Our Kids Play Hockey

What does it take to build a winning team in the NHL? In this special crossover edition of "Our Kids Play Hockey," host Lee MJ Elias joins the NHL Wraparound podcast, featuring Neil Smith, former GM of the 1994 New York Rangers Stanley Cup champions, and Vic Morren, award winning ESPN veteran. Together, they interview Keith Jones, President of the Philadelphia Flyers, discussing the intricacies of team building, the importance of character in professional hockey, and how these principles apply to youth hockey. This episode offers a unique glimpse into the minds of hockey executives and the strategies behind creating a successful team culture.Key Points:- Keith Jones delves into the critical aspects of team building and culture within professional hockey, drawing from his personal experiences and insights.- Insights from Jonesy's book are discussed, with a focus on the chapter "I'm Minus Seven," which explores the balance between personal performance and team dynamics.- The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and enhancing individual players' strengths to build a cohesive team.- Neil Smith and Keith Jones discuss the pivotal role of leadership in fostering a strong and positive team culture.- Jonesy highlights the collaborative approach to decision-making within the Philadelphia Flyers, stressing the importance of teamwork at the executive level.- The discussion touches on the significance of gathering input from all team members, including trainers and assistant coaches, to maintain a healthy team environment.- Jonesy praises the involvement of CEO Dan Hilferty, noting his supportive leadership style and its positive impact on the organization.- The challenges of maintaining a positive team culture amidst external pressures and noise are addressed, with strategies for staying focused on core values.- Jonesy underscores the importance of developing well-rounded individuals in youth hockey, emphasizing character alongside athletic skills.- The passionate and demanding nature of Philadelphia sports fans is acknowledged, with Jonesy discussing how this influences team operations and goals.Listen to the full episode of NHL Wraparound with Keith Jones at https://nhl-wraparound-podcast.captivate.fm/episode/ep-24-building-it-back-up-with-keith-jonesClick 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

Ever wondered how to turn a long car ride into an unforgettable adventure? Hockey mom Christie Casciano shares her insights on making road trips to out-of-town tournaments a memorable experience for kids and parents alike. She emphasizes the importance of completing schoolwork before hitting the road, allowing for a stress-free journey. Christie suggests engaging in fun activities like I Spy and word games to keep the ride lively and interactive. She also highlights the value of bonding with teammates and friends during these trips, encouraging meaningful conversations and shared memories. With Christie's tips, road trips become more than just a journey—they're an opportunity for connection and fun.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 navigating the college hockey recruitment maze? Boston University Women's Hockey Assistant Coach Megan Myers shares invaluable insights to help young players and their families through this challenging process. She emphasizes the importance of drive, patience, and enjoying the journey, while also highlighting the resources available, such as club coaches and team managers. Megan also discusses the significance of self-advocacy, encouraging players to take charge by writing professional emails, sharing schedules and videos, and communicating directly with coaches.Megan acknowledges the anxiety that often accompanies recruitment and offers practical advice, including alternative communication methods like texting or FaceTime for those who find traditional methods daunting. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of coach-player communication, noting the increased flexibility to accommodate different comfort levels. Importantly, Megan reminds us that recruitment is a two-way street, with coaches also feeling the pressure to win the trust of potential players.Key Discussion Points- Drive and Patience in the Recruitment Process- Utilizing Resources like Club Coaches and Team Managers- Importance of Self-Advocacy- Professional Communication with Coaches- Managing Anxiety in Recruitment- Alternative Communication Methods- Evolution of Coach-Player Communication- Two-Way Nature of RecruitmentClick 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 already feeling the pressure of the season? This episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" offers essential tips to help parents manage anxiety and enjoy the game. Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli discuss the common tendency of parents to hyper-focus on their own child, often leading to unnecessary stress. They emphasize the importance of viewing the game from a broader perspective, understanding that youth hockey is about development over the season, not just individual games. The conversation also touches on the balance between competitiveness and kindness, and how parents can create a supportive environment for their kids. Whether you're a seasoned hockey parent or new to the rink, this episode provides valuable insights to help you and your child thrive this hockey season.Key Discussion PointsTips to Manage Anxiety During the Hockey Season- Awareness of Focus- Understanding Parental Perspective - Macro View of Development- Encouraging Fun and Enjoyment- Handling Mistakes Constructively- Role of Influential Parents- Avoiding Over-Involvement- Gratitude and Perspective- Goalie Parents’ Unique Challenges- Collective Experience- Life Lessons Through HockeyClick 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 often do you communicate on the ice? This episode of "The Ride to the Rink" with Lee explores the critical role of communication in hockey, highlighting how it can make or break a game.Key Points:Importance of Communication on the Ice- Emphasis on the necessity of verbal communication during games and practices.- Comparison of past and present communication habits due to technology.Situational Awareness and Tactical Communication- Examples of essential verbal cues on the ice.- The impact of communication on player performance and team dynamics.Practice Strategies for Improving Communication- Lee encourages players to vocalize during drills and games.- Techniques for integrating communication into practice routines.Challenges and Solutions- Lee addresses the difficulties some players face with verbal communication.- Strategies for overcoming shyness and improving communication skills.0:00 Intro0:08 Importance of Communication in Hockey4:12 Encouraging Team Communication6:13 Challenges for Introverted PlayersClick 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

Dive into our essential guide to college hockey recruiting with hosts Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, Christie Casciano Burns, and Sheri Hudspeth in this episode of "Our Girls Play Hockey." Joined by Megan Myers, assistant coach for the Boston University women's ice hockey team, the discussion covers everything from the ideal age to start thinking about college hockey to crafting the perfect email to catch a coach's attention. Megan shares her expertise on navigating NCAA rules, the importance of balancing academics and athletics, and the value of both official and unofficial visits. This episode is a must-listen for players, parents, and coaches looking to understand the recruiting process and make informed decisions about their hockey futures.Key Discussion PointsStarting the College Hockey Recruiting ProcessContacting CoachesImportance of AcademicsEmailing CoachesVideo Content for CoachesDecision-Making Factors for CoachesHandling Social Pressure and Early CommitmentsTournaments and ShowcasesAdvisors and Recruiting PlatformsOfficial vs. Unofficial VisitsBalancing Academics and AthleticsNew Women's Hockey ProgramsClick 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

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- Strategies to involve parents in team building without overwhelming them.- 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

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!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

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!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

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!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