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Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: How To Stand Out Before Pre Skates, Id Skates, & Tryouts

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Think tryouts start on evaluation day? Think again.If youre heading to a pre-skate or ID skate, this episode is your mindset reset before you walk through those rink doors.Lee and Mike break down what these tryout before the tryout skates really are and more importantly, how YOU should approach them. Because heres the truth: its not just about what you do on the ice its who you are from the parking lot to the final whistle.In this episode, we talk about: What coaches are really noticing at ID skates Why carrying your own bag matters more than you think The power of first impressions (and why you dont get a second one) How to handle nerves without adding pressure Why one skate wont define your hockey career The importance of knowing your strengths and owning themMost importantly?Being a great hockey player starts with being a great person. Character shines through on good days and bad ones. And no single skate will determine your future but your habits will.So if you're on the ride to the rink right now, take a breath.Work hard.Be yourself.Have fun.We believe in you. You should too. Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: The Pre-Skate Mindset: How to Stand Out Before Tryouts Even Begin#TheRideToTheRink #HockeyMindset #YouthHockey #HockeyTryouts #IDSkate #PreSkate #HockeyCharacter #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyLifeClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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.And their March offer is huge:50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.Or go all in with Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Pre Skates & Id Skates Explained: What Parents Need To Know Before Tryouts

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Episode Description

ID skates. Pre-skates. Early evaluations. Winter select teams. If youre a hockey parent right now, your inbox is probably full and your anxiety might be too.So what are ID skates really? Are they opportunities or just early tryouts in disguise?In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike break down the real story behind pre-skates and ID skates what they mean, when they make sense, and when parents need to take a deep breath and relax.Because heres the truth:Most teams already have 8590% of their roster projected.Most ID skates are not magic auditions.And the pressure were putting on kids? Its often way too much. Inside this episode:What ID skates are actually being used forWhen attending one makes sense (and when it doesnt)The difference between a coach and a salesmanWhy shopping around has consequencesTier 1 vs Tier 2: how to evaluate a moveWhy being on a B team is NOT a failureHow to talk to your child before an evaluationAnd why calm parents raise confident players Buyer beware: If youre being yesd to death, promised captaincy, or guaranteed a top line thats not development thats sales.Most importantly, this episode is about perspective.Youth hockey is a journey.ID skates are a moment.Dont let a moment define the journey.Have thoughts on this one? We want to hear them. Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com and tell us whats happening in your rink. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Truth About Hockey ID Skates: A Parents Guide to Pre-Skates & TryoutsEnjoy evaluation season and remember to breathe. #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyTryouts #IDSkates #HockeyDevelopment #Tier1Hockey #Tier2Hockey #HockeyCulture #ParentingInSportsClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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.And their March offer is huge:50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.Or go all in with Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Olympic Gold: Hayley Scamurra And Team Usa’s Historic Run | 2026 Women’s Ice Hockey

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Episode Description

She wrote it on the whiteboard for a year: I am a gold medalist. Now its real.In this unforgettable crossover episode of Our Kids Play Hockey and Our Girls Play Hockey, Olympic Gold Medalist Hayley Scamurra joins us fresh off Team USAs historic championship run and yes shes still wearing the medal.Seven games. Seven wins. Two goals in the opener. A perfect penalty kill. A 21 overtime thriller against Canada. And the most-watched womens hockey game in history.This wasnt just a win. This was a moment.Hayley takes us inside the locker room before overtime, the emotional release when the golden goal hit the back of the net, and what it felt like to step over the boards and jump into history.We talk about: Manifestation and mindset The leadership of Hillary Knight Playing the 13th forward role to perfection A 100% penalty kill (yes, really) The most dominant Olympic performance ever? The explosion of womens hockey Coaching lessons youth coaches can apply tomorrow Meeting Snoop (multiple times)Hayley also opens up about the sacrifices, the lonely moments growing up, and what holding that gold medal truly represents.This episode isnt just about winning.Its about belief.Its about preparation.Its about team culture.And its about what happens when womens hockey takes center stage and the world finally watches. Listen now, then share it with a young player who needs to hear it. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: From Whiteboard Words to Olympic Gold: Hayley Scamurras Historic MomentBecause this gold medal belongs to more than just one team. Thank you, Hayley. Thank you, Team USA.The ripple effect has already begun.#OurKidsPlayHockey #OurGirlsPlayHockey #HayleyScamurra #TeamUSA #OlympicGold #WomensHockey #GirlsHockey #Manifestation #HockeyMindset #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #GoldMedalMomentClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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. Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Giveaway Puck Hog 3 Is Here! Christie Casciano Burns’ Trophy Thief Mystery

