Built From Steel Podcast
Coach Eric Palazzolo 43 episodes Nov 9, 2026
A raw and honest look into high-performance hockey development, from youth to elite levels, bringing together player development insights from the BioSteel performance ecosystem. Hosted by Coach Eric Palazzolo, the show blends real-world experience with practical advice for athletes, coaches, and parents. It focuses on long-term growth both on and off the ice, offering direct and unfiltered conversation about what it takes to succeed in hockey.
Episodes
Ep.52 | Defensive Zone Play: Habits, Position, & Systems *Zone Mini Series Ep1*
Good defensive-zone play starts with understanding how to defend, not memorizing a system.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Coach Eric breaks down the foundations of defensive-zone play and how players can learn to defend effectively before worrying about more advanced team structures.The episode starts with individual principles like protecting the middle, staying on the defensive
Ep.51 | Coaching Creativity Within Structure in Youth Hockey
In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Coach Eric and Coach Andy discuss how coaches can teach the details players need to move to higher levels without taking creativity and decision-making out of the game.They get into how players mature in their understanding of hockey, what coaches should actually be correcting, and why knowing the difference between an important detail and simply ov
Ep.50 | Truths About Youth Hockey Development w Louis Rojas & Paul Ferri
Coach Eric is joined by Louis Rojas and Paul Ferri for a deep dive into what effective youth athlete development actually looks like.Louis Rojas is a strength and conditioning coach with extensive experience across youth, college, and professional sports, including 10-years within the Toronto Maple Leafs organization. Paul Ferri is a serial entrepreneur and founder of Limitless Training Systems. H
Ep.49 | Bouncing Back When Things Go Bad in Youth Hockey
Every team has weekends where nothing seems to go right.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Coach Eric and Coach Andy break down how players and coaches should respond after a difficult stretch and what actually matters when trying to reset.From teaching game management and avoiding overanalysis to creating consistency, building team buy-in, and finding ways to improve when results ar
Ep.48 | Youth Hockey Q&A: Bad Shifts, Winning, Injuries & Favourites
In this Q&A episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy answer listener questions covering some of the most common situations players, parents, and coaches navigate throughout youth hockey.From resetting after a bad shift and creating alignment between coaches to practice volume, fear of making mistakes, conflicting advice, winning, injuries, and favouritism, this episode tackles th
Ep.47 | 10 Things Coach Andy Notices Behind the Bench in 2026
Youth hockey is changing, and so are the players, parents, and coaches involved in the game.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Coach Eric and Coach Andy explore 10 observations Andy has made from behind the bench in 2026 and how the youth hockey environment continues to evolve.From communication and feedback to the professionalization of youth sports, player preparation, and the grow
Ep.46 | Successful Youth Hockey Program Blueprint (The Coaches Site)
This special episode is presented in collaboration with The Coaches Site. Sign up for a premium membership and save 25% on your first year using code NEWSEASON.Visit thecoachessite.com or download the app to sign up!Matt Doumochelle hosts this webinar discussion with panelists Eric Palazzolo, Maco Balkovek, and Lukas Havlicek. Drawing on their work at BioSteel Sports Academy, Rink Hockey Academy K
Ep.45 | Youth Hockey Development: Positions, Communication & Flexibility
Coach Eric and Coach Andy respond to an email from a U9 coach planning a development-first season: rotating players through centre, wing and defence, using balanced lines, and encouraging kids to communicate directly with coaches. On the Built From Steel Podcast, they discuss the mixed parent response, including concerns about preparing for AAA next year.They also talk about the approach and feel
Ep.44 | Getting Noticed: Scouting, Development & Hockey Paths
Coach Eric and Coach Andy were invited to speak with the Grey Bruce Highlanders organization about getting noticed and choosing a hockey path. This Built From Steel Podcast episode shares their full conversation on what development means, why love of the game matters, and how practice, roles, identity and intent fit into a player’s growth.They also cover evaluating games beyond goals, the balance
Ep.43 | Foundations for Centermen in Youth Hockey *Mini Series Ep.3*
In the third episode of this Built From Steel Podcast mini-series, Coach Eric covers positional play for centermen, from acting as a third defenceman in the defensive zone to protecting middle ice, supporting battles, and sorting out coverage when the puck changes sides.He also breaks down getting underneath the puck on breakouts, creating short passing options and speed, staying connected through
Ep.42 | Foundations for Defencemen in Youth Hockey *Mini Series Ep.1*
