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 separates good players from great ones? It’s not talent — it’s work ethic. In this inspiring episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee and Mike sit down with Riley Armstrong, NHL Director of Player Development, to talk about what it really takes to level up your game — on and off the ice.
From the long days at the rink to the unseen sacrifices parents make, Riley shares how NHL pros push through pain, fatigue, and setbacks — and how...
🏒 Feeling overwhelmed on the ice?
PWHL stars Hayley Scamurra and Gabbie Hughes join "The Ride to the Rink" to share game-changing strategies for managing those big hockey emotions. From breathing techniques to teammate support, this episode is packed with practical advice to help young players stay cool under pressure.
We dive into the mental game, offering insights that'll transform how you approach those tough mome...
🎙️ Ever wonder what “player development” really means — beyond the buzzword?
This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we sit down with Riley Armstrong, the Director of Player Development for the Philadelphia Flyers, to talk about how great players are truly made — from youth hockey to the pros.
Riley’s journey is one few can replicate: from figure skating lessons taught by his mom in Saskatchewan to an NHL coaching role recommended person...
🎧 Ready to make your hockey game stronger — on and off the ice?
In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, the crew welcomes Pete, CEO of TeamSnap, to talk about their exciting new partnership with Bauer Hockey and the launch of the Bauer Hub inside the TeamSnap app! 🚀
Pete breaks down how this new hub is helping players, parents, and coaches learn together — with on-ice drills, performance tips, coaching plans, and even interactive ...
🏒 What does it really mean to be tough in hockey?
In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, PWHL Ottawa star Gabbie Hughes joins Hayley and Lee to open up about her journey from Minnesota pond hockey to professional play—and her fight to bring mental health into the conversation through Sophie’s Squad.
Awarded the 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award, Gabbie proves that leadership goes far beyond the ice. She shares the real story behind ...
🚨 The App Every Hockey Parent Knows (and Needs!) — Inside TeamSnap with CEO Peter Frintzilas
Ever wonder what it’s like to run the app that runs youth sports? In this week’s episode, the OKPH crew sits down with Peter Frintzilas, CEO of TeamSnap — hockey dad, tech leader, and the man helping 25+ million families manage the chaos of youth sports.
From 4:30 a.m. coffee runs to 5 a.m. rink drop-offs, Peter gets it — because he’s living...
🎧 What’s the true return on investment in hockey? Spoiler alert: it’s about so much more than scholarships and pro contracts.
This week on The Ride To The Rink, we welcome back our friend Jack Han — former NHL development coach, AHL assistant, and author who’s worked with players and coaches all over the world. Jack dives into what “ROI” really means in youth hockey and why your investment in the game goes far beyond money.
🔥 Highl...
🏒 Feeling unmotivated to hit the ice? You're not alone—even the pros struggle sometimes!
This episode of "The Ride to the Rink" tackles the tough days when hockey feels more like a chore than a passion. Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Hayley Scamurra team up with Jessie Thompson from the Washington Capitals to share game-changing strategies for young players facing motivation slumps.
Key Points:
- Turn your frown upside down:...
🎧 What really separates players who make it to the next level from those who don’t? This week, we welcome back Jack Han — former Toronto Maple Leafs staff member, player development consultant, and author of the Hockey Tactics Newsletter — to dive deep into the real keys to long-term hockey success.
Jack brings years of experience working with players from minor hockey to the NHL, and in this conversation he breaks down:
✨ Why early...
🚨 What’s the most underrated skill in hockey? It’s not speed. It’s not saves. It’s not even scoring goals. According to pro goalie Ian Shane (Cornell standout, now playing at the pro level), the real game-changer is being a great teammate.
In this week’s episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee, Mike, and Christie sit down with Ian to explore what makes a true difference-maker in the locker room — and how learning to lift others up can...
🏒 Can women's hockey break through the ice ceiling?
In this game-changing episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, we're joined by Jessie Thompson from the Washington Capitals to explore their groundbreaking "All Caps All Her" initiative. From learn-to-play programs to leadership development, Jessie shares how the Capitals are revolutionizing women's hockey and creating a more inclusive ice for all.
🔥 Highlights I...
Our Kids Play Goalie - ECAC Goalie of the Year, Ian Shane on Mindset, Adversity, And Doing Your Best
🔥 From backyard rinks in California to shutting the door at Cornell, Ian Shane’s journey is anything but ordinary.
On this week’s episode of Our Kids Play Goalie, Lee, Christie, and Mike sit down with the ECAC Goaltender of the Year and Cornell standout to talk about his path, his mindset, and what it really takes to thrive in the crease.
✅ Growing up outside of a traditional hockey market
✅ Seizing opportunity after starting as...
🥑🏒 What if your pre-game snack was the difference between skating strong or running out of gas halfway through the game?
In this week’s episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re tackling something every young player can control — what they eat. We sat down with nutrition experts who work with pro athletes and Division I players to break down how the right food choices help kids perform their best on the ice.
🍌 Highlights include:
- ...
What makes a truly great teammate? It’s not just about scoring goals or making big plays—it’s about how you treat the people around you.
In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, PWHL stars Taylor Heise and Hayley Scamurra share powerful stories about what it means to be the kind of teammate that others never forget. From offering encouragement and building confidence to accepting challenges and learning from mistakes, they remind us...
🏒 Are you fueling your young hockey star for success or setting them up for a nutritional penalty?
In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Mike, and Christy team up with nutrition powerhouses Danny Drake and Mike Dalberth from Enduraphin to crack the code on youth hockey nutrition. From pre-game meals to post-game recovery, we're serving up a feast of knowledge that'll transform how you think about fee...
It’s easy to get caught up in hockey and start thinking the sport defines who you are. But in this episode of The Ride to the Rink, two PWHL stars—Taylor Heise and Hayley Scamurra—share why you’re always more than just a hockey player.
They open up about the roles and hobbies that keep them grounded: being sisters, daughters, and aunts… baking, puzzles, pickleball, family time, and even online shopping. Both remind us that while hoc...
How do you balance Olympic dreams, pro hockey pressure, and still find joy in the game? 🏆🇺🇸
In Part 2 of our conversation, Taylor Heise shares the habits, mindset, and lessons that fuel her success as a two-time Walter Cup champion and Playoff MVP.
From being cut by Team USA to leading the PWHL’s next generation, Taylor opens up about resilience, confidence, and what it takes to thrive at the highest level.
💡 And she’s not just ta...
Ready to discover how champions are made—even when the path isn’t perfect? 🏒🔥
Taylor Heise, PWHL star and Team USA forward, joins Our Kids Play Hockey to share her incredible origin story—from picking up hockey at age 8 in a small Minnesota town to becoming the first-ever #1 overall pick in the PWHL draft.
Her journey proves you don’t need AAA teams or an early start to reach the top. Instead, it’s about confidence, creativity, and...
Ready to unlock your hockey potential? 🏒✨
"Ride to the Rink" serves up a game-changing episode on creativity in skating and hockey. Guest Christian Grunnah from Grow Up Power Skating drops wisdom bombs that'll revolutionize your approach to the ice.
Ever wondered how off-ice activities could level up your game? Or why mastering your edges might be more crucial than stick handling? This episode's got answers that&...
Ready to unlock the secrets of hockey success? 🏒✨
Blake Bolden, a trailblazer in women's hockey, shares her journey from Division 1 college player to NHL scout in this inspiring episode of "Ride to the Rink." Joined by host Lee MJ Elias and co-host Hayley Scamurra, Blake offers game-changing advice for young players looking to level up their mental game and push past their limits.
Ever wonder how top athletes overcome...
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