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Episode Description

GIVEAWAY ALERT, Hockey Families! Something BIG just dropped in the Our Kids Play Hockey world and were celebrating the best way we know how by giving back to YOU.Christie Casciano-Burns award-winning journalist, USA Hockey Magazine columnist, and the original inspiration behind this podcast has officially released Puck Hog 3: Trophy Thief Mystery and were giving away FIVE copies!In this special edition episode, we dive into: The mystery behind the missing Lake Placid Invitational Trophy Why hockey books matter more than medals The life lessons woven into the Puck Hog series teamwork, empathy, compassion & celebrating differences The fun rivalry between hockey players and figure skaters The heart behind the hand-drawn illustrations And exciting news about worldwide distribution through Globe Pequot & Simon & SchusterIf youve got a hockey-loving kid who doesnt love reading this might just be the book that changes that.And yes its a true mystery. Were not giving away the ending. Want to win a copy? Its simple: Like Our Kids Play Hockey Tag a friend Share the postWell select FIVE winners!Because at the end of the day, hockey is about more than trophies. Its about stories, relationships, and the lessons our kids carry long after the final buzzer.Grab your copy of Puck Hog 3: Trophy Thief Mystery wherever books are sold and good luck in the giveaway!Skate hard. Have fun. And keep building great hockey humans. #OurKidsPlayHockey #PuckHog3 #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyBooks #ChristieCascianoBurns #HockeyFamily #YouthSports #HockeyLife #BookGiveawayClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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. Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: A Parent’s Guide To Hockey Evals And Team Decisions

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Episode Description

Parents this ones for you. Tryout season is here. Emotions are high. FOMO is real. And decisions made right now can shape your childs hockey journey for years to come.In this special Parent Edition of The Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike Bonelli flip the script and ask the kids to turn to YOU and say: Are you listening?Because when it comes to hockey evals, team jumping, chasing elite labels, and negotiating during tryouts parents matter more than anyone.Mike brings the perspective of a hockey director and lays it out clearly:Stop chasing what isnt realistic right now.Stop negotiating like its Division I athletics.Start focusing on environment, development, and long-term growth.This episode is about stepping back, thinking clearly, and choosing the right path not the flashy one. In This Episode:Why chasing AAA or the winning team can backfireThe danger of team-hopping and how coaches really see itThe right (and wrong) way to talk to directors during tryoutsWhy development beats records every timeHow adversity years may actually help your player moreEliminating stress by knowing who you are as a hockey family The goal isnt to win the tryout season. The goal is to build a healthy, happy, developing hockey player.Parents, take a breath. Think. Make a decision you wont regret in six months.And kids thanks for making sure they listened We believe in you. You should too. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog:Youth Hockey Tryouts: Dont Let Emotions Make the Decision#YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyTryouts #HockeyDevelopment #ParentingInSports #AAAYouthHockey #HockeyEvals #TheRideToTheRinkClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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. Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Habits Of Hockey: Building Character, Discipline & Elite Development With Founder Jimmy Law

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Episode Description

Is your child developing as a hockey player or just playing more hockey?In this powerful episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike sit down with Jimmy Law, Director of Sports Performance at TPH Academy and founder of Habits of Hockey, to unpack what real development looks like.Spoiler alert: Its not more ice time.Jimmy shares his journey from first-generation roller hockey player to shaping hundreds of student-athletes in a blended academic and hockey development model built around study, train, and play. Together, the guys dig into the missing piece in youth hockey today character. Inside this episode:Why talent alone wont get your child to the next levelThe six core habits that separate elite performers from average playersWhat junior and college scouts REALLY ask about your kidWhy being present is a competitive advantageHow parents can support without burning kids outWhat makes a great coach (and why its not just hockey IQ)The truth about hockey academies and who theyre really forJimmy breaks down his six core athlete values work ethic, accountability, preparation, consistency, focus, and character and explains why these habits matter more than your childs skating stride.This conversation isnt just about building better hockey players.Its about building better people.And in todays hockey world? Thats the real separator. If youre a parent wondering how to support without overstepping A coach trying to elevate your impact Or a player serious about leveling upThis ones packed with gold.Lets keep developing the person behind the jersey. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Why Talent Isnt Enough in Youth Hockey with Jimmy Law#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockeyDevelopment #HockeyMindset #HockeyParenting #TPHAcademy #HabitsOfHockey #HockeyCharacter #RaisingAthletes #HockeyTraining #HockeyLeadershipClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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. Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: Street Hockey Skills That Build Nhl Dreams With Ryan Carter

