Our Kids Play Hockey

Do you have team building built into your practice plans this season? Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli dive into the importance of team building in youth hockey. They share practical tips and fun exercises to help coaches and parents create a tight-knit team. From trust falls to tic-tac-toe with hockey sticks, they show how just 20 minutes a week can make a big difference. Whether your team is on a winning streak or facing challenges, these simple activities can help build trust, communication, and accountability. Perfect for any point in the season, this episode is packed with easy-to-implement ideas to keep your team connected and motivated.Key Discussion Points:Importance of Team Building in Youth Hockey- Emphasis on the necessity of team building at the start of the season.- Establishing trust, communication, and accountability within the team.- Common misconceptions about team building activities (e.g., pizza parties).Challenges Faced by Coaches- Limited budget and time constraints for team building activities.- Lack of parental involvement and support.- Balancing team building with other coaching responsibilities like power play and penalty kill.Effective Team Building Strategies- Simple, low-cost activities that require minimal resources.- Examples of team building exercises:- Trust falls- Paper plate navigation- Hula hoop rock-paper-scissors- Tic-tac-toe with hockey sticks and sandbags- Importance of defining trust and setting team priorities (team, teammates, self).Implementation Tips- Scheduling team building sessions after practice.- Engaging parents and involving them in activities.- Adapting activities based on the age group and team dynamics.- Using team building to address specific team issues (e.g., communication problems).Frequency and Timing of Team Building- Recommended frequency: once a month, with more frequent sessions at the start of the season.- Key periods for team building: beginning of the season, post-holidays, and pre-playoffs.Benefits of Team Building- Enhances team cohesion and performance.- Helps teams overcome challenges and improve overall experience.- Encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and mutual support among players.Parental Involvement- StrategieClick 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

What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your hockey dreams? In this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," Lee challenges young hockey players to reflect on their daily habits and consider what they might need to give up to reach their goals.Key Points:Sacrifice for Goals- As young hockey players, it's crucial to look at your daily routines and spot any time wasters.Screen Time and Practice- Try cutting back on screen time to spend more time practicing your hockey skills.Incremental Improvements- Even small, consistent efforts can make a big difference - Just 15 minutes a day spent on practice can really add up over the season.Curiosity and Sacrifice- Be curious about your habits and routines.- Think about making some dietary changes for better performance.Broader Application- This idea of sacrifice applies to other interests too, like music or writing.Don't forget to check out the full episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" this week for more tips and questions to help you get better at the game. Stay curious, look at your habits, and make small sacrifices to reach your goals. Keep skating hard and believe in yourself!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

In this episode of The Ride To The Rink, host Sheri Hudspeth and guest Hannah Beckman dive into the unique challenges female hockey players face. They chat about the need for strong quads and glutes, and how societal pressures can clash with the physical demands of the sport. Hannah shares her personal experiences with body image and stresses the importance of mental health and proper nutrition. They also offer advice for young athletes and their parents on staying healthy and strong. Tune in for an honest conversation about what it really takes to succeed in women's hockey.Key Points:Body Image and Athletic Performance- Discussion on the physical demands of hockey and the resulting body types.- Comparison of societal expectations versus athletic requirements.Personal Experiences and Challenges- Hannah shares her personal struggles with body image and weight gain.- The impact of societal comments on female athletes' self-perception.Mental Health and Physical Health- The connection between mental health and physical health in athletes.- The emotional toll of competitive sports on young athletes.Nutritional Needs and Training- Importance of proper nutrition for female athletes.- The role of off-ice training in athletic development.Age-Appropriate Training- Mike emphasizes the need for age-appropriate training environments.- Consideration of biological differences in young athletes.Diversity in Body Types- Acknowledgment of the diversity in body types among successful athletes.- Encouragement to avoid generalizing training and development approaches.We hope you enjoyed this episode of The Ride To The Rink and found it insightful. If you did, please share it with your friends, family, and fellow athletes. Don't forget to subscribe to Our Kids Play Hockey for more discussions on important topics in youth hockey.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

What are the key questions every young hockey player should ask to elevate their game and personal growth? Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli explore eleven essential questions designed to help players, coaches, and parents foster development throughout the season. From turning problems into opportunities to understanding the importance of being a thoughtful listener, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone involved in youth hockey. Whether you're a player looking to enhance your skills or a parent aiming to support your child's journey, these questions will guide you in making meaningful progress. Join the conversation and discover how great questions can lead to great answers.Key Points:Turning Problems into Opportunities- View problems as growth opportunities.- Use setbacks to become a leader or improve skills.Identifying Knowledge Gaps- Recognize what you don't know but need to know.- Utilize online resources and ensure information is age-appropriate.Making Life Better for Others- Positively impact teammates, coaches, and others.- Be a good person and supportive teammate.Becoming a Person of Value- Strive to be versatile and adaptable to the team's needs.- Create value that does not go unnoticed.Sharing Your Value- Share skills and knowledge with teammates.- Foster a collaborative team environment.Daily Self-Improvement- Reflect daily on personal and athletic growth.- Use journaling to track progress and set goals.Identifying What Matters Most- Understand what truly matters to you beyond hockey.- Emphasize the importance of family and overall well-being.Eliminating Time Wasters- Identify and address the biggest time wasters in your life.- Manage screen time and other distractions effectively.Willingness to Sacrifice- Make sacrifices to achieve your goals.- Balance short-term sacrifices with long-term gains.Improving Quality of Life- Reflect on actions to enhance overall well-being.- Take steps to improve mental fitness and self-care.Being a Thoughtful Listener- Be a careful and thoughtful listener.- Listen to others, be curious, and ask great questions.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

