Posts about OurKidsPlayHockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: Why Your Skate Edges Matter More Than You Think

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Do you know what your skates are telling you when something just doesnt feel right on the ice?Your stick gets a lot of attention. Your gloves are fun to pick out. But when it comes to actually moving, stopping, turning, and competing on the ice, everything starts with your skates.On this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns are joined by Russ Layton, founder and CEO of Sparx Hockey, for a quick, practical lesson every young hockey player should hear: how to understand and take better care of your skate blades.Russ explains why playersnot just their parentsneed to recognize when an edge feels wrong and speak up after a practice or game. He also walks through his complete pre- and post-skate care routine, from drying skates and removing footbeds to protecting blades with soakers and checking edges before heading back onto the ice.Youll also get a crash course on skate hollow and why the amount of grip or glide you feel can change depending on your sharpening setup. In this ride, young players will learn: How to recognize when a skate edge may be damaged or dull Why telling your parents how your skates feel is part of being responsible for your equipment Why completely drying your skates after every session matters How skate soakers help protect your blades around the locker room What a skate sharpening hollow actually means The difference between more grip and more glide Why understanding your skates can improve consistency and confidence How Sparx Hockeys Hollow Finder can help players explore sharpening optionsThe biggest takeaway? Your edges are the foundation of your skating. If you cant trust them when you turn, stop, accelerate, or change direction, the rest of your equipment can only do so much.Spend a little time learning how your blades work, take care of them, and start becoming an active participant in your own hockey equipment decisions.And wherever you are on your hockey journey, remember: we believe in you. You should too. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Why Every Young Hockey Player Should Understand Skate Sharpening#YouthHockey #HockeySkates #SkateSharpening #HockeyTips #HockeyPlayers #SparxHockey #HockeyEquipment #HockeyDevelopment #SkatingSkills #TheRideToTheRink

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Skate Sharpening 101 With Sparx Hockey Founder & Ceo Russ Layton

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Your player knows their stick flex, curve, and favorite tape jobbut do they know whats happening underneath their skates?Skate sharpening may be one of the most overlooked parts of youth hockey, yet the condition of a players edges can directly affect their confidence, turning, stopping, acceleration, and overall feel on the ice.In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano-Burns welcome Russ Layton, Founder & CEO of Sparx Hockey, for a deep dive into everything hockey families need to understand about skate sharpening.And one of the biggest lessons might surprise you: there is no magic number of hours between sharpenings.Russ explains why an edge can be lost before a player even touches the ice, how parents can recognize a damaged edge, what hollow actually means, and why consistency matters much more than simply waiting until skates feel dull. In this episode, youll learn: Why skate edges usually dont gradually dull the way many parents think How to perform the simple fingernail test on a skate blade What skate hollow means and how it affects grip vs. glide Why 1/2" may be a starting pointbut not necessarily the perfect hollow for every player How flatter hollows can reduce resistance while deeper hollows create more bite Why younger players may not recognize when theyve lost an edge How removable steel has changed tournament preparation Why carrying multiple sharpened sets of steel can save a hockey weekend How player preference, skating style, position, strength, and body size can affect sharpening choices How ice conditions can change how a player's edges feel Why drying blades, removing footbeds, and properly storing skates matters Why reliable, consistent edges should come before expensive equipment upgrades How at-home skate sharpening can change convenience and consistency for hockey familiesPerhaps most importantly, Russ and the crew remind parents that skate sharpening isnt a shortcut to becoming a better player. Kids still have to learn how to skate. But giving them dependable edges provides the foundation they need to actually use the skills theyre developing.Whether your child is just learning to skate, traveling every weekend for tournaments, playing goalie, or beginning to experiment with different hollows and steel, this conversation will help your family make much more informed decisions about one of hockeys most important pieces of equipment. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Are Your Kids Skates Holding Them Back? What Hockey Families Need to Know About Skate Sharpening Listen now, check those edges, and make sure your player isn't stepping onto the ice with their most important performance tool working against them.Have a hockey question for the crew? Reach out to Our Kids Play Hockey and keep the conversation going.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #SkateSharpening #SparxHockey #HockeySkates #HockeyEquipment #HockeyTips #YouthHockeyParents #HockeyDevelopment

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Girls Play Hockey: Why Rest Can Make You A Better Hockey Player

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What if one of the best things a young hockey player can do for her game is step away from it?In a sport where players constantly hear messages about working harder, training more, and never taking a day off, knowing when to rest, reset, and simply be a kid can feel almost counterintuitive.In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Olympic gold medalist and Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra explore the best things theyve done away from the rinkand why those experiences may have helped them just as much as another practice ever could.Hayley shares memories of summers at the lake, playing soccer and tennis, spending time with family, puzzling, hiking, and learning throughout her career that it really is okay to rest. She also explains how she now balances elite-level offseason training with travel, relationships, recovery, and the flexibility required when life changes the plan.And yes theres also a middle-school dance story involving hockey practice and hands that still smelled like hockey gloves. In this episode, we discuss: Why mentally disconnecting from hockey can actually help athletes come back more motivated The difference between taking a random day off and intentionally planning recovery How some of Hayleys favorite childhood memories had nothing to do with hockey Why other sports, hobbies, friendships, and free play matter for young athletes How elite athletes build routines without becoming prisoners of their schedules Why adaptability is a critical skill when training plans change How strong habits allow athletes to take a break without fearing theyll lose everything Why parents should think carefully before turning every free moment into another development opportunity The importance of letting kids play outside simply because its fun Why who you are away from hockey matters more than any trophy, title, or statOne of the biggest messages from Hayley is one every young player should hear:Not everything you do has to make you better at your sport. Sometimes you should do something simply because you enjoy it.For hockey parents, this episode is an important reminder that development isnt just about accumulating ice time. Your daughter is developing when she makes friends, learns another sport, spends time outside, reads a book, explores a hobby, rests her body, or discovers something she loves that has absolutely nothing to do with hockey.And sometimes stepping away is exactly what allows a player to realize just how much she misses the game. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Why Time Away From Hockey Can Help Girls Become Better Athletesand Happier People Listen together with your player and ask this question afterward: Whats something you love doing that has nothing to do with hockey?Because great hockey players need recoverybut great people also need room to discover who they are beyond the rink.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #WomensHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyDevelopment #AthleteRecovery #YouthSports #HockeyMindset #HayleyScamurra

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

The Ride To The Rink: What Your Hockey Team Manager Really Does

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Ever wonder who makes sure your tournaments are booked, your hotel is ready, your ice time is scheduled, and your team actually knows where it needs to be?Theres a good chance your team manager had something to do with it.On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee, Mike, Christie, and special guest **Christinean experienced youth hockey team manager who has managed multiple high-level teams**take young players behind the scenes of one of the most important jobs on a hockey team.And kids, your manager does a lot more than send schedules to your parents.From booking hotels and tournaments to organizing meals, team bonding, practices, music, and even the occasional knee-hockey opportunity, managers spend countless hours trying to give players the best season possible. In this ride, youll hear: What a youth hockey team manager actually does Why players should feel comfortable bringing ideas to their manager How players can help shape team traditions, music, and off-ice fun When a manager can be another trusted adult to talk to Why the early game time or imperfect hotel probably isnt your managers fault How a simple thank you can mean more than players realize The story behind Christines unforgettable Thunderstruck team entranceChristine also shares an important reminder: your season wont always be perfect. Sometimes schedules, tournament times, hotels, and other details are outside your managers control. Behind the scenes, though, theyre usually working hard to make things better for every player and family.So the next time you see your team manager at the rink, dont just walk past them.Say hello. Share an idea. Ask a question.And every once in a while, tell them thank you.Because being a great hockey player isnt only about how you treat your teammates and coaches. Its also about respecting the people who make it possible for your team to have an amazing season. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Unsung Hero of Your Hockey Season: Why Your Team Manager Matters Wherever you are on your hockey journey, we believe in you. You should, too.This episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.#TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyKids #HockeyParents #YouthHockeyPlayers #HockeyTeamManager #HockeyLife #HockeyTeam #YouthSports #HockeyFamily #Teamwork #Sportsmanship

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

our-kids-play-hockey-the-team-manager-playbook-christine-obrien-on-communication-travel-team-culture

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What happens when youre voluntold to become the team managerand suddenly an entire hockey season feels like its resting on your shoulders?Every successful youth hockey team has players, coaches, and supportive parents. But behind the scenes, theres often one person keeping the schedules organized, hotels booked, families informed, problems solved, and team culture moving in the right direction: the team manager.In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli are joined by Christine OBrien, who recently managed the Connecticut Junior Rangers at the BRICK Tournament and brings firsthand experience managing the countless details that go into creating a great youth hockey experience.And as Christine explains, great team management is about much more than sending emails and booking hotel rooms. In this episode, youll hear about: How managers can organize schedules, travel, hotels, tournaments, and constant last-minute changes Why trust between the manager and coaching staff is essential How to communicate effectively without overwhelming families Why the best managers delegate instead of trying to do everything themselves What Christine learned managing at the high-pressure BRICK Tournament How team meals, activities, and simple off-ice moments can create stronger relationships Why managers need to remain conscious of the different financial realities within a team How to avoid becoming the middleman for parent complaints about coaching decisions Why protecting the coaches ability to coach is one of a managers most valuable contributions How managers can help make sure kids are still allowed to be kids, even in highly competitive hockey environmentsChristine also shares practical ideas for delegating jobs like timekeeping, music, team parties, swag, reservations, and other responsibilities that can quickly overwhelm one person.Whether youre already managing a team, considering raising your hand, or staring at your phone wondering why the coach just asked you to do it, this conversation is packed with practical advice for making the season more organized, inclusive, and enjoyable. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Unsung MVP of Youth Hockey: What Great Team Managers Do Differently Listen nowand if your team has an incredible manager, send them this episode and make sure they know how much their work matters.Because great managers dont just keep a team organized. They help create the experience families and players remember long after the season ends.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #TeamManager #YouthHockeyManager #HockeyCoach #HockeyFamily #YouthSports #HockeyCulture #BRICKTournament

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

2026-08-11-ourkidsplayhockey-our-girls-play-hocketxt

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What separates a practice that simply fills an hour from one that actually makes players better?Great practices dont happen by accident. Theyre intentional, connected to the game, and designed around what players truly need to improve.On this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Olympic gold medalist Hayley Scamurra are joined by Chris Howard of Ice Hockey Systems for a deep dive into what makes hockey practices effectivefrom youth hockey all the way to the professional level.Chris shares how coaches can move beyond simply collecting drills and instead build practices around clear objectives, meaningful competition, player development, and connection to real game situations.And this conversation isnt just for coaches.Players will learn how to become more intentional with every repetition. Parents will hear what they should actually be watching for from the stands. And coaches will walk away with practical ideas for maximizing every precious minute of ice time. In this episode, we discuss: Why every practice should begin with a clear objective Why two or three teaching points may be more effective than trying to fix everything at once How great coaches build progressions instead of constantly chasing new drills Why starting practice with competition can immediately increase engagement How drills should connect skills and decisions to real game situations The role of small-area games, constraints, repetition, and controlled chaos Why coaches should arrive preparedbut still be willing to change the plan How assistant coaches can help maximize teaching and player connection How players can make every repetition different and practice with greater intention Why creating an environment where players are comfortable failing can accelerate development What parents should actually look for when evaluating a practice Why a players excitement to go to the rink may tell you more than anything you see from the stands How Ice Hockey Systems helps coaches organize practices, share drills, use video, and continue their own coaching educationOne of the biggest takeaways?A drill isnt valuable simply because it looks good. Its valuable when it connects to what players need in the game.Whether youre coaching a girls hockey team, supporting your daughter from the stands, or trying to become a more intentional player yourself, this episode will change the way you think about practice. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How to Build Better Hockey Practices: Chris Howard of Ice Hockey Systems on Player Development Listen now, share it with the coaches and hockey families in your community, and ask yourself: Are we simply running drillsor are we developing hockey players?Have a question or want to continue the conversation? Reach the Our Kids Play Hockey team at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyPractice #HockeyCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyParents #WomensHockey #IceHockeySystems #HockeySkills #YouthSports

