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

Oct 24, 2024 • 17min

The Ride To The Rink - How to Watch and Learn Hockey Like a Pro with Steve Valiquette

Are you ready to elevate your hockey game with insights from the pros? Steve shares invaluable lessons on the significance of watching and editing hockey footage, emphasizing the creation of personal highlight reels for continuous learning and improvement. He delves into the world of video analysis in professional hockey, recounting his collaboration with goalie coach Ben Aller to uncover and correct subtle gameplay details. Steve also highlights the critical role of pre-shot preparation, applicable to all positions, and the importance of becoming a student of the game to safeguard against bad advice. Additionally, he explores the dynamic coach-player relationship, where a player's dedication can inspire coaches to exceed expectations.--Key Discussion Points- Importance of Watching and Editing Hockey- Video Analysis in Professional Hockey- Pre-shot Preparation- Becoming a Student of the Game- Coach-Player Relationship--0:00 Lifelong Learning in Hockey1:44 Smart and Hard Work in Hockey8:42 The Rise of Dylan Lee Stack10:15 Advice for Young Athletes and Parents--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

Oct 15, 2024 • 9min

The Ride to The Rink: The Path to Becoming an Olympian with Katie Million

Ever wondered what it takes to become an Olympian? This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores the journey of aspiring athletes with insights from Team USA Women's GM Katie Million. She shares the importance of having fun, working hard, and believing in miracles. Discover why character is as vital as talent in Olympic team selection, emphasizing the need to be a good person both on and off the ice. Learn how young athletes can develop character by doing chores, being good students, and supporting teammates. Katie highlights the balance between fun and dedication, reminding us that hard work is key to reaching high-level goals.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

Oct 12, 2024 • 1h 6min

Our Kids Play Goalie - Goalie Development and Training Secrets with Retired NHLer Steve Valiquette

How has the world of hockey transformed with the rise of analytics? In this episode of Our Kids Play Goalie Steve Valiquette explores the impact of statistical analysis on hockey, revealing a 40% increase in east-west scoring chances over the past five years. Discover the significance of the Royal Road, an imaginary line from the net to the top of the circles, and its role in scoring and goaltending. Steve shares his unique approach to goalie development, emphasizing fundamentals, skating, and positioning for young players before introducing advanced techniques. Learn about the mental toughness required in goaltending, including the skill of keeping eyes open and not flinching during shots.Steve also highlights the importance of structuring practices with game-like situations to teach players how to compete effectively.--Key Points:Impact of Analytics on HockeyRoyal Road TheoryClear Sight AnalyticsPractice Planning and Game SimulationPlayer Feedback and AdaptationMental Fitness and Competitive PracticesCoaching ApproachYouth Goalie DevelopmentEye Training for GoaliesDiscipline and Competition in PracticeNHL Stars' Practice HabitsConclusion and Reflections--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

Oct 10, 2024 • 5min

The Ride to The Rink: Mastering Mindfulness with Retired NHLer Riley Cote

On this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink, retired NHLer Riley Cote shares how separating the human from the hockey player can enhance mental health and emotional intelligence. This episode emphasizes building a toolbox of skills that extend beyond the rink, focusing on personal development and mental clarity to naturally boost athletic performance. Learn how a shift in perspective empowers athletes to take control of their lives and situations, while gratitude practices help shift energy towards positivity. --Key Discussion Points- Separating the Human from the Hockey Player- Holistic Approach to Athletic Performance- Empowering Athletes Through Perspective Shift- Gratitude Practice for Athletes- Grounding and Breathing Techniques--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

Oct 8, 2024 • 60min

Our Girls Play Hockey - So You Want To Play On The Olympic Hockey Team? With Katie Million

What does it take to make the Olympic team? This week's Our Girls Play Hockey brings you insights from US Women's National Team GM Katie Million on the rigorous selection process for the national hockey team. Hear the challenges of making tough roster decisions and the intense USA-Canada rivalry, celebrated as one of the greatest in sports. Learn how the 1998 Olympic gold medal ignited a surge in girls' and women's hockey participation across the U.S. Plus, get the scoop on the upcoming USA-Canada Rivalry Series games scheduled for November and February. Aspiring olympians can not afford to miss Katie's advice on balancing fun with developing grit to reach national team levels.--- Lee, Mike, and Sheri discuss the importance of creating a positive environment for girls' youth hockey.- Katie, the GM of the women's national team, shares insights into her role and the upcoming 2026 Olympic Games.- Sheri inquires about the pathway for young players aspiring to join national teams, emphasizing the importance of fun and development.- Katie outlines the process of district tryouts and player development camps for USA Hockey.- The conversation touches on the qualities needed to represent the national team, including speed, physicality, and mental toughness.- Lee and Katie discuss the significance of having fun in sports and the mindset required for high-level athletes.- Katie highlights the importance of character and grit in players, which are crucial for representing the country.- The panel discusses the challenges of selecting players for the Olympic team and the emotional impact of cuts.- Katie shares the evolving landscape of women's hockey with the introduction of the PWHL and its impact on Olympic preparations.- The rivalry between USA and Canada in women's hockey is explored, emphasizing its intensity and significance.- Katie provides details about the upcoming rivalry series games in the US and Canada.- The episode includes a story about Katie's nephew being inspired by women's hockey to start playing the sport.--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

Oct 5, 2024 • 55min

Retired NHLer Riley Cote on Mindfulness and It's Impacts On Hockey

How can mindfulness transform the way young athletes experience hockey? In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, retired NHLer Riley Cote explores the profound impact of teaching mindfulness and mental fitness to young players. He highlights how these practices can enhance focus, emotional regulation, and overall enjoyment of the game. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the joy and fun of hockey, rather than pushing for elite development too early. Riley shares his personal experiences, shedding light on the critical need to address mental health and emotional intelligence in a sport that often suppresses emotions. He introduces creative methods, like rhythmic drumming, to teach mindfulness and presence. The conversation also touches on the vital role parents play in supporting their children's emotional development, encouraging them to practice mindfulness themselves.--- Riley Cote shares his journey from youth hockey to the NHL, highlighting parental support and joy in the game.•Discussion on the pressure for young players to pursue elite paths, comparing it to gymnastics, and its impact on enjoying hockey.•Emphasis on playing for fun and the negative effects of parental pressure.•Lee shares a personal story about his son’s excitement, stressing the importance of joy in sports.•Riley discusses his work at Philadelphia Hockey Academy, focusing on mindfulness and separating the human from the athlete.•Mental fitness in hockey is explored, with Riley emphasizing mindfulness and self-regulation for players and parents.•Mindfulness is explained as being present, with simple practices for kids.•The role of parents in modeling mindfulness and its impact on children is highlighted.•Mike questions the lack of mental fitness focus in hockey, and Riley shares challenges in integrating it into programs.•Riley provides examples of improved focus and self-regulation in young players through mindfulness, including rhythmic drumming.•The importance of teaching kids to manage emotions constructively is emphasized.--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

Oct 3, 2024 • 6min

The Ride To The Rink: The Importance of Respectful Communication with Your Coaches

How do you build a strong connection with your coach? In this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink, we explore the art of eye contact and active listening to show respect and eagerness to learn. Mike shares how player maturity plays a crucial role in understanding the time and effort coaches invest in your growth. Hear how the dynamics of coach-player interactions during games, practices, and locker room talks, emphasizing the importance of positive relationships.--00:00:00 Intro00:00:08 Engaging with Coaches00:01:11 Receiving Feedback--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

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