Episode 51: A Second Look at USA Hockey’s New Development League - What Parents Are Getting Wrong (with Ken Martel)

Jan 28, 2026 • 1:47:39

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Episode Notes

The must-listen follow-up to Episode 50

Scott and Jamie sit down with Ken Martel, Senior Director of Player & Coach Development at USA Hockey, to clear up some confusion surrounding the new USA Hockey Development League and directly follow up on their conversation with Bob Mancini in Episode 50.

Ken explains what the Development League is actually designed to do, why “open borders” matter, and why USA Hockey believes long-term scouting and accountability, not a single combine or draft, should determine where players belong. He also addresses misconceptions around control, outlines how clubs are selected, and why USA Hockey wants closer alignment with programs to raise development standards across the board.

In this episode:

What parents and coaches are getting wrong about the Development League
Why “open borders” are intentional and how the marketplace is supposed to work
How USA Hockey plans to hold clubs accountable (yes, there are “teeth”)
Why DL is about sharing best practices, not labeling teams “elite”

If Episode 50 explained what the Development League is, this episode explains how it’s going to function in the real world. If you’re a parent trying to make sense of the noise...this one matters.

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