🎙️ Ever wonder what “player development” really means — beyond the buzzword?
This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we sit down with Riley Armstrong, the Director of Player Development for the Philadelphia Flyers, to talk about how great players are truly made — from youth hockey to the pros.
Riley’s journey is one few can replicate: from figure skating lessons taught by his mom in Saskatchewan to an NHL coaching role recommended personally by Flyers GM Danny Brière. His story is a masterclass in patience, precision, and purpose.
💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:
Why figure skating (yes, figure skating!) builds elite skaters and confident players
The biggest time and money mistakes parents make — and what to do instead
The truth about tournaments, burnout, and how pros use their summers to really improve
The importance of coaching quality over chasing “top-10” teams
Why the best development happens when kids are having fun — and how music can help
How NHL players like Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink used skating to change their careers
Whether you’re a hockey parent, a coach, or a young player with big dreams, this episode breaks down what separates “busy” development from meaningful development — and how to focus on what truly matters.
🎧 Listen now — and start seeing development the way the NHL does.
đź“– Want a written version you can reference anytime?
Check out our companion blog: https://www.ourkidsplayhockey.com/blog/how-nhl-pros-develop-and-what-that-means-for-youth-players-with-flyers-director-riley-armstrong/
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