In Episode 2 of this Built From Steel Podcast Mini-Series, Coach Eric continues on the white board with transferable foundations for defencemen, from defending the rush to making decisions with the puck. He focuses on protecting the middle, controlling the gap, defending inside-out, and recognizing that good defence starts with managing time and space rather than chasing every play.He also breaks
Ep.41 | Foundations for Wingers in Youth Hockey *Mini Series Ep.1*
In the first Built From Steel Podcast Mini-Series episode, Coach Eric lays out the foundations of playing wing, using a right winger’s responsibilities to explain key terms and reads across the ice. This solo episode starts in the defensive zone with coverage areas, weak-side support, strong-side positioning, switches, and common mistakes that can open dangerous ice.Coach Eric then moves into brea
Ep.40 | Youth Hockey Q&A: Ice Time, The Car Ride Home, Phones & Player Confidence
In this Q&A episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy answer listener questions across some of the decisions and conversations that shape youth hockey. They talk about earning a role on a stronger team versus being the go-to player elsewhere, how parents can handle the car ride home, and how coaches can communicate without turning every decision into a negotiation.They also get in
Ep.39 | 5 Undervalued Qualities of A Great Coach
The best coaches are not always the loudest, most intense, or most tactical.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the undervalued qualities that make coaches truly effective, especially in youth hockey.From clarity and emotional control to confidence in your identity, patience with development, and relationship building, this conversation focuses on the coaching
Ep.38 | 5 Undervalued Qualities All Hockey Players Need
Some of the most important qualities in hockey don’t always show up on the scoresheet.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the undervalued traits that separate players over time, the things coaches notice, teammates appreciate, and winning teams rely on.From second and third effort to being easy to play with, handling imperfect hockey, buying into a team-first
Ep.37 | The Key Lessons You Learn Playing Hockey
What’s the point of playing hockey?In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy zoom out from the day-to-day pressure of drafts, teams, rosters, and development to talk about the bigger lessons the game can teach.From NHL Draft realities and changing player profiles to timing, confidence, social development, culture, networking, and resilience, this episode is about why hockey ma
![Ep.36 | The State of Coaching Youth Hockey in 2026 [The Coaches Site Report]](https://d3t3ozftmdmh3i.cloudfront.net/staging/podcast_uploaded_episode/44677145/44677145-1784210174931-5d27030124397.jpg)
Ep.36 | The State of Coaching Youth Hockey in 2026 [The Coaches Site Report]
In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down The Coaches Site report on The State of Coaching Youth Hockey in 2026 and discuss what the findings reveal about the modern coaching experience.-You Can Download the FULL REPORT for free HERE-From organizational support and development expectations to parent pressure, player challenges, communication, and the growing complex
Ep.35 | How to Improve Hockey IQ Using Video
Video can be one of the most powerful tools in player development, but only if it’s used the right way.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down how players, parents, and coaches can use video to actually improve hockey IQ.From understanding time and space to reading pressure, scanning before touches, supporting teammates, and recognizing habits away from the puck,
Ep.34 | 5 Ways to Make Your Summer Training Successful
Summer training doesn’t need to be complicated but it does need to be intentional.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down 5 ways hockey players can make their summer training more successful.From building a plan and training with purpose to developing your body off the ice, recovering properly, and staying consistent without losing your summer, this episode gives
Ep.33 | Which Hockey Opportunities Are ACTUALLY Worth It? (Showcases, Spring Hockey & More)
Every hockey family reaches a point where they're faced with more opportunities than they know what to do with.Showcases. Spring hockey. Invitational tournaments. Skills camps. Identification camps. "You've been selected" emails. But which opportunities actually help your development and which ones are simply selling the dream?In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric
Ep.32 | 2026 OHL Draft Analysis: What the Results Actually Tell Us - Built From Steel Podcast
The 2026 OHL Priority Selection is officially in the books.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the draft from every angle from the emotions families experience during draft weekend to the realities hidden beneath rankings, draft lists, and public opinions.Using real draft data and examples from the 2026 class, they discuss what OHL teams actually value, how pl
Ep.31 | NCAA Coaches Roundtable Discussion
In this special episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we release the full NCAA Coaches Roundtable from the inaugural Matterhorn Fit All-Path Ontario Showcase.Following the Welcome Reception, six NCAA coaches and staff members sat down to answer questions from players, parents, and coaches about recruiting, player development, academics, the transfer portal, NCAA eligibility, and what they are a
Ep.30 | Everyone Wants It. Few Will Do the Work.
