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In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric is joined by former NHL forward and current player development coach Brian Willsie.Brian shares insights from his 15-year pro career including time in the NHL, AHL, and Europe and how that experience now shapes his approach to developing youth players. From his transition into coaching and mentorship to his current work with Washington Capitals prospects and elite youth programs, Brian offers a grounded and honest perspective on what young players need today.This conversation hits on the importance of:Building confidence at the youth levelAvoiding over-coaching and letting kids developHow the pro game has changed over the yearsWhat truly matters in long-term developmentWhether you’re a parent, coach, or player, this episode offers valuable wisdom from someone who’s lived every level of the game — and now teaches it the right way.🕒 Key Moments:0:00 – Brian Willsie intro & career snapshot4:30 – Playing in the NHL vs. Europe10:20 – Transitioning from pro to player development15:45 – What youth hockey often gets wrong20:30 – How to build confidence in young players28:00 – Pro advice that still applies at the grassroots35:00 – What Willsie looks for when working with young athletes🎥 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube 📲 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries | @CoachEpzolo | @BioSteelSportsAcademy The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy dive into one of the most loaded questions in youth hockey: When is it the right time to move away from home? From the pressure to chase better teams and “big-name” programs to the reality of playing with, and against, weaker players, this episode unpacks how development actually happens… and how families can make better long-term decisions. They also dig into the mental side of the game, the different types of intelligence athletes show, and why traditional academics don’t always reflect a player’s hockey IQ or real-world skill set. This one’s for families navigating: Big decisions about moving away The myths of chasing top teams The truth about talent and how it rises over time How to develop in “non-traditional” programs When it’s worth leaving… and when it’s not Key Moments: 1:20 – Athletic intelligence vs classroom intelligence 28:00 – Why chasing teams usually backfires 32:30 – Is chasing a championship always worth it? 35:50 – Moving away from the northern loop for U18 hockey 39:50 – Why playing with weaker players can help you grow 42:45 – There’s no hiding good players — they always get noticed 44:00 – The story of Justin Brazeau & New Liskeard Cubs 47:00 – First-round picks who still don’t stick at the next level 53:50 – Parents, emotion, and the whirlwind of youth hockey Stay Connected 📺 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube 📲 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries | @CoachEpzolo | @BioSteelSportsAcademy 🔗 Learn more: www.biosteel.comThe Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports.

In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, we take a deep dive into what NCAA hockey programs truly look for in players, and how USA Hockey approaches long-term development.This episode features two insightful conversations recorded live at the Matterhorn Fit All-Ivy Showcase:🎙 Matt Gilroy — Assistant Coach at Harvard, former NHL defenseman, and Hobey Baker winner 🎙 Jason Guerriero — USA Hockey development coach and national educatorWe start with Matt’s journey, from an underdog NCAA walk-on to a decorated pro career, and explore what separates players when everyone is talented. From hockey IQ and creativity to mindset, academics, and maturity, he breaks down how top college programs evaluate prospects.Then, Jason joins the conversation to provide a national perspective from inside USA Hockey. He shares how development is built over time, not rushed, and why creativity, adversity, and unscripted play are essential ingredients in player growth.Key Themes Covered:How NCAA coaches evaluate players on and off the puckThe role of academics, character, and consistency in recruitingUSA Hockey’s long-term development modelWhy unscripted environments are critical for player growthAge-appropriate coaching and the risks of early specializationHow parents and coaches can better support developmentWhether you’re a player chasing an NCAA opportunity, a parent trying to make sense of the system, or a coach shaping future athletes, this episode brings honest insight from people inside the process.🎧 Watch or listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify 📲 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries | @CoachEpzolo | @BioSteelSportsAcademy The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

Sometimes the score doesn’t tell the real story, but your response always does. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy take lessons from the World Juniors and connect them directly to youth hockey. From how Latvia and other small nations compete against the best in the world, to how players should approach mismatched games at the youth level, this episode is about mindset, preparation, and perspective. They break down why mismatches happen, how coaches can prepare their teams (whether they’re the underdog or the favorite), and what players and parents need to understand about showing up with purpose no matter who’s on the other bench. Whether you're facing a powerhouse or leading by 6, this episode is a masterclass in how habits, preparation, and leadership show up when the game doesn’t go as expected. Key Moments: 2:00 – Billeting, maturity, and life skills 4:50 – 2009 WJC memories 7:00 – Canada’s identity at the World Juniors 13:00 – NHL Central Scouting & early evaluation 17:00 – Latvia: structure over star power 21:15 – Hockey registration numbers by country 24:00 – Why smaller countries can still compete 27:00 – Is playing on a super team always best? 36:00 – Elevating non-star players 41:30 – Mindset going into mismatch games 42:00 – Motivation means nothing without preparation 47:00 – How to stay engaged on a struggling team 50:00 – What can you do to stand out? 54:10 – Don’t let your habits slip when you’re the best 56:00 – The scoreboard doesn’t always reflect the effort 1:00:00 – When it’s frustrating for your kid 1:08:30 – Advice for parents during uneven seasons 📲 🎥 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube 📱 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries Partner accounts: @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

Recruiting isn’t a moment, it’s a body of work. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down what actually matters when it comes to recruiting, scouting, showcases, and promotion in youth hockey. From the myth of “being seen” at tournaments to the rise of agents and advisors at younger and younger ages, they cut through the noise to give players, parents, and coaches a clear perspective. This episode also covers how players should prepare, what scouts are really looking for, and why the best promotion is still just being a good player. Whether you’re chasing the OHL Cup, planning your next showcase, or just trying to help your kid navigate it all, this one’s for you. Key Moments: 2:00 – Moving away & life skills through billeting 6:00 – How living away matures athletes 8:00 – Preparation for tournaments as a young player 12:30 – Mixed messages on how to prepare for games 14:00 – Do tournaments and showcases really matter? 17:30 – The importance (and limits) of the OHL Cup 20:40 – You don’t need a top team to be scouted 25:50 – Scouts can only see so much 26:10 – Handedness and other overlooked scouting factors 30:00 – Agents, advisors, and who really needs them 32:30 – Why do so many kids have reps now? 46:30 – Recruiting timelines and when things really happen 51:00 – Parent involvement: help or harm? 55:00 – The impact of parent behavior on player opportunity Stay Connected: 🎥 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube 📱 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries Partner Accounts: @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

Bad call? Good. Tough weekend? Good. Didn’t get the bounce, the shift, or the outcome? Good. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy take a hard look at adversity and why how you respond matters more than what actually happens. Starting by recounting the officiating at a recent tournament, they dive into the mindset made popular by Jocko Willink’s “Good” philosophy, and how it applies to hockey and life. They also explore the parable of the Chinese Farmer, and how players, parents, and coaches can use perspective to build real toughness, not just fake positivity. This one is about rewiring your brain to lean into struggle, reframe frustration, and keep showing up. Whether you’re a player who didn’t get the shift, a parent watching your kid go through it, or a coach trying to model calm under fire,  this is the episode for you. - Watch this inspiration for this podcast: Jocko Willink - “Good” - Stay Connected: Watch the Academy docu-series "Built From Steel" on YouTube Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries Partner accounts: @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzoloThe Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports.🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

More Information on the Matterhorn Fit All-Path Series: ⁠All-Path Ontario - Windsor, Ontario - May 15-18 2026⁠ ⁠All-Path Quebec - Montreal, Quebec - May 29-June1, 2026⁠ ⁠All-Path Western - Calgary, Alberta - June 11-14, 2026⁠ Hockey is a vehicle - for education, leadership, and life. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric is joined by Ryan Vesce, Co-Founder and CEO of Matterhorn Fit, in a special two-part release. The first half features a brand-new conversation recorded at the 2025 Matterhorn Fit All-Ivy Showcase, followed by a re-release of their original interview from over a year ago that first introduced the Matterhorn Fit philosophy, the All-Ivy event, and the now-rolling All-Path Series launching in 2026. Ryan brings a unique perspective as a retired 14-year pro, Ivy League graduate (Cornell), and now visionary behind one of the most player-focused development ecosystems in North America. Together, he and Eric dig into what’s changing in hockey between the CHL and NCAA, the implications for young players and families, and how collaboration, mindset, and long-term thinking will define who actually moves forward. Whether you're a player trying to navigate your next step, a parent weighing your options, or a coach looking at the bigger picture, this one is essential listening. Key Moments: 6:25 – The eligibility rule change & hockey as a life vehicle 7:10 – Why the collaborators will win 7:39 – What the All-Path Series is and where it's going 8:50 – NCAA recruiting trends: CHL/USHL crossover 10:35 – What kind of players actually move on 12:12 – Using hockey as a platform for life beyond the game  Re-release section includes: Ryan’s journey as an undersized player who made it pro Division I recruiting + Ivy League experience Building Matterhorn Fit into a leading performance brand The launch of the All-Ivy Showcase & vision for athlete support The All-Path Series expanding into Canada in 2026 Stay Connected: Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries Partner Accounts: @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo @MatterhornFitEvents  The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at⁠ www.biosteel.com⁠