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Episode Description

What if the most important hockey development tool isnt a skills coach but a backyard rink?This week on The Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike are joined by Stanley Cup Finalist, Team USA alum, and all-around great human Ryan Carter and hes taking us back to where it all started.Not in a fancy arena.Not at an elite showcase.But on a Minnesota cul-de-sac with a tennis ball.Ryan shares how street hockey, outdoor rinks, and unstructured play shaped his hands, his hockey IQ, his toughness and most importantly his love for the game. In this episode, we talk about: Why outdoor hockey is the real-life YouTube for skill development How free play builds creativity you wont learn in structured practice The moment Ryan realized he could compete with older players Why hockey development is a slow cooker, not a microwave Getting placed on NHL waivers and how it led to a Stanley Cup Final run How to keep your love for hockey alive at every stageRyans message to kids is powerful:Youre never out of it. Keep playing. Keep loving it. The game will give back what you put in.Parents this ones a reminder that sometimes the best development happens when you just drop them off at the rink with a lunch pail and let them play. Listen in, then grab your stick and go create your own highlight reel outside.Because wherever you are on your journey we believe in you. You should too.#RideToTheRink #RyanCarter #OutdoorHockey #HockeyDevelopment #YouthHockey #StreetHockey #BackyardRink #HockeyMindset #StanleyCupFinal #LoveTheGameClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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. Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: Hockey Isn’t Your Identity: A Powerful Message From Olympian Haley Winn

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Episode Description

What would an Olympian tell her 10-year-old self?On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we get something special two Olympians talking directly to young hockey players.Haley Winn joins Hayley Scamurra, Lee Elias, and Mike Bonelli for a powerful conversation about confidence, development, rest, and what really matters if you dream of playing at the highest level.If you're a young player chasing big goals or a parent supporting one this episode is your reminder that the journey matters just as much as the destination. In this episode, Haley shares:Why having fun is the foundation of long-term successThe mindset shift that changed her career: Hockey isnt your identity.How confidence fuels developmentWhy taking 3 days off might actually make you betterThe truth about rest, recovery, and playing the long game One of the most powerful moments? Haley explaining how she used to believe that if she wasnt thinking about hockey 24/7, she wouldnt make it and how learning to step away actually made her stronger.This ones for:The 10-year-old who wants to make the national teamThe teenager scared to take a day offThe player who ties their self-worth to their last gameRemember a bad game doesnt mean youre a bad player. And it definitely doesnt mean youre a bad person. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: What Would an Olympian Tell Her 10-Year-Old Self? With Haley Winn Hit play, take a breath, and enjoy the ride.#TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey #HaleyWinn #HayleyScamurra #GirlsHockey #YouthHockeyDevelopment #HockeyMindset #RestAndRecovery #HockeyConfidence #LongTermAthleteDevelopmentClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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. Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Slow Cooker Development: Ryan Carter’s Nhl Journey & What Youth Hockey Parents Must Know

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Episode Description

What if chasing the best team is actually holding your player back?This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we sit down with former NHL forward and Stanley Cup champion Ryan Carter to unpack the truth about youth hockey development and why the slow cooker might beat the instant pot every time.From growing up in White Bear Lake, Minnesota to carving out a 10-year NHL career (after going undrafted), Ryan shares the mindset shifts, parenting lessons, and culture-building philosophies that shaped his journey and how hes now passing them on through broadcasting and ETS Performance.This is an episode every hockey parent and player needs to hear. Inside This Episode: Why development should be a crock pot, not an instant pot The real difference between good players and NHL players Why Plan B might secretly sabotage Plan A The power of environment in player development What parents should (and shouldnt) say in the car after games Why belief sets your ceiling and how to raise it The importance of team-first thinking (high tide raises all ships)Ryan also opens up about:Playing alongside legends like Teemu SelnneHis first NHL game nerves in the Western Conference FinalsThe surprising role of luck and stick-to-itiveness in making the NHLWhy confidence and belonging are everything at the highest levelThis conversation is honest, practical, and deeply encouraging. Whether your player is on the A team, B team, or just starting out this episode will reframe how you think about development. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Slow Cooker Development: What Ryan Carters NHL Journey Teaches Hockey Families Got questions? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com Check out our childrens book When Hockey Stops at WhenHockeyStops.comEnjoy your hockey. Enjoy your day. And remember development is a marathon, not a sprint.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockeyDevelopment #HockeyParenting #RyanCarter #NHLJourney #HockeyMindset #TeamCulture #ResilientAthletes #SlowCookerDevelopmentClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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. Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: Stats — Friend, Foe, Or Fuel For Growth?