In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy use the story of Tom Brady's unlikely rise from overlooked draft pick to NFL legend as a framework to explore one of the biggest questions in sports:What actually separates the athletes who make it from those who don't?From OHL Draft expectations and confidence struggles to work ethic, preparation, recovery, and accountability,
Ep.29 | Opportunity, Patience & Becoming the Player Coaches Trust
In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy dive into one of the most important realities in hockey development:Everyone wants opportunity but very few players are truly prepared for it when it arrives.From building culture and setting standards to handling slumps, confidence issues, and limited ice time, this conversation explores what separates players who continue moving forw
Ep.28 | OHL Roundtable Discussions - LIVE from the Matterhorn Fit All-Path Ontario Showcase
In this special episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we release the full Welcome Reception from the inaugural Matterhorn Fit All-Path Ontario Showcase, featuring a keynote presentation from Matterhorn Fit founder Ryan Vesce followed by an in-depth roundtable discussion with coaches, scouts, and staff from across the Ontario Hockey League.This conversation gives players, parents, and coaches a
Ep.27 | Lessons From A Retired Hockey Dad
In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy reflect on the youth hockey journey from a different perspective: what happens when the ride is finally over.From OHL Draft day emotions and junior hockey realities to parenting through youth hockey, camps, coaching changes, agents, and role acceptance, this conversation explores what actually mattered and what didn’t looking back on t
Ep.26 | A/AA to AAA: What Actually Matters in Player Development
In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy tackle one of the biggest questions in youth hockey development:When should players move from A/AA to AAA and how much does it actually matter?From the pressure parents feel to “move up” early to the reality of how players develop over time, this conversation breaks down what truly separates good players from great ones.The episode als
Ep.25 | Exceptional Status, Junior Camps & The Reality of “Making It”
In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy take a hard look at one of the most misunderstood parts of the hockey journey: what it actually takes to make it and why most players don’t.From Exceptional Status in the OHL to junior camps, draft results, and long-term outcomes, this conversation breaks down the gap between perception and reality.They dive into the mindset parents of
Ep.24 | Tryouts, Open Borders, & What to do After U16 Hockey
In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we break down one of the biggest challenges in youth hockey today: patience.We open with a clip from NHL coach John Tortorella speaking about players wanting everything immediately — roles, opportunity, advancement — without understanding the reality of how progression actually works.From there, we dive into the current state of AAA tryouts in Ontar
Ep.23 | Supporting & Communicating with Your Kids *Mini Series Ep.6*
In Episode 6 of our Parenting Through Sports mini-series, Eric and Andy bring everything together by defining what the role of a parent actually is in youth sports.• What does it really mean to support your child?• How do you balance being positive while still holding them accountable?• When does “pushing your kid” cross the line?• How should you handle distractions, school, and social life?• What
Ep.22 | Keys to Training and Skill Development *Mini Series Ep.5*
What should we actually be doing for skill development?In Part 5 of our Parenting Through Sports Mini-Series, Eric and Andy break down the realities of skill development in youth hockey, what actually translates to games, and how families should approach training in a world full of options.From the explosion of private coaching and “elite” training environments to the pressure of doing more, earli
Ep.21 | Coaches, Conflict & Communication *Mini Series Episode 4*
Every parent and player will face it at some point - frustration with a coach.In Part 4 of our Parenting Through Sports Mini-Series, Eric and Andy break down the realities of coaching in youth hockey, what families should actually expect, and how to handle conflict when things don’t go your way.From ice time, favoritism, and communication gaps to deeper issues like misalignment, politics, and diff
