Our Kids Play Hockey

Join us this week as we celebrate the year's end with heartfelt gratitude. The final episode of 2023 draws the curtain on a year of conversations that have been listened to around the world from Toronto to Nepal, uniting our hockey family across the globe. We revisit the standout moments that shaped our year, from Tim Cook's ethical quandaries in youth sports coaching to Dr. Alicia Naser's wisdom on emotional endurance. We highlight our top 10 episodes, each a testament to the diverse tapestry of hockey culture. These stories and interviews, interspersed with personal anecdotes, underscore our commitment to nurturing young athletes' growth, both on and off the rink.As we hit the 200-episode milestone, our enthusiasm is sky-high, and it's all thanks to your unwavering support. We're thrilled to continue this journey, bringing new segments and celebrating the timelessness of our past discussions. Stay tuned for more insights and heartfelt stories as we skate into the future together. Remember, every download, every share, and every review you give us helps us foster the hockey family we cherish so deeply. Here's to another year of Our Kids Play Hockey, where every episode is a new opportunity to connect and grow with the sport we love.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

Have a very happy holiday and make sure to enjoy yourself to the fullest! Take the time to spend with those you care about, and recharge as we head into the new year.From the entire Our Kids Play Hockey Network family, we're wishing you peace, joy, and a festive season that scores more memories than a championship game!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

With a combined experience of 30 years in the industry, Brian and Whitney Harrington join the show to give an insider's look into the world of organizing hockey tournaments, straight from the trenches. The Harringtons are experts in creating an unforgettable tournament experience that transcends beyond just winning games. They share tips on how to maximize your tournament travels and stays, and shed light on unique showdown hockey tournaments events like their Olympic skills competition and the iconic crab hat giveaway.Peel back the layers of what makes a tournament unforgettable. Discover the importance of diverse matchups and competitive division, ensuring every team has a fair shot at victory. Learn how team bonding and camaraderie can be fostered not only through the games but through traditions like pen exchanges. Navigate through tournament management challenges, from effective communication to handling last minute changes. Hear how the Harringtons tackle these hurdles, demonstrating the importance of clear communication, commitment, and a hunger to overcome adversity.Finally, delve into strategies to improve your youth hockey tournament experience. We discuss the shift in focus from solely winning to creating positive, memorable experiences for players. Explore the evolution of tournaments from AAA to tier two, the challenges of youth hockey, and the benefits of a fair, well-rounded tournament experience. We guarantee this episode will provide invaluable wisdom for anyone involved in hockey tournaments, from coaches to managers, to parents. With the Harringtons' insights, you'll be ready to take on your next hockey tournament with confidence.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

Today's episode is a game-changer as we navigate the landscape of mental performance with the assistance of Dr. Cassidy Preston. As a mental performance coach and the author of the Amazon bestseller "Mindset First," Cassidy illuminates the significance of shielding our minds from unnecessary distractions, particularly those stemming from social media. He equates harmful mental inputs to junk food, underlining the "input vs output" concept in a way that resonates and makes you rethink your mental diet.Our conversation doesn't stop there; we probe into the crucial role a positive mindset plays in sports, especially for our young athletes. We share effective strategies to maintain focus, sideline distractions, and how to stay connected to the joy of the game - the 'why' you started playing. We delve into the profound influence parents can have in cultivating a healthy "mental game" in their children. Dr. Preston's insights from his book provide practical tools for athletes to boost their mental performance. Get your notepads ready as this episode is packed with rich insights that promise to enhance your mental game and help you enjoy the journey, be it sports or life.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 why some sports teams perform far better than others, despite having similar levels of talent? One answer lies within the realm of communication, and in our latest conversation with the insightful retired NCAA coach, Pete Whitney, we shine a light on this often overlooked, yet critical aspect of team sports. Together, we explore the communication dynamic in hockey, tracing its influence from youth leagues up to the NCAA level, and discussing how it can often be the determining factor between a winning and losing team.Retired NCAA Coach Pete Whitney shines a spotlight on the multifaceted nature of communication on a hockey team. From 21-year-old freshman athletes to high school teams and younger, the necessity of creating a comfortable environment for meaningful exchanges is stressed upon. With a perfect blend of old-school values and new-age technology, we talk about how tools like group texts can foster team unity, while also emphasizing the human-driven elements of active engagement and trust-building. We also put forth some valuable perspective on coaching high school level teams - a feat that requires a deft balancing act of clear communication, expectation setting, and understanding the trials of growing athletes.Wrapping up our conversation, we cast our gaze on the younger rungs of the sports ladder, discussing strategies on how to develop effective communication skills in young athletes, all the way from U6 to U14 levels. Equating young players to molten lava, we underscore the need for adult guidance, patience, and the teaching of social etiquette to mould them into mature, respectful individuals. Before we sign off, we focus on the complexities of coaching, setting realistic expectations, and the importance of fostering a positive environment for emerging talent. 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 why a bad call seems to ruin your game? Or how your interaction with officials can influence the outcome of a hockey match? This week's Ride To The Rink explores how players can effectively manage their interactions with officials for a successful game. We spotlight the necessity of emotional control and the impact of gestures like picking up the puck after an icing, and how these can impact the officials' perception of you. As a player, the game isn't merely about scoring goals; it's also about the respect and sportsmanship you exhibit on the rink.Mike kicks off with a deep discussion about understanding the role of officials and how to navigate both good and bad officiating. He then delves into the importance of emotional control and how it reflects on the officials' view of you. He highlights the long-term benefits of helpful gestures, like picking up pucks or leaving them in easy-to-reach places for officials. Furthermore, Mike hammers home the importance of playing by the rules and being respectful, especially towards adult officials. This episode is not just about playing a good game of hockey, it's about understanding the human dynamics in sports and learning to play the long game. 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