Ever feel like "be patient" is the worst advice? Host Lee MJ Elias shares his unique take on patience, transforming it from passive waiting into active progress. Drawing from his experiences in hockey and life, Lee explains how focusing on present actions can make the waiting game more bearable and productive. He breaks down the concept of patience, emphasizing the importance of what you do right now to achieve future goals. Whether it's practicing hockey skills or tackling everyday tasks, Lee's insights offer a fresh perspective on making the most of the present moment. Tune in for practical wisdom on turning patience into proactive progress.Key PointsUnderstanding Patience- Lee discusses the common frustration with being told to be patient, both as a child and as an adult.- He aims to provide a new perspective on patience, focusing on actionable steps rather than passive waiting.Present Moment Focus- Emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment and taking actionable steps towards goals.- Explains that while the past is unchangeable and the future is uncertain, the present moment is where control lies.Action Over Waiting- Lee shares personal anecdotes about how taking action, even small steps, can make the process of being patient more bearable.- Highlights the importance of staying active and engaged in the present to work towards future goals.Practical Tips for Practicing Patience- Encourages listeners to ask themselves what they can do right now to move closer to their goals.- Suggests that even mundane tasks, like washing dishes, can be a form of practicing patience by staying productive.Lee invites listeners to reflect on their own goals and consider what actions they can take in the present moment to achieve them. He encourages audience engagement and feedback for future episodes, emphasizing the importance of staying active and productive in the present to work towards future 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

In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, we dive deep into five common myths about women’s hockey with our expert guest, Hannah Beckman. Hannah, a skater for the Puerto Rican National Ice Hockey Team and recent graduate from Utica University, where she served as Director of Operations for their NCAA women’s program, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation.Together, we discuss and debunk the myths that have long surrounded women’s hockey, shedding light on the realities of the game and how it’s evolving. From the false notion that women’s hockey isn’t competitive, to misconceptions about body types needed to play the sport, this episode is packed with insights that will not only challenge outdated beliefs but also inspire those involved in the game to push for a better environment and experience for everyone.Whether you’re a player, parent, coach, or fan, this episode is sure to provide valuable perspectives on the current state and future of women’s hockey. Don’t miss this engaging discussion with Hannah Beckman as we break down these myths and explore what it takes to thrive in the world of women’s hockey.Myths Busted:1.Myth 1: Women’s hockey isn’t competitive.2.Myth 2: You have to play boys’ hockey to get noticed.3.Myth 3: There’s no future in women’s hockey.4.Myth 4: Girls need a certain body type to succeed in hockey.5.Myth 5: Coaching girls is harder than coaching boys.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

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re thrilled to welcome back Coach Pete Whitney to dive deep into the world of NCAA coaching. Whether you’re an aspiring coach, a parent, or simply curious about what it takes to climb the coaching ladder in college hockey, this episode is packed with valuable insights.Key Points Discussed:1.Passion and Mentality:•The mindset required to transition from youth coaching to the NCAA level, including the importance of passion, patience, and willingness to work hard without immediate rewards.2.Ego vs. Confidence:•Understanding the critical difference between ego and confidence in coaching. Confidence empowers you to make tough decisions and grow, while ego can hinder your development.3.Building a Coaching Career:•The challenges and rewards of starting as an assistant coach and the importance of gaining experience and understanding the culture of the school and team.4.Communication and Leadership:•The necessity of being a great communicator, both with your players and fellow coaches. Pete emphasizes the importance of open lines of communication and the ability to manage different personalities.5.Balancing Personal and Professional Life:•The impact of coaching on family life, and the need for strong support systems at home. Pete and Lee discuss how to navigate the challenges of being a committed coach and a present family member.6.Developing a Coaching Philosophy:•Creating a strong “why” behind your coaching. A successful coaching career isn’t just about winning championships but about fostering a positive team culture and personal growth for both coaches and players.7.Navigating Challenges:•Handling difficult conversations with players, managing time commitments, and making the tough decisions that come with higher-level coaching.Coaching in the NCAA is about more than just understanding the game; it’s about being a lifelong learner, building strong relationships, and creating a positive culture that goes beyond the rink. Whether you’re a current coach or dreaming of one day stepping behind the bench, this episode offers essential advice for anyone looking to succeed in this demanding yet rewarding field.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