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Episode Description

Stats. Love them. Hate them. Ignore them. No matter where you fall on the spectrum, one thing is certain statistics are part of hockey, and how you use them can shape your growth as a player.On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Mike and Lee dive into one of the most emotional and misunderstood parts of the game: hockey stats. Goals, assists, plus-minus, turnovers, save percentage they can motivate you, frustrate you, or even expose parts of your game youd rather not see. But heres the truth: stats arent the enemy misusing them is.In this conversation, Mike and Lee break down:Why stats can reveal both strengths and blind spotsHow to avoid becoming defined by one numberWhy coaches use stats and how players should respondWhen stats matter and when they really dontHow elite players use uncomfortable stats to improveWhy being a well-rounded, reliable player matters more than chasing points Whether youre a player who checks the stat sheet daily or one who avoids it completely, this episode will help you rethink how stats fit into your hockey journey and how to use them as a tool, not a trap. Remember: the stats are in the past. Your effort, habits, and mindset decide what comes next. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Stats Dont Define You How Hockey Players Should Really Use Numbers to Get Better Wherever you are on your hockey path, we believe in you. You should too.#RideToTheRink #HockeyStats #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #TeamFirst #HockeyMindset #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyLifeClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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. Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Our Girls Play Hockey: Haley Winn On Making Team Usa, Scoring Her First Pwhl Goal & Living The Dream

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Episode Description

What does it actually feel like to get the call that youve made Team USA?In this unforgettable episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Hayley Scamurra sit down with Boston Fleet rookie and newly named Team USA Olympian Haley Winn to talk about the moment her childhood dream became reality.From backyard battles with her three older brothers to the USA Hockey Development Program, starring at Clarkson University, and now playing professionally in the PWHL Haleys journey is a masterclass in discipline, confidence, and trusting the process.And yes she just scored her first PWHL goal. But this conversation goes far deeper than stats. Haley opens up about:The mental shift required to move up each level of USA HockeyWhat process goals really mean and how they fueled her Olympic pathBalancing Division I academics and elite hockey at ClarksonThe jump from college to the PWHL and adjusting to pro-level physicalityRepresenting the United States on the worlds biggest stage Handling success with humility when others fall shortHayley Scamurra also shares powerful insight from her own Olympic experience including what its really like to walk into Opening Ceremonies and feel the weight (and privilege) of representing your country. One of our favorite takeaways:If you hold onto the outcome too tightly, it moves further away. Focus on the day-to-day, and itll come to you.For every girl dreaming of the Olympics for every parent wondering what it truly takes this episode is your blueprint. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: From Backyard Ice to the Olympic Stage: Haley Winns Journey to Team USA Listen now, and remember dreams become reality when you fall in love with the process.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #WomensHockey #TeamUSA #HaleyWinn #HayleyScamurra #PWHL #BostonFleet #GirlsHockey #OlympicDream #USADevelopmentProgramClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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. Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Mailbag: Youth Hockey Stats, Goalie Blame, And Smarter Coaching Conversations

