In this episode of Blades & Behavior™️ Dr. Alicia Naser sits down with Mike Futa, former Assistant GM of the LA Kings and and current co-host of Sportsnet The FAN Hockey Show, exploring the nuances of talent evaluation, character, and mental toughness in hockey. They share rich stories from Futa's career, emphasizing the importance of authenticity, courage, and environment in developing elite athletes.

➡️Talent evaluation and the importance of character
➡️The role of environment in shaping behavior and success
➡️Stories of NHL players
➡️The mental toughness and courage required in professional hockey
➡️The evolution of scouting and player development in the NHL
➡️ Winning is about character and environment
➡️ There’s no analytic to measure character
➡️ Scouting for authenticity and courage

Chapters
05:09 Trade Deadline Insights and Player Performance
05:55 The Journey of Building a Winning Team
08:47 Character and Talent in Player Evaluation
11:40 Wayne Simmons: A Case Study in Overcoming Adversity
14:47 The Importance of Mental Toughness in Hockey
17:49 The Role of Character in Team Dynamics
20:47 Evolving Perspectives on Player Evaluation
23:25 The Shift from Individualism to Teamwork in Hockey
32:20 The Evolution of Scouting and Player Evaluation
36:52 Character vs. Skill: The Scouting Dilemma
41:47 The Importance of Environment in Player Development
46:44 Defining Winning: Perspectives on Success
51:36 Authenticity and Courage in Sports

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Disclaimer: Content presented on the Blades & Behavior™ podcast is not intended to serve as medical, psychological, legal, or professional advice, nor should it be relied upon as organizational guidance or performance directives for any team, athlete, or staff member. The content contained in this podcast is provided for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical, psychological, or behavioral health advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare or behavioral professional regarding any questions or concerns you may have. This podcast and all related content produced by Alicia Naser LLC // The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology™️ are independent of and not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®). All materials are the intellectual property of Alicia Naser LLC // The Naser Institute for Behavioral Sports Psychology™️ and are protected under U.S. and international copyright law. Any reproduction, distribution, or use of this material without explicit written consent is strictly prohibited.