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey Podcast: 2026 06 23

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How do young athletes develop the desire to win without losing their love for the game?In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Olympic gold medalist and PWHL Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra dive into one of the most important conversations in youth sports: how girls hockey players can build competitiveness, resilience, and a healthy will to win.Winning matters. Competing matters. But for young athletes, especially in youth hockey, the scoreboard cant be the only thing that defines success. Lee and Hayley explore how parents and coaches can help players cultivate effort, passion, and confidence while still keeping the game fun, meaningful, and development-focused. In this episode, we discuss: Why the desire to win is a skill that develops differently for every athlete How Hayleys competitive mindset grew through hockey, soccer, tennis, and sibling rivalry The difference between criticism and constructive criticism Why the car ride home should not become a coaching session Hayleys 24-hour rule for parents and athletes after emotional games What losing an Olympic gold medal game taught Hayley about resilience Why process goals matter more than obsessing over one final outcome How parents, coaches, and teammates can help young players take the next step after disappointmentHayley shares powerful perspective from the highest levels of the game, including the emotional weight of winning and losing on the Olympic stage and in the PWHL. Her message for young players is clear: losing hurts, but it can also prepare you for the moments youre working toward.This episode is a must-listen for hockey parents, coaches, and girls who want to compete hard, grow through adversity, and understand what it really means to build a champion mindset. Listen now and share this episode with a hockey family, coach, or player who needs the reminder that winning big starts with learning, losing, growing, and showing up again. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Building the Will to Win: What Girls Hockey Players, Parents, and Coaches Need to KnowHave a question or episode idea? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or use the link in the episode description to send us a message.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #WomenInHockey #HayleyScamurra #HockeyMindset #YouthSports #HockeyDevelopment #PWHL #TeamUSA #HockeyLife #FemaleAthletes #Resilience #ChampionMindset

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

our-kids-play-hockey-the-ride-to-the-rink-how-young-hockey-players-build-winning-habits

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What is one habit you could commit to today that would make you a better hockey player tomorrow?In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli explain why setting personal standards can change the direction of your hockey journeyboth on and off the ice.Standards are the non-negotiable habits and expectations that guide how you prepare, compete, recover, study, and support your teammates. They might include arriving at the rink early, packing your equipment the night before, eating properly, completing your schoolwork, or committing to your best possible effort every time you step onto the ice.The key is not trying to change everything at once.Lee and Mike encourage young players to begin with one realistic standard, practice it consistently, and add more only after that first habit becomes part of who they are.In this episode, youll learn: Why standards matter more than perfection How arriving early can improve your preparation Why effort, recovery, nutrition, and sleep belong in your hockey routine How preparing your gear the night before reduces stress Why good academic habits matter as players get older How to align your personal standards with your coachs expectations Why players should think carefully about screen use before games How small, consistent habits can build long-term confidence and successWhether you are six, sixteen, or simply supporting a young athlete, this episode offers a practical reminder: success does not begin with fifty new rules. It begins with one commitment you are willing to keep. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The One Standard That Can Change a Young Hockey Players JourneyYour challenge: Choose one standard, write it down, and start practicing it today. Then talk with a parent or coach about what you can build next.This episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.No matter where you are in your hockey journey, remember: we believe in youand you should believe in yourself, too.#YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyMindset #YoungAthletes #HockeyHabits #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #MentalPerformance #TheRideToTheRink

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

our-kids-play-hockey-control-your-kids-the-real-role-of-coaches-and-parents-in-youth-hockey

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When a young hockey player misbehaves, who is responsiblethe coach, the parent, or the entire team community?Coaches are often told to control their kids, but the truth is more complicated: coaches can guide, mentor, manage, and establish standards, but they are not replacements for parents.In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Mike Bonelli and Lee Elias explore where coaching responsibilities begin, where they end, and why successful youth hockey environments require parents, coaches, officials, and players to work together.They discuss how clear expectations around punctuality, preparation, locker-room behavior, respect, academics, travel, and team conduct can help young athletes develop far beyond the scoreboard. In this episode, youll hear: Why coaches should establish expectations early in the season The difference between coaching a player and parenting a child How parents can reinforce team standards without surrendering their role Why a coach should be viewed as a guide, mentor, and manager When coaches should interveneand when a situation belongs to the parent Who is responsible for behavior at hotels, restaurants, tournaments, and the rink How officials can become part of the teaching process through communication Why character is often revealed when no one appears to be watching How teams can define winning through development, preparation, and growth Why strong standards often lead to more enjoyable and successful seasonsThe biggest takeaway is simple: youth hockey works best when everyone understands their role.Coaches must communicate and consistently enforce meaningful standards. Parents must support those expectations and continue teaching responsibility away from the rink. Players must gradually learn to take ownership of their preparation, behavior, and decisions.When those pieces work together, hockey becomes more than a gameit becomes an environment where young people learn accountability, respect, resilience, and character. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Coaches Arent Parents: Understanding Responsibility in Youth HockeyWhat standards have made the biggest difference for your childs team? Email team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or use the text link accompanying this episode to join the conversation.This episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #YouthSports #HockeyDevelopment #TeamCulture #SportsParenting #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyLife

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-our-girls-play-hockey-the-ice-time-conversation-every-family-needs

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Not getting enough ice time? Before blaming the coach, it may be time to ask a better question: What can I do to earn more trust?In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Olympic gold medalist and Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra tackle one of the most emotionaland often misunderstoodtopics in youth hockey: ICE TIME.Players naturally want to be on the ice. Parents want to see their children get opportunities. Coaches want to put their teams in the best position to succeed. But when frustration takes over, players can begin focusing on what they cannot control instead of recognizing the actions that may help them earn their next shift.Hayley explains why effort, attitude, awareness, and being a supportive teammate can influence a coachs trust far more than sulking on the bench or obsessing over points. She also shares how shifting her own focus away from scoring helped her enjoy the game again, contribute more consistently, and ultimately reach new heights in her professional and international career. In this episode, Lee and Hayley discuss:Why players sometimes receive more ice time than they realizeThe difference between asking for ice time and asking how to improveHow body language and attitude affect a coachs decisionsWhy players must stay engaged even while sitting on the benchHow simple, dependable plays build trustWhy risky moves at the blue line can quickly reduce opportunitiesThe danger of measuring a players value only through goals and pointsHow coaches can communicate roles honestly and constructivelyWhy younger players should receive meaningful development opportunitiesHow parents can help players advocate for themselvesThe importance of controlling effort, attitude, preparation, and responseOne of the biggest lessons from the conversation is that earning ice time is not always about making the flashiest play. It may mean blocking a shot, clearing the defensive zone, supporting a teammate, protecting the front of the net, making the safe play at the blue line, or bringing energy to the bench.For parents, this episode is also an important reminder to pause before immediately blaming the coach. Encourage your player to approach the situation with curiosity, accountability, and a willingness to hear constructive feedback.For coaches, the message is equally clear: communicate honestly, recognize more than offensive production, and follow through when players make the improvements you asked them to make. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Not Getting Enough Ice Time? Focus on What You Can Control Listen now for a thoughtful, honest conversation that can help players, parents, and coaches navigate ice-time frustrations while keeping developmentand the teamat the center of the game.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #WomensHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #IceTime #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyMindset #HockeyLeadership #TeamFirst #HayleyScamurra

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: Building Your Off-Season Hockey Habits

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The birds are chirping, the seasons winding downand that means its the perfect time to start thinking about how to build a better hockey player this off-season.In this episode of Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike dive into how players (and parents) can start planning a development calendar that fits real life and drives real growth. From simple 20-minute habits like daily push-ups or shooting pucks, to blocking out time in a shared Google Calendar, its all about building consistency, not cramming in ice time.Youll also hear: Why structured planning beats winging it every time How daily efforteven 15 minutesadds up in a big way Tips for integrating hockey into your lifestyle without burning out Why the off-ice work matters just as much (if not more) than spring tournamentsWhether your player wants to hit the next level or just stay sharp during the off-season, this short ride is packed with advice for setting goals, building habits, and staying balanced. Because greatnesson the ice or offstarts with what you do every day.Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!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-kevin-clark-on-building-better-hockey-awareness

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What separates players who simply react from players who always seem to be one step ahead?In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, former professional hockey player and development coach Kevin Clark joins Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli to share practical advice that young hockey players can use immediately.Kevin explains why players need a short-term memory, how additional development during the season can create long-term growth, and why scanning the ice before receiving the puck is one of the most valuable habits a young player can build.The goal is not to turn your head just because a coach told you to look around. The goal is to collect useful information. In this episode, young players will learn: Why mistakes and great plays both need to be left behind quickly How to stay focused on the next decision and the next shift Why development should continue during the hockey season How scanning helps players understand where teammates and opponents are Why better information leads to faster, more confident decisions What skaters can learn from the way goalies watch the entire gameKevin encourages players to stop skating with blinders on and begin noticing the full picture around them. The earlier a player develops that awareness, the more naturally it can become part of their game.The next time you step onto the ice, challenge yourself to look, learn, and collect more information before the puck arrives.Listen now, share this episode with a teammate, and put one of Kevins lessons into action during your next practice. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: See More, Think Faster: Building Better Hockey AwarenessThis episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.No matter where you are in your hockey journey, we believe in youand you should believe in yourself, too. Have fun, skate hard, and go learn something!#TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyIQ #HockeyAwareness #HockeyTraining #HockeySkills #KevinClark #YouthAthletes #HockeyPodcast

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

our-kids-play-hockey-why-great-hockey-players-know-the-why-with-kevin-clark-of-cascade-hockey

