Our Kids Play Hockey

How can we revolutionize youth hockey development? This week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey explores the transformative impact of the American Development Model (ADM) on young players in the U.S. USA Hockey's Senior Director of Player & Coach Development, Ken Martel, joins the show to share insights on creating fun, game-like practices that emphasize puck touches, appropriate challenges, and decision-making. He highlights why encouraging kids to participate in multiple sports is crucial, with research revealing that most NHL stars were multi-sport athletes. Coaching education takes center stage in the discussion as Ken advocates for lifelong learning and utilizing USA Hockey's resources. The episode also tackles the topic of body contact in girls hockey, highlighting the importance of teaching competitive contact skills. Throughout, the focus remains on fostering engaging environments that nurture skills and a lifelong passion for the game.Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training. Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒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

On this week’s episode of The Ride To The Rink, John O'Sullivan shares insights on how athletes can communicate effectively with their parents, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and choosing the right moments for these conversations. The episode highlights the significance of the car ride home, suggesting it should be a space for the athlete to decide if they want to talk about the game. Additionally, it explores how coaches can play a supportive role in facilitating these discussions, ensuring they are constructive and positive. Understanding that parents' motivations come from a place of love, the conversation provides strategies for young athletes to engage with their parents in a way that respects both parties' perspectives.Key Discussion Points- Communicating with Parents about Sports- Importance of Car Ride Conversations- Setting Boundaries with Parents- Coach as an Advocate- Understanding Parental MotivationClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training. Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒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

