Inside the World of Hockey Development with Dwayne Blais, Detroit Red Wings Skill Development Coach

In this episode of Puck Academy, host Jason Jacobs speaks with Dwayne Blais, Skill Development Coach with the Detroit Red Wings and co-founder of Total Package Hockey (TPH) and the National Skill Development Association (NSDA). Dwayne shares his journey from starting hockey at age 9 to becoming an influential skills coach working with players at all levels, including youth through NHL. He emphasizes the importance of player development, best practices, and the evolving nature of hockey. Dwayne also discusses how competitive landscape is shifting, the role of parents, the integration of skill development into coaching, and the opportunities presented by the changing rules in the development path for young players. Additionally, the conversation highlights the balance between on-ice and off-ice training, the potential of AI and technology in hockey coaching, and the importance of cultivating good humans, not just good players. Dwayne concludes with reflections on his personal journey and the future of player development.