Ben Barr: Get 10% Better Every Day, On and Off the Ice

Episode Description:
University of Maine head coach Ben Barr joins hosts Drew Shore and Lyndsey Fry to discuss player development, coaching, and navigating a changing college hockey landscape. Barr shares lessons from Shattuck-St. Mary’s and UMass, including what he learned from coaching Cale Makar, and explains why work ethic, character, academics, communication, and finding the right fit matter. His advice for players and parents: focus on what you can control today and let young athletes learn from both success and failure.

Key Points from This Episode:
3:50 Supporting players through adversity and focusing on the present
6:42 Barr’s path to Shattuck-St. Mary’s
9:13 The work ethic and character behind top players
11:44 Cale Makar’s time at UMass and helping transform the program
16:15 Building a team culture where players make things better for each other
20:01 Skills and mindset young defensemen can develop
23:24 Recruiting, communication, and finding the right college fit
26:40 Competing amid college hockey’s changing financial landscape
29:11 Advice for young players navigating college hockey pathways
33:56 Why academics can open recruiting opportunities
39:40 How Barr has grown as a head coach
43:11 Barr’s advice for players and parents, including letting kids learn through failure
46:25 Rapid-fire questions and Maine’s Frozen Four ambitions

Links:
USA Hockey - ⁠⁠usahockey.com
Drew Shore - ⁠drewshore.com
Lyndsey Fry - ⁠⁠fryhockey.com/%E2%81%A0
University of Maine Hockey: goblackbears.com/sports/mens-ice-hockey