Episode 41: From Tiger Mom to Junior Ducks (with Alex Kim)

Surviving one of the wildest hockey paths you’ll ever hear. Scott and Jamie sit down with Alex Kim - former pro, Colorado College standout, and now Director of the Jr. Ducks to unpack a hockey journey unlike anything in the sport. Alex walks through growing up in non-hockey Southern California under a tiger-mom who preferred harpsichord, abacus, and speed-reading over slapshots, negotiating just to play the sport, and leaving home at 15 for the Soo - where culture shock, racism, and sheer grit shaped everything that came next. He also shares the twists that defined his career: turning down Ivy League offers , transferring colleges, and playing professionally in Europe and Korea. It’s a raw look at development, identity, sacrifice, and how much parents shape the journey without even realizing it. In this episode: Growing up outside the traditional hockey pipeline Facing cultural and racial adversity in Michigan Billet challenges and the mental toll of leaving home early Why parents chase the wrong milestones The “hockey as a vehicle” philosophy If you want perspective, humility, and a real look at what development actually requires… Alex delivers. Socials: TikTok : https://www.tiktok.com/@crazy.hockey.dads X : https://x.com/Crazyhockeydads Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/crazyhockeydadspodcast/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61576627751551