

Our Kids Play Hockey
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

Aug 23, 2025 • 40min
They Were Ready To Quit Hockey...Until This Changed Everything!
Is your child's love for hockey fading? 🏒💔In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike tackle the crucial issue of burnout in youth hockey. Through a heartwarming listener story and expert insights, they explore how to reignite the passion for the game and create a balanced, enjoyable sports experience for young athletes.🔥 Highlights Include:Recognizing the telltale signs of burnout in young players 🚩Why development takes a backseat to fun (and why that's okay!) 😄The game-changing impact of great coaches on player enjoyment 🏆Balancing competitive and recreational play through dual rostering ⚖️Creating a supportive sports ecosystem at home 🏠Whether you're a parent, coach, or player, this episode is packed with actionable advice, real-life examples, and strategies to keep the love of hockey alive and thriving.🎧 Tune in now and discover how to turn the tide on burnout and foster a lifelong passion for the game!💬 Got questions? Share your thoughts with us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: They Were Ready To Quit Hockey...Until This Changed Everything!#YouthHockey #SportsParenting #HockeyBurnout #BalancedAthletes #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick 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

Aug 21, 2025 • 7min
The Ultimate Team Bond: 20 Years of Lessons Packed into One Course
Every great hockey season starts with one thing: team chemistry. But how do you actually build it? After two decades of leading team-building sessions for coaches, athletes, and organizations worldwide, Lee has distilled his best strategies, drills, and real-world lessons—both the wins and the hard-learned mistakes—into The Ultimate Team Building Course for Coaches. In this special micro-episode, he shares why team bonding isn’t just “nice to have,” why the start of the season is the prime time to build it, and how this new online course can give you an entire season’s worth of tools to strengthen trust, communication, leadership, and accountability on your team.If you’ve ever asked, “How can I get my players to truly work together?”—this is your playbook.🎧 Listen now and grab $100 off the course, exclusively for Our Kids Play Hockey listeners - > https://leemjelias.gumroad.com/l/tutawp📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: Building The BondClick 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

Aug 19, 2025 • 21min
Our Top-5 Guests Championing Girls in Youth Hockey & How They’re Shaping the Game’s Future
🏒 What does it take to become a champion in women's hockey?In this milestone 400th episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we're celebrating the best of our "Girls Play Hockey" series with Olympic gold medalist and PWHL star Hayley Scamurra joining as our new co-host! Join Lee, Mike, and Hayley as they dive into game-changing conversations with some of the most influential figures in women's hockey.🔥 Highlights Include:Brianna Decker's secret to outworking every opponent 💪Megan Bozek's guide to transitioning from boys to girls hockey 🏃♀️Kendra Fisher's powerful message on mental health in sports 🧠Katie Million's blueprint for balancing Olympic-level training and fun 🥇Hayley Scamurra's insights on the road to pro hockey stardom ⭐Whether you're a player, coach, or hockey parent, this episode is packed with inspiring stories, practical advice, and insider knowledge that will elevate your game both on and off the ice.🎧 Don't miss this all-star lineup of women's hockey legends sharing their wisdom and experiences!💬 Got questions or thoughts? Reach out to us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: Our Top-5 Guests Championing Girls in Youth Hockey & How They’re Shaping the Game’s Future#WomensHockey #GirlsPlayHockey #OurKidsPlayHockey #TeamUSA #PWHL #MentalHealthInSportsClick 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

Aug 16, 2025 • 12min
Our Top-5 Episodes w/ Expert Voices & What They Taught Us About the Bigger Picture In Youth Hockey
🏒 What does it take to raise a champion on and off the ice?In this milestone 400th episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, host Lee Elias takes us on an exhilarating journey through the best non-NHL guest insights that have shaped the world of youth hockey. From ESPN legends to Olympic gold medalists, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for parents, players, and coaches alike.🔥 Highlights Include:John Buccigross' emotional revelation about true teamwork 😢Sean Ellis's behind-the-scenes look at NHL decision-making arenaDr. Alicia Nasser's game-changing strategies for emotional endurance 🧠Cassie Campbell's fearless approach to breaking barriers in women's hockey 💪The Atkinsons' secret recipe for raising an NHL star (spoiler: it's all about fun!) 🎉Whether you're a seasoned coach or a rookie parent, this episode is packed with actionable advice, heartwarming stories, and life lessons that extend far beyond the rink.🎧 Don't miss this power-packed celebration of 400 episodes of hockey wisdom!💬 Got questions or stories to share? Reach out to us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: Our Top-5 Episodes w/ Expert Voices & What They Taught Us About the Bigger Picture In Youth Hockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParenting #400thEpisode #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyLife #GrowingTheGameClick 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