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Your child may know what happened during a shiftbut do they understand why it happened?Goals, assists, wins, and losses are easy to see. But the small decisions that build hockey IQ, earn a coachs trust, and help a player advance rarely appear on the score sheet.In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano-Burns welcome Kevin Clark of Cascade Hockey, a former professional player whose 16-year career included time in the Vancouver Canucks and Winnipeg Jets organizations, along with multiple opportunities to represent Team Canada.Kevin explains how players can learn to view the game through a professional lensand why parents and coaches must stop judging every decision solely by its result.Sometimes a player makes the correct decision and gets a bad outcome. Other times, a poor decision accidentally leads to a goal. The key to long-term development is learning to recognize the difference. In this conversation, youll hear: Why decision quality matters more than the immediate result How players become trusted beyond goals and assists Why practices should recreate the chaos and pressure of real games How coaches can train high-frequency situations instead of relying on predetermined patterns What parents should watch for during their childs shifts Why progress should be measured over monthsnot game by game How intentional feedback gives players confidence, identity, and purpose Why video can help players recognize growth and understand their habits Why feeling uncomfortable can be a sign that real learning is taking place How parents can cultivate a childs drive without trying to manufacture itKevin also shares why young athletes need different coaching voices, how coaches can create safer learning environments, and why the best development programs begin every session with a clear purpose.This episode is an important reminder that a players value cannot always be measured by production. Reliability, awareness, defensive responsibility, communication, timing, and the ability to create time and space can be just as valuable as scoring.Most importantly, every player deserves to understand how they contributeand to feel like they matter.Listen now, share the episode with a hockey parent or coach, and begin looking beyond the box score. Learn more about Cascade Hockey Have a question or episode idea? Email team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or use the link accompanying this episode. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Beyond the Score Sheet: How Young Hockey Players Become Smarter, More Trusted Teammates#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyIQ #PlayerDevelopment #KevinClark #CascadeHockey #YouthSports

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Our Girls Play Hockey: Celebrating Women Athletes At She Weekend (a Day In The Life Series)

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What does it look like when women athletes are not simply recognizedbut truly celebrated?This episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.Olympic gold medalist and Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra joins Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli for a behind-the-scenes recap of She Weekend in Las Vegas, an unforgettable celebration organized by Flavor Flav with support from Paris Hilton, MGM, major sponsors, entertainers, and fans of womens sports.With no script and no formal rundown, Hayley takes listeners through the experience day by dayfrom an all-female flight crew and a parade through Las Vegas to athlete gifting suites, concerts at the Sphere, red carpets, celebrity meet-and-greets, and a powerful sense of community among Olympians and Paralympians.But beneath all the excitement is a much bigger conversation.Hayley explains why these moments of recognition mean so much to women who have spent years competing, building their sports, and inspiring the next generationoften with fewer resources and far less visibility than their male counterparts. In this episode: Hayleys full She Weekend experience in Las Vegas Why celebrations like this are long overdue for women athletes How Flavor Flav turned public support into meaningful action The thoughtful details that made the weekend special Meeting the Backstreet Boys and attending their Sphere concert Inside the athlete gifting lounge Hayleys surreal first look at the arena where she will play in Las Vegas Why women athletes should be allowed to celebrate without judgment The double standard surrounding female athletes as role models A passionate discussion about hockeys recognition at the ESPYs What increased visibility could mean for the next generationHayley also reflects on staying grounded through success, learning to enjoy major victories, and understanding that athletes can be disciplined professionals while still embracing the moments they have earned.This conversation is fun, honest, thoughtful, and an important reminder that progress is not only about giving women opportunities to compete. It is also about celebrating their achievements with the same enthusiasm, investment, and attention given to other elite athletes.Listen, share the episode with a hockey family, and join us in continuing to elevate the womens game. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: More Than a Celebration: What She Weekend Meant for Hayley Scamurra and Womens SportsSubscribe to Our Girls Play Hockey wherever you listen, and visit OurKidsPlayHockey.com for more conversations designed to support players, parents, coaches, and hockey families.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HayleyScamurra #WomensHockey #GirlsHockey #SheWeekend #FlavorFlav #PWHL #OlympicHockey #WomenInSports #HockeyFamily #FemaleAthletes #GrowTheGameClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

The Ride To The Rink: Gabe Malinski Of Teamgenius On Playing Your Best At Tryouts

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Episode Description

Feeling nervous before your next hockey tryout? Take a breathyou have already done the work.In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee and Christie are joined by Gabe Malinski of TeamGenius, a hockey evaluation expert who helps organizations improve tryouts through better technology and evaluation methods.Gabe reminds young players that tryouts are not the time to become someone different. They are an opportunity to trust their preparation, play the game they love, and show coaches who they are as players and teammates.The conversation also explores what to do when a drill goes wrong. Instead of allowing one mistake to affect the rest of the skate, Gabe recommends creating a simple reset routinewhether that means brushing snow from your stick, clearing your skates, rolling your shoulders, or taking one deep breath before the next repetition. In this episode, young hockey players will learn: How to manage nerves before stepping onto the ice Why sleep, hydration, and proper fuel matter before evaluations How to reset mentally after a mistake What questions to ask coaches before and after tryouts Why evaluators notice encouragement, effort, and teamwork How to respond when equipment problems or adversity strike Why enjoying the game can help your best hockey shine throughGabe also shares an important reminder: evaluators understand that players will make mistakes. One bad drill, one fall, or even one difficult tryout does not define who you areor who you may become later in your hockey journey.Listen before your next evaluation and remember: skate hard, support the players around you, and trust the work you have already put in.No matter where you are on your hockey journey, we believe in you. Make sure you believe in yourself, too. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Young Hockey Players Can Handle Tryouts With ConfidenceThis episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.#YouthHockey #HockeyTryouts #HockeyEvaluations #HockeyConfidence #MentalPerformance #HockeyParents #TeamGenius #RideToTheRink #HockeyDevelopment #YouthSports

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: Gabe Malinski Of Team Genius On Playing Your Best At Tryouts

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Episode Description

Feeling nervous before your next hockey tryout? Take a breathyou have already done the work.In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee and Christie are joined by Gabe Malinski of Team Genius, a hockey evaluation expert who helps organizations improve tryouts through better technology and evaluation methods.Gabe reminds young players that tryouts are not the time to become someone different. They are an opportunity to trust their preparation, play the game they love, and show coaches who they are as players and teammates.The conversation also explores what to do when a drill goes wrong. Instead of allowing one mistake to affect the rest of the skate, Gabe recommends creating a simple reset routinewhether that means brushing snow from your stick, clearing your skates, rolling your shoulders, or taking one deep breath before the next repetition. In this episode, young hockey players will learn: How to manage nerves before stepping onto the ice Why sleep, hydration, and proper fuel matter before evaluations How to reset mentally after a mistake What questions to ask coaches before and after tryouts Why evaluators notice encouragement, effort, and teamwork How to respond when equipment problems or adversity strike Why enjoying the game can help your best hockey shine throughGabe also shares an important reminder: evaluators understand that players will make mistakes. One bad drill, one fall, or even one difficult tryout does not define who you areor who you may become later in your hockey journey.Listen before your next evaluation and remember: skate hard, support the players around you, and trust the work you have already put in.No matter where you are on your hockey journey, we believe in you. Make sure you believe in yourself, too. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Young Hockey Players Can Handle Tryouts With ConfidenceThis episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.#YouthHockey #HockeyTryouts #HockeyEvaluations #HockeyConfidence #MentalPerformance #HockeyParents #TeamGenius #RideToTheRink #HockeyDevelopment #YouthSportsClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

How To Make Youth Hockey Tryouts Fairer With Gabe Malinski Of Teamgenius

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Episode Description

What makes a youth hockey tryout feel fairand what causes the entire process to break down?Tryouts can be one of the most emotional parts of the hockey season. Players are nervous, parents are analyzing every drill, coaches are trying to build balanced teams, and organizations are under pressure to make decisions that families can trust.In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns are joined by Gabe Malinski of TeamGenius, a platform that helps youth sports organizations improve tryouts, player evaluations, communication, and long-term development.Gabe explains why many associations make evaluations more complicated than they need to beand why collecting more scores does not always lead to better decisions. The group discusses how organizations can create clearer evaluation criteria, prepare evaluators more effectively, reduce bias, and provide feedback that helps players improve.They also explore an important truth: a tryout should not be viewed as one isolated hour. A players habits, development, coachability, effort, attitude, and performance throughout the season all contribute to a much more complete picture. In this episode, youll learn:Why the purpose of a tryout should remain simple: build appropriate teamsHow evaluation criteria should change by age group and association sizeWhy skating is often the most important skill for younger playersHow unclear scoring systems can create major evaluation mistakesWhy evaluators need detailed rubricsnot just a one-to-five scaleHow organizations can reduce bias through outside evaluators and objective dataWhy hockey IQ, compete level, leadership, and coachability still require human judgmentHow honest feedback can turn disappointment into a development planWhat players should do physically and mentally before tryoutsHow parents can support their child without increasing the pressureWhy not making the desired team may create a better long-term opportunityHow technology should support coaches rather than make decisions for themGabe also shares the remarkable journey of his brother Sam Malinski, who played B-level hockey as a young player, faced setbacks throughout his development, went undrafted, and continued working his way toward the NHL. His story is a powerful reminder that one roster decision does not determine a players future.The biggest takeaway? Tryouts should be part of a larger development processnot the only evaluation a player receives all year.When organizations communicate clearly, coaches provide meaningful feedback, players prepare consistently, and parents remain supportive, tryouts can become far more productive for everyone involved. Listen now, share this episode with another hockey family, and remember: the team your child makes this season does not define the playeror personthey can become. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Youth Hockey Tryouts Should Build Teamsand Help Players GrowThis episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.Learn more about TeamGenius#YouthHockey #HockeyTryouts #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #TeamGenius #YouthSports #HockeyEvaluations #GrowthMindset #OurKidsPlayHockey

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: How To Make Youth Hockey Tryouts Fairer With Gabe Malinski Of Team Genius

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Episode Description

What makes a youth hockey tryout feel fairand what causes the entire process to break down?Tryouts can be one of the most emotional parts of the hockey season. Players are nervous, parents are analyzing every drill, coaches are trying to build balanced teams, and organizations are under pressure to make decisions that families can trust.In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns are joined by Gabe Malinski of Team Genius, a platform that helps youth sports organizations improve tryouts, player evaluations, communication, and long-term development.Gabe explains why many associations make evaluations more complicated than they need to beand why collecting more scores does not always lead to better decisions. The group discusses how organizations can create clearer evaluation criteria, prepare evaluators more effectively, reduce bias, and provide feedback that helps players improve.They also explore an important truth: a tryout should not be viewed as one isolated hour. A players habits, development, coachability, effort, attitude, and performance throughout the season all contribute to a much more complete picture. In this episode, youll learn:Why the purpose of a tryout should remain simple: build appropriate teamsHow evaluation criteria should change by age group and association sizeWhy skating is often the most important skill for younger playersHow unclear scoring systems can create major evaluation mistakesWhy evaluators need detailed rubricsnot just a one-to-five scaleHow organizations can reduce bias through outside evaluators and objective dataWhy hockey IQ, compete level, leadership, and coachability still require human judgmentHow honest feedback can turn disappointment into a development planWhat players should do physically and mentally before tryoutsHow parents can support their child without increasing the pressureWhy not making the desired team may create a better long-term opportunityHow technology should support coaches rather than make decisions for themGabe also shares the remarkable journey of his brother Sam Malinski, who played B-level hockey as a young player, faced setbacks throughout his development, went undrafted, and continued working his way toward the NHL. His story is a powerful reminder that one roster decision does not determine a players future.The biggest takeaway? Tryouts should be part of a larger development processnot the only evaluation a player receives all year.When organizations communicate clearly, coaches provide meaningful feedback, players prepare consistently, and parents remain supportive, tryouts can become far more productive for everyone involved. Listen now, share this episode with another hockey family, and remember: the team your child makes this season does not define the playeror personthey can become. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Youth Hockey Tryouts Should Build Teamsand Help Players GrowThis episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.Learn more about Team Genius#YouthHockey #HockeyTryouts #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #TeamGenius #YouthSports #HockeyEvaluations #GrowthMindset #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Girls Play Hockey: The Hockey Iq Habits Every Young Player Can Build

