Sponsor - Play It Again Sports
You may never outgrow your favorite sports — but you may outgrow your equipment. Your locally owned Play It Again Sports provides an easy way to sell your quality used sports and fitness gear and get paid on the spot, or trade up for what you need now.
Sponsor - Howies Hockey Tape
Howies goal is pretty simple, “worlds highest quality” and that comes across pretty clearly, and not only in their tape, did you know they also carry a huge supply of other hockey accessories like laces, apparel, warmups, skate accessories, and all kinds other items you need for your bag AND all Howie's products are made in the US and Canada.
So if you’re looking for a few new rolls of tape, some new laces, or any number of other things to keep you on the ice check out the guys from Howies Hockey.
All Faceoff Spot listenters use code "FACEOFF10" for 10% off your entire purchase.
We’re also giving away some pretty cool Howies gear each month, all you need to do is share an episode. Every share you make gives you another chance for some free Howies merch. We will pick a winner at the end of every month.
We want to thank howies for being a part of our show.
Website: http://howieshockeytape.com
Show Notes
In this episode, host Adam Larson talks with Eric Silverman about the evolution of youth hockey in Texas, the importance of development over titles, and the personal stories behind his journey from New York to leading one of the top youth programs in the country. They break down what matters in player growth, share powerful anecdotes, and offer honest advice for hockey families.
[00:01:56] Eric’s Hockey Origin Story Grew up a New York Rangers fan. Started skating at 6. Took a break due to family tragedy, then returned to hockey and never looked back.
[00:06:32] Hitting Setbacks and Rebounding Stronger Eric shares how not making a team at 15 led to one of his most productive seasons—and a launchpad to the USHL and college hockey.
[00:08:11] The Role of Physical Maturity in Player Development Eric and Adam reflect on being late bloomers and how maturity affects player evaluations at the critical 13–16 age window.
[00:10:59] Lessons from Blake Coleman & Cale Makar Why it's important to run your own race—and how commitment and character can be more valuable than chasing top teams early on.
[00:17:13] Eric’s Start in Dallas and the Founding of Stars Elite A chance encounter at a gym led to coaching youth hockey in Dallas. Years later, he co-founded the Dallas Stars Elite in 2009.
[00:19:41] Why Tier 1 Was Broken in Dallas Eric explains the “cesspool” of recruiting, favoritism, and financial manipulation that led to a broken hockey culture before Stars Elite stepped in with a new approach.
[00:23:29] Culture Change & Core Values The Stars Elite focused on transparency, accountability, and financial fairness—even cutting the president’s kid in year one to set the tone.
[00:24:36] Helping Players Find Their Path Beyond the Program Eric sees it as his responsibility to develop players and help them connect with junior, college, and pro opportunities—even after they age out.
[00:30:00] 2007s Are Coming: A New Era of Talent With the first fully developed 8U group now NHL Draft eligible, Dallas is seeing the fruits of long-term investment and structure.
[00:33:11] Tier 2 vs Tier 1 Debate Eric dispels the myth that all Tier 1 is better than Tier 2, emphasizing that coaching and the developmental environment matter more than the label.
[00:44:41] Cautionary Tales on "Fake AAA" Many families leave Dallas for poorly ranked teams out of town—often with worse development and limited future opportunities.
[00:51:30] Shout Outs
Volunteers and team managers across youth hockey who work behind the scenes.
Stars Elite alums Blake Fidler and Colin Potter playing for Team USA at the U18 World Championships in Dallas!