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Episode Description

Its time to open the mailbag and these questions go way deeper than you might expect.In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Mike, and Christie tackle two listener questions that hit at the heart of youth hockey development accountability, stats, and how parents can support learning without getting in the way.First up, a coach asks a question we hear all the time: Is there a stat that shows how many mistakes lead to goals and how do we help kids understand that goals arent just on the goalie?From blue line turnovers and unforced mistakes to age-appropriate stat tracking and accountability, this conversation goes far beyond analytics. Its about teaching the game, not blaming the game and knowing when to coach skills, when to coach decisions, and when to let players take ownership.Then, we shift gears to a brand-new hockey family with a 5-year-old whos obsessed with skating. When should kids stop using rental skates? Do sticks matter at this age? How much should parents really invest early on?This episode is packed with real-world advice, honest perspective, and reminders of what youth hockey is actually about development, patience, and love for the game. Episode Highlights:Why every goal is a team mistake, not just a goalie mistakeThe one stat coaches can track at any level (and how to use it properly)How turnovers at the blue line shape wins, losses, and learningThe fine line between reducing mistakes and killing creativityWhat parents of young players should (and shouldnt) spend money onWhy rentals hold kids back and how to upgrade without breaking the bank Have a question you want answered on a future mailbag episode?Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or use the link in the episode description. Enjoy the ride, enjoy the rink, and thanks for being part of the Our Kids Play Hockey community. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: What Stats Really Matter in Youth Hockey And When to Buy Your Kid Their First Skates#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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. Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Our Girls Play Hockey: A Day In The Life (mid Season): Hayley Scamurra, Olympian & Pwhl Veteran

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Episode Description

What does a normal day look like when youre a PWHL player, a Team USA Olympian, and right in the middle of a historic season for womens hockey?In this mid-season edition of A Day in the Life, we go behind the scenes with Hayley Scamurra as she balances professional hockey, Olympic preparation, travel, recovery, leadership, and the daily grind that fans rarely get to see.From getting the call that officially made her a Team USA Olympian to turning the page the very next day and preparing for another PWHL game, Hayley opens up about what it really means to stay present, grounded, and competitive in an Olympic year especially while playing alongside (and against) future Olympic teammates. In this episode, we cover: What it felt like to officially make Team USA and why the celebration is short Competing in the PWHL during an Olympic season (and why this year is different) Flipping the switch between teammates and opponents Staying mentally locked in while ignoring standings and outside noise Why penalty killing is a mindset and a source of pride How roles, chemistry, and doing the little things earn trust at the pro level Recovery, nutrition, travel, and managing energy in a relentless schedule What it means to represent your country every single dayThis episode is a masterclass in professional mindset, elite preparation, and team-first hockey, with lessons for players, parents, and coaches at every level of the game. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: A Day in the Life (Mid-Season): Inside the Mind of a PWHL Olympian Have a question for Hayley? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com, message us on Instagram, or tap the link in the episode description to text the show we love hearing from the hockey community.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #WomensHockey #PWHL #TeamUSA #Olympian #GirlsHockey #DayInTheLife #HockeyMindset #PenaltyKill #WomenInSportsClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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. Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Pavel Barber (part 2): Why Slowing Down Is The Fastest Way To Get Better At Hockey

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Episode Description

What if the secret to elite hockey skills isnt more ice time but more patience?In Part 2 of our powerful conversation with Pavel Barber, we go far beyond highlight-reel moves and viral clips to unpack what real skill development actually looks like.From mastering the basics to embracing boredom, failing forward, and letting go of ego, Pavel delivers one of the most important messages young players, parents, and coaches can hear right now. In this episode, we dive into:Why slowing down is the fastest way to get betterHow off-ice reps (even 10 minutes a day) can transform a players gameThe truth about trick shots, social media, and instant gratificationWhy boredom, creativity, and free play are development superpowersHow floorball, multi-sport play, and other interests build better hockey playersThe role of failure, ego management, and grit in long-term success Pavel also shares stories from representing Team Canada in floorball, explains why todays kids have an incredibly high ceiling, and reminds everyone listening that comparison is the fastest way to lose joy in the game.This isnt about becoming the next viral sensation its about learning how to love the process, trust the work, and build skills that actually translate to the ice. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Why Slowing Down Might Be the Fastest Way to Help Your Child Get Better at Hockey If youre a hockey parent, coach, or young player trying to navigate development in todays fast-paced world, this episode is a must-listen. Have questions or thoughts? Click the link in the show notes and let us know we love hearing from our hockey community.#OurKidsPlayHockey #PavelBarber #YouthHockeyDevelopment #HockeySkills #DelayedGratification #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaches #LoveTheProcess #MultiSportAthleteClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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. Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: Pavel Barber On Slowing Down, Dreaming Bigger, And Trusting Your Own Path