Tournaments and Showcases are about who can handle the grind. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the mental and physical demands of tournament weekends and why so many teams and players can fall apart over just a few days. From preparation to pressure, they unpack what it really takes to perform when the schedule is stacked, emotions are high, and there’s nowhere to hide. This episode covers everything from managing your prep to being ready when opportunity knocks. Whether you're a player looking to stay consistent, a parent navigating the chaos, or a coach leading your team through high-stakes hockey, this one’s for you. Key Moments: 0:00 – Intro 2:30 – Navy SEAL book and mindset carryover 5:00 – Coaching to change lives — intention beyond hockey 11:20 – “It’s not just about hockey” 14:35 – Tone vs message — how players receive coaching 23:50 – The leader sets the tone 26:00 – Tournament culture intro 28:40 – Why tournaments matter 31:20 – At what age does tournament preparation really matter? 37:20 – Why showcase preparation makes all the difference 42:50 – Key things to prepare for extended weekends 45:45 – Don’t make big games bigger than they are 48:30 – Mental resilience: shake it off and reset 54:15 – Be ready when opportunity shows up 1:01:10 – Learn and earn — why every rep matters Stay Connected: Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTubeFollow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries Partner accounts: @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports.Learn more at www.biosteel.com

Youth hockey today is overflowing with noise. Too much instruction, too many commands, and too many coaches trying to look smart instead of developing players. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the problem of overcoaching in youth hockey, why it’s hurting development, and how a simpler, more player-first approach leads to better long-term results. From understanding when to talk (and when not to), to building trust, confidence, and true hockey IQ, this episode cuts deep into what actually helps kids grow. Whether you're a coach rethinking your approach, a parent trying to support your kid, or a player tired of being controlled on every shift,  this episode is for you. Key Moments: 0:00 – Intro 10:02 – Zone coaching mistakes at the youth level 10:28 – Overcoaching vs undercoaching 14:50 – When coaches act like they know everything 16:25 – Too much happening behind the bench 18:10 – Kids will make mistakes — and that’s good 20:30 – Game-day themes that actually help players 23:55 – Are your practices too complex? 31:40 – Why overcoaching happens in the first place  35:30 – Coaching the bench instead of coaching the players 40:40 – Avoiding the hyper-negative coaching spiral 43:00 – “The more you say, the less I hear.” 47:50 – How coaches impact player confidence 53:50 – Some coaches simply won’t like your kid — and what to do Stay Connected: Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube.Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries Partner accounts:@BioSteelSports@BioSteelSportsAcademy@CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com

Your role on a hockey team isn’t fixed - it’s earned, adapted, and redefined throughout your journey. In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy dive deep into the reality of team roles,  how players can develop the mindset to contribute, how parents can support without pushing, and how coaches can guide without limiting growth. From navigating lineup competition to earning trust, this episode offers a powerful look into what it really means to “find your role” whether you’re on the top line or fighting for your next shift. Whether you’re a player learning to adapt, a parent trying to understand your kid’s journey, or a coach balancing development and team needs, this episode is for you. Key Moments: 0:00 – Jiu-Jitsu and the mental carryover to hockey 5:41 – Why playing with better players pushes growth 11:30 – What if your teammates aren’t as strong as you? 13:20 – U18 lineup mindset + finding your role 16:50 – Fighting for ice is part of the game 18:00 – “How can I help the team?” 24:25 – Understanding your linemates 27:21 – Adapting your role when you join a new team 29:45 – Don’t be a bucket of vanilla — bring identity 36:00 – Be ready when opportunity comes 39:20 – Trust determines ice time 43:55 – Sometimes you won’t get the chance — and that’s real 52:00 – Earning trust through smart decisions 52:46 – Parents may not know what the coach expects 54:15 – Sometimes another player is just better 58:45 – How to respond when things don’t go your way 1:01:25 – Be careful what you wish for — hockey is hard Stay Connected: Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTubeFollow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeries Partner accounts: @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports.Learn more at www.biosteel.com

