Episode 90: The DL & The 12th Forward Trap w/ USA Hockey’s Bob Mancini

Making the highest-level team is not always the same thing as making the best developmental choice.

Scott and Jamie welcome Bob Mancini back for his third appearance to discuss the launch of USA Hockey’s new Development League, what it means for Tier 1 hockey, and why parents should resist treating the DL label as the only path forward.

Bob explains why a 14-year-old may develop more by playing major minutes, running the power play, and handling the puck on a Tier 1 team than by becoming the twelfth forward on a DL roster. He also breaks down the league’s plans for games, rest, off-ice training, video, championships, roster limits, and multiple entry and exit points.

The conversation also tackles the Brick Tournament argument, late development, puberty, high school and prep hockey, officiating, and the one thing that should remain part of every level of the game: fun.

In this episode:

• Why Tier 1 remains essential alongside the DL
• The danger of chasing a label instead of the right environment
• One game per day, recovery, video, and player development
• Multiple paths through DL, Tier 1, prep and high school hockey

The jersey matters less than the environment where your player can develop, take ownership, and keep loving the game.

USA Hockey DL FAQ: https://www.usahockey.com/news_article/show/1333125

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