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

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“What did the council decide on item 42?” — answered with the speaker and the moment.

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