2 Many Men On The Mic
2 Many Men On The Mic
2 Many Men on the Mic
2 Many Men on the Mic is your go-to podcast for honest, inclusive conversations about youth hockey—from 6U through 18U. Hosted by coaches and former board members Drew Acree and Jared Balint, the show shines a light on the full community: elite players, non-elite players, new coaches, committed parents (especially moms), and everyone working behind the scenes to grow the game.We’re not here to lecture—we’re here to listen, share, and support. Drew and Jared bring their real-life experiences to help others navigate the ups and downs of the youth hockey season. We’re here to grow the game, have some fun and remind our listeners that:  “Hockey is more fun when you get better at it”  That goes for players, parents, coaches, and refs alike.
Best of 2 Many Men on the Mic (Part 2) | Olympians, Champions & Hockey Families
We're closing out our inaugural Best of Season 1 series with another collection of memorable conversations that celebrate the people who make hockey such a special game. In Part 2, we revisit our interview with Kirk Kullberg of the Anchorage Hockey Association and learn what makes Alaska's hockey community so unique. We catch up with players Blake Warren and Blake Dorn as they discuss their hockey journeys, the transition to higher levels of the game, and the lessons they've learned along the...
Jul 9
2 hr 17 min
Best of Season 1, Part 1 | The Episodes That Shaped Our First Year
It's hard to believe we've been at this for a full year. With nearly 60 episodes in the books, we decided it was time to revisit some of the conversations that helped define our inaugural season. In Best of Season 1 – Part 1, we highlight six memorable episodes featuring Bob Mancini (USA Hockey), Coach Bob Jakubeck's tribute to Colin Brown and 72 Acts of Kindness, Swedish and Finnish player development with Jon Lind and Pyry Lukkarila, the growth of girls hockey with Coach Rachel Bartlett, ex...
Jul 2
2 hr 8 min
What keeps kids playing hockey?
It turns out the answer isn't winning. In this episode of 2 Many Men on the Mic, Jared and Drew explore one of the biggest challenges facing youth hockey today: keeping the game fun while still helping players develop. The conversation begins with lessons from the Stanley Cup, coaching philosophy, and one of the hosts' favorite practice games before welcoming Dr. Adam Gledhill of Loughborough University. Drawing from his recent international research on youth hockey, Adam explains why effort,...
Jun 25
45 sec
🏆 What Youth Hockey Players Can Learn from the Stanley Cup Final
The Stanley Cup Final may be over, but the lessons for youth hockey players and coaches are just getting started. This week, Coach Jared and Coach Drew break down key moments from the championship series and discuss how Carolina's identity—relentless forechecking, committed backchecking, net-front presence, and team-first hockey—can translate directly into youth hockey development. The guys analyze Jordan Staal's dominance around the crease, Jacob Slavin's elite defensive habits, and the coll...
Jun 18
1 hr 14 min
From Learn-to-Play to High School Hockey: The Financial Reality
How much does youth hockey really cost in 2026—and what can we do about it? In this episode of 2 Many Men on the Mic, Coach Jared and Coach Drew dive into one of the most important conversations in youth sports today: the rising cost of hockey. From Learn-to-Play programs to travel tournaments, new skates, broken sticks, camps, and development opportunities, they break down the real numbers and compare today's costs to the 1980s, 1990s, and beyond. But this isn't a doom-and-gloom episod...
Jun 18
1 hr 9 min
What happens when hockey parents stop watching from the stands and start playing the game themselves?
This week, Jared and Drew welcome Josh Holmes, Director of Adult Hockey for USA Hockey, for a conversation about adult hockey, Learn-to-Play programs, and how stepping onto the ice can completely change a parent's perspective. The group discusses: • Why adult hockey participation continues to grow • The rapid growth of women's hockey • USA Hock...
Jun 4
1 hr 3 min
You Don’t Need AAA to Play College Hockey | Blake Dorn Interview
This week on 2 Many Men on the Mic, Jared, Drew, and Grant welcome Blake Dorn to the show. Blake’s journey from A-level youth hockey in St. Louis to playing ACHA hockey at Northwestern University is a story every hockey family should hear. The guys discuss: • Growing up in St. Louis hockey • Playing for the St. Louis Rockets and SLUH • Learning to truly ...
May 28
1 hr 6 min
NHL Final Four is Set + PWHL is BOOMING | Too Many Men on the Mic
The Stanley Cup Final Four is officially set and the boys are breaking down EVERYTHING from the NHL Playoffs — overtime drama, coaching mistakes, goalie play, Carolina’s rest advantage, Colorado vs Vegas, and whether the Canadiens are actually for real. 👀 Coach Drew, Coach Jared, and producer Grant dive into:🏒 Montreal vs Buffalo OT thriller🏒 Why Carolina may be the scariest team left🏒 Nathan MacKinnon vs Jack Eichel🏒 Carter Hart’s impact in Vegas🏒 The rise of the PWHL and why hockey fans sho...
May 21
1 hr 13 min
Goalies Are Built Different
Goalies… this one’s for YOU. This week on Too Many Men on the Mic, Jared & Drew welcome an all-star goalie panel featuring: • Lexi Levy (Oswego State Women’s Hockey) • Tim Balis (St. Louis Eagles Coach & former goalie) • Simon Lusky (former goalie, goalie dad & owner of Revel Kitchen + Motor Town Pizza) We dive into: 🥅 Why goalie save percent...
May 14
1 hr 11 min
The Coaches Take Back Control: Breaking Down the NHL Playoffs for Players & Parents
The coaches are back behind the bench this week on 2 Many Men on the Mic. Drew and Jared use the incredible first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs to break down hockey concepts, systems, terminology, and the little details that separate good teams from great ones. Using real NHL examples, they explain forechecking, tracking, net-front play, offensive zone faceoffs, hockey IQ, and how shifts are won long before goals are scored. This episode is designed for players, parents, and coaches alike...
May 7
1 hr 19 min
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