“The regard it’s held in today is probably the strongest it’s ever been.”

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In episode #251 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we're joined by Ian Gentile, the USHL’s Vice-President of Hockey Operations.

In his role, Gentile has his hands in a numbers of areas that influence player development. His job description includes the USHL's central registry and drafts, player safety and supplemental discipline. The league's recent success has resulted in it becoming a major source of NHL talent. In fact, last season saw 51 players with USHL ties selected in the NHL, marking the sixth consecutive draft that over 50 players had been chosen.

Previous to his role with the USHL, Gentile spent 13 years with the Chicago Blackhawks that saw him hold the role of Senior Manager of Player Development and win three Stanley Cup Championships.

Listen as he shares the importance of putting an emphasis on the mental wellness of players, why parents should be encouraging their kids to play multiple sports, and why the USHL has become a major source of NHL talent.

VIDEO TIMESTAMPS:

• 0:00 Ways to improve the USHL
• 2:40 His role and responsibilities
• 6:30 Influence from Chicago Bulls dynasty
• 9:50 Getting to work for his hometown team
• 14:30 Start of the Blackhawks dynasty
• 17:40 Innovating player development
• 22:50 Inspiration from other sports
• 25:00 Bringing on specialized coaches
• 28:45 Organization embracing new ideas
• 34:15 Advice for others looking for similar career routes
• 37:00 Going back to school in West Virginia
• 41:50 Key element for player development
• 45:30 Approaching mental health with athletes
• 48:45 The success of the USHL
• 52:20 Attracting coaches to the USHL
• 55:20 Keeping the pipeline full of talent
• 1:00:50 USHL success at NHL Draft
• 1:06:35 His legacy with USHL/working with USA Football
• 1:09:50 Youth sports advice for parents