Sean Schirripa | Kalkaska Kings (Ep. 382)

·1 hr 1 min·5 clips

A high school coach told Sean Schirripa trying out for AAA hockey was a waste of time—he made the team anyway.

The episode features an interview with Sean Schirripa, a current forward for the Kalkaska Kings in the Michigan Independence Hockey League. Host Jack introduces Schirripa's extensive background, including stints with the Alpena 45ers, Kalkaska Battlers, college hockey at Trine University and Alvernia University, and junior teams like the Northern Cyclones and New Jersey Rockets. Schirripa begins by describing growing up in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where hockey was not prominent, and his high school coach told him trying out for AAA with the Valley Forge Minutemen would be a waste of time—a moment he made the team anyway. He discusses the value of straightforward coaching feedback, referencing a 'Moneyball' analogy about being shot straight. Schirripa explains his move to Kalkaska was driven by a desire for more playing time, and he stayed after meeting his wife on a blind date, now living in Traverse City with two kids. He reflects on his development, arguing that playing at a slightly lower level with key minutes and power-play opportunities was more beneficial than limited ice time on a higher-level team. Schirripa recounts his final junior season with the Northern Cyclones in the EHL, where an assistant coach noted his significant improvement and wished they had him longer. He details his college years, starting at Trine University's inaugural ACHA DII program, where he built lasting relationships and enjoyed the campus setup, despite initially wanting to transfer if he didn't make the NCAA team. Schirripa later played club hockey at Alvernia University while pursuing a doctorate in physical therapy, becoming captain despite being new to the team. He transitioned to semi-pro hockey with the Kalkaska Battlers and Alpena 45ers in the MIHL, now captaining the Kalkaska Kings. Schirripa praises the MIHL for offering competitive hockey beyond beer league, emphasizing community, connections, and the opportunity to play in front of fans. He advises younger players to prioritize playing time and relationships over prestige, noting that connections and game film are crucial for advancement. The episode concludes with Schirripa encouraging listeners to share their stories through podcasts like this.

As heard by us

A hockey career story grounded in the people who made each stop feel like home.

Sean Schrippa's hockey path gives the episode a clear spine, carrying him from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, through junior hockey in the EHL and USP3HL, on to ACHA Division II stops at Trine and Alvernia, and eventually to the Kalkaska Kings.

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Why you'd press play

You get Sean Schrippa's hockey path from Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, through junior and ACHA stops, to the Kalkaska Kings, with the people around the journey still in view.

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