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In episode #272 of the Glass and Out Podcast, we had the pleasure of sitting down with Iowa Wild General Manager Matt Hendricks at the Minnesota High School Hockey Coaches Association’s Fall Clinic for a live interview.

Prior to being named the GM, Hendricks spent five seasons as the Wild’s Assistant Director of Player Development. Of course, prior to that he suited up for over 600 NHL games, spending time with the Avalanche, Capitals, Oilers, Jets, and Wild.

Growing up he captained Blaine High School to a Minnesota State Championship and if you’ve never spent time in Minnesota, that is a HUGE deal in that part of the world.

Listen as he shares what makes hockey in Minnesota so special, why there's no forward button on player development, and why small area games are key, even at the NHL level.

VIDEO TIMESTAMPS:

• 0:00 Planning and priorities for opening night
• 2:35 Memories from High School championship
• 4:25 Playing multiple sports
• 6:40 The importance of patience and the want
• 9:30 Lockout year in the ECHL
• 12:10 Being intentional about personal development
• 16:10 Leadership influences
• 19:25 Deciding to get into management/role as GM
• 23:50 Guiding players in areas of improvement
• 25:40 Gaining experience in management role
• 28:10 What he looks for in practice
• 31:10 Critical parts of player development at high school level
• 33:50 Fundamentals in practice
• 37:50 The right balance for video
• 40:05 Having tough conversations with players
• 41:55 Protecting Minnesota Hockey
• 44:50 Resources