Melissa Samoskevich, a former professional women's hockey player and current assistant coach for a new Division I program, shares her journey in hockey. She discusses her early training, the transition from youth to college hockey, and the importance of character and leadership in recruiting players. Melissa also reflects on her family's influence in her career and the development process in women's hockey, emphasizing the unique challenges and opportunities in the sport.

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Takeaways

-Melissa started training off the ice at a young age.

-Confidence gained from training is crucial for athletes.

-The transition to college hockey is a significant challenge.

-Building a new program requires careful talent evaluation.

-Character and teamwork are essential in recruitment.

-Leadership qualities develop naturally over time.

-Physical development is a key focus in player recruitment.

-Family support plays a vital role in athletic success.

-Development in women's hockey often occurs during college years.

-Melissa is excited about the future of her new program.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Melissa Samoskevich
01:14 Early Training and Development in Hockey
04:57 Transitioning from U18 to College Hockey
09:07 Building a New Division I Program
11:49 Evaluating Talent and Character in Players
13:11 Fostering Leadership Qualities in Players
16:16 Balancing Physical Development in Women's Hockey
20:23 Family Legacy and Support in Hockey
23:18 Sibling Dynamics and Learning in Sports
26:47 Closing Thoughts and Future Endeavors

Brenna Dardar, a registered dietitian, discusses the importance of nutrition for hockey players, focusing on weight management, body composition, and the role of carbohydrates and protein in performance. She emphasizes the need for hockey players to understand their individual nutritional needs, the significance of gut health, and the impact of nutrition on overall performance metrics. The conversation also covers game-day nutrition strategies and post-game recovery, highlighting the importance of timing and food choices for optimal athletic performance.

Get in touch with Brenna and Nutrition With Wendi: https://www.nutritionwithwendi.com/

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Josh Levine discusses the various challenges facing youth hockey, including scheduling inconsistencies, locker room issues, rising costs, and the importance of multi-sport participation. He emphasizes the need for better scheduling practices, the impact of overtraining, and the significance of foundational skills in young athletes. Levine advocates for gamifying skill development to enhance engagement and learning among younger players, while also addressing the misconceptions parents have about athletic development.

Connect with Josh Levine:

📩 Contact: The Fortis Academy
📸 Instagram: @thefortisacademy
🔗 LinkedIn: Josh Levine

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