Episode Description
What does it really take to coach youth hockey the right way?This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano-Burns sit down with Coach Tre Berg, a youth hockey coach, hockey dad, police officer, and longtime player who brings a true in the trenches perspective to the game.Tre grew up playing hockey in the Syracuse area, played juniors and college hockey, and now coaches with the Syracuse Nationals and Syracuse Galaxy AAU program while also serving as the Mid-State MITE coordinator. He coaches players from A to AAA, runs skills clinics, works full-time as a police officer, and is raising hockey players of his own. In other words, he understands the reality many hockey families live every day.In this episode, we dive into what parents often dont see: the hours of preparation, the emotional investment, the pressure of tryouts, the financial realities of travel hockey, and the responsibility coaches have to create a culture where kids can develop, compete, and still love the game.In this episode, we discuss: What fun really means in youth hockey Its not just winning. Its competing, learning, building friendships, being engaged, and creating memories that last. Why coachability matters at every level Tre explains why attention, effort, communication, and willingness to learn can matter just as much as raw skill. How coaches should communicate with parents From preseason meetings to expectations around ice time and behavior, transparency can prevent major issues later. The rising cost of youth hockey The group talks honestly about ice time, travel, fundraising, sponsorships, and the pressure families face. The debate around 8U AAA and full-ice hockey Tre, Lee, Mike, and Christie have a thoughtful conversation about development, puck touches, structure, and whether young players need that level of competition so early. Building culture beyond the scoreboard Respect, accountability, discipline, cleaning up locker rooms, representing the logo, and becoming better humans all matter.This episode is a must-listen for hockey parents, youth coaches, program leaders, and anyone who cares about keeping kids engaged in the game for the right reasons. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: What Youth Hockey Parents Need to Know About Coaching, Culture, and Development Listen now and share this episode with a hockey parent or coach who needs to hear it.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyCoach #YouthSports #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyTryouts #AAA hockey #8UHockey #VolunteerCoaches #HockeyCulture #Coachability #HockeyFamilyClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace.Special Offseason pricing: $299 for the yearless than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase - http://nhl.sensearena.com/OKPHHave A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!Follow Us On Social Media:Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube
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