Our Kids Play Hockey

Ever wondered what it takes to excel in prep school hockey? This episode of Our Girls Play Hockey features Olympian, Pro, and United States Hockey Hall of Famer - Brianna Decker. Brianna currently serves as the head coach at Shattuck-St. Mary's and she joins the show to offer an insider's look at prep school hockey.She breaks down the daily life of a student-athlete, where academics and hockey training are seamlessly integrated into the school day. Curious about the recruiting process? Discover what Shattuck, and other top tier programs, look for in potential players and why it's crucial for students, not just parents, to take the lead. Learn how Shattuck fosters player development, building competitiveness and preparing athletes for college hockey. Balancing academics with a demanding hockey schedule is no small feat, and Brianna shares how the school supports students in this endeavor. For those transitioning to prep school life, she discusses adjusting to living away from home and the support systems that ease homesickness.--0:00:00 Intro0:00:08 Brianna Decker's Journey to the USA Hockey Hall of Fame0:02:14 Shattuck St. Mary's as a Nurturing Environment0:05:33 Finding the Right Fit at Shattuck0:08:10 The Day in the Life of a Shattuck Player0:11:41 Navigating the Elite Hockey Landscape0:13:15 The Recruitment Process for Hockey Players0:16:02 Integrity in Youth Hockey Recruitment0:17:19 Preparing for High-Level Sports and Academics0:19:17 Competitiveness vs. Competition in Youth Sports0:20:56 Cultivating Competitiveness in Youth Athletes0:24:21 Navigating Player Development in Youth Hockey0:30:26 Transitioning to Boarding School Life--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

Happy Thanksgiving!What life lessons have you learned from sports? This special Thanksgiving episode of Our Kids Play Hockey explores the profound impact of hockey on personal growth, highlighting how the sport instills discipline, time management, and resilience in young players. The hosts reflect on the enduring friendships formed with fellow hockey families, relationships that last long after the final whistle. They remind listeners to savor every moment, sharing stories like Lee's children clinching a championship together. Lee also expresses his ongoing passion for hockey, a connection that keeps him in touch with his childhood. The hosts extend heartfelt thanks to their international audience, whose engagement fuels these meaningful discussions about youth hockey.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

Feeling the weight of hockey burnout? Discover how to reignite your passion with insights from Olympian Lindsay Fry. She shares her journey of overcoming burnout and anxiety while training for the Olympic team, offering invaluable advice for young players. Lindsay highlights the crucial difference between motivation and commitment, urging players to remember their initial love for the game during challenging times. She stresses the importance of commitment to oneself and teammates, as motivation can waver. Additionally, Lindsay provides strategies for managing hockey-related stress by focusing on the joy of the game rather than external pressures.--Key Discussion Points- Difference Between Motivation and Commitment- Personal Story of Burnout and Anxiety- Importance of Commitment to Teammates- Managing External Pressures- Rediscovering Love for Hockey--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

How do you transform a group of individuals into a cohesive team? In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, the team dives into "How to Win," Lee's new refresh on his best selling team building philosophy. This updated edition, a decade in the making, offers a streamlined approach filled with new experiences and reorganized insights. Lee's philosophy has matured to cater to all ages and settings, from sports teams to corporate environments. Discover the core elements of trust, communication, and leadership, along with practical exercises tailored for coaches. While rooted in hockey, the book's strategies extend to various fields, including business and the military, proving its universal appeal. Designed for easy navigation, it allows readers to focus on sections that address their specific needs, making it an invaluable resource for coaches, parents, and leaders alike.You can order “How To Win” here: https://a.co/d/dMWH6ql--0:00 Intro1:11 Lee's Book Update4:33 Book's Evolution6:33 Application Across Ages8:46 Team Building Guide11:41 Practical Advice for Coaches14:08 Parental Perspective18:08 Broader Applications21:25 Book Availability--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

Are you ready to transform your approach to your hockey development? Discover the power of patience and perseverance in this engaging episode of "The Ride To The Rink." Ken Martel and Lee Elias explore the essential mindset shifts needed for players to thrive on and off the ice. They discuss the critical role of coaches in fostering a supportive environment and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, even on tough days. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, this episode of The Ride To The Rink offers valuable insights to enhance your hockey experience.--Key Discussion Points- Importance of Patience in Hockey Development- Strategies for Building Perseverance- Coach's Role in Player Development- Mindset for Improvement- Belief and Enjoyment in Hockey--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

How can we keep girls in girls' hockey? This episode of Our Girls Play Hockey explores this question with Lindsay Fry, Olympian, Harvard grad, and now chair of the NHL Female Advisory Hockey Committee. Lindsay shares her journey in expanding girls hockey in Arizona, highlighting the creation of a comprehensive pipeline from learn-to-play programs to all-girls teams. She discusses the importance of early development, emphasizing quality coaching for young players to instill both skills and passion. The episode also examines the business potential of girls hockey, presenting it as a smart investment for rinks. Lindsay addresses challenges like limited ice time and the perseverance needed to achieve long-term growth.--0:00 Intro5:27 NHL's Role in Growing Girls Hockey10:42 Challenges in Girls Hockey Development17:21 Building Sustainable Girls Hockey Programs25:41 Importance of Structure in Youth Sports34:00 Overcoming Challenges in Girls Hockey42:16 Investing in Early Stage Development49:50 Successful Girls Hockey Initiatives57:50 Business Case for Supporting Girls Hockey1:02:46 Encouraging Female Ambassadors in Hockey--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

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!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

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!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

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!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

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!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