Ep.20 | Age Appropriate Development *Mini Series Ep.3* - Built From Steel Podcast
Development isn’t one-size-fits-all, and timing matters more than most people think.In Episode 3 of our Parenting Through Sports Mini-Series, Eric and Andy break down what age-appropriate development actually looks like from the earliest years all the way through U18. Using real examples and current conversations around events like the OHL Cup, they walk through what players should be focusing on
Ep.19 | The Pressures on Sports Parents *Mini Series Ep.2*
In Episode 2 of our Parenting Through Sports mini-series, Eric and Andy dive into the most common pressures parents face navigating the youth hockey world.• When should you move to AAA?• How should you approach extra skill development?• Is spring hockey actually worth it?• Should you switch organizations or stay where you are?• Do you really need an agent?• What are the true costs: financial, soci
Ep.18 | Using Sports to Parent *Mini Series Ep.1*
Youth sports are filled with passionate parents, but very little guidance on how to actually navigate the journey.In Episode 18 of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy begin a six-part mini series focused entirely on parenting in youth sports. This first episode sets the foundation by addressing why parent education is one of the most overlooked parts of player development.From understandin
Ep.17 | Why Hockey Players "Slow Down" During the Season
In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we break down one of the most misunderstood areas of hockey development: in-season training.Many players and parents assume lifting should stop once the season begins. Others go to the opposite extreme - training too hard, too often, and destroying recovery between games.The reality sits somewhere in the middle.We discuss how to structure training d
Ep.16 | Inside OHL Scouting with Saginaw Spirit AGM Brian Prout
This week on the Built From Steel Podcast, we share a full conversation with Brian Prout, Assistant General Manager of the Saginaw Spirit (OHL), who spent time speaking with our U16 and U18 teams about what actually matters at the next level.This wasn’t a highlight reel conversation. It was honest, direct, and educational.Brian breaks down the Five Pillars of OHL Scouting, what scouts really watch
Ep.15 | Coaching Toughness — What It Is & How to Build It
In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we unpack one of the most misunderstood words in youth hockey: toughness.We break down the difference between physical toughness and emotional toughness, why yelling doesn’t build resilience, and how real toughness is trained through intentional adversity, not fear.Coach Andy shares his coaching philosophy, why he’s stepping back into youth coaching
Ep.14 | Phones, Performance & Personal Responsibility in Youth Hockey
Phones are shaping today’s athletes - for better or worse.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Coach Eric and Coach Andy tackle one of the most relevant topics in modern youth hockey: cell phone use. From sleep disruption and social media comparison to personal branding and digital discipline, this is a balanced conversation about how devices are influencing development on and off the
Ep.13 | From the NHL to Youth Development with Brian Willsie - Built From Steel Podcast
In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric is joined by former NHL forward and current player development coach Brian Willsie.Brian shares insights from his 15-year pro career including time in the NHL, AHL, and Europe and how that experience now shapes his approach to developing youth players. From his transition into coaching and mentorship to his current work with Washington Capitals
Ep.12 | Trades, Moving Away for Hockey, and Chasing Teams
In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy dive into one of the most loaded questions in youth hockey: When is it the right time to move away from home?From the pressure to chase better teams and “big-name” programs to the reality of playing with, and against, weaker players, this episode unpacks how development actually happens… and how families can make better long-term decis
Ep.11 | What NCAA Programs Actually Look & USA Hockey Development
In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we take a deep dive into what NCAA hockey programs truly look for in players, and how USA Hockey approaches long-term development.This episode features two insightful conversations recorded live at the Matterhorn Fit All-Ivy Showcase:🎙 Matt Gilroy — Assistant Coach at Harvard, former NHL defenseman, and Hobey Baker winner 🎙 Jason Guerriero — USA Hoc