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Episode Description

What separates a talented hockey player from one a coach trusts in every situation?Skills may create highlight-reel moments, but hockey IQ influences nearly every second of the gamewith or without the puck.In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Team USA gold medalist and PWHL Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra joins Lee Elias for an important conversation about hockey IQ, skill development, anticipation, timing, and learning to see the game before the play unfolds.Hayley explains why she would choose a player with elite hockey IQ and average skills over one with elite skills and average hockey IQ. She also shares how her understanding of the game helped her adapt to different positions, play with different linemates, thrive on the penalty kill, and become the kind of versatile player coaches can use in almost any situation. In this episode, youll learn:Why hockey IQ is more than simply knowing the gameThe difference between reacting to a play and anticipating itWhy watching complete plays is more valuable than only watching highlightsHow timing can be more important than speed around the netWhy disrupting a play can be just as valuable as scoringHow playing other sports can improve spacing, awareness, and decision-makingWhy young players should learn to embrace different rolesHow coaches can build hockey IQ by asking better questionsWhat go hunting and go smart can teach developing playersWhy communication is one of the most valuableand overlookedhockey skillsHayley also reflects on her development from a young penalty killer and forechecker to a top-line player, center, Olympian, and dependable utility player. Her story is a reminder that a players value is not defined only by goals, assists, or flashy puck skills.For players: Stay curious, ask questions, watch the entire play, and learn what happens away from the puck.For coaches and parents: Instead of immediately telling a player what went wrong, ask, What did you see? or What other options were available?Those conversations may be where hockey IQ truly begins. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Why Hockey IQ May Be a Young Players Most Important Skill Listen now and share this episode with a player, parent, or coach who wants to understand the game at a deeper level.This episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.Have a question for Hayley or the Our Girls Play Hockey team?Email team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyIQ #GirlsHockey #WomensHockey #YouthHockey #HayleyScamurra #TeamUSA #PWHL #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #GameSense

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Our Girls Play Hockey: The Hockey Iq Habits Every Young Player Can Build

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Episode Description

What separates a talented hockey player from one a coach trusts in every situation?Skills may create highlight-reel moments, but hockey IQ influences nearly every second of the gamewith or without the puck.In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Team USA gold medalist and PWHL Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra joins Lee Elias for an important conversation about hockey IQ, skill development, anticipation, timing, and learning to see the game before the play unfolds.Hayley explains why she would choose a player with elite hockey IQ and average skills over one with elite skills and average hockey IQ. She also shares how her understanding of the game helped her adapt to different positions, play with different linemates, thrive on the penalty kill, and become the kind of versatile player coaches can use in almost any situation. In this episode, youll learn:Why hockey IQ is more than simply knowing the gameThe difference between reacting to a play and anticipating itWhy watching complete plays is more valuable than only watching highlightsHow timing can be more important than speed around the netWhy disrupting a play can be just as valuable as scoringHow playing other sports can improve spacing, awareness, and decision-makingWhy young players should learn to embrace different rolesHow coaches can build hockey IQ by asking better questionsWhat go hunting and go smart can teach developing playersWhy communication is one of the most valuableand overlookedhockey skillsHayley also reflects on her development from a young penalty killer and forechecker to a top-line player, center, Olympian, and dependable utility player. Her story is a reminder that a players value is not defined only by goals, assists, or flashy puck skills.For players: Stay curious, ask questions, watch the entire play, and learn what happens away from the puck.For coaches and parents: Instead of immediately telling a player what went wrong, ask, What did you see? or What other options were available?Those conversations may be where hockey IQ truly begins. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Why Hockey IQ May Be a Young Players Most Important Skill Listen now and share this episode with a player, parent, or coach who wants to understand the game at a deeper level.This episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.Have a question for Hayley or the Our Girls Play Hockey team?Email team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyIQ #GirlsHockey #WomensHockey #YouthHockey #HayleyScamurra #TeamUSA #PWHL #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #GameSenseClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: Nhl Scout Patrick Rissmiller On What Young Players Should Focus On

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Episode Description

What does an NHL scout really want young hockey players to focus on?According to former NHL player and current NHL scout Patrick Rissmiller, the answer is not complicated: have fun, be coachable, become a great teammate, and enjoy being a kid.In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Patrick speaks directly to young athletes about what truly matters during their youth hockey journey. Instead of worrying about statistics, highlight-reel goals, rankings, or constantly doing more, he encourages players to build their love for the game through unstructured play, other sports, family time, and self-driven practice.Patrick also shares an important reminder for players and parents: lasting motivation cannot be forced. A parent can tell a child to shoot more pucks, attend another clinic, or practice every daybut the desire to improve eventually has to come from the player. In this episode, young players will learn: Why having fun is an essential part of hockey development What NHL scouts value beyond goals and statistics Why being coachable and becoming a great teammate matter How other sports and childhood activities can help athletes develop Why the motivation to improve must come from within How taking a day off can protect a players love for the game Why young athletes should feel empowered to use their own voiceYoung players, loving hockey does not mean you have to play it every minute of every day. Take the day off. Ride your bike. Play another sport. Spend time with your family. When you return to the rink excited and ready to work, you may discover that the break helped you more than another forced practice ever could. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: What an NHL Scout Really Wants Young Hockey Players to KnowRemember: your parents and coaches can support your journey, but the belief and dedication ultimately have to come from you.We believe in youbut you should believe in yourself, too.#TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyMotivation #HockeyKids #NHLScout #PatrickRissmiller #MultiSportAthlete #HockeyParents #BeAGreatTeammateClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

What Nhl Scouts Really Look For In Young Players With Former Nhler And Nhl Scout Patrick Rissmiller

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Episode Description

What does an NHL scout really noticeand are youth hockey families focusing on the wrong things?Former NHL player, development coach, and current Anaheim Ducks scout Patrick Rissmiller joins Lee, Christie, and Mike for an honest conversation about how hockey players actually develop.Patricks path was anything but automatic. He went undrafted, entered professional hockey on a tryout, earned an American Hockey League contract, and eventually built a 13-year professional career that included time with the San Jose Sharks, New York Rangers, Atlanta Thrashers, and Florida Panthers. After retiring, he spent seven seasons as a development coach with the New Jersey Devils before moving into NHL scouting.His story is a powerful reminder that there is no single timelineand no guaranteed formulafor success in hockey.In this episode, Patrick explains why parents should resist the urge to fast-forward development, why young athletes benefit from playing multiple sports, and how patience can become one of a hockey familys greatest strengths.Youll also hear: Why doing more hockey does not automatically create a better player What scouts evaluate beyond skating speed and point totals How hockey sense, competitiveness, character, and versatility separate prospects Why players should learn multiple positions instead of specializing too early How coaches can create confidence by developing every player Why youth hockey wins should never come at the expense of development How accepting a different role can lead to more opportunities and ice time Why being a great teammate may matter more than families realize What Patrick learned after going from an offensive player to an NHL penalty killer Why one coach believing in a young athlete can change everythingPatrick also shares memorable moments from his professional career, including earning a contract through a tryout, adapting his game to stay in the NHL, and learning that opportunity often comes to players who are ready to say, Yes, I can do that.This conversation is essential listening for parents, coaches, and players who feel pressure to chase teams, specialize early, or measure development only through goals, rankings, and wins.The message is simple: Give young players time. Let them explore. Teach them to compete, adapt, and become the kind of teammate every coach wants. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: What NHL Scouts Really Look For in Young Hockey Players Listen now and share this episode with a hockey parent or coach who needs the reminder that development is a journeynot a race.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #PatrickRissmiller #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #NHLScout #MultiSportAthlete #HockeyIQ #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSports #HockeyFamily

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: What Nhl Scouts Really Look For In Young Players With Former Nhler And Nhl Scout Patrick Rissmiller

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Episode Description

What does an NHL scout really noticeand are youth hockey families focusing on the wrong things?Former NHL player, development coach, and current Anaheim Ducks scout Patrick Rissmiller joins Lee, Christie, and Mike for an honest conversation about how hockey players actually develop.Patricks path was anything but automatic. He went undrafted, entered professional hockey on a tryout, earned an American Hockey League contract, and eventually built a 13-year professional career that included time with the San Jose Sharks, New York Rangers, Atlanta Thrashers, and Florida Panthers. After retiring, he spent seven seasons as a development coach with the New Jersey Devils before moving into NHL scouting.His story is a powerful reminder that there is no single timelineand no guaranteed formulafor success in hockey.In this episode, Patrick explains why parents should resist the urge to fast-forward development, why young athletes benefit from playing multiple sports, and how patience can become one of a hockey familys greatest strengths.Youll also hear: Why doing more hockey does not automatically create a better player What scouts evaluate beyond skating speed and point totals How hockey sense, competitiveness, character, and versatility separate prospects Why players should learn multiple positions instead of specializing too early How coaches can create confidence by developing every player Why youth hockey wins should never come at the expense of development How accepting a different role can lead to more opportunities and ice time Why being a great teammate may matter more than families realize What Patrick learned after going from an offensive player to an NHL penalty killer Why one coach believing in a young athlete can change everythingPatrick also shares memorable moments from his professional career, including earning a contract through a tryout, adapting his game to stay in the NHL, and learning that opportunity often comes to players who are ready to say, Yes, I can do that.This conversation is essential listening for parents, coaches, and players who feel pressure to chase teams, specialize early, or measure development only through goals, rankings, and wins.The message is simple: Give young players time. Let them explore. Teach them to compete, adapt, and become the kind of teammate every coach wants. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: What NHL Scouts Really Look For in Young Hockey Players Listen now and share this episode with a hockey parent or coach who needs the reminder that development is a journeynot a race.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #PatrickRissmiller #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #NHLScout #MultiSportAthlete #HockeyIQ #PlayerDevelopment #YouthSports #HockeyFamilyClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Our Girls Play Hockey: How Players Can Get More From Every Hockey Camp

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Episode Description

Is your player attending hockey campor simply spending more time on the ice?Hockey camps can be an incredible opportunity for girls to improve their skills, meet new teammates, build confidence, and rediscover their love for the game. But with so many camps available, how can families tell the difference between a meaningful development experience and an expensive week that offers little lasting value?In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Olympic gold medalist and PWHL champion Hayley Scamurra break down what players and parents should look for before registering for a hockey campand how to make the most of the experience once they arrive.Hayley also takes listeners behind the scenes of the Scamurra Camp in Buffalo, where she coached alongside her father and created an experience that combined on-ice instruction, off-ice training, mentorship, games, and a family fun skate. In this episode, youll learn: How to identify a camp that is truly focused on player development Why coach-to-player ratios, pricing, and scheduling can reveal major red flags The difference between recreational camps and specialized skills camps What realistic improvement should look like after a week of training Why players should leave camp with new toolsnot expect an overnight transformation How preparation, punctuality, and professionalism affect the camp experience Why meeting new players can build confidence, communication, and important life skills How coachability and constructive criticism help players grow What parents should say before dropping their daughter off at campThe biggest takeaway? A successful camp is not measured by whether a player becomes completely different in five days. It is measured by whether she leaves more knowledgeable, more curious, and better equipped to continue improving.Encourage your player to arrive early, introduce herself, ask questions, listen closely, and write down what she learns. The best camp experience often begins with a willingness to be coached. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How to Choose the Right Hockey Campand Help Your Kid Get the Most From ItListen now and discover how the right hockey camp can help your player grow on the iceand far beyond it.This episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.Have a question for Hayley or the Our Girls Play Hockey team? Email team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #WomensHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyCamp #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #PlayerDevelopment #GrowthMindset #Coachability #HayleyScamurraClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: You Become Who You’re Around — A Youth Hockey Mindset Lesson With Doug Smith