Feeling the weight of expectations on the ice? In this insightful episode of The Ride to the Rink, we delve into mastering the mental game of hockey and managing the pressures from coaches, parents, and scouts. You’ll gain practical strategies to help young athletes recognize and address their stress and anxiety, understanding that these tough feelings are not only normal but temporary.We emphasize the importance of self-awareness and open communication, guiding you on how to have courageous conversations with those who influence your sporting life. This episode highlights the significance of building resilience and viewing stress management as a skill akin to perfecting a slap shot or a breakaway save.By learning to manage pressure effectively, you’ll be better equipped to handle challenges both on and off the rink. Join us to transform how you handle stress, enhancing not just your performance, but your overall well-being.Key Points Discussed:1.Understanding Pressure:Pressure, stress, and anxiety are normal parts of playing hockey. The fast-paced nature of the sport often leads to these feelings, but they don’t last forever.Recognizing that everyone experiences these emotions is the first step toward managing them effectively.2.Self-Reflection and Awareness:It’s important to ask yourself what feels right and what doesn’t when dealing with pressure.Developing self-awareness helps in identifying what’s causing stress and anxiety, allowing you to address these issues constructively.3.Communicating Your Feelings:Open communication with coaches or parents is crucial, especially if something doesn’t feel right.Writing down your thoughts and having an open discussion can lead to better understanding and support.4.Building Resilience:Dealing with pressure is a skill that, like shooting or skating, improves with practice.Viewing stress management as a skill helps in handling life’s pressures, both in the game and beyond.5.Proactive Emotional Health:Learn to respond to stress in a way that enhances your confidence and success.By building resilience, you’ll be better prepared to thrive in all aspects of life, not just hockey.Pressure is a natural part of hockey and life. By mastering the mental game and learning to manage stresClick 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

In this episode of The Ride To The Rink, we sit down with Olympian and professional hockey player Megan Bozek to discuss the power of having dreams and the journey it takes to achieve them. Megan shares her personal story, from dreaming of playing college hockey to representing her country on the Olympic stage. She offers valuable advice for young athletes about the importance of setting goals, the reality of facing setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way.Megan emphasizes that while not all dreams are guaranteed, the process of striving toward them shapes you into a better person, both on and off the ice. She talks about the importance of gratitude, recognizing the sacrifices made by those who support your journey, and how every step—whether forward or backward—is a learning experience.Whether you’re a young athlete with big dreams or someone who supports them, this episode is full of wisdom on perseverance, resilience, and the value of the journey, regardless of the outcome.Highlights:The significance of having dreams at any ageMegan’s personal journey through the highs and lows of competitive hockeyThe importance of gratitude towards those who help you along the wayThe reality of not always achieving every dream and the lessons that come from itEncouragement to pursue passions and dreams, even if they seem out of reachBe sure to like and subscribe to Our Kids Play Hockey to hear all of our content and tune in for more inspiring stories and insights in upcoming episodes!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

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli tackle the intense pressures young athletes face. Inspired by a letter from a concerned parent, they explore how pressures from coaches, parents, and scouts impact youth hockey players.Lee and Mike begin by discussing what pressure means for kids and adults in the sport. They share real-world examples that highlight the emotional toll these pressures can have on young players. The discussion focuses on recognizing when pressure becomes harmful and how to manage it.Key takeaways include the importance of building trust and understanding each player’s unique motivations. Effective communication is essential for alleviating pressure and fostering a supportive environment. Lee and Mike offer actionable advice for coaches and parents, emphasizing the importance of choosing organizations and coaches who prioritize player development.The episode also explores the roles of those involved in player development, stressing that coaches shape young minds, and parents must balance pushing their kids while understanding their limits. Misconceptions about scouts are challenged, revealing that character and consistent effort often outweigh raw talent.This episode underscores the invaluable life lessons learned in youth hockey—lessons that prepare players for challenges beyond the rink. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or scout, you’ll find practical tips to help create a positive environment for young athletes.Key Takeaways:Understanding Pressure: Recognize when pressure becomes harmful to support both development and enjoyment of the game.Building Trust: Establish trust with players from day one. Coaches should understand each player’s motivations to foster a supportive environment.Parental Guidance: Frame challenges as growth opportunities rather than sources of stress.Scouting Realities: Scouts value character and work ethic as much as on-ice performance.Lifelong Lessons: Youth hockey’s ultimate goal is to develop well-rounded individuals who handle life’s pressures with resilience.Join the conversation! Share your thoughts or stories by emailing us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or connecting with us on our Facebook group, Our Kids Play Hockey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with others who might benefit.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