Aug 14, 2025 • 12min
Our Top-5 Episodes For Youth Hockey Goalies & What They Uncover About Pressure & Performance
🎙️ What's the secret to becoming a world-class hockey goalie? 🏒As part of our celebration for 400 episodes of Our Kids Play Hockey, host Lee MJ Elias brings you a power-packed celebration of goaltending excellence! We've gathered wisdom from Olympic champions, NHL stars, and elite coaches to give you the ultimate guide to mastering the crease.🔥 Highlights Include:Mental toughness training with NHL veteran Steve Valiquette 🧠Olympic gold medalist Sami Jo Small's journey from street hockey to Team Canada 🥇Brian Daccord's insights on fostering passion in young goalies 🔥The Goalie Doctor's game-changing advice for tryout success 🎯Paul Cohen's unique path from crying forward to goal-scoring goalie 🥅Whether you're a goalie, parent, or coach, this episode is packed with actionable advice, inspiring stories, and game-changing strategies that will elevate your understanding of hockey's most demanding position.🎧 Tune in now and discover the mindset, skills, and passion that create legendary netminders!💬 Got questions? Share your thoughts with us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: Our Top-5 Episodes For Youth Hockey Goalies & What They Uncover About Pressure & Performance #HockeyGoalie #YouthHockey #MentalToughness #GoalieTraining #OurKidsPlayHockey #400thEpisodeClick 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

Aug 9, 2025 • 13min
Our Top-5 Episodes For Youth Hockey Parents & What They Reveal About Support That Actually Helps
Are you ready to unlock the secrets of successful hockey parenting? 🏒As part of our celebration for 400 episodes of Our Kids Play Hockey, host Lee MJ Elias serves up a power play of wisdom from five top episodes for parents. From tryout truths to screen time struggles, we're breaking down the boards on what every hockey parent needs to know.🔥 Highlights Include:The year-round tryout: Why your kid's always on the ice 🎭NHL star Daniel Briere's playbook for being a hockey dad 🏆Turning the post-game car ride into a victory lap 🚗Three magic phrases to boost your player's confidence 🗣️How to win the screen time face-off with your young athlete 📱Whether you're a rookie parent or a seasoned veteran, this episode is packed with game-winning strategies and heartfelt stories that'll have you cheering from the stands.🎧 Drop the puck and tune in now for a hat trick of advice from hockey's most insightful minds!💬 Got questions? Share your thoughts with us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: Our Top-5 Episodes For Youth Hockey Parents & What They Reveal About Support That Actually Helps#HockeyParenting #YouthHockey #OurKidsPlayHockey #ParentingTips #ScreenTime #PostGameTalkClick 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

Aug 7, 2025 • 13min
Our Top-5 episodes for Youth Hockey Coaches & What They Teach About Leadership & Team Culture
🏒 What's the secret sauce behind 400 episodes of hockey coaching wisdom?As part of our celebration for 400 episodes of Our Kids Play Hockey, we're serving up a power play of insights from our top five coaching conversations! Join host Lee MJ Elias as he skates through game-changing advice that'll transform your coaching strategy—both on and off the ice.🔥 Highlights Include: 5 foundational steps to kickstart your youth hockey season 🏁The hidden power of passing in developing hockey IQ 🧠Why defensemen are the unsung heroes of creative offense 🛡️NHL legend Mike Keenan's blueprint for building championship teams 🏆Team-building exercises that create unexpected joy across all age levels 😄Whether you're coaching mites or managing pros, this episode is packed with actionable tactics, inspiring stories, and locker room lessons that'll elevate your coaching game.🎧 Don't miss this hat trick of hockey wisdom—tune in now!Read the full breakdown of our Top 5 Coaching Episodes with key takeaways and tips!📚 Recommended Reading: "Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench" by Mike Keenan💬 Got coaching questions? Drop us a line at team@kidsplayhockey.com#HockeyCoaching #YouthHockey #TeamBuilding #CoachingTips #KidsPlayHockey #400EpisodesClick 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