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Episode Description

What kind of hockey player are you becoming and what kind of person are you becoming along the way?On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, powered by NHL Sense Arena, Lee and Mike are joined by former NHL player Doug Smith a second overall NHL Draft pick and a member of the legendary Miracle on Manchester, one of the greatest playoff comebacks in NHL history.But todays message goes far beyond goals, skating, and hockey highlights.Doug speaks directly to young players about identity, mindset, peer pressure, and the power of choosing who you surround yourself with. His message is simple but powerful: you become what youre around.For kids who love hockey, dream big, and spend countless hours training, this episode is a reminder that your identity is bigger than the game. You are not just a hockey player. You are a teammate, a friend, a student, a family member, and a person still learning who you want to become.In this episode, kids and parents will hear about: Why your identity should never be limited to being just a hockey player How the people around you can shape your mindset, habits, and future Why communication is a skill you need to practice just like skating or shooting How seeking out better players and positive people can help you grow Why parents are part of the village that helps young athletes find their path Doug Smiths advice to young players: Get faster. The faster you are, the safer you are.This is a great episode for young athletes and parents to listen to together on the way to the rink, especially if your player is navigating confidence, peer pressure, team dynamics, or figuring out who they are beyond hockey.Wherever you are on your hockey journey, we believe in you. You should too. Listen now and share this episode with a hockey family who needs the reminder that growth happens both on and off the ice. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Doug Smith on Building Your Hockey Identity Beyond the Ice#TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #DougSmith #NHL #HockeyMindset #YouthSports #HockeyLife #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyConfidence #SportsParenting #NHLsenseArenaClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

The Ride To The Rink: You Become Who You’re Around — A Youth Hockey Mindset Lesson With Doug Smith

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Episode Description

What kind of hockey player are you becoming and what kind of person are you becoming along the way?On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, powered by NHL Sense Arena, Lee and Mike are joined by former NHL player Doug Smith a second overall NHL Draft pick and a member of the legendary Miracle on Manchester, one of the greatest playoff comebacks in NHL history.But todays message goes far beyond goals, skating, and hockey highlights.Doug speaks directly to young players about identity, mindset, peer pressure, and the power of choosing who you surround yourself with. His message is simple but powerful: you become what youre around.For kids who love hockey, dream big, and spend countless hours training, this episode is a reminder that your identity is bigger than the game. You are not just a hockey player. You are a teammate, a friend, a student, a family member, and a person still learning who you want to become.In this episode, kids and parents will hear about: Why your identity should never be limited to being just a hockey player How the people around you can shape your mindset, habits, and future Why communication is a skill you need to practice just like skating or shooting How seeking out better players and positive people can help you grow Why parents are part of the village that helps young athletes find their path Doug Smiths advice to young players: Get faster. The faster you are, the safer you are.This is a great episode for young athletes and parents to listen to together on the way to the rink, especially if your player is navigating confidence, peer pressure, team dynamics, or figuring out who they are beyond hockey.Wherever you are on your hockey journey, we believe in you. You should too. Listen now and share this episode with a hockey family who needs the reminder that growth happens both on and off the ice. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Doug Smith on Building Your Hockey Identity Beyond the Ice#TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #DougSmith #NHL #HockeyMindset #YouthSports #HockeyLife #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyConfidence #SportsParenting #NHLsenseArena

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Former Nhler Doug Smith On Hockey, Identity, And Rebuilding Your Life After The Game

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Episode Description

What happens when the game youve built your identity around is suddenly taken away?This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli sit down with Doug Smith, former NHL forward, 1981 second-overall draft pick, Ottawa 67s standout, Bobby Smith Award winner, and one of the most powerful voices in hockey when it comes to resilience, recovery, and perspective.Dougs story is extraordinary. After being drafted second overall and playing for NHL teams including the Los Angeles Kings, Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and Pittsburgh Penguins, his life changed forever in 1992 when a devastating spinal injury overseas left him facing a future as a quadriplegic.But Doug fought back.In this deeply moving and thought-provoking conversation, Doug shares how he relearned movement, rebuilt his life, and shifted from trying to be the best in the world to becoming the best for the world.In this episode, we discuss story is extraordinary. After being drafted: The pressure of being highly ranked, highly drafted, and labeled early Why hockey players need an identity beyond the game How support, love, and environment shape recovery and performance Dougs world-brain approach to human performance and transformation Why parents should focus less on points, rankings, and recruiting and more on process What hockey families can learn about vulnerability, emotional control, and resilience Why youth sports should prepare kids for life, not just the next roster spotDoug also shares the system he now teaches through his performance and recovery work: awareness, purpose, motivation, focus, belief in self, trust, asking for help, and emotional control.Whether youre a hockey parent, coach, player, or someone navigating adversity, this episode is a powerful reminder that the game can teach us far more than how to win.Because our kids are not just becoming better hockey players.Theyre becoming people. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: From Second Overall to Starting Over: Doug Smiths Powerful Message for Hockey Families Listen now and share this episode with a hockey family who needs the reminder that resilience, community, and purpose matter far beyond the rink.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #DougSmith #NHL #HockeyDevelopment #MentalHealthInSports #AthleteIdentity #Resilience #HockeyLife #YouthSports #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyFamily #SportsParenting #PeakPerformance

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Former Nhler Doug Smith On Hockey, Identity, And Rebuilding Your Life After The Game

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Episode Description

What happens when the game youve built your identity around is suddenly taken away?This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli sit down with Doug Smith, former NHL forward, 1981 second-overall draft pick, Ottawa 67s standout, Bobby Smith Award winner, and one of the most powerful voices in hockey when it comes to resilience, recovery, and perspective.Dougs story is extraordinary. After being drafted second overall and playing for NHL teams including the Los Angeles Kings, Buffalo Sabres, Edmonton Oilers, Vancouver Canucks, and Pittsburgh Penguins, his life changed forever in 1992 when a devastating spinal injury overseas left him facing a future as a quadriplegic.But Doug fought back.In this deeply moving and thought-provoking conversation, Doug shares how he relearned movement, rebuilt his life, and shifted from trying to be the best in the world to becoming the best for the world.In this episode, we discuss story is extraordinary. After being drafted: The pressure of being highly ranked, highly drafted, and labeled early Why hockey players need an identity beyond the game How support, love, and environment shape recovery and performance Dougs world-brain approach to human performance and transformation Why parents should focus less on points, rankings, and recruiting and more on process What hockey families can learn about vulnerability, emotional control, and resilience Why youth sports should prepare kids for life, not just the next roster spotDoug also shares the system he now teaches through his performance and recovery work: awareness, purpose, motivation, focus, belief in self, trust, asking for help, and emotional control.Whether youre a hockey parent, coach, player, or someone navigating adversity, this episode is a powerful reminder that the game can teach us far more than how to win.Because our kids are not just becoming better hockey players.Theyre becoming people. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: From Second Overall to Starting Over: Doug Smiths Powerful Message for Hockey Families Listen now and share this episode with a hockey family who needs the reminder that resilience, community, and purpose matter far beyond the rink.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #DougSmith #NHL #HockeyDevelopment #MentalHealthInSports #AthleteIdentity #Resilience #HockeyLife #YouthSports #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyFamily #SportsParenting #PeakPerformanceClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: How Young Hockey Players Can Build Skills On And Off The Ice

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Episode Description

Want to become a better hockey player? Its not just about what you do during practice its about the habits you build everywhere else, too.On this episode of The Ride to The Rink, Lee, Mike, and Christie are joined by Coach Andrew, a high-level junior hockey coach and former NCAA player, to talk directly to young skaters and goalies about what really helps players improve.Andrew breaks down the balance between skill development and team systems, why younger players should spend most of their ice time building skills, and how players can start developing their hockey brains off the ice through video, chalk talks, and learning team concepts.But the biggest message? Great players dont only grow during one hour of practice. They grow through their preparation, attitude, rest, schoolwork, backyard shooting, stickhandling, conditioning, and willingness to do a little more than everyone else.In this episode, we cover: Why 8U, 10U, and 12U players should focus heavily on skill development How team concepts can be learned off the ice without wasting valuable practice time Why strength, conditioning, and mobility become major separators as players get older How young players can become better teammates through better habits Why drive and desire have to come from the player not parents, coaches, or teammatesThis is a great listen for young hockey players who want to improve, parents who want to support the right habits, and coaches who want to help kids develop the full picture of what it means to grow in the game. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Young Hockey Players Can Get Better On and Off the Ice Listen now, have fun, skate hard, and go learn something.#TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeySkills #HockeyParents #HockeyCoach #OffIceTraining #HockeyMindset #SkateHardClick 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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: How Mind Mapping Can Transform Your Hockey Mindset With Pete Fry

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Episode Description

What if you could begin preparing for your best game before you even stepped onto the ice?In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee is joined by goaltending and mindset expert Pete to introduce young athletes to mind mappinga simple but powerful exercise that can help players visualize success, strengthen their confidence, and prepare mentally for tryouts, big games, and pressure-filled moments.Pete shares how he used this exercise with a goaltender preparing for a championship game. By writing down what he wanted to see, hear, and feel, the goalie created a clear mental picture of the performance he wanted to deliver. Lee and Pete then walk listeners through how they can build a mind map of their own. In this episode, young athletes will learn:How to create a mind map before a game, tryout, or important eventWhy players should include what they want to see, hear, and feelHow visualization can help make a big moment feel more familiarWhat to do when a negative thought interrupts their confidenceWhy recognizing a negative thought is already an important victoryHow to replace I can with the stronger statement I amWhy mental skills deserve practice just like skating, shooting, and savesPete also offers a memorable way to understand negative thinking: your mind is like a garden. When you intentionally plant confident and constructive thoughts, you give those thoughts room to grow. When a negative thought appears, acknowledge it, swat it away, and return your attention to the picture you want to create.This exercise is not only for hockey. Young athletes can use mind mapping before a school presentation, recital, test, performance, or any situation in which they want to feel prepared and confident. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Mind Mapping Can Help Young Hockey Players Build Confidence Listen together on the ride to the rink, then grab a piece of paper and create your own powerful-game mind map.No matter where you are in your hockey journey, we believe in youand you should too.#TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyMindset #MentalPerformance #SportsConfidence #HockeyTryouts #Visualization #GoalieMindset #YoungAthletes #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick 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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Beyond The Scoreboard: Andrew Trimble On Youth Hockey Development That Lasts

