In this episode of the USA Hockey Next Gen Podcast, hosts Lyndsey Fry and Drew Shore sit down with Tony Granato to examine a lifetime spent in the game. Tony reflects on how hockey shaped his family, his journey as a player, coach, and broadcaster, and what USA Hockey has meant throughout each stage of his career. The conversation explores Olympic roster decision-making, the value of adaptability and role acceptance, and why loving both the game and the work behind it matters at every level. Tony also shares powerful lessons for young players, parents, and coaches on development, versatility, and keeping passion at the center of the experience.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Introduction to the USA Hockey Next Gen Podcast and episode focus

[00:00:25] Lyndsey Fry and Drew Shore introduce Tony Granato

[00:01:40] Tony Granato’s playing, coaching, and Olympic experience with USA Hockey

[00:03:07] Career highlights and transition from player to coach

[00:04:16] Tony reflects on how hockey shaped his family and lifelong connection to the game

[00:06:16] Inside the 2018 Olympic team selection process

[00:07:36] Balancing current performance versus overall body of work when building Olympic rosters

[00:09:58] Lessons from Olympic team building that apply to youth and player development

[00:11:33] Importance of coachability, details, and earning trust at every level

[00:13:43] Value of versatility and playing multiple roles to create more opportunities

[00:14:12] Dylan Larkin example and embracing role changes on elite teams

[00:16:58] Power play versatility and adapting skills to fit team needs

[00:19:30] Playing for the love of the game and reducing outcome-driven pressure

[00:20:58] Loving the grind and commitment required to reach elite levels

[00:22:50] Tony discusses his sister Cammi Granato and the early challenges of women’s hockey

[00:26:55] Comparing coaching at the college and professional levels

[00:30:36] Growth of USA Hockey and the impact of volunteers and development programs

[00:33:57] Transition to broadcasting and sharing the game from a new perspective

[00:38:18] Reflections on USA Hockey pride and representing the United States

[00:41:03] Episode wrap-up and preview of upcoming USA Hockey conversations

Links:

USA Hockey - ⁠⁠https://www.usahockey.com⁠⁠

Drew Shore - ⁠https://www.drewshore.com⁠⁠

Lindsey Fry - ⁠⁠https://fryhockey.com/⁠

In this episode of USA Hockey’s Next Gen podcast, hosts Lyndsey Fry and Drew Shore sit down with Annie Camins, VP at the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), to explore how the league went from concept to puck drop in just four months. Annie shares what it took to launch a professional league with high standards, including facilities, community engagement, and a historic CBA. The conversation highlights the PWHL’s rapid expansion, fan growth, and long-term vision—plus Annie’s own journey from being the only girl on her youth team to helping build a professional league for future generations.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Lyndsey Fry introduces the episode’s focus on women’s hockey and the PWHL

[00:01:33] The growth of girls' hockey in the U.S. over the past few decades

[00:03:28] Limited opportunities in the past for women to continue playing

[00:05:00] Importance of the PWHL’s collective bargaining agreement (CBA)

[00:06:22] Annie Camins joins the podcast

[00:06:51] How the PWHL formed and launched in four months

[00:09:03] Why the CBA was essential from day one

[00:10:10] Challenges of launching the league in such a short timeline

[00:13:20] Strategies for growing the league’s fan base and community engagement

[00:17:59] Where the talent pipeline for the PWHL comes from

[00:21:25] Annie’s vision for the next 5–10 years of the league

[00:23:53] How the PWHL is supporting Olympians and preparing them without centralization

[00:25:32] Annie’s favorite memory since the league’s inception

[00:26:21] What team Annie would’ve played for

[00:27:02] Can Minnesota win a third Walter Cup?

[00:28:08] Behind-the-scenes moments from league travel and logistics

[00:29:07] Annie’s background in hockey and path to her current role

[00:31:09] Annie’s advice to young girls dreaming of the PWHL

[00:32:14] Closing thoughts and the impact of visible role models

[00:33:50] Hillary Knight inspires a young fan on Halloween

[00:35:40] Preview of the next episode with Tony Granato

Links:

PWHL: https://www.thepwhl.com/en/

USA Hockey - ⁠⁠https://www.usahockey.com⁠⁠

Drew Shore - ⁠https://www.drewshore.com⁠⁠

Lindsey Fry - ⁠⁠https://fryhockey.com/⁠

In this episode of USA Hockey’s Next Generation podcast, hosts Lyndsey Fry and Drew Shore speak with Bill Duffy, USA Hockey’s Warrior Hockey representative and president of the Philadelphia Flyers Warrior program. Bill shares how Warrior Hockey has expanded nationwide, offering veterans a renewed sense of camaraderie, purpose, and community through the sport. He discusses the program’s rapid growth, NHL partnerships, and the powerful on- and off-ice support systems that have become life-changing for many veterans. Bill highlights remarkable stories, key resources, and what makes Warrior Hockey such a meaningful space for those who have served.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Introduction to the USA Hockey Next Gen podcast.

[00:00:26] Lyndsey and Drew preview the conversation with Bill Duffy.

[00:01:15] Drew recalls participating in a Warrior Hockey event.

[00:01:40] Lyndsey shares experiences with the Arizona Warrior program.

[00:02:38] Bill explains the camaraderie Warrior Hockey restores for veterans.

[00:03:49] Drew notes immediate camaraderie observed at events.

[00:04:02] Lyndsey connects locker room culture to veterans’ experiences.

[00:04:58] Drew reflects on finding community after retirement from playing.

[00:05:17] Introduction of Bill Duffy as the featured guest.

[00:05:52] Attendance milestone of 600 participants at a recent event.

[00:05:58] Bill describes the national growth of Warrior Hockey.

[00:06:46] Discussing the Flyers’ support and early program beginnings.

[00:08:11] Bill shares the program’s impact on veterans’ transitions.

[00:11:22] Lyndsey highlights “life-saving” themes within Warrior Hockey.

[00:12:10] Bill explains why the ice becomes a safe space for many veterans.

[00:14:35] Warrior tournaments draw large, passionate crowds.

[00:16:11] How NHL support has contributed to program expansion.

[00:16:29] Detailing the unique partnership between the Flyers and Warrior Hockey.

[00:19:18] Bill outlines USA Hockey’s support and vision for continued growth.

[00:20:56] Advice for veterans interested in joining or creating a program.

[00:23:39] Rapid-fire: Bill shares his favorite Warrior Hockey moment.

[00:24:50] Bill recounts a powerful and inspiring story from a Philly participant.

[00:26:38] Top players across Warrior Hockey’s elite and lower tiers.

[00:29:01] Lyndsey and Drew reflect on the impact and meaning of Bill’s stories.

[00:30:20] Discussion on hockey’s role as an escape for veterans.

[00:30:45] Importance of resources offered at events, including childcare.

[00:31:30] Closing reflections and preview of the next guest, Annie Camins

Links:

Warrior Hockey: https://www.usahockey.com/warriorhockey

USA Hockey - ⁠⁠https://www.usahockey.com⁠⁠

Drew Shore - ⁠https://www.drewshore.com⁠⁠

Lindsey Fry - ⁠⁠https://fryhockey.com/