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Episode Description

What if getting better at hockey isnt about going faster but about slowing down?On this Ride to the Rink, we pull one of the most important messages from our Our Kids Play Hockey conversation with Pavel Barber and turn it into a lesson every hockey family needs to hear.Pavel shares why todays kids are more skilled than ever, why their ceilings are higher than they realize, and why comparison especially on social media can quietly derail confidence and development.This isnt about flashy moves or highlight reels. Its about: Learning where skills actually apply Understanding that failure is part of growth Trusting the long development timeline Keeping creativity alive while staying disciplinedPavel reminds young players (and parents) that every viral clip hides thousands of failed reps and that the only player worth comparing yourself to is who you were yesterday.Whether youre headed to practice, school, or just need a quick reset before stepping on the ice, this is a Ride to the Rink conversation that will stick with you long after the drive ends. Listen, talk it over, and take this mindset with you onto the ice. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Why Slowing Down Might Be the Fastest Way for Young Hockey Players to Improve#RideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey #PavelBarber #HockeyDevelopment #YouthHockey #HockeyMindset #PlayerDevelopment #TrustTheProcessClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! 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. Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Be A Part Of The Miracle: Supporting The 1980 Us Olympic Hockey Legacy

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Some hockey moments live forever and some deserve to be remembered forever.This is one of those special Our Kids Play Hockey announcement episodes that hits right in the heart.Were proud to share that Our Kids Play Hockey is officially teaming up with the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Team to help support something truly meaningful: the creation of a Monument to a Miracle at Lake Placid a permanent tribute to one of the greatest moments in sports history. Heres how you can be part of it: Weve partnered with Hockey Wraparound to release Miracle Sunglasses inspired by the 1980 team Red, white, and blue details with 1980 on one arm and Miracle on the other For every pair sold, $10 is donated directly to the Monument to a Miracle Fund Bonus: Youll also get $5 off additional Wraparound productsThis episode is short, powerful, and all about community because hockey families always show up when it matters. Grab your sunglasses, support a historic team, and help ensure this moment is never forgotten.Thanks for supporting the show, supporting hockey history, and being the best hockey community in the world. Well see you at the rink. #OurKidsPlayHockey #MiracleOnIce #1980OlympicTeam #HockeyHistory #LakePlacid #HockeyFamilies #YouthHockeyCommunity #MonumentToAMiracleClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Heading into 2026, hockey families are asking: How do we get better? More ice time isnt always realistic but smarter training is. Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Visit SenseArena.com/OKPH and use code OKPH to get 50% off plus $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Our Girls Play Hockey: The Pwhl Takeover Tour Takes Over Washington, Dc

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We want a team! Thats what 17,228 fans shouted inside Capital One Arena and it perfectly captured what made the PWHL Takeover Tour stop in Washington, D.C. such a historic, emotional, and game-changing moment for womens hockey.In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee sits down with Hayley Scamurra to recap an unforgettable weekend that was about so much more than a final score.From a sold-out open practice packed with young girls and families, to record-breaking game-day energy, to a late-game scrum that reminded everyone that hockey is hockey, this takeover was a powerful statement about where the womens game is right now and where its headed. In this episode, we talk about:Why PWHL Takeover Tours are so impactful for players, fans, and future marketsWhat it felt like to hear fans chanting We want a team!The importance of visibility and how one practice changed a youth teams seasonThe reality behind the end-of-game scrum (and why it shouldnt surprise anyone)Alex Ovechkin, NHL support, and what respect across the game really looks likeHayleys emotional homecoming in D.C. and her familys deep Capitals connectionHow parents, coaches, and organizations can use takeover events to grow the game This wasnt just a game. It was a reminder that womens hockey is here, its thriving, and its demanding space loudly. Have a question for Hayley or a topic you want us to cover?Email team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or text us using the link in the episode description wed love to hear from you. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The PWHL Takeover Tour in Washington, D.C. Was Bigger Than Hockey#OurGirlsPlayHockey #PWHL #WomensHockey #TakeoverTour #GrowTheGame #GirlsHockey #HockeyParents #YouthHockey #WomensSportsClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Heading into 2026, hockey families are asking: How do we get better? More ice time isnt always realistic but smarter training is. Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Visit SenseArena.com/OKPH and use code OKPH to get 50% off plus $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: Pavel Barber On Skill, Failure, And Loving The Process