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What really makes a hockey player better more ice, a higher-level team, a longer commute, or the right culture?This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano-Burns sit down with Andrew Trimble, GM and co-owner of the New England Wolves Hockey Club, founder of Scoring Concepts, and author of Beyond the Scoreboard. Andrew has coached from learn-to-skate all the way to the collegiate level, giving him a rare perspective on what true development looks like at every stage of the game.In this conversation, Andrew breaks down why hockey IQ is really about finding space, how small area games and street hockey can teach decision-making better than repetitive drills, and why parents should think carefully before assuming the best hockey opportunity is always the one with the longest drive or flashiest logo.The crew also dives into junior hockey, billet families, player character, development-focused programs, parent communication, and the reminder that the goal is not just to build better hockey players it is to help shape better people.In this episode, we discuss: Why hockey IQ starts with finding space, not just skill execution How watching full games not just highlight clips helps players understand how plays develop Why small area games and street hockey are powerful development tools How parents can balance opportunity, pressure, fun, and family life What junior hockey coaches look for beyond talent Why billet families and community culture matter in player development Why development should include academics, character, confidence, and life decisionsAndrews message is simple but powerful: every players path is different, and the best hockey environments are the ones that help kids grow as athletes, teammates, and people. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Beyond the Scoreboard: Andrew Trimble on Building Better Hockey Players and Better People Listen now and share this episode with a hockey parent, coach, or player who needs a reminder that development is bigger than the scoreboard.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyIQ #JuniorHockey #HockeyDevelopment #NewEnglandWolves #AndrewTrimble #SmallAreaGames #HockeyCulture #BeyondTheScoreboard #ADM #StreetHockey #PlayerDevelopmentClick 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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Beyond The Scoreboard: Andrew Trimble On Youth Hockey Development That Lasts

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Episode Description

What really makes a hockey player better more ice, a higher-level team, a longer commute, or the right culture?This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano-Burns sit down with Andrew Trimble, GM and co-owner of the New England Wolves Hockey Club, founder of Scoring Concepts, and author of Beyond the Scoreboard. Andrew has coached from learn-to-skate all the way to the collegiate level, giving him a rare perspective on what true development looks like at every stage of the game.In this conversation, Andrew breaks down why hockey IQ is really about finding space, how small area games and street hockey can teach decision-making better than repetitive drills, and why parents should think carefully before assuming the best hockey opportunity is always the one with the longest drive or flashiest logo.The crew also dives into junior hockey, billet families, player character, development-focused programs, parent communication, and the reminder that the goal is not just to build better hockey players it is to help shape better people.In this episode, we discuss: Why hockey IQ starts with finding space, not just skill execution How watching full games not just highlight clips helps players understand how plays develop Why small area games and street hockey are powerful development tools How parents can balance opportunity, pressure, fun, and family life What junior hockey coaches look for beyond talent Why billet families and community culture matter in player development Why development should include academics, character, confidence, and life decisionsAndrews message is simple but powerful: every players path is different, and the best hockey environments are the ones that help kids grow as athletes, teammates, and people. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Beyond the Scoreboard: Andrew Trimble on Building Better Hockey Players and Better People Listen now and share this episode with a hockey parent, coach, or player who needs a reminder that development is bigger than the scoreboard.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyIQ #JuniorHockey #HockeyDevelopment #NewEnglandWolves #AndrewTrimble #SmallAreaGames #HockeyCulture #BeyondTheScoreboard #ADM #StreetHockey #PlayerDevelopment

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Our Girls Play Hockey: Hayley Scamurra’s New Pwhl Chapter In Las Vegas (a Day In The Life Series)

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Episode Description

What happens when you win a championship, celebrate the biggest season of your careerand then learn that your entire professional future may be changing?In the first Day in the Life episode of the new season, Olympic gold medalist and Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra joins Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli to discuss her next major chapter: signing a three-year agreement with the PWHLs new Las Vegas expansion team.Hayley takes listeners inside a fast-moving expansion process filled with complicated rules, major career decisions, emotional goodbyes, and exciting new possibilities. She explains why Las Vegas felt like the right opportunity, how her relationship with general manager Domi DiMaggio and head coach Kim Weiss came full circle, and why she is ready to take on a more visible leadership role.The conversation also explores the realities of professional womens hockeyfrom public salary information and cross-country moves to offseason training, adapting to a new market, and helping younger players learn what it truly means to become a professional.Most importantly, Hayley shares an encouraging reminder for every young athlete navigating change: the next part of your journey may be opening a door you cannot see yet.In this episode: Hayley reflects on winning the Walter Cup and celebrating with family Why she signed a three-year deal with the Las Vegas expansion team How the PWHL expansion and player-selection process worked The mixed emotions of leaving a Montreal organization she loved How Hayleys championship season increased her confidence and value Why relationships and first impressions matter throughout a hockey career Her vision for mentoring rookies and building a strong team culture Hayleys perspective on salary transparency in professional womens hockey The excitementand logisticsof moving to Las Vegas How she knew her body and mind were ready to begin training again The role Nick Stoop and Hayleys family play in supporting her career Why she is staying present before setting her next major goalWhether you are a young player facing a new team, a parent helping an athlete navigate uncertainty, or a fan following the continued growth of professional womens hockey, this episode offers an honest look at change, leadership, resilience, and opportunity.Subscribe to Our Girls Play Hockey and follow Hayleys journey as she helps build a new PWHL organization from the ground up. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Hayley Scamurras Next Chapter: Leadership, Change, and Building Something New in Las VegasHave a question for the show? Email team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HayleyScamurra #PWHL #WomensHockey #GirlsHockey #LasVegasHockey #HockeyLeadership #WalterCup #ProfessionalHockey #HockeyDevelopment #FemaleAthletes #DayInTheLifeClick 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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

The Ride To The Rink: How Mind Mapping Can Transform Your Hockey Mindset With Pete Fry

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Episode Description

What if you could begin preparing for your best game before you even stepped onto the ice?In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee is joined by goaltending and mindset expert Pete to introduce young athletes to mind mappinga simple but powerful exercise that can help players visualize success, strengthen their confidence, and prepare mentally for tryouts, big games, and pressure-filled moments.Pete shares how he used this exercise with a goaltender preparing for a championship game. By writing down what he wanted to see, hear, and feel, the goalie created a clear mental picture of the performance he wanted to deliver. Lee and Pete then walk listeners through how they can build a mind map of their own. In this episode, young athletes will learn:How to create a mind map before a game, tryout, or important eventWhy players should include what they want to see, hear, and feelHow visualization can help make a big moment feel more familiarWhat to do when a negative thought interrupts their confidenceWhy recognizing a negative thought is already an important victoryHow to replace I can with the stronger statement I amWhy mental skills deserve practice just like skating, shooting, and savesPete also offers a memorable way to understand negative thinking: your mind is like a garden. When you intentionally plant confident and constructive thoughts, you give those thoughts room to grow. When a negative thought appears, acknowledge it, swat it away, and return your attention to the picture you want to create.This exercise is not only for hockey. Young athletes can use mind mapping before a school presentation, recital, test, performance, or any situation in which they want to feel prepared and confident. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Mind Mapping Can Help Young Hockey Players Build Confidence Listen together on the ride to the rink, then grab a piece of paper and create your own powerful-game mind map.No matter where you are in your hockey journey, we believe in youand you should too.#TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyMindset #MentalPerformance #SportsConfidence #HockeyTryouts #Visualization #GoalieMindset #YoungAthletes #OurKidsPlayHockey

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Goalie: Pete Fry On Building An Unshakable Goalie Mindset

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Episode Description

What separates a talented goalie from one who consistently performs under pressure? According to renowned mental performance coach Pete Fry, the answer often begins with the picture that goaltender holds in their mind.Pete Fryknown throughout hockey as The Goalie Mindset Guyjoins Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns for a powerful conversation about confidence, visualization, resilience, preparation, and the mental demands of playing one of the most challenging positions in sports.A former WHL All-Star, NHL draft pick, and professional goaltender, Pete has worked with athletes across the NHL, AHL, CHL, NCAA, international hockey, and other professional sports. He shares lessons from his own playing career, including how limiting beliefs affected his opportunity after being drafted by the New Jersey Devilsand how that experience led him to dedicate his life to mastering the mental side of performance.In this episode, Pete explains why goalies do not simply react to what is happening around them. They often react to the images, sounds, expectations, and stories playing inside their own heads. Inside the episode:How visualization and mind mapping can prepare goalies for pressureWhy positive thinking must always be followed by meaningful actionHow to shrink negative mental images before a big gameA practical reset routine after allowing a goalWhy water, breathing, posture, and smiling can help reset the brainHow coaches accidentally plant negative thoughts in young goaliesWhy parents should avoid becoming postgame statisticiansThe difference between an athlete mindset and a fan mindsetWhy goalies should learn to welcome breakaways, penalties, and difficult momentsHow a goalies body language can influence the entire benchWhy parents should support their childs right to dream bigPete also shares examples involving NHL and elite goaltenders, including Stuart Skinner, Jakub Dobe, Mads Sgaard, Carter Hart, Carson Bjarnason, and Josh Ravensbergen. He explains how mental rehearsal, confident language, and purposeful body language can help a goaltender prepare for the next shot instead of replaying the last one.The message for young goalies is simple but powerful:Good goal, bad goalwho cares? The only thing that matters is the next shot and the next save. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Young Goalies Can Build Confidence, Handle Pressure, and Reset After a Goal Listen now and discover how goalies, parents, and coaches can build a stronger, calmer, and more resilient mindseton the ice and in life.Learn more about Pete Fry, his books, speaking, mindset coaching, and goalie-parent course at PeteFry.net.Have a question for the show? Email team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or use the text link accompanying this episode.Keep dreaming big, keep doing the work, and keep building the mindset that allows young athletes to thrive.#OurKidsPlayGoalie #GoalieMindset #YouthHockey #HockeyGoalie #GoalieParents #MentalPerformance #SportsPsychology #HockeyConfidence #GoalieTraining #YouthSports #HockeyCoaching #PeteFry

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Our Girls Play Hockey: Hayley Scamurra On Building The Will To Win

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Episode Description

How do young athletes develop the desire to win without losing their love for the game?In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Olympic gold medalist and PWHL Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra dive into one of the most important conversations in youth sports: how girls hockey players can build competitiveness, resilience, and a healthy will to win.Winning matters. Competing matters. But for young athletes, especially in youth hockey, the scoreboard cant be the only thing that defines success. Lee and Hayley explore how parents and coaches can help players cultivate effort, passion, and confidence while still keeping the game fun, meaningful, and development-focused. In this episode, we discuss: Why the desire to win is a skill that develops differently for every athlete How Hayleys competitive mindset grew through hockey, soccer, tennis, and sibling rivalry The difference between criticism and constructive criticism Why the car ride home should not become a coaching session Hayleys 24-hour rule for parents and athletes after emotional games What losing an Olympic gold medal game taught Hayley about resilience Why process goals matter more than obsessing over one final outcome How parents, coaches, and teammates can help young players take the next step after disappointmentHayley shares powerful perspective from the highest levels of the game, including the emotional weight of winning and losing on the Olympic stage and in the PWHL. Her message for young players is clear: losing hurts, but it can also prepare you for the moments youre working toward.This episode is a must-listen for hockey parents, coaches, and girls who want to compete hard, grow through adversity, and understand what it really means to build a champion mindset. Listen now and share this episode with a hockey family, coach, or player who needs the reminder that winning big starts with learning, losing, growing, and showing up again. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Building the Will to Win: What Girls Hockey Players, Parents, and Coaches Need to KnowHave a question or episode idea? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or use the link in the episode description to send us a message.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #WomenInHockey #HayleyScamurra #HockeyMindset #YouthSports #HockeyDevelopment #PWHL #TeamUSA #HockeyLife #FemaleAthletes #Resilience #ChampionMindsetClick 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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: Zechariah Thomas Of Swift Hockey On Why Your Hockey Stick Doesn’t Make You Better —

