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/

In this episode of the USA Hockey Next Generation Podcast, hosts Lyndsey Fry and Drew Shore sit down with Chicago Mission president and U15 head coach Gino Cavallini. Gino shares stories from his NHL career, including his connection to the “Soul on Fire” film, and reflects on the culture and coaching philosophy that have shaped Chicago Mission into one of the nation’s premier youth programs. He discusses developing depth, fostering competitiveness, building strong coaches, and preparing players for the next level. Gino also answers questions from former Mission athletes and crafts his dream boys’ and girls’ lineups from the program’s alumni.

Key Points From This Episode:

[00:00:00] Lyndsey and Drew introduce guest Gino Cavallini and the Chicago Mission program.

[00:02:13] Gino shares his most memorable NHL moment playing with Brett Hull and Adam Oates.

[00:04:58] Transition from NHL career into youth hockey and joining Chicago Mission.

[00:07:22] Gino tells the “Soul on Fire” story involving John O’Leary.

[00:11:39] What makes Chicago Mission one of the country’s top AAA programs.

[00:14:12] Building competitiveness and shaping leaders through high-intensity practices.

[00:17:13] Gino’s advice to parents and players about work ethic and trusting the process.

[00:19:18] Program leadership challenges and building a strong coaching culture.

[00:22:36] Listener questions on development, memories, and advancing to Division I.

[00:23:56] Gino builds his boys’ dream lineup from Mission alumni.

[00:25:35] Gino builds his girls’ dream lineup, including Kendall Coyne and Alex Rigsby.

[00:27:56] Hosts reflect on takeaways about depth, development, and competitiveness.

Links:

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

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

Lindsey Fry - ⁠https://fryhockey.com/

In this premiere episode of the USA Hockey Next Gen podcast, hosts Drew Shore and Lyndsey Fry take a deep dive into the National Team Development Program (NTDP) with assistant executive director Scott Monaghan. They explore the program's mission to elevate the development of young hockey players, the unique challenges faced by athletes, and the successes that have emerged from the program.

Scott shares insights into the program's history, significant changes, and the importance of fostering both athletic and personal growth in players. Join us for an enlightening conversation about the future of hockey and the impact of the NDTP on the next generation of athletes!

Chapters:

(00:00) USA Hockey Next Gen podcast takes a deep dive into looking at the NTDP program

(02:42) Scott Simon: USA Hockey's national team development program dates back to 1997

(10:47) USA Hockey has grown into a great place for players to come from

(16:29) Scott Simon: What advice do you have for aspiring youth hockey players

(20:03) How do you guys infuse fun into your program

(23:01) What's your all-time favorite moment since you guys started the program

(30:11) Scott says the program is the best development program in the world

_______________________________________________________________LINKS:

USA Hockey
https://www.usahockey.com

Scott Monahan
https://teamusa.usahockey.com/2025u18mwc-scottmonaghan

Drew Shore
https://www.drewshore.com

Lindsey Fry
https://fryhockey.com/

USA Hockey: Next Generation Presented by USA Hockey. Step into the future of the game with USA Hockey: Next Generation — the official podcast spotlighting the rising stars, innovative minds, and evolving culture of hockey across the country. Each episode dives into the stories shaping tomorrow’s game, from youth and adult players to coaches, officials, and trailblazers driving change at every level.

Whether you're a lifelong fan, a weekend warrior, or just discovering the sport, join us for inspiring interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and fresh perspectives on how hockey is growing, adapting, and thriving in communities nationwide. New episodes drop bi-weekly.

Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and be part of the next chapter in American hockey.