From College Hockey to 1.5 Million Followers: Austin Friesen & The Hockey Guys

How does a group of college hockey players messing around on TikTok during COVID turn into a hockey brand with more than 1.5 million followers?This week, Austin Friesen from The Hockey Guys joins Drew and Jared to tell the story.Austin takes us from growing up playing hockey in Winnipeg to junior hockey in Johnstown — home of the rink where Slap Shot was filmed — and eventually the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where a group of teammates started making videos during COVID. What started organically became The Hockey Guys and, eventually, a real business.We talk about the coaches and parents who shaped Austin’s hockey journey, what The Hockey Guys learned about building an authentic community online, the transition from college teammates to business partners, and why young players should absolutely use social media — without being dumb about it.Austin also introduces AfterLight, his new hydration brand and the newest partner of 2 Many Men on the Mic.Then we put him to work.Austin enters the Drill Draw and gives coaches a new early-practice flow drill featuring puck retrievals, transitions, passing, shooting, net-front traffic and plenty of movement.Plus: rink popcorn, Afton breakfast sandwiches, bad rink coffee, early NHL predictions and the countdown to another real hockey season.2 Many Men on the Mic is presented by Vantage Credit Union.Follow, rate and share the show — and visit 2ManyMenontheMic.com for our growing library of downloadable coaching drills.Support the showStay connected with 2 Many Men on the Mic:📸 Follow us on Instagram@twomanymenpodcast🌐 Download coaching resources, drills, and practice planswww.2manymenonthemic.com▶️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel for full episodes, clips, and coaching contenthttp://www.youtube.com/@2ManyMenontheMic