The Next Level; What Exists Beyond Youth Hockey

Michael and Angela start off riding the high of recent Olympic hockey success — because nothing fuels delusion quite like watching elite athletes on TV make it look easy. Inspired by the big stage, they pivot into today’s topic: what actually happens after youth hockey?

When your kid hits that 16–21 sweet spot, things get real. They break down the winding road beyond the local rink — from Juniors life (hello, billets)), to elite prep programs, to the dream (and price tag) of juniors & college hockey. They talk about how USA Hockey slices the country into districts and regions, and why geography suddenly matters way more than it did back in Mite house league.

Michael and Angela unpack the rollercoaster of realizing your “hockey family” might soon be shipping your kid off to live with strangers in another state. It’s honest, slightly sarcastic, and just hopeful enough to keep everyone paying those hockey fees.

Of course, it wouldn’t be Pucked Up Parents without a weekend recap. There were final home games, trips to Pittsburgh and a hotel stay that took a dark turn after Michael saw a TikTok about people washing underwear in coffee makers. Let’s just say… he’s officially sworn off in-room coffee forever. Angela has thoughts.

From Olympic dreams to hotel hygiene nightmares, this episode is about chasing the next level — and surviving it as parents.