Ep.10 | Mismatch Games & Global Growth - Lessons from the World Juniors
Sometimes the score doesn’t tell the real story, but your response always does.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy take lessons from the World Juniors and connect them directly to youth hockey. From how Latvia and other small nations compete against the best in the world, to how players should approach mismatched games at the youth level, this episode is about mindset, p
Ep.9 | Youth Hockey Recruiting: What Actually Matters
Recruiting isn’t a moment, it’s a body of work.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down what actually matters when it comes to recruiting, scouting, showcases, and promotion in youth hockey. From the myth of “being seen” at tournaments to the rise of agents and advisors at younger and younger ages, they cut through the noise to give players, parents, and coaches a
Ep.8 | “Good.” Mindset, Adversity & How Great Players Respond
Bad call? Good.Tough weekend? Good.Didn’t get the bounce, the shift, or the outcome? Good.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy take a hard look at adversity and why how you respond matters more than what actually happens. Starting by recounting the officiating at a recent tournament, they dive into the mindset made popular by Jocko Willink’s “Good” philosophy, and how it
Ep.7 | Ryan Vesce: CEO Matterhorn Fit, CHL/NCAA Changes & Future of Hockey
More Information on the Matterhorn Fit All-Path Series:All-Path Ontario - Windsor, Ontario - May 15-18 2026All-Path Quebec - Montreal, Quebec - May 29-June1, 2026All-Path Western - Calgary, Alberta - June 11-14, 2026Hockey is a vehicle - for education, leadership, and life.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric is joined by Ryan Vesce, Co-Founder and CEO of Matterhorn Fit, in
Ep.6 | The Hockey Tournament/Showcase Grind - What It Takes at U16 & U18
Tournaments and Showcases are about who can handle the grind.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the mental and physical demands of tournament weekends and why so many teams and players can fall apart over just a few days.From preparation to pressure, they unpack what it really takes to perform when the schedule is stacked, emotions are high, and there’s nowhe
Ep.5 | Overcoached & Underdeveloped: Is Simpler Better in Youth Hockey?
Youth hockey today is overflowing with noise. Too much instruction, too many commands, and too many coaches trying to look smart instead of developing players.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the problem of overcoaching in youth hockey, why it’s hurting development, and how a simpler, more player-first approach leads to better long-term results. From unders
Ep.4 | Finding Your Role On Any Team
Your role on a hockey team isn’t fixed - it’s earned, adapted, and redefined throughout your journey.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy dive deep into the reality of team roles, how players can develop the mindset to contribute, how parents can support without pushing, and how coaches can guide without limiting growth.From navigating lineup competition to earning trust
Ep.3 | Preparing for the OHL Draft
The OHL Draft is a milestone, not the destination.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the pressure, the misconceptions, and the mindset that surround the OHL Priority Selection. From how scouts actually evaluate players, to how parents and coaches can support (or sabotage) the process, this episode delivers real-world clarity for players in their draft year an
Ep.2 | Coaching Youth Hockey: Winning, Development, & Parents
Coaching at the youth level isn’t just about systems and skill drills - it’s about shaping people.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy unpack what it really means to coach youth hockey today and how it compares to coaching elite-level athletes. From managing parent expectations to avoiding the trap of “overcoaching,” this conversation dives into the real challenges coache
Ep.1 | Dan Crosby - Owner & CEO of BioSteel
Dan Crosby is the founder and CEO of BioSteel, the driving force behind BioSteel Sports Academy, and the visionary behind the Built From Steel movement. He also oversees a broader portfolio of ventures through Coachwood Group.In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what drives Dan as a builder, leader, and creator. From humble beginnings to launching a full performance ecosystem, this is the
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