olympic Village to the boardroom, Angela discusses how today’s players benefit from stronger infrastructure, pro opportunities, and investment in women’s sports.

Key Points From This Episode:

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

[00:01:10] Team USA women’s strong Olympic start and discussion of Olympic performance pressure.

[00:03:06] Angela Ruggiero on broadcasting the Olympics and what a 5–0 win over Canada means.

[00:04:32] Olympic Village vs. hotel debate and the value of embracing the full Olympic experience.

[00:07:50] Angela’s first Olympic experience at 18 and joining the national team at 15.

[00:11:27] Lessons from Olympic gold and silver medals, including not taking success for granted.

[00:13:27] Mindset shift within Team USA from underdog to believing they could beat Canada consistently.

[00:15:00] Growth of women’s hockey participation and the impact of NCAA development.

[00:19:20] Evolution of professional opportunities for women and how pro leagues extend careers.

[00:22:17] Advice for athletes transitioning out of sport and applying athletic intangibles to business.

[00:27:38] Founding Sports Innovation Lab and bringing data-driven decision-making to sports business.

[00:33:16] Investment growth in women’s sports and why leagues like the WNBA are surging.

[00:40:47] Shift in how women’s sports are marketed—from role model narratives to elite competition.

[00:43:22] Coaching youth hockey: prioritizing effort, fun, and team culture at ages 9–10.

[00:48:13] Leadership advice: be authentic and lead with empathy and awareness.

[00:50:15] Lindsey reflects on Angela’s impact on the game and the future of the next generation.

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 Drew Shore and Lyndsey Fry sit down with NHL veteran and Team USA centerman Vincent Trocheck as he prepares to head to Milan for the Olympic Games. Trocheck reflects on the return of NHL players to the Olympics, the intensity of best-on-best international competition, and the lessons learned from the Four Nations tournament. He shares his youth hockey journey from Pittsburgh to Detroit, discusses player development pathways, and explains the importance of versatility, hockey IQ, and embracing different roles. The conversation also examines leadership dynamics on national teams, preparing for elite international play on a tight timeline, and advice for young players aspiring to reach the highest levels of the game.

Key Points From This Episode:

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

[00:00:51] Drew Shore and Lyndsey Fry introduce Vincent Trocheck and discuss the excitement around NHL players returning to the Olympics.

[00:01:38] Trocheck explains why best-on-best international hockey raises pressure and intensity.

[00:02:50] Growth of USA Hockey and increased depth leading to tougher Olympic roster decisions.

[00:05:49] Trocheck outlines his youth hockey path from Pittsburgh to Detroit and into junior hockey.

[00:07:00] Perspective on development pathways and why strong players can be noticed from anywhere.

[00:07:52] Trocheck shares thoughts on the NHL schedule challenges during an Olympic year.

[00:08:25] Preparing for a defined role on an Olympic roster and the value of versatility.

[00:09:52] Comparing the speed and intensity of the Four Nations tournament to NHL playoff hockey.

[00:10:46] Player mindset and league-wide excitement about returning to Olympic competition.

[00:12:27] Advice for young players facing elite opponents: focus on systems, positioning, and role clarity.

[00:13:14] Leadership dynamics on national teams where many players are leaders on their NHL clubs.

[00:14:51] Balancing intensity and keeping things light in high-pressure tournaments.

[00:15:54] How Team USA prepares quickly with limited practice time before major tournaments.

[00:17:57] What wearing the Team USA jersey means and the significance of finally reaching the Olympics.

[00:21:23] Trocheck’s advice to young players: develop hockey IQ and long-term growth over early results.

[00:24:09] Post-interview reflections on versatility, adaptability, and embracing different roles.

[00:26:10] Discussion on the importance of playing multiple positions and roles from a young age.

[00:28:49] Closing thoughts on Olympic excitement and the value of watching elite 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, Lyndsey Fry and Drew Shore sit down with Kendall Coyne Schofield as she prepares for her fourth Olympic Games. Kendall reflects on her development path with the Chicago Mission, her collegiate experience at Northeastern, and how speed became a defining part of her game. She shares advice for young players, emphasizing fearlessness, skill development, and enjoying the daily process. Kendall also discusses leadership evolution within Team USA, embracing roles in short international tournaments, and the importance of recovery later in her career. The conversation addresses her experience as a new mother, her role in the growth of the PWHL, and her goal of continuing to create opportunities for the next generation of girls in hockey.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Lyndsey Fry discusses coaching mindset, development, and avoiding burnout late in the season.

[00:01:37] Drew Shore introduces Kendall Coyne Schofield and her longevity heading into a fourth Olympics.

[00:07:51] Kendall reflects on her development with the Chicago Mission and the importance of strong coaching and competition.

[00:09:07] Advice for young players on improving speed through edge work and pushing comfort zones.

[00:10:29] Kendall explains why education played a major role in choosing Northeastern University.

[00:11:45] Motivation behind writing her book As Fast As Her and closing gaps in representation.

[00:13:30] How becoming a parent reshaped Kendall’s perspective on hockey and life.

[00:17:28] Evolution of leadership through learning from past Team USA leaders.

[00:19:03] Embracing roles in short international tournaments as a key to team success.

[00:21:18] Excitement about Olympic Village camaraderie and watching other sports.

[00:23:43] Focusing on internal standards and style of play as Team USA’s biggest Olympic challenge.

[00:24:52] Importance of recovery and body care later in a long career.

[00:27:15] Kendall discusses PWHL playoff success and the value of strong goaltending depth.

[00:28:56] Impact of the upcoming PWHL draft class and future growth of the league.

[00:29:55] Vision for continued evolution of women’s professional hockey.

[00:32:56] Kendall’s focus on living in the present and giving back to the game.

[00:35:12] Advice to young girls: prioritize fun, growth, and surrounding yourself with the right people.

[00:39:20] Coaching lessons centered on caring about players as people first.

[00:47:05] Lyndsey Fry reflects on Kendall’s leadership growth and long-term advocacy for women’s hockey.

Links:

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

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

Lindsey Fry - ⁠⁠https://fryhockey.com/⁠

Kendall Coyne - https://www.instagram.com/kendallcoyne26/?hl=en