The OHL Draft is a milestone, not the destination.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy break down the pressure, the misconceptions, and the mindset that surround the OHL Priority Selection. From how scouts actually evaluate players, to how parents and coaches can support (or sabotage) the process, this episode delivers real-world clarity for players in their draft year and the people around them.Whether your name is called or not, the habits, the attitude, and the support system matter far more than the ranking.This is the reality check every player, parent, and coach needs to hear.🎧 Key Moments:2:00 – Communication before the days of technology → team culture & tech today12:21 – Episode 4 of the docu-series + U16 Draft spotlight14:40 – The importance of the OHL Draft16:20 – How the draft does (and doesn’t) shape your future18:40 – Rule changes and draft eligibility22:00 – Overhyped vs overlooked: mindset around the draft22:50 – What if you don’t get drafted?26:00 – Projecting draft picks: the reality28:00 – What should kids actually focus on?29:14 – Controlling the controllables32:20 – What scouts really notice34:17 – Do points matter?36:00 – Intangibles & translatable skills38:25 – What makes your game projectable?39:44 – Parents’ role through the draft41:27 – Support vs pressure46:20 – Creating stability at home50:40 – Coaching your team through the draft56:00 – What makes a good coach at the next level1:01:25 – Hockey is hard - be careful what you wish for📲 Stay Connected:🎥 Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube 📱 Follow us: @BuiltFromSteelSeriesPartner accounts: @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzoloThe Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. 🌐 Learn more at www.biosteel.com

Coaching at the youth level isn’t just about systems and skill drills - it’s about shaping people.In this episode of the Built From Steel Podcast, Eric and Andy unpack what it really means to coach youth hockey today and how it compares to coaching elite-level athletes. From managing parent expectations to avoiding the trap of “overcoaching,” this conversation dives into the real challenges coaches face and the mindset needed to do it right.Whether you’re a parent trying to support your kid or a coach navigating the pressure, this episode is for you.Key Moments:0:00 – Intro + updates from the Academy2:39 – Letting your kid enjoy the game6:20 – Loyalty, attitude, and what actually makes sense9:25 – Docu-series + Team App updates14:00 – Academy team review15:00 – Coaching girls vs boys17:00 – Coaching youth vs high-level athletes18:00 – Why coaching youth is harder than you think19:10 – The danger of overcoaching22:45 – Parent feedback vs staying true to your coaching philosophy24:10 – Coaching to develop vs coaching to win27:15 – The pressure on youth hockey coaches29:30 – What are fair expectations from parents?36:15 – Defining your coaching philosophy42:00 – Give coaches some grace46:00 – Don’t forget what it’s like to be the player52:00 – When is it fair to judge a coach?54:30 – Coaching is a position of power — handle it responsibly56:30 – How much talent do you really have to work with?57:30 – Why over-barking at kids does more harm than goodStay Connected:Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube.Follow us on socials: @BuiltFromSteelSeriesPartner accounts:@BioSteelSports@BioSteelSportsAcademy@CoachEpzoloThe Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports.Learn more at www.biosteel.com

Dan Crosby is the founder and CEO of BioSteel, the driving force behind BioSteel Sports Academy, and the visionary behind the Built From Steel movement. He also oversees a broader portfolio of ventures through Coachwood Group. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on what drives Dan as a builder, leader, and creator. From humble beginnings to launching a full performance ecosystem, this is the story behind the mission and what it really takes to build something from the ground up. Key Moments: 0:00 – Dan’s backstory: growing up with nothing 12:00 – Why school didn’t click 15:30 – Learning business without formal education 18:50 – Doing outrageously unique things 24:30 – Fear, risk, and mastering pressure 28:00 – The BioSteel brand: direction, vision, takeover 33:00 – Building the Academy and where it’s headed 41:00 – Passion and energy at the core 46:00 – Culture, mindset, and identity 48:15 – Legacy and what he wants to leave behind Watch the Academy docu-series Built From Steel on YouTube. Keep up on socials @BuiltFromSteelSeries. Follow our partners: @BioSteelSports @BioSteelSportsAcademy @CoachEpzolo The Built From Steel Podcast is a division of BioSteel Sports. Learn more at www.biosteel.com