Our Kids Play Hockey

This week on The Ride To The Rink, Christie recounts the laughter-filled corridors of hotels during travel tournaments. She shares how young athletes carry their team's reputation with every sprint down the hall and every prank gone sideways. Her tales of camaraderie and the occasional hotel mishap serve as a reminder that respect and sportsmanship create the most indelible impressions. Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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

This week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey covers a few topics sent into us asking about travel time and how you know its too much, and the correct way to solve some team-level discipline issues!Tune in as Lee, Christie, and Mike share their expertise and experience with both questions. They truly are the "Dear Abby" of the youth hockey world!We love to help answer your questions, so be sure to send them to team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or submit them via the contact page on OurKidsPlayHockey.com to have them answered on a future episode of Our Kids Play Hockey!Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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

Not every hockey journey looks the same, but we should be able to celebrate them all. Lee shares his own journey on this episode of The Ride To The Rink and reminds us that we should believe in ourselves regardless of what our journey looks like!Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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 joined by Tom and Ellen Atkinson, the parents of NHL star Cam Atkinson and four brothers who all played youth hockey. Their journey is a compelling tale of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a family dream, offering a unique window into the life of a dedicated hockey family.The Atkinson’s discuss the complexities of managing multiple hockey schedules and how they fostered a sense of unity that helped their sons transition from local ponds to the professional rinks. This episode highlights the importance of balancing a child’s passion for hockey with their overall growth and development. Key to this discussion is Cam's experience with burnout, emphasizing the need for young athletes to have diverse interests.We also dive into the impact of mentors in young athletes' lives, with a particular focus on the positive influence of Mike Backman on Cam’s career. Additionally, the Atkinson’s speak on the crucial role of community support in the development of young players.This conversation goes deep into the effects of instilling resilience, building character, and creating a love for the game that surpasses the competitive aspect. We wrap up with heartfelt stories that underscore the importance of making hockey fun and the evolution of coaching that equally values character development and skill training.Tune in to hear the Atkinson family's inspiring story of raising an NHLer. It's an episode that not only sheds light on the finer aspects of hockey but also celebrates the extraordinary people who nurture this sport and make it a source of joy and lifelong memories.Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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

Mid-January marks a crucial turning point in the hockey season, and feelings of exhaustion may be creeping in. But with the right mindset, this time can also ignite a renewed passion for the game. Listen in for some strategies to help you stay connected to your love for hockey and make the most of the season's final stretch. We'll look at conducting a personal review, setting mental structures, and revisiting goals to ensure you end your season on a high, cherishing every moment on the ice.In our discussion, we'll reflect on the lessons learned throughout the season and how they've shaped us, both on and off the rink. As a player, whether you're a skater or a goaltender, I invite you to join me in a mental audit that can pave the way for growth and fulfillment as the postseason approaches. Together, we'll explore the importance of maintaining a connection with the game we love and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play it. No matter the outcome of your season, remember that your commitment to hockey is a triumph in itself.Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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, hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli delve into the emotional aspects of youth hockey coaching. They discuss the important role coaches play in not only teaching the game but also in shaping young lives. The episode extends beyond game tactics and drills, offering a deeper look into the emotional investment and patience required in coaching youth sports.Lee and Mike share practical tips on how to engage young players, maintain their interest, and utilize educational techniques to make practices more effective and enjoyable. The discussion highlights the significance of building emotional connections with players, the impact of positive reinforcement, and the advantages of a station-based coaching approach.The episode emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals, teaching fundamental skills, and appreciating each young athlete's unique journey. Lee and Mike provide insights on finding the right balance between discipline and development, stressing the importance of fostering a love for the game in young players. This episode is a valuable resource for coaches and parents, filled with stories and strategies to enhance the youth hockey experience and celebrate success on and off the ice.Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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 episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee dives into the critical role of goal setting in both hockey and life. Lee shares insights from his own experiences, demonstrating how setting specific, written goals has led to real achievements.We discuss the importance of having a clear vision and the ability to adapt your goals as you grow. This episode is a straightforward guide on how to effectively set and pursue goals, providing practical tips whether you're a player, coach, or anyone looking to succeed in their endeavors. Tune in now for a clinic on turning aspirations into achievable targets.Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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 help young hockey players step out of their comfort zones and grow both on and off the ice?This week's conversation centers on practical advice for parents, coaches, and mentors, focusing on building resilience, creativity, and courage in young athletes.We dive into the importance of creating a supportive environment where mistakes are part of the learning process. Our discussion sheds light on the balance between consistent practice and the introduction of new, innovative skills in hockey training. We also touch on the influence of hockey icons like Alex Ovechkin and the impact of social media on youth sports.Additionally, we explore the concept of failure as a stepping stone to success, offering strategies for coaches to effectively nurture each player's unique talents while also working on their areas of improvement. This episode is packed with insights and tips for guiding young athletes through their sporting journey, emphasizing the development of resilient and well-rounded individuals. Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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 wondered how the line between confidence and arrogance can make or break a young hockey player's career?Join Mike as he helps us navigate the delicate dance of cultivating a healthy ego in youth hockey. We're not just talking about puffing chests and swagger—there's an art to balancing self-assurance with humility, and it's crucial for players who want to shine individually without dimming their team's collective spirit. From leading by example in drills to handling the highs and lows on the ice, we delve into the strategies that help players boost their confidence without veering into cockiness. It's all about that psychological edge that can elevate a player's game and, ultimately, their path to hockey greatness.In this episode, we also discuss body language. A missed shot or a penalty shouldn't slump shoulders; instead, we highlight the power of bouncing back with an attitude that inspires your teammates. We share insights on how to be the player everyone looks up to, the one who celebrates a teammate's success as loudly as their own. Whether you're crushing it on the penalty kill or just offering an encouraging fist bump, it's these moments that forge stronger athletes and tighter-knit teams. So, lace up for an episode that's all about striking that perfect emotional tone on the ice—one that says "I've got this," without ever needing to shout it.Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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

As the festive lights twinkle and the ice glistens Lee, Christie, and Mike are wrapping up the year with a heartfelt thank you to our hockey family. We're toasting to the incredible milestones we've reached together. In this special holiday episode, we're sharing our gratitude and reflecting on the connections made, the stories shared, and the shared passion for the puck that bonds us all. From emails to in-person chats, your engagement has been the driving force behind our exciting journey, and we're humbled to be the voice resonating in your headphones.Take a moment with us to embrace the holiday spirit and unwind from the excitement of the rink. Mike advocates for the importance of recharging, and even gives the okay to trade a practice session for some festive fun. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our whole team!!Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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