Have you checked out the Rivalry Series yet?In this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Sheri and Lee dive into the growing excitement around women’s hockey and the impact of watching Team USA and Canada face off in their annual Rivalry Series.They explore how USA Hockey is building the sport’s fanbase through outreach events like “try hockey for free” sessions and meet-and-greets with Olympians, making hockey more accessible and inspiring the next generation of fans.With the latest Rivalry Series game held at the Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, this nearly 40-year-old USA-Canada rivalry is now one of the oldest in hockey, even surpassing some men’s rivalries.--Key Discussion Points- Intense USA vs Canada Game Highlights- Growing Women's Hockey Fanbase- Importance of Experiencing Games Live- USA Hockey Outreach Events- Utah's Emerging Hockey Market- Historical USA-Canada RivalryClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training. Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒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 you raising a future sports star? John O'Sullivan offers his insights into nurturing confident, competitive athletes and discusses his upcoming book "The Champion Sports Parent: Practical Wisdom for Raising Confident, Competitive, Mentally Tough Athletes." Discover the significance of self-awareness for parents, as John emphasizes examining personal motivations in youth sports. Learn how gratitude can transform the sports experience for both parents and athletes, fostering a positive environment. Explore techniques to help your child develop a healthy inner dialogue and mental resilience. Finally, John shares his vision of an ideal game day, where support triumphs over pressure, ensuring a fulfilling experience for your young athlete.--0:00 Intro1:12 Introduction of John O'Sullivan3:11 The Champion Sports Parent Book5:15 Traits of a Champion Sports Parent9:03 Detachment from Control12:33 Book Structure and Content16:25 Coaching Conversations20:50 Parental Gratitude and Communication28:35 Gratitude Practices34:13 Inner Dialogue and Self-Esteem41:17 Parental Pressure and Youth Sports47:58 Reflective Questions for Parents55:26 Trust and Consistency1:00:07 Ideal Game Day for Parents1:04:23 Developing the Human and the Athlete1:06:49 Closing RemarksClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training. Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒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 you missing out by focusing on just one sport? This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores why playing multiple sports can enhance long-term athletic development and enjoyment. Kevin Shier of TOP Sports shares insights on managing the challenges of balancing various sports and activities, offering practical advice on communicating with coaches and prioritizing passions. The conversation highlights the importance of playing sports for the love of the game, not external pressures, ensuring that fun remains at the forefront. The hosts also discuss the benefits of exploring diverse interests, such as music and theater, to cultivate well-rounded individuals. Mike Bonelli emphasizes the power of modern resources, encouraging young athletes to utilize technology and information on nutrition, training, and sports science to boost their physical and mental well-being.--0:00 Intro0:08 Christy's Son's Dilemma3:04 Advice for Multi-Sport Kids5:19 Importance of Playing Multiple Sports7:30 Advice to Young Mike Benelli9:34 ConclusionClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training. Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒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 can we expand the world of girls' hockey? This episode of Our Girls Play Hockey explores this question with Kristen Bowness, who shares her journey of growing girls' hockey programs in Nashville and now in Utah. She highlights the importance of girls-only hockey, emphasizing how these programs and tournaments foster camaraderie and provide unique opportunities for those who prefer not to play co-ed. The discussion also touches on how events like the Preds Girls Classic can drive the sport's growth by offering both playing opportunities and social experiences. Kristen also sheds light on the success of women's learn-to-play programs for adults, helping parents connect with their children's hockey experiences.--0:00 Intro5:20 Tournaments and Their Importance10:18 Role of Tournaments in Girls' Hockey15:15 Challenges in Girls' Hockey20:13 Starting New Programs in Utah25:26 Potential Rivalries and Branding30:33 Passion and Career in Hockey35:12 Creativity in Hockey Development36:31 Closing RemarksClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training. Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒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 kids missing out by specializing in just one sport at a young age?Is specializing in one sport too soon hindering our kids' development? Discover how Kevin Shire and Top Sports are transforming youth athletics with a multi-sport approach that encourages playing hockey, soccer, and lacrosse within a single organization. Top Sports is a multi-sport model that lets young athletes explore hockey, soccer, and lacrosse within the same organization. This approach not only delays specialization but also supports long-term athletic growth. The focus is on fun and skill development, using creative techniques that draw from various sports. By offering seasonal sports, the program aims to prevent burnout, allowing kids to anticipate and enjoy each sport rather than sticking to one year-round. With high retention rates and a commitment to affordability.Learn how this innovative model fosters long-term athletic growth and keeps the fun in sports.--0:00 Intro1:12 Introduction of Kevin Shier3:01 Program Growth and Structure5:12 Age Groups and Competitive Streams8:27 Philosophy on Athlete Development11:54 Balancing Fun and Competition15:35 Parental Reception and Challenges19:40 Seasonal Structure and Scheduling23:19 Managing Multi-Sport Participation26:31 Transitioning Between Sports31:12 Development Across Multiple Sports36:02 Seasonal Excitement and Anticipation40:37 Success Stories and Retention44:50 Advice for U.S. Organizations51:07 Future Plans for Top Sports56:31 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training. Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒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 handle the pressure of negative comments from the stands? This episode of "The Ride To The Rink" tackles this pressing issue, offering practical advice for young hockey players facing critical remarks from parents during games. Christie, Lee, and Mike explore the impact of such behavior on performance and focus, encouraging open communication between players and their parents. They highlight the significance of self-esteem, emphasizing that a player's worth isn't defined by others' opinions. The hosts also share strategies for tuning out distractions and turning negativity into a powerful motivator, illustrated by a compelling story of a player who transformed criticism into a drive for success.Key Discussion Points- Handling Negative Yelling from Parents- Communicating with Parents- Developing Self-Esteem- Strategies for Blocking Out Noise- Turning Negativity into MotivationClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training. Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒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

Is your mental game on point? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Olympian and Professional Hockey Player Hayley Scamurra as she shares invaluable insights on the importance of mental fitness, reflecting on lessons she wishes she had learned earlier in her career. Discover how positive self-talk can significantly boost confidence and performance on the ice. This episode also explores effective strategies for young players to manage their emotions, recognizing the fleeting nature of both highs and lows. Haley offers her unique perspective on embracing gratitude in sports, drawing from her experiences, including winning an Olympic silver medal.Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training. Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒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

Dive into the intense world of youth hockey where parental behavior often overshadows the game. The discussion highlights the negative impact of parents yelling at referees and players, leading to a ripple effect on the sport. Listeners will learn about the importance of establishing a positive team culture and the critical role of coaches in guiding respectful behavior. Strategies like the '24-hour rule' for communications are shared, aiming to promote positivity and reduce toxicity in the rink. Celebrate the uplifting experiences that make youth sports worthwhile!