What Youth Hockey Can Learn From How NHL Players Develop with Flyers' Director of Player Development Riley Armstrong

🎙️ 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 playersThe biggest time and money mistakes parents make — and what to do insteadThe truth about tournaments, burnout, and how pros use their summers to really improveThe importance of coaching quality over chasing “top-10” teamsWhy the best development happens when kids are having fun — and how music can helpHow NHL players like Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink used skating to change their careersWhether 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.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How NHL Pros Develop (And What That Means for Youth Players) with Flyers' Director of Player Development Riley Armstrong #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyDevelopment #RileyArmstrong #PhiladelphiaFlyers #YouthHockey #PowerSkating #HockeyParents #PlayerDevelopment #SkatingSkills #YouthSportsClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.SenseArena.com/okphHave A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!Follow Us On Social Media:Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube