Our Kids Play Hockey
Our Kids Play Hockey is a podcast that focuses on youth hockey, offering insights, stories, and interviews from the hockey community. It provides valuable advice for parents, coaches, and players, covering various aspects of the game, including skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and creating a positive experience for young athletes. The show frequently features guests who share their expertise and personal experiences in youth hockey, both on and off the ice. The show features three hockey parents, who all work in the game at high levels: Christie Casciano-Burns - USA Hockey Columnist, Author, and WSYR Anchor Mike Bonelli - USA Hockey Coach and Organizational Consultant Lee M.J. Elias - Hockey Entrepreneur, Author, and Team Strategist In addition to the main podcast, there are several spin-off series that dive into specific aspects of youth hockey: 1.Our Girls Play Hockey – This series highlights the growing presence of girls in hockey, addressing the unique challenges they face while celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport. 2.The Ride to The Rink – A shorter, motivational series designed to be listened to on the way to the rink, offering quick, inspirational tips and advice to help players and parents get into the right mindset before a game or practice. 3.Our Kids Play Goalie – This series is dedicated to young goalies and the unique challenges they face. It provides advice for players, parents, and coaches on how to support and develop young goaltenders, focusing on the mental and physical demands of the position. Together, these shows provide a comprehensive platform for parents, players, and coaches involved in youth hockey, offering insights for all aspects of the sport, from parenting, playing, or coaching to specialized positions like goaltending.
Episodes
🏒 What if you could get NHL-level advice delivered straight to your inbox?
In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, host Lee MJ Elias teams up with former NHL player Bobby Robins to unveil a revolutionary email newsletter series designed to transform your hockey journey. From the locker room to the living room, this dynamic duo shares insights that will elevate your game, both on and off the ice.
➡️ Subscribe now at ho...
🏒 Ready to gear up for hockey season without breaking the bank?
"Ride to the Rink" hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli tackle the age-old question: Does expensive equipment make a better player? Spoiler alert: It doesn't! This episode is packed with practical advice for young players and parents navigating the world of hockey gear.
From timing your purchases to finding the perfect fit, our hosts share insider tips tha...
🏒 Ever wondered what it takes to become a top-notch youth hockey coach?
In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli take you on an exhilarating journey through the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP). From rookie coaches to seasoned veterans, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the five levels of coaching certification that are shaping the future of ...
☀️ Are you making the most of your summer—or just skating through it?
In this empowering episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli break down the top five summer mistakes that young hockey players and families make—and how to avoid them. From over-scheduling to mental burnout, the crew shares personal stories and practical advice to help every kid reclaim the magic of summer while still growi...
Are you making these 5 summer hockey mistakes with your kids? 🏒☀️
In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli reveal the top five mistakes hockey parents make during the summer—and how to avoid them before they derail your child’s development or love for the game.
From packing the schedule with camps to losing sight of what summer is really for, this conversation will shift ...
In this episode, Lee shares a powerful concept from a conversation with longtime coach and mentor Pete Whitney: the difference between time spent and time invested.
Whether it’s hockey, school, or life off the ice, young athletes are constantly choosing how to use their time—but not all choices pay off the same way.
🧠 Lee breaks down:
- The mindset that separates top performers from the rest
- How to recognize “brain rot” moments vs. ...
What does a Hockey Hall of Famer really think youth hockey players need to succeed?
On this special Ride to the Rink, We spotlight key insights from none other than Brianna Decker, fresh off her induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. From elite playing days to coaching the next generation, Decker has seen it all—and her message for young athletes and families is clear.
🏒 Takeaways from the ride:
- Why work ethic is more important ...
“Is my kid where they’re supposed to be?”
It’s one of the most common questions we hear—and this week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike break it all down with a level-headed, age-by-age guide to youth hockey development.
Whether your player is just learning to stand on skates or preparing for juniors, this episode helps you understand what skills are appropriate right now, what’s coming next, and how to support your ch...
🏒 Ready to unlock your hockey potential without breaking the bank?
NHL veteran Matt Moulson joins "The Ride to the Rink" to share game-changing tips for young players looking to level up their skills—no fancy equipment required! From DIY shooting ranges to water balloon target practice, this episode is packed with creative hacks to turn your backyard into a hockey development playground.
But it's not just about drills...
What does it really take to beat the odds in hockey—and stay at the top?
In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, former NHL forward Matt Moulson joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share the story behind his incredible 11-season career. From being a 9th round draft pick to wearing a letter in the NHL, Matt’s journey is filled with lessons for players, coaches, and parents alike.
👀 Inside the Episode:
- 🏒 Why work ethic and...
In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee shares a step-by-step guide for skaters and goalies to get the most out of any skills clinic—whether you’re focused on skating, shooting, passing, or defense. His practical tips will help players, parents, and coaches turn every clinic into a lasting opportunity for growth.
👀 Inside the Episode:
📝 Why identifying your clinic’s focus is key to success
🤔 How asking the right qu...
Are hockey skills clinics worth your time and money? 🏒💰
In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike tackle the hot topic of youth hockey skills clinics. From defining what makes a great clinic to navigating the sea of options, our expert panel shares insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the best choices for your young player's development.
🔥 Highlights Include:
- What ...
Private lessons can be a great way to grow your game—but only if you approach them the right way.
In this Ride to the Rink, Lee shares advice directly with young players on how to make private coaching sessions truly valuable. From asking the right questions to tracking your progress off the ice, this episode is all about helping players take ownership of their development and turn every lesson into lasting improvement.
🏒 Key Takeaw...
On this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee shares a simple story that left a big impression—and reminds every young player (and parent) why the way you act off the ice matters just as much as the way you play on it. After a young player was complimented by a stranger for his manners and kindness, Lee and Mike break down what it means to represent your team and your sport in everyday life, and why those little things—like saying “...
Heads up, hockey families! We recently found out that our email—team@ourkidsplayhockey.com—was down for a while, and we may have missed your messages. The good news? It’s back up and running!
If you’ve sent in questions, feedback, show ideas, or just wanted to say hi, please re-send them—we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for your patience and for being such an awesome part of our community.
Keep the messages coming—we’re a...
Are private hockey lessons worth the investment for your young player? 🏒💰
In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike tackle the hot topic of private hockey lessons for youth players. From finding the right coach to balancing extra training with team practices, our expert panel dives into the world of personalized hockey instruction, offering invaluable insights for parents navigating this cr...
In this special mailbag episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike dive into some powerful listener-submitted questions that hit at the heart of today’s youth hockey experience—from the overwhelming costs of AAA, to what really matters when choosing a team, to how concussions can change the way young players approach the game.
Whether you’re a hockey parent struggling with financial decisions, a coach wondering how to build true ...
On this episode of Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by a true hockey visionary—Howard Dolgon, founder and longtime owner of the Syracuse Crunch, who turned a dream into a franchise and a franchise into a legacy.
Howard reflects on his journey from a tough Brooklyn neighborhood to the New York State and Syracuse Hockey Halls of Fame—a path paved not by luck, but by passion, perseverance, and relentless belief. He opens up about the pow...
What does it take to build a hockey franchise from the ground up—and keep it thriving for 30+ years? In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re joined by Howard “Howie” Dolgon, the founder, owner, and president of the Syracuse Crunch, AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
From growing up on the streets of Brooklyn to hosting the first outdoor AHL game in history, Howie shares his incredible journey and the lessons ...
Team USA gold medalist and NCAA champion Caroline Harvey joins us for a special The Ride to the Rink edition—and she’s talking directly to young players chasing big goals.
Whether you dream of playing high school, college, or even Olympic hockey, this quick conversation is packed with the kind of advice that helps you take the next step in your game.
🏒 In this episode:
- ✅ Why small, daily habits matter more than highlight-reel mom...
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