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 AnchorMike Bonelli - USA Hockey Coach and Organizational ConsultantLee M.J. Elias - Hockey Entrepreneur, Author, and Team StrategistIn 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

Mentioned books

Mar 29, 2025 • 1h 8min

More Than a Hockey Player – Building Self-Worth and Mental Toughness with Danielle McDonough

How do young athletes build confidence, resilience, and a strong mindset both on and off the ice? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we welcome Danielle McDonough, former professional hockey player, mindset coach, and author of The Empowered Athlete.Danielle shares her incredible journey from playing boys’ hockey in Southern California to earning a full scholarship at Providence College, playing professionally in the NWHL and Switzerland, and ultimately transitioning into mental performance coaching. She discusses the mental challenges young athletes face, including anxiety, pressure, and self-doubt, and provides actionable strategies to help players, parents, and coaches develop mental toughness and confidence.In this episode, we cover:🏒 Danielle’s journey from youth hockey to professional play🧠 The importance of mindset training in sports and life💡 How visualization, self-awareness, and breathing techniques help athletes perform under pressure🚗 The “car ride home” conversation – what parents should (and shouldn’t) say🔑 Why mental skills training is just as important as physical trainingThis episode is packed with golden nuggets for players, parents, and coaches who want to support young athletes in their development—not just as hockey players, but as confident individuals.📖 Check out Danielle’s book, The Empowered Athlete, for even more tools on self-confidence, self-acceptance, and self-worth in sports.🔊 Listen now! Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Mar 27, 2025 • 8min

The Ride To The Rink: Unlocking Your Game by Talking About Your Feelings with Jon Nelson

On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by Jon Nelson, a hockey coach and mental health advocate, to talk about the highs and lows of a hockey season and what to do when you’re feeling down.🏒 How to recognize and talk about your feelings🤝 What makes a great teammate on and off the ice💡 Why engaging with teammates, coaches, and even rink staff can change your gameJon shares simple but powerful advice for young players on supporting each other, embracing the team-first mindset, and creating a positive hockey experience.🎧 Tune in for a quick but impactful ride to the rink! And don’t forget to check out our full conversation with Jon on Our Kids Play Hockey this week!#RideToTheRink #HockeyMindset #MentalHealthInSports #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Mar 22, 2025 • 1h 16min

Pulverizing the Stigma & Tackling Mental Health in Youth Sports with Jon Nelson

In this powerful episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we sit down with Jon Nelson, a hockey coach, father, and mental health advocate, to discuss his incredible journey through hockey, mental health challenges, and the groundbreaking treatment that changed his life.Jon shares his deeply personal battle with depression, the life-saving deep brain stimulation procedure he underwent, and how hockey helped him persevere through it all. He also discusses his advocacy work through Pulverize the Stigma, a movement dedicated to breaking down barriers around mental health conversations.This episode is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and players looking to create a supportive, empathetic environment in youth hockey. We explore:🏒 The role of hockey in mental health and resilience🧠 How to recognize and support those struggling💡 Ways we can make the hockey community a leader in mental health awareness🎧 Listen now and join us in changing the conversation. #OurKidsPlayHockey #MentalHealthInSports #PulverizeTheStigmaClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Mar 20, 2025 • 12min

The Ride to the Rink - Winning Strategies for Youth Hockey Players with the Bruins' Kevin Neeld

Are you fueling your game with the right habits? 🏒 Discover how sleep and nutrition can transform your performance on the ice! Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Christie Casciano team up with NHL performance coach Kevin Neeld to share essential advice for young athletes. From the importance of a good night's sleep to making healthy foods more appealing, this episode of "Ride to the Rink" is packed with insights to help you excel.Key Points:Sleep's Role in Performance: Learn why a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for energy and skill retention.Nutrition Essentials: Understand how your body is built from what you eat and the impact of sugar on your game.Taking Initiative: Tips for young athletes to proactively manage their sleep and diet.Making Healthy Foods Fun: Creative ways to enjoy vegetables and boost your nutrition.Empowerment Message: Encouragement to believe in yourself and your journey.Got questions or need advice? Reach out at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com. #TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #SleepAndNutrition #HockeyPerformanceClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Mar 15, 2025 • 1h 6min

Debunking Youth Hockey Myths with Boston Bruins' Performance Coach Kevin Neeld

What truly defines a successful young athlete in today's competitive world?In this compelling episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, performance coach Kevin Neeld joins Lee and Christie to share insights from his work with the Boston Bruins and beyond. From the traits of successful NHL players to the critical role of sleep and nutrition, Neeld offers a treasure trove of advice for parents and coaches aiming to nurture young talent.🔥 Highlights Include:The key characteristics that set NHL players apart 🏆Practical tips for optimizing sleep and nutrition for young athletes 💤🥦Navigating mental health and pressure in youth sports 🧠Effective training methods that balance strength and speed 💪Understanding individual differences in athlete development 🌟Whether you're a parent, coach, or young player, this episode is packed with actionable strategies, expert advice, and inspiring stories that extend far beyond the ice.🎧 Listen now to discover how to support the next generation of hockey stars!📖 Explore more at Kevin Neeld's website: kevinneeld.com💬 Got questions? Share your thoughts with us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.YouthHockey #KevinNeeld #OurKidsPlayHockey #AthleteDevelopment #ParentingTipsClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Mar 13, 2025 • 13min

The Ride to The Rink - How to Prepare and Perform Your Best for Tryouts and Evaluations

Tryout season is here, and whether you’re heading to the rink feeling confident or battling nerves, we’re here to help you approach it with the right mindset. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee, Mike, and Sherry break down what you can control, what really matters in an evaluation, and how to set yourself up for success—both on and off the ice.We’ll talk about:✅ How to manage nerves and set a strong mental outlook✅ Why most teams already have a roster in mind—and what that means for you✅ The importance of preparation, from gear checks to pre-tryout routines✅ What coaches really look for during tryouts✅ How being a great teammate can make a differencePlus, we’ve got advice for parents—because your role in this process is just as important! Whether this is your first eval or your tenth, this episode is packed with insights to help you skate onto the ice with confidence.🎧 Listen now and get ready to bring your best to tryouts!#Hockey #YouthHockey #HockeyTryouts #HockeyEvals #HockeyMindset #TryoutTips #HockeyTraining #HockeyParents #HockeyLife #HockeyDevelopment #SkateHard #GameReady #HockeyMotivation #Teamwork #BeAGoodTeammate #TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

Mar 11, 2025 • 7min

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