Our Kids Play Hockey The Ride to The Rink: Why Being “Picked” Early Doesn’t Define Your Hockey Future With Matt Dumouchelle
🚗💨 What if not being “identified” as a top player early… actually worked in your favor?
On this episode of The Ride to The Rink, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli are joined by their good friend Matt Dumouchelle, creator of Hockey Factories and a global student of hockey development. Matt has traveled the world studying how different countries develop players — and what he’s learned challenges a lot of the North American mindset around early selection, elite teams, and “being picked.”
Together, they dive into one of the most important messages young players and families can hear:
👉 Being selected at 10, 12, or 14 doesn’t determine how good you’ll be — but your habits, mindset, and effort absolutely will.
🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why European hockey development focuses on developing everyone, not just early standouts
- Why being cut from a team is not the end of the road
- How work ethic, attitude, and energy outlast early talent
- Why your role as a player will (and should) change every year
- How playing different positions builds hockey IQ and long-term success
- Why consistency and commitment matter more than highlights
🏒 Whether you’re an 8-year-old just starting out, a teenager chasing your next opportunity, or a parent wondering how to support your child through the ups and downs — this episode is packed with perspective, reassurance, and motivation.
💡 Remember: You don’t have to be the best player right now. You just have to keep showing up and getting better.
🎧 Buckle up and enjoy the ride.
📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Youth Hockey Development: Why Early Selection Doesn’t Define Success
#TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyMindset #LongTermDevelopment #TrustTheProcess #HockeyParents #YouthSports #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyLife
Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!
Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽
Heading into 2026, hockey families are asking: How do we get better? More ice time isn’t 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: