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

In this episode of the USA Hockey Next Gen Podcast, hosts Drew Shore and Lyndsey Fry sit down with Drew Garza, founder of the Dented Puck Foundation and USA Hockey’s Blind Hockey representative. Drew shares his personal journey from lifelong hockey player to losing his vision, and ultimately rediscovering the game through blind hockey. The conversation examines how blind hockey works, from equipment adaptations and rules to communication and teamwork on the ice. Drew also discusses the mission of the Dented Puck Foundation, the impact the sport has on players and families, and his role in growing blind hockey across the United States. Together, they address accessibility, community, and what the next generation of blind hockey players can expect as the sport continues to expand.Key Points From This Episode:[00:00:00] Introduction to the episode’s focus on blind hockey, accessibility, and inclusion[00:03:56] Drew Garza reflects on recent blind hockey tournaments and community growth[00:04:22] Garza shares his personal journey into hockey and losing his vision[00:07:38] Origins and mission of the Dented Puck Foundation[00:10:26] Explanation of blind hockey classifications, rules, and on-ice adaptations[00:13:43] How the blind puck differs from a standard hockey puck[00:15:32] Discussion of player skill, talent, and spatial awareness in blind hockey[00:18:18] Communication, safety, and physical contact in blind hockey[00:19:57] Challenges and requirements for blind hockey to reach the Paralympics[00:22:18] Impact of blind hockey on players’ lives and family dynamics[00:24:13] USA Hockey’s efforts and plans to grow blind hockey nationwide[00:27:17] Advice for the next generation of blind hockey players[00:28:26] Rapid-fire questions and favorite memories from blind hockey[00:30:36] Where to learn more about the Dented Puck Foundation and blind hockeyLinks: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 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/⁠