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Episode Description

Kids, buckle up this ones special.On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, were joined by one of the most creative and recognizable puck handlers in the world Pavel Barber.If youve ever dreamed of dangling like the pros, pulling off trick shots, or making defenders look silly Pavel is here to tell you what actually matters most when it comes to getting better at hockey.And spoiler alert: its not the tricks. In this episode, Pavel shares:Why skating and edge work matter more than hands or shootingHow puck control really works (hint: its about options and awareness)Why failure isnt something to avoid its something to chaseHow to manage your ego when trying new skills feels uncomfortableWhen creative moves do make sense and when they dontA powerful message for kids with big hockey dreams This is a masterclass in patience, confidence, and trusting the process, delivered in a way every young player can understand. Kids listen closely. If Pavel Barber is telling you skating comes first thats something worth remembering. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: What Pavel Barber Wants Young Hockey Players to Understand About Getting Better Take this conversation with you to the rink, the driveway, or the basement and let it shape how you practice, how you think, and how you grow as a hockey player. Have fun. Work hard. We believe in you.#TheRideToTheRink #PavelBarber #YouthHockey #HockeySkills #HockeyDevelopment #EdgeWork #HockeyMindset #FailToSucceed #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Heading into 2026, hockey families are asking: How do we get better? More ice time isnt always realistic but smarter training is. Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Visit SenseArena.com/OKPH and use code OKPH to get 50% off plus $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Pavel Barber On Creativity Vs Application: Are We Teaching Hockey Skills Wrong? (part 1of 2)

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Episode Description

Is creativity in hockey being misunderstood or mis-taught?If your player loves skill moves, toe drags, and trick shots but struggles to know when to use them this episode is a must-listen.This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli are joined by global skills coach and viral hockey creator Pavel Barber for a powerful, thoughtful conversation about skill development, creativity, and application in todays game.Pavel pulls back the curtain on what truly matters in player development and it might surprise you coming from one of the most skilled puck handlers on the planet. In this episode, we dive into: Creativity vs. application why skill only matters if it solves a problem Why skating is still the foundation (yes, even according to Pavel Barber) How to teach kids when to use moves like toe drags and Michigan attempts Helping players build their own identity, not just copy what they see online Why labeling moves as flashy can actually stunt development How failure, when done right, accelerates growth and confidenceThis conversation is packed with practical insights for parents, coaches, and players navigating modern youth hockey especially in an era where highlights are everywhere, but understanding often isnt. Important note: This is Part 1 of a 2-part series. In Part 2, well go deeper into Pavels journey as an international athlete, his discipline behind the scenes, and the mindset that separates good players from great ones. Listen now and then bring this conversation to your next ride to the rink. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Creativity, Skill, and the Truth About Development: What Pavel Barber Wants Hockey Families to Understand If you found value in this episode, please rate, review, and share it with another hockey family. Dont forget to check out our childrens book When Hockey Stops at WhenHockeyStops.com.#OurKidsPlayHockey #PavelBarber #HockeyDevelopment #YouthHockey #HockeySkills #CreativeHockey #HockeyParents #PlayerDevelopment Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Heading into 2026, hockey families are asking: How do we get better? More ice time isnt always realistic but smarter training is. Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Visit SenseArena.com/OKPH and use code OKPH to get 50% off plus $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: Finish Strong — What The End Of The Season Reveals About You

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Episode Description

The season is winding down but the work isnt over yet.As playoffs approach or the final games come into view this episode of The Ride to the Rink is all about how you finish. Because whether youre chasing a championship or counting down the last few skates, the habits you build right now matter more than you think.In this solo ride, Lee shares the exact messages hes delivering to teams across age groups as the season enters its final stretch lessons that apply no matter where your team sits in the standings. In this episode, we cover:Why the end of the season is the best time for honest self-reflectionHow to fight burnout, refocus your mindset, and reset your standardsWhy slow starts and slow finishes are team habits not accidentsWhat coaches really notice during the final games and evaluationsNavigating ice time, shortened benches, and understanding your roleHow finishing strong impacts how coaches, teammates, and organizations remember you Whether youre a player fighting for every shift, a leader trying to pull your team together, or a parent listening along in the car this is a reminder that character shows up loudest at the end. Have a question you want us to answer on the show?Tap the link in the episode description to send it in anonymously or by name. Finish strong. Always.#RideToTheRink #YouthHockey #FinishStrong #HockeyMindset #Playoffs #TeamCulture #HockeyDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! Heading into 2026, hockey families are asking: How do we get better? More ice time isnt always realistic but smarter training is. Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Visit SenseArena.com/OKPH and use code OKPH to get 50% off plus $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.Have 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey