In this episode, host Zack Nowak sits down with former NHLer Derek Ryan, whose remarkable career stands as one of hockey’s greatest examples of perseverance, adaptability, and late-bloomer success. From growing up in Spokane to Canadian university hockey, to Austria and Sweden, to finally earning a full-time NHL role at age 29, Derek shares how every stop along the way shaped him into the trusted, reliable 200-foot player he became.

Derek discusses the challenges of being overlooked, learning to reinvent himself at every level, and embracing the mindset required to keep climbing when most players stop. He reflects on the offensive freedom he found in Europe, the defensive discipline he learned in Sweden, the grind of the AHL, and the humility it took to grow, change his game, and prove he belonged in the NHL.

Listeners also get insight into Derek’s evolution into a top faceoff specialist, the importance of multi-sport development, and how his experiences now shape him as a youth coach—helping players avoid the trap of being “one type” of athlete.

Derek’s story is a powerful reminder that there is no single path to elite performance and that embracing discomfort, challenge, and growth can unlock opportunities far beyond what many players imagine.

Join the discussion on X @USAHockeyCoach

In this episode, hosts Zack Nowak and Derek Read sit down with 2025 USA Hockey Hall of Fame inductee Zach Parise to explore one of the most undervalued, yet game-changing, skills in hockey: net-front play.

Parise shares stories from his youth hockey days, his development at Shattuck-St. Mary’s, and the lessons passed down from his father that shaped his relentless work ethic and leadership. He walks through what it takes to succeed in tight spaces, from mastering screens, tips, and rebounds to understanding timing, positioning, and mentality at the crease.

Listeners get an inside look at how Parise practiced his craft, from driveway puck sessions and three-on-three games at Shattuck to his “stop at the net” habits that carried into an NHL career defined by grit and consistency. Coaches will also gain insight into how Parise now teaches those same habits to young players, emphasizing detail, repetition, and fun in every practice.

Whether you’re a player learning to battle at the net front or a coach looking to teach scoring in the hard areas, this conversation delivers practical takeaways on how to create offense where goals are really scored, within five feet of the crease.

Join the discussion on X: @USAHockeyCoach

#47 Supporting Every Skater (Pt. 2) How to use parents to help the player with Dr. Brady Flachs

In Episode 47, we continue exploring the connections between education and hockey with Dr. Brady Flachs, a Professor of Education at Ferris State University.

Brady, a father of four hockey-playing boys, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the conversation. Host Zack Nowak, a former Special Education teacher, joins him to bridge the gap between classroom strategies and coaching on the ice.

Each episode, we’ll tackle one key question, drawing from education research and teaching strategies to help coaches develop their teams more effectively.

In this episode, we answer the question of How do we use parents as a tool to help the player?

Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach

#46 Supporting Every Skater (Pt. 3): How do we help kids with following directions? with Dr. Brady Flachs

In Episode 46, we continue exploring the connections between education and hockey with Dr. Brady Flachs, a Professor of Education at Ferris State University.

Brady, a father of four hockey-playing boys, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the conversation. Host Zack Nowak, a former Special Education teacher, joins him to bridge the gap between classroom strategies and coaching on the ice.

Each episode, we’ll tackle one key question, drawing from education research and teaching strategies to help coaches develop their teams more effectively.

In this episode, we answer the question of 'How do we help kids with following directions?'

Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach

#45 Sport Institute of Finland and its Impacts on Coaching with Derek Read
In Episode 45, we delve into the international aspect of hockey coaching development with Derek Read of the Blue Jackets Hockey League.
Derek’s journey includes time spent at the VIERUMÄKI Sport Institute in Finland, one of the world’s premier centers for sport education. Host Zack Nowak sits down with him to discuss how these experiences shaped his approach to coaching, leadership, and player growth back home with the BJHL
Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach

In episode 44, we sit down with Kenny McGinley, the president of the Arizona High School Hockey Association (AHSHA), to discuss what they are doing in Arizona to continue growing hockey in a non-traditional market.

From marketing and branding to player and coach development, AHSHA continues to grow yearly and sold out in a record 15 minutes this year.

Tune in to learn how they are making this growth and their plans for the future.

To learn more: https://www.ahsha.org/

#43 Supporting Every Skater (Pt. 2) How do we respond to behaviors on the ice? with Dr. Brady Flachs

In Episode 43, we continue exploring the connections between education and hockey with Dr. Brady Flachs, a Professor of Education at Ferris State University.

Brady, a father of four hockey-playing boys, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the conversation. Host Zack Nowak, a former Special Education teacher, joins him to bridge the gap between classroom strategies and coaching on the ice.

Each episode, we’ll tackle one key question, drawing from education research and teaching strategies to help coaches develop their teams more effectively.

In this episode, we answer the question of How do we respond to our players behaviors?

Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach

#42 Supporting Every Skater (Pt. 1): Common Errors with Dr. Brady Flachs

In Episode 42, we kick off a new series exploring the connections between education and hockey with Dr. Brady Flachs, a Professor of Education at Ferris State University.

Brady, a father of four hockey-playing boys, brings over 20 years of teaching experience to the conversation. Host Zack Nowak, a former Special Education teacher, joins him to bridge the gap between classroom strategies and coaching on the ice.

Each episode, we’ll tackle one key question, drawing from education research and teaching strategies to help coaches develop their teams more effectively.

In this episode, we answer the question of what the common errors are in coaching and education when working with kids with learning needs.

Join the discussion on X at USAHockeyCoach