EP. 154 - Trevor Stienburg - The Kraken's Eye: A Scouts Perspective

Up My Hockey with Jason Podollan

Send us a text

Trevor Steinberg shares his hockey journey from first overall OHL draft pick to his current role as an amateur scout with the Seattle Kraken, offering insights into player development, mental fitness, and what NHL teams truly value in prospects. His perspective bridges the gap between old-school hockey toughness and modern developmental approaches, emphasizing character, resilience, and the importance of making good decisions.
• Seattle Kraken scout Trevor Steinberg was the first overall pick in his OHL draft year and later selected 15th overall in the 1984 NHL draft (the same year as Mario Lemieux)
• Knee injuries significantly impacted his NHL career trajectory, forcing him to adapt his playing style
• After retirement, he immediately transitioned to coaching, eventually spending 20 years as head coach at St. Mary's University where he won a national championship
• As an amateur scout, Steinberg emphasizes that the Kraken prioritize "good people" in their draft selections, not just skill
• The Kraken approach development with patience – "when we draft somebody, we're drafting that 18-year-old to play games at 24"
• Steinberg investigates prospects beyond formal interviews by speaking with billets, trainers, and community members
• Mental fitness and resilience are critical components of player development that often get overlooked
• Young players need to "write their own script" by making deliberate decisions that align with their hockey goals
• Even if players don't reach the NHL, the character, work ethic and standards developed through hockey create value that extends into all aspects of life

Chapters

1. Shane Wright's Development Journey (00:00:00)

2. Trevor Steinberg's Hockey Journey (00:06:23)

3. Drafted 15th Overall in NHL Draft (00:15:04)

4. Dealing with Injuries and Career Setbacks (00:27:50)

5. Building Value As A Hockey Player (00:40:24)

6. The Seattle Kraken Scouting Process (01:02:04)

7. Mental Fitness and Coaching Philosophy (01:20:14)

8. Finding Purpose Beyond Hockey Success (01:29:56)