Our Kids Play Hockey

🏒 What does it really take to go from a 9-year-old hockey player with a dream… to an Olympian and professional hockey player?In this special Our Girls Play Hockey Mailbag Episode (Part 1), hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli are joined by our very own Olympic and professional hockey player Hayley Scamurra to answer your questions — straight from young players, parents, and families across the hockey community.After posting a simple call for questions, the response was overwhelming. So many thoughtful, curious, and mature questions came in that this mailbag turned into a two-part series. In this episode, we focus on Hayley’s journey — from youth hockey to college, Team USA, and ultimately the pro game.💬 You’ll hear Hayley answer questions like:How did she go from a 9-year-old player to an Olympian?What really separates good players from great ones?What skills Olympic coaches actually look for (hint: it’s not just goals)What habit did she have to unlearn to reach the next level?How important is mindset compared to talent?Why making mistakes is actually part of becoming elite✨ This episode is packed with honesty, perspective, and reassurance for young players who feel pressure to be perfect — and for parents navigating the ups and downs of the hockey journey alongside them.📌 Coming next: Mailbag Part 2 dives into life as a professional hockey player and the current state of women’s hockey — including the PWHL and what the future holds.🎧 Listen in, take notes, and remind yourself (or your player) that the journey matters just as much as the destination.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: From Dreamer to Olympian: What Young Players Can Learn from Hayley Scamurra’s Hockey Journey#OurGirlsPlayHockey #WomensHockey #GirlsHockey #HockeyJourney #MentalGame #OlympicMindset #PWHL #YouthHockey #HockeyParentsClick 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: Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

🚗 What if your best shift actually starts before you step on the ice?On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli are joined by mindset coach Sandy Cohan to talk about something every player can control — how you prepare mentally on the way to the rink.Too many players think they can just flip a switch once the puck drops. The truth? Your competitive engine needs to be warmed up before you lace up your skates.💡 In this ride, we break down:🧠 Why your brain doesn’t understand “don’t” (and how negative thoughts sneak in)🔁 How to replace “don’t mess up” with clear, powerful to-do thoughts🎯 Why choosing a simple daily theme beats focusing on stats or outcomes⚡ What it really means to be “impossible to ignore”📈 How to measure gains, not gaps, after every game or practice🕒 Why champions think in today’s, not seasonsThis is a must-listen for players who want to compete harder, parents who want to help without adding pressure, and coaches who care about building confident, resilient athletes.👊 Wherever you are on your hockey journey — we believe in you. You should too.Skate hard. Have fun. Get better every day.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Game Starts Before the Rink — How to Build Your Competitive Mindset Early#RideToTheRink #HockeyMindset #YouthHockey #MentalPreparation #CompeteEveryDay #HockeyDevelopment #GainsNotGapsClick 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: Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

🧠 What if the most important skill your hockey player needs isn’t taught on the ice?In this powerful episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli are joined by Sandy Cohan, founder of Mental Edge Hockey and author of the 99 Rules book series, for a deep, honest, and eye-opening conversation about mindset, confidence, and what it really takes to develop resilient hockey players — and strong humans.Sandy breaks down why mindset isn’t a “specialty skill,” but the foundation everything else is built on. From youth players struggling with confidence, to parents navigating the balance between protection and pressure, this episode delivers practical insight every hockey family needs.🏒 In this episode, we discuss:Why confidence is built, not bornThe real difference between belief and confidenceHow defining “success” changes everything for young athletesWhy kids don’t need to avoid failure — they need to learn how to get back upWhat parents and coaches often get wrong about motivation and gritHow mindset training can (and should) start as early as 6–8 years oldWhy hockey is just the vehicle — and character is the destination📘 Sandy also shares the story behind his 99 Rules Every Athlete Needs to Know and 99 Rules Every Sports Parent Needs to Know books — simple, powerful reminders that resonate far beyond the rink.If you care about your child’s long-term development, love for the game, and life beyond hockey, this is a must-listen.🎧 And don’t miss it — Sandy also joins us on The Ride to the Rink for a kid-focused follow-up your players will love.Listen now and start building confidence from the inside out.#OurKidsPlayHockey #MentalEdgeHockey #YouthHockeyParents #HockeyMindset #SportsParenting #PlayerDevelopment #ConfidenceAndGritClick 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: Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

🚨 How do you grow a girls hockey league from a handful of teams to one of the largest in the country?This week on Our Girls Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias and Hayley Scamurra sit down with Bob Apter, President of the Northern Illinois Hockey League (NIHL) — an organization now home to 75 girls travel teams across five states and counting.From humble beginnings to a multi-state powerhouse, Bob shares the inside story of how NIHL became a model for competitive balance, accessibility, and innovation in youth hockey. You’ll hear how creative ideas — like the “Peoria Rule” that makes travel more affordable and charm bracelet championships that celebrate every player’s journey — are reshaping the culture of girls hockey.💡 Highlights include:The origin story of NIHL’s girls division — and how it scaled beyond IllinoisWhy “competitive balance” is the secret to retention and successThe unique “Peoria Rule” keeping travel fair and affordableNew initiatives linking NIHL with the PWHL and college programsHow alumni like Cammi Granato, Kendall Coyne Schofield, and Abby Murphy continue to inspireWhy now is the best time ever to start or grow a girls hockey program👀 Whether you’re a parent, coach, or player — this episode is full of lessons on what it takes to build a thriving, inclusive hockey community.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How the NIHL Built One of the Largest Girls Hockey Leagues in America🎧 Tune in, share with your team, and keep growing the game!#GirlsHockey #YouthSports #PWHL #NIHL #CammiGranato #KendallCoyneSchofield #AbbyMurphy #OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyDevelopment #GrowTheGame #MidwestHockeyClick 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: Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

🚗💨 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 standoutsWhy being cut from a team is not the end of the roadHow work ethic, attitude, and energy outlast early talentWhy your role as a player will (and should) change every yearHow playing different positions builds hockey IQ and long-term successWhy 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 #HockeyLifeClick 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: Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

🏒 Are we building great hockey teams… or just chasing superstars way too early?In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli are joined once again by hockey development consultant and writer Matt Dumouchelle for a deep, thoughtful, and at times uncomfortable conversation sparked by the World Junior Hockey Championship.After watching Canada eliminated by Czechia for the third straight year, Matt shared a post that stopped a lot of people in their tracks — and it raised a question every hockey parent, coach, and administrator needs to hear:👉 What if smaller hockey nations aren’t developing better players — but better teams?With fewer resources, fewer rinks, and far fewer registered players, countries like Czechia, Finland, Sweden, and Latvia continue to punch above their weight on the world stage. Meanwhile, North America pours massive resources into identifying and developing a very small percentage of players at increasingly younger ages.This episode dives into:The difference between team development vs. early superstar identificationWhy many European models are forced to develop every kid longerThe hidden cost of early selection, constant movement, and “elite” labelsWhy hunger, cohesion, and shared identity still matter in modern hockeyHow youth coaches and organizations can shift focus without abandoning competitivenessWhat parents should actually expect at each age level — and why benchmarks matter💡 This is not a Canada vs. Europe debate. It’s a conversation about how we grow the game, keep kids playing, and help more players reach their potential — on and off the ice.If you care about development, culture, and the future of youth hockey, this one’s a must-listen.🎙️ Listen. Reflect. Share the conversation.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Are We Developing Hockey Players Too Early? Lessons from World Juniors & European Models#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #WorldJuniors #TeamOverTalent #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyParents #CoachingYouthHockey #GrowTheGameClick 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: Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

💭 Do you ever feel guilty for missing hockey? Missing a practice for school. Saying no to a tournament. Choosing family time, another sport, or just a much-needed break. If that knot in your stomach feels familiar, this episode is for you.In this powerful conversation, Lee Elias and Hayley Scamurra tackle a topic that players, parents, and even coaches experience — but rarely talk about out loud: the guilt of not always being at hockey.From youth hockey pressures to elite-level perspective, Lee and Hayley unpack why this guilt exists, where it comes from, and how it can quietly lead to burnout if left unchecked. They also share practical advice for players and parents on how to communicate with coaches, recognize signs of overload, and create healthier expectations around commitment and balance.✨ In this episode, we cover:Why missing hockey doesn’t mean you care lessThe difference between commitment and burnoutHow family, school, and other interests actually help developmentWhat healthy communication with coaches really looks likeSigns your player may need rest — physically and mentallyWhy guilt shouldn’t be the driver in youth sports decisionsThis episode is a must-listen for families navigating packed schedules, emotional pressure, and the belief that hockey must always come first. Because sometimes, the healthiest choice is stepping away — and that’s okay.🎧 Listen in, reflect, and let us know what resonated with you.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Is It Okay to Miss Hockey? Navigating Guilt, Balance, and Burnout in Girls Hockey📩 Have a topic you want us to tackle? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or click the link in the show notes to submit your question.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #GirlsHockey #SportsParenting #AthleteWellbeing #HockeyLife #AvoidBurnoutClick 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: Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

🧠 What if your thoughts and emotions were actually your biggest teammates?On this episode of The Ride to The Rink, hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli are joined live from Sweden by sports psychology experts Johan Fallby and Henrik Cronebäck for a powerful conversation just for young hockey players.Together, they break down simple, practical mental fitness tools kids can use:On the way to practice 🚌Before a big game 🏒Even before a test at school 📚💡 You’ll learn why feeling nervous is completely normal — and how to use those feelings to your advantage instead of fighting them.🔑 Key takeaways for players:Why thoughts and emotions are your friends, not something to avoidThe SOAL method (Stop, Observe, Accept, Let Go) for managing nerves and pressureHow mental training is just as important as skating, shooting, and puck skillsA simple “Top Three” nightly habit that boosts confidence, well-being, and sleep👨‍👩‍👧 Parents, this one’s for you too — these tools work for kids and adults.🎒 Two golden nuggets. One short ride. Tools you can use for the rest of your hockey journey — and life.🏒 No matter where you’re at on your journey, we believe in you. You should too. Skate hard. Get better. Have fun.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Mental Strength for Young Hockey Players: Simple Tools to Build Confidence Before the Game#TheRideToTheRink #MentalFitness #YouthHockey #HockeyMindset #MentalStrength #SportsPsychology #GrowthMindset #HockeyKids #ConfidenceBuildingClick 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: Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Happy New Year, hockey friends and families! 🎉We’re kicking off 2026 by reflecting on how far Our Kids Play Hockey has come, thanking the incredible community that made it all possible, and sharing a few important updates as we head into our sixth year of the show.In this special New Year’s episode, Lee, Mike, and Christy talk about the growth of the podcast, the lessons learned along the way, the amazing guests and topics that continue to shape the show—and why listener feedback has always been the fuel behind it all. We also look ahead to a huge milestone year, including our march toward Episode 500.📣 Programming Update for 2026:• Main Our Kids Play Hockey episodes will now release on Thursdays• The Ride to the Rink moves to Saturdays, perfect for weekend drives to the rinkWe also share why our annual stats recap is coming a little later this year and how Buzzsprout is helping us tell that story in a new way.Thank you for being part of this journey—from first-time listeners to families who haven’t missed an episode. We’re excited, grateful, and ready for everything 2026 has in store.Happy New Year. We’ll see you on the next episode of Our Kids Play Hockey. 🏒💙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: Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

🟦 Feeling tired, burned out, or just plain stuck halfway through the hockey season? You’re not alone.This episode lands right in that in-between space — after the early-season excitement fades and before playoff hockey really begins. The skates might be hanging in the garage, the coffee intake is way up, and families everywhere are wondering how to make the final stretch of the season actually matter.In this conversation, Lee, Christie, and Mike dig into how players, parents, and coaches can reset, refocus, and rekindle their hockey experience heading into the most important months of the year.💡 In this episode, we cover:Why reflection matters before pushing forwardHow coaches should redefine roles, standards, and “wins” mid-seasonWhat parents can do when their child is on a losing team — or feeling burned outWhy records don’t define development (and never have)The importance of communication, confidence, and cultureHow to make January and February feel like a fresh start, not a grindSimple mindset shifts that help kids love the game again❤️ Whether your child’s team is winning every weekend or struggling to find momentum, this episode is a powerful reminder that youth hockey is about growth, connection, and long-term development, not standings.🎧 Listen now, reset your perspective, and make the rest of this season one your family feels proud of.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Reset, Refocus, Rekindle: How Families Can Make the Second Half of the Hockey Season Matter📩 Have a question or topic you want us to cover? Email us or tap the link in the episode description — many of our episodes start with you. #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockeyParents #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyMindset #YouthSports #HockeyCoaching #HockeyParenting #LoveTheGame #PlayerDevelopmentClick 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: Facebook Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube