Destin Edgington

Episode Topics

00:00 – Introduction and Play It Again Sports Mansfield
Adam welcomes listeners back, recognizes the show’s sponsor, and encourages families to trade in gently used sporting equipment.

02:52 – Destin’s introduction to hockey
Destin explains how his goalie cousin inspired him to begin skating in Utah when he was around three years old.

04:12 – Why young children should start skating early
Adam and Destin discuss introducing children to the ice around age three, when they are less afraid of falling or making mistakes.

07:59 – Growing up in Utah hockey
Destin recalls beginning organized hockey at four, advancing through Utah programs, competing nationally, and traveling internationally.

10:12 – Theo Fleury’s influence
Destin shares why Theo Fleury became a role model for smaller hockey players and discusses the relationship he later built with him.

13:19 – Persistence, podcasting, and landing Theo Fleury
Destin tells the story of repeatedly reaching out to Fleury, eventually bringing him to Utah for a podcast and documentary project.

16:17 – Peter Forsberg and childhood hockey heroes
Adam reflects on modeling his game after Peter Forsberg and Patrick Roy while playing both goalie and forward growing up.

20:54 – Meeting NHL legends
The conversation turns to how approachable and humble many professional hockey players are once they are treated like regular people.

24:37 – Teaching players to protect their signature
Destin describes a coaching exercise that uses a player’s signature to represent personal character, responsibility, and reputation.

27:57 – Burnout and returning to hockey as a coach
After stepping away from the sport for several years, Destin returned through a casual skate and unexpectedly became a youth head coach.

30:15 – Coaching credibility and player development
Destin explains why demonstrating skills on the ice can help coaches connect with players and earn their trust.

32:05 – Utah Mammoth and youth hockey growth
Destin discusses Ryan Smith’s investment in Utah hockey, community programs, rink development, and the growing excitement around the Mammoth.

36:14 – How committed ownership transforms franchises
Adam and Destin examine the connection between passionate owners, organizational investment, fan support, and championship success.

41:58 – Entering sports management
Destin explains how coaching, networking, podcasting, and player relationships led him into recruiting and sports management.

44:47 – Helping young players find the right opportunity
Destin shares examples of players who developed later, considered quitting, and eventually earned opportunities with prominent programs.

49:04 – Balancing hockey with adolescence
The conversation explores burnout, friendships, school, social life, and the difficult choices talented players face during their teenage years.

51:24 – International hockey experiences
Destin describes taking North American players and their families to Sweden and Finland for elite competition, sightseeing, and cultural experiences.

55:43 – Hero Pix and nonprofit work
Destin introduces his involvement with Hero Pix and its efforts supporting mental health awareness, pediatric cancer research, and charitable initiatives.

57:10 – Family and community shout-outs
Destin thanks the family members who supported his journey, while Adam reflects on rediscovering hockey’s magic through newcomers at the Mansfield rink.

01:03:05 – Closing and where to follow the show
Adam directs listeners to FaceOffSpotPodcast.com and the show’s social and podcast channels before announcing that new episodes are releasing Thursdays.