Former NHL captain Andrew Ladd opens up about the hard truths facing kids in today’s youth sports system and what parents must change to help their children thrive. From early specialization to unhealthy pressure, entitlement, burnout, and the myth of the “perfect path,” Andrew shares powerful lessons from his pro career, his parenting journey, and years spent studying youth development after retirement. He also details "1616" - a mental health initiative he founded to equip young hockey players, coaches, and parents with tools to navigate the challenges that arise in both sport and life. If you’re a parent, coach, or athlete, this episode will shift the way you think about growth, motivation, confidence, mental skills, and why fun is the fuel kids actually need.

Topics include: 

• Why today’s youth sport model pushes kids out too early 

• The critical difference between development and performance 

• How parents unintentionally block growth 

• Why success is never linear 

• The emotional skills kids must learn to thrive long-term 

• What Andrew wishes every parent understood sooner 

• How we can rebuild sports into a healthier, more joyful experience