Who says parents can't play a crucial role in youth sports? With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate the complicated role of being a "Monday morning coach," thereby nurturing your young hockey player's skills and craft in the process. This episode is brimming with insights, anecdotes, and practical advice on how to balance parental input and trust in the coaching staff; we promise to equip you with valuable tools to make this journey smoother.Being a parent of a young athlete comes with its own set of difficulties, but it all boils down to effective communication and managing expectations. We delve into the importance of understanding your child's team's mission statement and the coach's tactics, discussing how these factors can impact your perception and expectations. It's crucial to remember that while it can be tempting to offer advice, we must trust our coaches' judgement and allow them to lead the team, limiting our input to safeguard the team's harmony.Finally, we take the conversation a step further by discussing the potential negative impact of overbearing parental involvement.  It's time we realized the fine line between being supportive and overbearing—yes, your involvement matters, but it's your child's game at the end of the day. 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 dreamt of making it to the NHL? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Sumeet Wareh delivers indispensable advice and practical tips that he wishes he'd known as a young player. He passionately talks about understanding your own skills and the type of player you are, emphasizing the necessity of dream-chasing and never losing sight of the NHL goal. He firmly believes in the 1% chance, and he's committed to being part of that chance for tomorrow's NHL stars.Sumeet's insightful guidance doesn’t stop there. He shares an actionable tactic for young players - tracking puck touches. By doing this, you can identify patterns, strengths, areas for improvement, and work on those specific situations during practice. This conversation is certainly a game-changer for any young aspiring hockey player. 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 week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we dive into the intricacies of developing youth hockey skills with NHL developmental skill coach Sumeet Wareh. Sumeet is a renowned NHL Development Skills Coach known for his innovative approach to youth hockey training. With a unique background that spans from finance to professional hockey coaching, Sumeet brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the sport. His expertise in utilizing video analysis and technology to enhance player skills has made him a sought-after figure in the hockey community. Sumeet is dedicated to nurturing young talent, emphasizing the importance of skill diversity, strategic game play, and the crucial balance between individual performance and teamwork. His passion for the game and commitment to player development continues to inspire and shape the future of youth hockey.Our discussion focuses on the importance of diverse skill sets for young players, the role of effective communication in achieving a player's goals, and the balance between individual skills and teamwork. We also explore the impact of video analysis and technology on coaching techniques.We cover various aspects of hockey, including the benefits of engaging in multiple sports and detailed game strategies like stick positioning and route planning. The episode emphasizes the importance of video analysis as a tool for improving player skills. Additionally, we highlight Sumeet Wareh's career transition, demonstrating the dedication needed to pursue a passion in sports.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 special Thanksgiving edition of The Ride To The Rink, we explore a topic that transcends the holiday season: gratitude. As we celebrate the game we love, let's remember the countless moments that make hockey special, from that incredible assist to the crucial save.Join us as we emphasize the power of recognizing and thanking our teammates, coaches, and everyone who contributes to our journey on and off the ice. Hockey is a team sport, and it's the little things that count.So, as you head to the rink, take a moment to appreciate the micro moments that shape your experience. It's a lesson you can carry with you throughout your hockey career and beyond.Thank you for being a part of our hockey community. Happy Thanksgiving, and here's to a fantastic season ahead!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