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Episode Description

Does the newest, flashiest hockey stick really make you a better player? Or is the real difference-maker already in your hands?On this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee is joined by Zechariah Thomas, founder of Swift Hockey, for a straight-up conversation every young player and hockey family needs to hear: your gear matters, but it does not replace your effort, skill, strength, and commitment to getting better.Zech brings a unique perspective as both a former high-level player and the owner of a hockey stick company. Together, he and Lee talk directly to young skaters and goalies about choosing gear wisely, understanding marketing hype, and remembering that the player makes the stick work not the other way around. In this episode, we talk about: Why the newest stick will not magically transform your game How to think about spending your parents money on hockey gear Why some NHL players use older equipment under newer graphics The importance of consistency, confidence, and finding what works for you How endorsements and marketing can influence what players think they need Why investing in your development matters more than chasing flashy gear How hockey can stay part of your life beyond playingZech also reminds young players that there are many ways to make it in hockey. Whether you play, coach, build equipment, run a podcast, work in the game, or simply keep showing up with passion, hockey can stay with you for life.The message is simple: dream big, work hard, choose your gear wisely, and remember that you are the engine behind your success. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Why Your Hockey Stick Doesnt Make You Better You Do Listen now and take this lesson with you on your next ride to the rink.#TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyGear #HockeyStick #SwiftHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyDevelopment #YoungAthletes #HockeyLifeClick 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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Zechariah Thomas On Building Swift Hockey And Making The Game More Affordable

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Episode Description

What if hockeys greatest lessons have nothing to do with goals, assists, or scholarships?In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli sit down with Zechariah Thomas, founder of Swift Hockey, former high-level Ontario player, major junior athlete, and international player for Team Jamaica. Zechariahs story is a powerful reminder that there is no single path through this game and sometimes the biggest wins come from what hockey builds inside you.Zech started hockey later than many players, beginning around age 10 after moving from Whitby to Oshawa and becoming inspired by the Oshawa hockey culture around him. His first real skating foundation came from figure skating lessons something he admits he once felt embarrassed about, but later recognized as one of the biggest reasons he became such a strong skater.From there, the conversation opens up into a wide-ranging discussion about youth hockey development, the importance of skating, mental toughness, representation, affordability, and how Zech turned his playing experience into a mission-driven hockey brand. In this episode, we cover: Why skating is the great separator in youth hockey development How starting late does not mean your child is behind forever Why mindset, belief, and resilience matter more as players climb the levels What it means for Zechariah Thomas to represent Team Jamaica internationally The rising cost of youth hockey and how equipment prices can keep families out of the game How Swift Hockey was born from a desire to make high-quality sticks more accessible Why parents should focus less on brand-name gear and more on what truly helps kids developZechariah also shares how being a Black hockey player helped him build tough skin, how he learned to turn doubt into fuel, and why he believes hockey families, companies, and communities all have a role to play in making the game better.This is more than a hockey equipment conversation. It is a story about belief, access, identity, entrepreneurship, and the life lessons that come from staying in the game long enough to let it shape you. Listen now and share this episode with a hockey family, coach, or player who needs the reminder that the player makes the stick and the game can build far more than athletes. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Built By Hockey: Zechariah Thomas on Resilience, Swift Hockey, and Growing the Game#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #SwiftHockey #ZechariahThomas #TeamJamaicaHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyMindset #HockeyEquipment #GrowTheGame #BlackHockeyPlayers #HockeyFamily #AffordableHockey #HockeyLife

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey: Zechariah Thomas On Building Swift Hockey And Making The Game More Affordable

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Episode Description

What if hockeys greatest lessons have nothing to do with goals, assists, or scholarships?In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli sit down with Zechariah Thomas, founder of Swift Hockey, former high-level Ontario player, major junior athlete, and international player for Team Jamaica. Zechariahs story is a powerful reminder that there is no single path through this game and sometimes the biggest wins come from what hockey builds inside you.Zech started hockey later than many players, beginning around age 10 after moving from Whitby to Oshawa and becoming inspired by the Oshawa hockey culture around him. His first real skating foundation came from figure skating lessons something he admits he once felt embarrassed about, but later recognized as one of the biggest reasons he became such a strong skater.From there, the conversation opens up into a wide-ranging discussion about youth hockey development, the importance of skating, mental toughness, representation, affordability, and how Zech turned his playing experience into a mission-driven hockey brand. In this episode, we cover: Why skating is the great separator in youth hockey development How starting late does not mean your child is behind forever Why mindset, belief, and resilience matter more as players climb the levels What it means for Zechariah Thomas to represent Team Jamaica internationally The rising cost of youth hockey and how equipment prices can keep families out of the game How Swift Hockey was born from a desire to make high-quality sticks more accessible Why parents should focus less on brand-name gear and more on what truly helps kids developZechariah also shares how being a Black hockey player helped him build tough skin, how he learned to turn doubt into fuel, and why he believes hockey families, companies, and communities all have a role to play in making the game better.This is more than a hockey equipment conversation. It is a story about belief, access, identity, entrepreneurship, and the life lessons that come from staying in the game long enough to let it shape you. Listen now and share this episode with a hockey family, coach, or player who needs the reminder that the player makes the stick and the game can build far more than athletes. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Built By Hockey: Zechariah Thomas on Resilience, Swift Hockey, and Growing the Game#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #SwiftHockey #ZechariahThomas #TeamJamaicaHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyMindset #HockeyEquipment #GrowTheGame #BlackHockeyPlayers #HockeyFamily #AffordableHockey #HockeyLifeClick 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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Our Kids Play Hockey: Our Girls Play Hockey Hayley Scamurra’s Championship Parade, Gold Medal Year, And The End Of A Historic

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What happens after you win the Walter Cup, celebrate in front of a packed Montreal crowd, meet the Buffalo Bills, and cap off one of the most historic years in womens hockey?In this special season finale of Our Girls Play Hockey, we close out the 202526 Day in the Life series with Olympic gold medalist, Walter Cup champion, and Montreal Victoire forward Hayley Scamurra.Hayley takes us behind the scenes of Montreals unforgettable championship parade from the double-decker bus and red carpet entrance to the emotional moment she saw a sea of fans chasing the bus in celebration. It was more than a parade. It was a defining moment for womens hockey.From there, Hayley shares what life really looks like after the confetti settles: packing up, heading home, reflecting on a whirlwind season, visiting the Buffalo Bills new stadium, exchanging jerseys with Josh Allen, and preparing to give back through summer hockey clinics in her hometown.This episode is a celebration, a reflection, and a reminder of how far womens hockey has come and how much farther its ready to go.In this episode, we talk about: The emotional impact of Montreals Walter Cup championship parade What it felt like for Hayley to see thousands of fans celebrating womens hockey Winning Olympic gold and the Walter Cup in the same year Hayleys visit with the Buffalo Bills, including Josh Allen, Sean McDermott, and other players Why representation matters for young girls and for the women who never had these opportunities The sudden shift from championship celebration back to everyday life Hayleys upcoming hometown hockey clinics and commitment to giving back What PWHL expansion could mean for the future of the league The final reflections from an unforgettable Day in the Life seasonListen now and celebrate the final chapter of Hayley Scamurras extraordinary 202526 season with us.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #WomensHockey #HayleyScamurra #PWHL #MontrealVictoire #WalterCup #OlympicGold #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #WomenInSports #GirlsInSports #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick 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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Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: Mike Knuble On Why Kids Need To Get Outside And Just Play Hockey

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Want to get better at hockey? Sometimes the best thing you can do is step away from the rink and go outside.On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli are joined by longtime NHL forward Mike Knuble for a message every young skater and goalie needs to hear: go play.Not every rep has to come from a coach. Not every skill has to be built in a formal practice. And not every moment of development has to happen on the ice.Mike Knuble shares why getting outside, playing other sports, creating your own games, and being active with friends can help young athletes become better hockey players and better all-around athletes.In this episode, kids will hear why: Street hockey, driveway games, and outdoor play help build creativity Sports like lacrosse, basketball, baseball, and golf can transfer skills back to hockey Free play teaches decision-making, patience, explosiveness, teamwork, and problem-solving Taking breaks from hockey can keep your mind fresh and help you come back excited Parents and siblings can be part of the fun, too You do not need perfect equipment you just need imagination, effort, and a way to playThis episode is also a great reminder for parents: when your child asks to go outside, shoot pucks, play catch, hit balls, ride bikes, or build a net that is an opportunity. Development is not just something kids do alone. It is something families can help create.The message is simple: it is not about having every resource. It is about being resourceful. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Mike Knuble on Why Kids Need to Get Outside and Just Play Listen now, then grab a stick, a ball, a glove, a bike, a fishing pole, or a friend and go be a kid.#TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #MikeKnuble #HockeyKids #HockeyParents #StreetHockey #FreePlay #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyTraining #MultiSportAthlete #SkillTransfer #GrowTheGame #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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Our Kids Play Hockey: Former Nhler Mike Knuble Returns: How Parents And Coaches Can Help Kids Compete Without Losing The Love

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What really separates young hockey players as they get older talent, pressure, coaching, character, or the ability to keep loving the game through it all?This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli welcome back longtime NHL forward Mike Knuble, who played over 1,000 NHL games with the Detroit Red Wings, New York Rangers, Boston Bruins, Philadelphia Flyers, and Washington Capitals.Mike returns for a wide-ranging and honest conversation about the modern youth hockey landscape what has changed, what parents should be paying attention to, and why the journey still matters more than the chase.Together, Lee, Mike Bonelli, and Mike Knuble dig into some of the biggest questions facing hockey families today: Are kids getting enough unstructured real hockey anymore? How do young players build creativity, hockey IQ, and problem-solving? What happens when elite-level pressure hits kids too early? Why do character, effort, and coachability matter more as players get older? How can players keep evolving instead of relying on the same early advantages? What should parents know when navigating todays overwhelming development path?Mike also shares stories from his own youth hockey journey, his experiences as a hockey parent and coach, and why the best players are often the ones who keep learning, adapting, and refusing to believe their own hype too early.The episode also checks in on Mikes recent Scotland hockey adventure, including games in Edinburgh, passionate international hockey fans, and why hockeys global reach continues to grow in powerful ways.Whether you are a hockey parent, coach, or player, this episode is a reminder that development is not about one tournament, one tryout, one path, or one moment.It is about building a player and a person who can compete, adapt, grow, and still love the game. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Mike Knuble on Youth Hockey Pressure, Free Play, and What Really Separates Players Listen now for one of the most honest and useful conversations weve had about youth hockey culture, player development, and what it really takes to keep moving forward.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #MikeKnuble #HockeyParents #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyCoaching #YouthSports #HockeyIQ #HockeyCulture #FreePlay #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyJourney #NHL #GrowTheGameClick 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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Our Kids Play Hockey: Our Girls Play Hockey – The Road To A Walter Cup Championship Part 2 (hayley Scamurra’s Day In The Life)