Aug 2, 2025 • 12min
Our Top-5 Episodes for Youth Hockey Players & What They Say About Mindset, Motivation and Growth
🏒 Ready to unlock the secrets of hockey success from NCAA to the pros?As part of our celebration for 400 episodes of Our Kids Play Hockey, host Lee MJ Elias serves up a power play of wisdom from five favorite player-focused episodes. From conquering pre-game jitters to impressing coaches, this highlight reel is packed with game-changing advice for young athletes and their biggest fans—the parents!🔥 Highlights Include:Turn anxiety into your secret weapon on the ice 🧠11 self-reflection questions to kickstart your best season yet 📝Hayley Scamurra's journey from NCAA star to Team USA Olympian 🥇Dr. Cassidy Preston's mental hygiene tips for peak performance 💪3 surefire ways to catch your coach's eye and level up your game 🚀Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned player, this episode is your playbook for success both on and off the ice. Get ready to transform your mindset, sharpen your skills, and take your game to the next level!🎧 Don't miss this game-changing episode—tune in now and dominate your next shift!💬 Got questions? Hit us up at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com and let's keep the conversation going!📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog:Our Top-5 Episodes for Youth Hockey Players & What They Say About Mindset, Motivation and Growth#YouthHockey #MentalPrep #HockeySuccess #OurKidsPlayHockey #PlayerDevelopment #CoachingTipsClick 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

Jul 31, 2025 • 14min
Our Top-5 NHL Guest Episodes & What They’ve Taught Us About Youth Hockey Development
🏒 What can 400 episodes of hockey wisdom teach us about life, leadership, and the game we love?In this milestone 400th episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, host Lee MJ Elias takes us on an exhilarating journey through the best moments and insights from NHL legends. From Hall of Famers to coaches and current GMs, this episode is a treasure trove of hockey knowledge that goes far beyond the rink.🔥 Highlights Include:Bryan Trottier's powerful metaphor for team unity in a diverse hockey world "Iron Mike" Keenan's compassionate approach to coaching and leadershipChris "Bundy" Therien's refreshing take on why kids should really play hockey Steve Valiquette's game-changing perspective on mental toughness for goalies 🧠Daniel Briere's unique approach to being a hockey parent after life in the NHL 👨👦Whether you're a coach, player, parent, or just a passionate fan, this episode is packed with actionable advice, heartwarming stories, and life lessons that will change how you see the game.🎧 Don't miss this incredible compilation of hockey wisdom from some of the sport's most accomplished and insightful minds!👉 For a quick recap of the top NHL lessons, check out the blog: Top 5 NHL Guests & What They Taught Us About Youth Development.💬 Got questions or thoughts? Share them with us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.#HockeyWisdom #400Episodes #NHLLegends #YouthHockey #OurKidsPlayHockey #LeadershipLessonsClick 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

Jul 26, 2025 • 41min
Do Early Hockey Stars Stay Ahead?
🏒 Is your young hockey star destined for greatness, or are they just an early bloomer?In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli tackle the complex world of youth hockey development. From extra ice time advantages to the emergence of late bloomers, they explore the factors that shape a player's journey from novice to potential pro.🔥 Highlights Include:The surprising truth about early physical advantages in youth hockey 💪Why dominating the ice might not always be the best path to success 🥅How to break bad habits that could derail a promising career The unexpected rise of "grinders" and late bloomers in teen years 🌟Real-life stories of hockey journeys starting at age 12 🏆Whether you're a parent, coach, or young player, this episode is packed with invaluable insights, personal anecdotes, and expert advice that will change how you view youth hockey development.🎧 Tune in now and discover why the path to hockey greatness isn't always a straight line!📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: Do Early Hockey Stars Stay Ahead? What Every Parent Should Know.📚 Recommended Reading: "When Hockey Stops" - A children's book about life beyond the rink💬 Got questions? Share your thoughts with us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.comYouthHockey #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyParenting #LateBloomers #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyLifeClick 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