Tony Granato on USA Hockey’s Growth, Adaptability, and Loving the Grind

In this episode of the USA Hockey Next Gen Podcast, hosts Lyndsey Fry and Drew Shore sit down with Tony Granato to examine a lifetime spent in the game. Tony reflects on how hockey shaped his family, his journey as a player, coach, and broadcaster, and what USA Hockey has meant throughout each stage of his career. The conversation explores Olympic roster decision-making, the value of adaptability and role acceptance, and why loving both the game and the work behind it matters at every level. Tony also shares powerful lessons for young players, parents, and coaches on development, versatility, and keeping passion at the center of the experience.

Key Points From This Episode:
[00:00:00] Introduction to the USA Hockey Next Gen Podcast and episode focus
[00:00:25] Lyndsey Fry and Drew Shore introduce Tony Granato
[00:01:40] Tony Granato’s playing, coaching, and Olympic experience with USA Hockey
[00:03:07] Career highlights and transition from player to coach
[00:04:16] Tony reflects on how hockey shaped his family and lifelong connection to the game
[00:06:16] Inside the 2018 Olympic team selection process
[00:07:36] Balancing current performance versus overall body of work when building Olympic rosters
[00:09:58] Lessons from Olympic team building that apply to youth and player development
[00:11:33] Importance of coachability, details, and earning trust at every level
[00:13:43] Value of versatility and playing multiple roles to create more opportunities
[00:14:12] Dylan Larkin example and embracing role changes on elite teams
[00:16:58] Power play versatility and adapting skills to fit team needs
[00:19:30] Playing for the love of the game and reducing outcome-driven pressure
[00:20:58] Loving the grind and commitment required to reach elite levels
[00:22:50] Tony discusses his sister Cammi Granato and the early challenges of women’s hockey
[00:26:55] Comparing coaching at the college and professional levels
[00:30:36] Growth of USA Hockey and the impact of volunteers and development programs
[00:33:57] Transition to broadcasting and sharing the game from a new perspective
[00:38:18] Reflections on USA Hockey pride and representing the United States
[00:41:03] Episode wrap-up and preview of upcoming USA Hockey conversations

Links:
USA Hockey - ⁠⁠usahockey.com
Drew Shore - ⁠drewshore.com
Lindsey Fry - ⁠⁠fryhockey.com/%E2%81%A0