Scott and Jamie sit down with Justin Selman and Boo Nieves of TopLine Hockey for a brutally honest conversation about development, coaching, team-hopping, and what parents keep getting wrong.

Justin and Boo share their own paths through Michigan, pro hockey, the AHL grind, injuries, coaching, and building TopLine into one of the most trusted development groups in the area.

But the real meat of this episode is youth hockey today: why parents chase logos, why kids get stuck in the wrong roles too early, why switching teams every year can backfire, and why the best situation isn’t always the best-ranked team.

In this episode:

• Why “the best team” may be the wrong fit
• Why team-hopping can become a red flag
• Why you can’t force a kid to love hockey
• The brutal reality of the AHL grind

If your kid is miserable, underused, or chasing the next logo - this one is required listening.

TopLine: https://tlhockey.com/
TopLine IG: https://www.instagram.com/toplinehockey

Mo's Smile: https://mosmilefoundation.org/

Partners:

• https://www.pacificrink.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/
• https://hockeytraining.com/
• https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads
• https://howieshockeytape.com/
• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

Socials:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast
• X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

What college coaches are actually looking for in today's game.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Sean Flanagan, Associate Head Coach at Cornell University, for a candid conversation about recruiting, development, and what separates players who keep advancing from those who stall out.

Sean explains how the recruiting landscape has changed with more teams, more leagues, and the transfer portal creating a much larger pool of players than ever before. He also shares what Cornell looks for beyond talent, including character, academics, consistency, and a genuine love of the game.

The conversation dives into youth hockey development, multi-sport athletes, late bloomers, recruiting misconceptions, and why parents often worry about things that matter far less than they think.

In this episode:

• How recruiting has changed in the portal era
• What Ivy League coaches actually look for
• Why development isn't always linear
• The value of multi-sport athletes
• Common recruiting mistakes families make
• Why passion for hockey still matters

If you're trying to understand what college coaches are really evaluating, this episode is a must-listen.

Cornell University Men's Ice Hockey: https://cornellbigred.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey
Cornell University Women's Ice Hockey: https://cornellbigred.com/sports/womens-ice-hockey

Partners:

• https://www.pacificrink.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/
• https://hockeytraining.com/
• https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads
• https://howieshockeytape.com/
• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

Socials:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast
• X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/

Before Rich Cohen wrote Pee-Wees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent, he thought he understood youth hockey parents..then he became one.

Scott and Jamie sit down with the bestselling author to discuss the real story behind Pee-Wees, the emotional pull of youth hockey, and how even self-aware parents can get caught up in rankings, team placements, and the pursuit of "what's next."

Rich shares stories from his own playing days, his son's hockey journey, and the lessons he learned after realizing that parents often spend so much time chasing the next step that they miss the season they're living right now.

In this episode:

• The surprising status game behind team selections
• What Rich learned after writing Pee-Wees
• Adult league and youth hockey stories that are almost too good to be true
• Why parents should stop worrying so much about the next team

If you've ever obsessed over tryouts, rankings, or the ride home after a game, this episode will feel very familiar.

Rich Cohen https://www.authorrichcohen.com/
Pee Wees: Confessions of a Hockey Parent https://www.amazon.com

Partners:

• https://www.pacificrink.com/
• https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/
• https://hockeytraining.com/
• https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads
• https://howieshockeytape.com/
• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

Socials:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast
• X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/