Our Services

GoldenStick Hockey is a premier player development and advisory program designed to help youth hockey players reach their full potential, both on and off the ice. Founded by former USHL coach Nick Brusa, Golden Stick offers a personalized approach that combines skill development, hockey IQ training, video analysis, and mental performance coaching.

We work with players and families to build a clear, actionable path from youth hockey to juniors and college, providing the kind of individual attention that many players don’t receive in traditional team settings.

Our philosophy is built around three pillars: skill mastery, confidence, and character development. We believe that the person makes the player. so we emphasize humility, work ethic, and leadership just as much as skating technique and game strategy. Through one-on-one coaching calls, detailed game reviews, and customized development plans, GoldenStick Hockey gives players the tools, mindset, and support system needed to excel at every level of the game. Golden Stick Hockey Player Development is dedicated to helping players, parents, and fans understand the game at a deeper level. We provide also provide hockey development content designed to make the game more approachable and enjoyable.

We wrote an article to help understand what remote coaching is.

We begin every relationship with a free player evaluation so we can answer this question accurately. The evaluation has no cost and no obligation. It allows us to study the player’s habits, strengths, weaknesses, and long-term goals.

The Player Development Partnership is best for players who need structure, skill refinement, and consistent guidance. It focuses on weekly video breakdowns and building the habits that improve confidence, decision making, and overall effectiveness.

The Scouting Partnership is best for players who are aiming for higher levels and need support through the full advancement process. It includes detailed analysis, scouting reports, highlight reel direction, exposure strategy, and ongoing guidance for players pursuing junior hockey, AAA, or college.

The free evaluation tells us which path will create the most growth for the player.

Most Denver families spend $10,000 to $15,000 per year at the competitive travel level and $20,000 to $30,000 or more for top AAA or junior-pathway players. This includes club dues, travel, hotels, equipment, training and showcase events. The largest expense is usually travel, not coaching or ice time.

They budget across 12 months, ask clubs for a full cost breakdown including travel, hotel and billet fees, split travel costs with other families, and invest in actual player development instead of just more tournaments. Strategic families often outperform wealthy families by simply investing more intelligently.

Denver hockey costs more because most rinks are privately owned, operating costs are higher due to Colorado’s climate, and top teams travel out of state frequently. Families are often surprised when travel ends up costing more than the season dues.

Cost and financial planning: https://www.goldenstickhockey.com/post/denver-youth-hockey-cost-guide

Remote coaching and modern development strategy: https://www.goldenstickhockey.com/post/the-future-of-hockey-development-remote-coaching

These articles explain what families are really spending in Colorado and how smart parents are structuring development without wasting time or money.

Golden Stick Hockey was founded by Nick Brusa, a former USHL coach with more than a decade of experience in player development. Nick’s background includes coaching at the highest levels of junior hockey, as well as years spent mentoring youth players across the U.S.

As a player, Nick worked his way up from Bronze-level youth hockey to AAA, Canadian Junior A (OJHL), and NCAA college hockey, before transitioning into coaching. His journey shaped the foundation of GoldenStick Hockey—built on the belief that success comes from hard work, humility, and strong character.

Through Golden Stick, Nick combines his coaching experience, player background, and mentorship philosophy to help young athletes develop the skills, mindset, and confidence needed to advance to the next level, both in hockey and in life.

• NHL tape breakdowns – analyzing the best plays from the league’s top players.

• Player development insights – skills and concepts younger players can apply.

• Blog posts & video analysis – in-depth looks at hockey strategy and performance.

• Short-form content – daily highlights and quick tips on social platforms.

Golden StickHockey is for:

• Players – who want to learn what makes top athletes successful.

• Coaches & parents – looking for clear teaching points.

• Fans – who want to see the game from a new perspective.

We release one full tape breakdown per week, supported by daily short clips across YouTube Shorts, Instagram, TikTok, and other platforms.

Our full-length tape breakdowns are posted on Youtube and expanded with additional analysis on our blog.

Yes! We welcome suggestions. Comment on our YouTube videos or reach out through our website. We’re always looking for the next great player or play to feature.

All of Golden Stick Hockey’s educational content, videos, and resources shared through our website and social media platforms are completely free. We believe in giving players and families access to quality hockey education and insights without barriers.

However, our personalized coaching and advising services including one-on-one video calls, game reviews, and custom development plans are part of our paid packages. These programs provide in-depth feedback, mentorship, and tailored guidance from a former USHL coach.

This way, anyone can benefit from our free content, while players who want individualized support can take their development to the next level through our coaching programs.

The best way to support us is by subscribing to our YouTube channel, following us on social media, and sharing our videos with other hockey fans.