Episode 63: RJ Burns - “You’re Not Raising a Hockey Player… You’re Burning One Out”

Why most youth hockey development is completely backwards.

Scott and Jamie sit down with RJ Burns, Co-Owner of TopLine Hockey, and this one hits a nerve for every hockey parent.

RJ breaks down why “just skating around cones” isn’t development, why kids need to think the game instead of memorize drills, and how the obsession with reps, travel, and “more ice” is actually hurting players long-term. 

He shares blunt truths about parent pressure, over-scheduling, and kids who clearly don’t even want to be at the rink, plus why sometimes the best thing you can do is… take a break.

The guys also get into:

•  Why jumping teams chasing “better situations” can backfire 
•  The problem with coaches who only care about winning at U10 
•  Why kids need freedom (and parents need to get off the glass) 
•  How real development comes from decision-making, not drills

RJ also shares his own journey from bouncing teams and chasing the path, to realizing hockey became a job instead of something he loved, and how coaching brought that passion back.

TopLine Hockey - https://tlhockey.com/

Partners:

• https://www.instagram.com/bigjohndangles/
• https://hockeytraining.com/
• https://www.titanbattlegear.com/crazyhockeydads
• https://howieshockeytape.com/
• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

Socials:

• TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@crazyhockeydadspodcast
• X: https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Crazy-Hockey-Dads-Podcast/61578631923150/