Slow Cooker Development: What Ryan Carter’s NHL Journey Teaches Hockey Families

What if the thing holding your child back in hockey… is the rush to get ahead?

In this powerful conversation on Our Kids Play Hockey, former NHL forward Ryan Carter challenges one of the biggest myths in youth sports: that faster is better.

His message is simple — and profound:

Development should be a crock pot, not an instant pot.

And if you’re a hockey parent navigating team letters, tryouts, and comparison culture, this perspective might change everything.

From Undrafted to Stanley Cup Champion

Ryan Carter didn’t follow the “perfect” path.

• He played community-based hockey in Minnesota.

• He made B teams.

• He started on JV in high school.

• He went undrafted.

And yet, he carved out a 10-year NHL career.

Why?

Not because he chased the biggest stage early.
Not because he skipped development steps.
But because he stayed patient, stayed resilient, and stayed in the fight.

He calls it stick-to-itiveness.

That ability to keep going — especially when the path isn’t smooth — is what separates players long-term.

The B Team Advantage

One of the most impactful takeaways from this episode is the reframing of team placement.

Would you rather:

• Sit on the bench of a top team?

• Or play meaningful minutes on a slightly lower roster?

Ryan’s answer is clear.

Players develop by:

• Touching the puck.

• Playing in pressure situations.

• Learning to handle adversity.

• Being counted on in big moments.

Those reps matter more than the logo on the jersey.

The Hidden Secret to Making the NHL

When asked what separates NHL players, Ryan gave an answer that may surprise families:

• Skill is assumed.

• Work ethic is common.

• Size and strength are similar.

The difference?

• Belief

• Resilience

• Luck

• And the willingness to sacrifice everything for Plan A.

He shared something powerful: he never truly believed he could be the best — and that belief gap created a ceiling.

Contrast that with Martin Brodeur, who didn’t just want to play in the NHL — he wanted to be the greatest ever.

Belief changes behavior.
Behavior changes results.

If your player doesn’t believe they belong, they’ll struggle to perform when it matters most.

For Parents: The Car Ride Matters

One of the most practical moments in this conversation centered around post-game conversations.

Instead of:

• “Why didn’t they pass to you?”

• “The coach should have played you more.”

Try:

• “What could you have done differently?”

• “How can you help your team next time?”

• “What did you learn today?”

Ryan emphasizes:

High tide raises all ships.

Your child won’t reach their highest potential unless the team is thriving too.

Teaching team-first thinking builds leaders — in hockey and in life.

Training the Athlete, Not Just the Hockey Player

Through ETS Performance, Ryan now helps young athletes train smarter.

Key philosophy:

• Build total athleticism.

• Avoid overuse injuries.

• Create environments kids want to be in.

• Focus on intentional work — not just long workouts.

“It’s not about the time you put into work. It’s about the work you put into your time.”

That mindset applies on the ice, in the gym, and at home.

The Bigger Picture

The truth is, very few players will play professional hockey.

But every child can:

• Develop resilience.

• Learn accountability.

• Build confidence.

• Strengthen character.

• Experience belonging.

And those skills last a lifetime.

If we slow down enough to let them grow.

Final Takeaway for Hockey Families

Stop chasing the instant pot.

Start building the crock pot.

Trust development.
Trust the process.
Trust your child’s journey.

And remember — the goal isn’t just to raise a great hockey player.

It’s to raise a strong, resilient human being.

We’re grateful to Ryan Carter for sharing his insight, honesty, and passion for youth hockey.

If this episode resonated with you, share it with another hockey family — and keep the conversation going.

We’ll see you at the rink. 🏒