North America’s leading authority on youth hockey, RUSH has a reputation for trusted guidance and unrivalled success. This tradition continues on the RUSH Hockey Talk podcast, which provides valuable tips for parents and players alike.
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Episode 12: Training insights from a trainer of pros
Guest: Billy Larkins
Kelly Katorji is joined by Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS), trainer and facility owner Billy Larkins. He’s worked with a wide range of athletes, from collegiate players to pros in the NBA, NFL and NHL. In this episode, Larkins answers your burning questions about training – everything from how to vary the type and intensity of workouts from in-season to off-season, how to make the most of your training, how much is too much and how hockey camps should fit into your training schedule.
Episode 11: A revealing look at the RUSH College Showcase
Guest: Kelly Katorji
Guest host Mandi Gosling talks to RUSH Hockey founder and owner Kelly Katorji about the RUSH College Showcase, which runs over four days every June. One of North America’s most experienced hockey scouts, Katorji uses his knowledge of young players to keep the teams in this event balanced and competitive. In this behind-the-scenes look, he reveals how the Showcase allows players from all over North America to build lasting friendships, while gaining a better sense of their relative skill level – and what’s required to excel.
Episode 10: Ivy League admissions
Guest: Ashley Kilstein
Ashley Kilstein, assistant coach of women’s hockey at Princeton University, dispels common myths about the Ivy League’s admissions process. As she sees it, GPA and standardized test scores are important, but they’re not the only variables that matter.
Episode 9: Navigating the NCAA’s new recruiting rules
Guest: Grant Kimball
Grant Kimball, head coach of the women’s hockey team at Aurora University, talks about his role as representative of Division III women’s hockey on the American Hockey Coaches Association’s board of governors. Specifically, he considers new NCAA rules aimed at slowing down early recruiting and the ways these rules are likely to impact coaches, players and their families.
Episode 8: How players get noticed
Guest: Josh Sciba
Players and parents navigating recruitment, this one’s for you! Josh Sciba, head coach of the women’s hockey team at Union College, offers his insights on what he looks for in players, what you can do to get noticed and what to avoid.
Episode 7: The road to the NCAA Division III tournament
Guest: Tim Crowley
Tim Crowley, head coach of the nationally ranked women’s ice hockey program at Elmira College, discusses everything you need to know about the NCAA Division III tournament: the criteria to make it in, the selection process and the approach he takes with his team. “It’s about your body of work… a game in November is just as important as a game in February.”
Episode 6: The state of youth women’s hockey
Guest: Ted Wisner
Associate head coach of the women’s hockey team at St. Lawrence University Ted Wisner has worked in this area for well over a decade. During this time, he has seen a significant improvement in the quality of skating among female hockey players, though he believes there is still plenty of opportunity for those who “can skate like the wind, keep their head up and have a rocket shot.”
Episode 5: The changing rules of recruitment
Guest: Eddie Ardito
Assistant coach of the women’s hockey team at Quinnipiac University Eddie Ardito offers tips for parents and players struggling to navigate the recruiting process. Specifically, he breaks down the current communication rules and offers some idea of what to expect when they are revised in the months ahead.
Episode 4: Youth hockey and the off season
Guest: Nick Carpenito
Associate head coach of the Northeastern University women’s hockey team Nick Carpenito has advice for parents and players curious about how to manoeuvre the off season. Should players keep busy with tournaments and showcases? Don’t miss Carpenito’s insight!
Episode 3: The rules of recruiting
Guest: Richard Reichenbach
Richard Reichenbach discusses his recruiting efforts as head coach of the University of Maine’s women’s hockey team and recent changes to the rules regarding the recruitment of young players. He also explains his family-focused approach to coaching, offering advice for parents determined to see their children succeed on the ice.
Episode 2: Building character
Guest: Casey Handrahan
Assistant coach of University of Connecticut’s women’s hockey team, Casey Handrahan explains what he looks for in the players he recruits. While performance and ability are most important, Handrahan puts a great deal of effort into finding players with character, as this makes for a more positive environment, maximizing the commitment of everyone on the team.
Episode 1: Ivy League recruitment
Guest: Dean Jackson
Assistant coach of Cornell University’s women’s hockey team, Dean Jackson talks about the key differences between Ivy League athletic opportunities and those available at other post-secondary institutions. Rather than offer scholarships, Ivy League universities are only permitted to provide financial aid.