Kris Eberly: From Tier 2 Hockey to Starting Goaltender at The Ohio State University

Welcome to Episode 74 of the Dialed and Driven Mentality Podcast!

In this episode, Jeff Lerg and Natalie Ferenc continue the Goalie Nation series with The Ohio State University goaltender Kristoffer Eberly.

Kris’ journey to Division I hockey has been anything but conventional.

From Tier 2 youth hockey and Michigan high school hockey, to the Metro Jets, Compuware, the NCDC, the USHL, and ultimately The Ohio State University, Kris shares the long-term path that shaped him both as a goaltender and as a person.

Throughout the conversation, Kris reflects on what it was like growing up as an overlooked goalie who was never considered a can't-miss prospect. Despite never making many of the elite select camps and not playing AAA consistently until age 18, he maintained an unwavering belief that he would one day become a Division I athlete.

He opens up about the challenges of comparing himself to others, being cut from teams, navigating injuries, and embracing the setbacks that ultimately helped build the resilience and confidence that have defined his career.

Now entering his senior season at Ohio State, Kris gives listeners an inside look at what it takes to continue earning opportunities at the Division I level while staying humble, staying grateful, and trusting the process every step of the way.

Episode Highlights:

• Kris' journey from Tier 2 hockey and Michigan high school hockey to Division I college hockey

• Why being a late bloomer became one of his greatest advantages

• How playing with friends and focusing on enjoyment fueled his development

• The impact of injuries, adversity, and being overlooked throughout his career

• How an Instagram direct message helped open the door to the next level

• His rapid rise from the NCDC to the USHL and eventually The Ohio State University

• Why belief in yourself matters more than comparing your path to others

• The importance of doing the work when nobody is watching

• Lessons learned from getting cut and missing out on elite select camps

• Why every goalie's journey is different and why patience matters

• What he learned from attending the Detroit Red Wings Development Camp

• Working with NHL stars, including Pavel Datsyuk and Connor Hellebuyck

• How confidence is built through preparation, consistency, and experience

• The importance of being a student of the game and learning from multiple goalie coaches

• His "I made it" moment during his first collegiate start against Minnesota

• The goals he and Ohio State have for his senior season

• Advice for young goalies navigating adversity, development, and the pressure to rush the process

AND SO MUCH MORE!

If you're a goalie, athlete, coach, or parent looking to better understand what long-term development really looks like, this episode is packed with valuable lessons on perseverance, patience, self-belief, and trusting your own path.

Success doesn't always happen on the timeline you expect.

Stay present. Stay dialed. Stay driven.

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