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What does it really feel like to win the Walter Cup not from the stands, not from the broadcast booth, but from the ice?In Part 2 of our championship edition Day in the Life with Hayley Scamurra, Hayley takes us inside the PWHL Walter Cup Final as Montreal battles Ottawa in a razor-thin, emotional, and unforgettable championship series. From dramatic overtime wins to heartbreaking momentum swings, from Laura Staceys miraculous return to Ann-Rene Desbiens shutout brilliance, this episode gives listeners a rare players-eye view of what it takes to finish the job.Hayley walks us through her huge Game 3 goal, the emotional lessons of losing when the Cup was within reach, and the mindset Montreal needed to close out Game 4 with a dominant 40 win. She also reflects on becoming the first womens hockey player to win both a gold medal and the Walter Cup in the same year a historic achievement built on confidence, team trust, and a whole lot of belief. In this episode, we talk about: Montreals dramatic Game 1 comeback with seconds left Laura Staceys unforgettable overtime return Hayley Scamurras Walter Cup Final goal and what went through her mind How players handle pressure when a championship is within reach Ann-Rene Desbiens championship-level performance What it feels like to lift the Walter Cup The growth of womens hockey and the city of Montreal embracing its champions What young players can learn about confidence, resilience, and staying presentThis is more than a championship recap. Its a front-row seat to history told by one of the players who lived it. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Hayley Scamurras Road to the Walter Cup: What Young Players Can Learn From a Championship Moment Listen now, share it with the hockey player in your life, and dont forget to send us your questions for Hayley at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HayleyScamurra #WalterCup #PWHL #MontrealVictoire #GirlsHockey #WomensHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyMindset #PWHLFinals #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick 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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Our Kids Play Hockey: The Work Behind Youth Hockey Coaching Fun, Fundamentals, And Accountability With Coach Tre Berg

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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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Our Kids Play Hockey: Team Gg At Wish Cup: Inside The Wish Cup, Creator Culture, And Growing The Game

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What happens when hockey creators, roller hockey, youth hockey values, and a great cause all collide in Nashville? You get Team GG at the Wish Cup and a conversation every hockey family should hear.In this special edition of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee connects with Team GG live from the Wish Cup in Nashville, Tennessee, featuring hockey creators Kaxzi, Danny / DB16 Media, Hintzy, Keegan Olivera, and Zachary Hockey.Together, they dive into what makes tournament weekends unforgettable, why the best hockey memories often happen away from the rink, and how events like the Wish Cup create friendships, community, and purpose far beyond the final score.This episode also explores one of the biggest conversations in youth hockey today: how do we keep the game accessible, affordable, creative, and fun for the next generation?The Team GG crew shares their honest thoughts on: Why tournament culture builds lifelong friendships How roller hockey and street hockey can help kids develop creativity and confidence Why in-person connection still matters in an online world The impact creators can have when they inspire someone to start playing hockey What makes the Wish Cup feel more like a family event than just another tournament Why growing the game means getting sticks in kids hands anywhere, anytimeWhether your child plays ice hockey, roller hockey, street hockey, or is just starting to fall in love with the game, this episode is a reminder that hockey is bigger than one rink, one surface, or one path.Sometimes, the best way to grow the game is simple: give kids a stick, give them space, and let them play. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog:Team GG at Wish Cup: Roller Hockey, Youth Hockey, and Growing the Game Listen now and follow Team GG throughout the Wish Cup as they continue using their platforms, personalities, and passion to make hockey more fun, welcoming, and accessible.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #WishCup #TeamGG #RollerHockey #StreetHockey #GrowTheGame #HockeyParents #HockeyTournament #HockeyCreators #InlineHockey #MakeAWish #HockeyCommunity #KidsPlayHockeyClick 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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Our Kids Play Hockey: Our Girls Play Hockey The Road To A Walter Cup Championship Part 1(hayley Scamurra Day In The Life)

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What does it really take to win when the pressure is at its highest?On this very special Championship Edition of Our Girls Play Hockey, we sit down with Olympic gold medalist and Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra for part one of a two-part conversation about the Montreal Victoires unforgettable playoff run.And this is not just any championship story.Hayley became the first female hockey player in history to win Olympic gold and a Walter Cup championship in the same season, making this one of the most remarkable years in womens hockey. In this episode, Hayley takes us inside the Montreal Victoires first-round playoff battle against the Minnesota Frost a series packed with overtime drama, razor-thin margins, pressure, resilience, and championship-level belief. In this episode, we cover: Hayleys historic season and what it means for womens hockey The growth of the PWHL and the rise of the Montreal Victoire Why Montreal chose to face Minnesota in the playoffs The emotional and physical toll of triple overtime playoff hockey How elite players reset after tough losses What championship mentality looks like in real time Hayleys role in key defensive moments, faceoffs, and matchups The importance of leadership, confidence, and trusting the processHayley also opens up about the uncertainty that existed before the PWHL became reality including moments when she wondered whether she should keep playing and reflects on just how far womens hockey has come in such a short time.This episode is a must-listen for girls hockey players, hockey parents, coaches, and anyone who wants to understand what it takes to compete, lead, and win at the highest level. Listen now to part one of our Championship Edition with Hayley Scamurra and stay tuned for part two as we continue the journey into the Walter Cup Final. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Hayley Scamurras Historic Hockey Season: Olympic Gold, Walter Cup Glory, and the Mindset of a Champion#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HayleyScamurra #PWHL #MontrealVictoire #WalterCup #WomenInHockey #GirlsHockey #HockeyParents #OlympicGold #WomensHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyPodcastClick 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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Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink: How Young Hockey Players Can Train Smarter This Offseason With Andrew Alberts

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What should young hockey players actually do in the offseason?In this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee is joined by former NHL defenseman Andrew Albie Alberts for a motivating conversation every young player should hear before summer training begins.The message is simple but powerful: start with a goal, write it down, believe in it, and then take small steps every day to move toward it.Andrew and Lee talk directly to young skaters and goalies about what it means to dream big, handle doubt, make choices, build confidence, and use the offseason as a chance to grow both on and off the ice.In this episode, kids will hear: Why writing down your goals can help you stay focused How belief becomes a skill you can build over time Why hard work, choices, and consistency matter more than talk How to figure out what parts of your game need improvement Why summer should still include fun, creativity, and unstructured playAndrew also reminds players that the game is changing. Whether you are a forward, defenseman, or goalie, todays players need to become more complete, more creative, and more willing to learn.And yes summer training matters. But so does being a kid.So write down your goal. Dream big. Put in the work. Try new things. Have fun. And remember:We believe in you. You should too. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Offseason Hockey Training Starts With a Goal And a Whole Lot of Belief#TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyTraining #OffseasonTraining #HockeyMindset #AndrewAlberts #HockeyParents #HockeyKids #SummerHockey #GoalSetting #HockeyDevelopmentClick 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.Right now, theyve got offseason pricing at $299 for the yearless than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchaseHave 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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Our Kids Play Hockey: Former Nhler Andrew Alberts Explains The Best Offseason Plan For Youth Hockey Players

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Should your young hockey player train all summer or put the bag away and just be a kid?On this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias welcomes back Andrew Albie Alberts nine-year NHL veteran, Boston College standout, and Hockey Development Director at NHL Sense Arena for a timely, honest, and incredibly useful conversation about what youth hockey players should actually be doing in the offseason.With tryouts behind many families and summer hockey decisions ahead, Lee and Albie unpack the pressure parents feel to keep up, keep skating, and keep training while reminding everyone that development is not just about more ice, more tournaments, and more structure.In this episode, we talk about: Why kids need a real mental and physical break after the season The value of unstructured play, backyard hockey, and pickup games Why skating remains the foundation of hockey development How multi-sport athletes build better hockey tools Why hockey IQ and playing without the puck may be the next frontier in development How parents can help kids set goals without taking ownership away from them Albies green-light/red-light offseason training advice for ages 1014Albie also shares what his NHL offseasons looked like, how training has evolved from heavy lifting to speed, explosiveness, recovery, and cognitive development, and why the best players are often the ones who learn how to think the game not just shoot 500 pucks a day.Whether your child is 8, 12, 14, or dreaming big, this conversation will help you ask better questions, avoid burnout, and build an offseason that supports the player and the person. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Should Youth Hockey Players Train All Summer? Andrew Alberts Says Start With This Listen now and enjoy the offseason because sometimes the best thing your hockey player can do is put the bag away, pick up another sport, and wait until theyre excited to get back on the ice.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #OffseasonTraining #HockeyDevelopment #MultiSportAthlete #HockeyIQ #SenseArena #AndrewAlberts #YouthSports #HockeyLife #HockeyTraining #LetKidsBeKidsClick 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.Right now, theyve got offseason pricing at $299 for the yearless than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchaseHave 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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Our Kids Play Hockey: Angie Lion On Emotional Intelligence, Team Culture, And Raising Resilient Hockey Players

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What if the most important hockey skill your child learns this season has nothing to do with skating, shooting, or scoring?This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano-Burns welcome Angie Lion, author of Emerge: Rise from the Depths, Realign Your Soul, and Reclaim What Matters and co-founder/chief soul officer of Black River Performance Management, for a powerful conversation about emotional intelligence, transitional intelligence, and why soft skills may actually be the hardestand most valuableskills our kids can build through hockey.Angie explains why emotions are not weaknesses, distractions, or excuses. They are data. And when young athletes learn how to name, understand, and regulate those emotions, they gain tools that help them far beyond the rink.In this episode, we explore: Why emotional intelligence is a true performance advantage for hockey players How parents and coaches can help kids manage triggers, frustration, rejection, and disappointment The power of a trigger journal and how it can help athletes understand their reactions What transitional intelligence isand why every hockey season is filled with transitions Why parents must model emotional regulation before expecting it from their kids How coaches can build team culture around EQ, accountability, and resilience Why phrases like calm down often backfireand what to say instead How failure, discomfort, and change can become opportunities for growthAngie also shares why every transition begins with an ending, moves through a messy middle, and eventually creates space for growth. For hockey families, that means new teams, new coaches, new roles, tryouts, injuries, disappointments, and every challenge that comes with the youth sports journey.This episode is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and hockey leaders who want to raise not just better playersbut stronger, more self-aware, more resilient human beings. Learn more about Angie Lion at AngieLion.com and BlackRiverPM.com. Have a question, comment, or episode idea? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or use the text link in the episode description. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Emotional Intelligence in Youth Hockey: The Skill That Lasts Beyond the GameThanks for being part of the Our Kids Play Hockey community. Enjoy your hockey, enjoy your day, and keep building the skills that last long after the game ends.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #EmotionalIntelligence #MentalSkills #SportsParenting #YouthSports #HockeyDevelopment #Resilience #TeamCulture #AngieLion #TransitionalIntelligenceClick 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.Right now, theyve got offseason pricing at $299 for the yearless than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchaseHave 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

Website: Our Kids Play Hockey