Episode 59: Dartmouth Asst. Coach Jason Tapp - “I’ve Crossed Kids Off Because of Their Parents”

What really matters in recruiting… and what quietly kills it.

Scott and Jamie sit down with Jason Tapp, Dartmouth College's assistant Men's Ice Hockey coach, live from Lake Placid ahead of the ECAC semis, for a candid look at how college recruiting actually works (and what families get wrong).

Tapp breaks down the three non-negotiables they look for in players - character, compete, and hockey IQ - and why talent alone isn’t enough to make it at the college level. He also shares a blunt reality: he’s crossed players off recruiting lists because of parent behavior and why that’s an immediate red flag for programs. 

The conversation goes deeper into youth hockey decisions, why chasing the “best team” is often a mistake, why tier doesn’t really matter at younger ages, and how development is a long runway, not a sprint. Tapp also opens up as a hockey parent himself, admitting he feels the same pressure as everyone else and why he’s shifted to letting his kids drive their own development. 

In this episode:

•  The 3 traits Dartmouth won’t compromise on in recruiting 
•  Why parent behavior can eliminate a player instantly 
•  The truth about Tier 1 vs Tier 2 (and when it actually matters) 
•  The biggest misconception in youth hockey: “you have to be on the best team” 

Recorded live from Lake Placid, but the message applies everywhere. it’s not about where you play… it’s about how you develop.

Partners:

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• https://www.athleticperformanceinsight.com/

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