Episode 18: The Business of Youth Hockey (and Chuck Norris)

When private equity meets private lessons... who’s really winning?

Scott and Jamie dig into the growing influence of money in youth hockey and how the chase for profit is quietly (and not-so-quietly) warping the game. From $500 “development” weekends to kids being pushed into specialization before they can tie their skates, this episode is a no-filter look at what happens when hockey becomes a business first.

In this episode:

• How private equity and profit-driven models are reshaping rinks and programs
• The mental weight of year-round “development” and the cost of over-scheduling
• Why rushing to specialize might hurt more than it helps
• Chuck Norris jokes, because things were getting a little too real

Plus: A look at why skill doesn’t always equal confidence, how early bloomers don’t always finish strong, and what we’re actually paying for in the modern hockey ecosystem.

If you’ve ever wondered why your 10-year-old is training like a pro athlete this episode hits home.

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