

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

Sep 16, 2023 • 55min
High School Hockey Tournaments From Planning to Execution with Flyers Cup President Eric Tye
Ever wonder what goes into organizing a high school hockey tournament like the Flyers Cup? Eric Tye joins us this week as the President of the Flyers Cup. He takes us on a journey through the meticulous season-long preparation, revealing the complexities of handling five divisions and the relentless attention to detail a tournament of this caliber needs. The episode also sheds light on the burgeoning growth of girls' hockey, and Eric's ambitious goal of establishing a state championship for girls within the next two years. There's a deep dive into the regional mindsets and the significance of the tournament's 45th anniversary.We further explore the nuances that set high school hockey apart from club hockey. It's a comparison that highlights not just geographic boundaries and resource gaps, but also the contrasting ethos and community relevance. Eric brings the spotlight to accountability in high school sports, a factor that brings unique challenges and rewards. From managing transfer players to contending with social media's impact on visibility, the episode encapsulates the myriad of experiences that come with stewarding such a massive event. Click 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

Sep 14, 2023 • 5min
The Ride To The Rink - The Impact of Deliberate Positivity in Team Dynamics
Ever thought about the power of your smile as you enter the rink, or how your simple hello to a teammate can change the atmosphere around you? Mike dives into the concept of deliberate positivity and the profound impact it can have on your team dynamics. We explore the ripple effect of small gestures like a smile or an engaged conversation, and how these can create a positive force that is both beneficial for your mindset and incredibly contagious. We also discuss the importance of standing up for your teammates and advocating for their viewpoints. This aspect of deliberate positivity is often overlooked, yet it carries the potential to alter the trajectory of your interactions with your teammates both in and out of the locker room. Listen in and discover how your intentional actions can set off a wave of positivity that sweeps across your team. Remember, your journey to becoming a more engaged, passionate, and positively infectious athlete starts with a smile.Click 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

Sep 9, 2023 • 46min
When Should Parents Retreat from Coaching Youth Hockey?
Ever wondered when it's the right time for a parent to step back from coaching their child's sports team? Mike and Lee dig into this pressing question, examining how family dynamics, team requirements, and the individual experiences of the child factor in. We specifically dissect the controversies around the 12U mark, pondering the pros and cons of continued parental involvement in coaching. We also venture into the realm of autonomy in youth sports. The spotlight here is on the evolving game of hockey, the growing necessity for qualified coaches at all levels, and the intense pressure of travel schedules for younger teams. We underscore the importance of fostering independence in children and allowing them to take charge of their sporting journey. In the latter part of our discussion, we delve into the not-so-pleasant aspects of parent coaching, such as nepotism and favoritism, and how they can impact a child's development. Click 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

Sep 7, 2023 • 6min
The Ride To The Rink - Boosting Your Mental Fitness for Improved Hockey Performance
Shifting your focus and quieting your mind can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you have a game on the line. What if we told you that with just 10 minutes a day, you could enhance your mental agility to not only ace those games but also tackle daily life challenges with ease? This episode of Ride to the Rink explores the power of mental fitness and how simple practices can considerably improve your performance on and off the ice. From centering your attention on a single object to listening to the quietest sound in your surroundings, Lee will walk you through various techniques to sharpen your focus. Remember, what works best varies from person to person, so be patient with yourself and explore different pathways to find what suits you. The key is consistency. Practicing these exercises daily can yield powerful results, boosting your ability to maintain focus in high-pressure situations. Be sure to check out these past episodes of The Ride To The Rink that are helpful guided meditations to assist you on your mental fitness journey:- Meditation 1: https://link.chtbl.com/trttr_meditation1- Meditation 2: https://link.chtbl.com/trttr_meditation2Click 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

Sep 2, 2023 • 44min
Cultivating a Competitive Culture in Youth Hockey
Ever wonder how to keep the fun and competitive spirit alive in youth hockey? This week we draw on our experiences to discuss the art of fostering a vibrant, competitive culture among young players. We share practical strategies for coaches and parents alike, on how to manage the emotions that come with competition, and how to start the season off in a manner that keeps the game exciting and engaging for the players. We reveal the secrets of nurturing a competitive culture within a team, from setting high standards to creating opportunities for players to challenge each other. Discover the power of small area games, setting game rules and, above all, the critical role of a coach in shaping a team's competitiveness. We also examine how to teach players to compete effectively, ensuring they are battle-ready when the season commences. Losing streaks can be demoralizing, but we dive into strategies for overcoming these setbacks. We highlight how to build confidence and unity within the team, and how to keep players engaged. Moreover, we discuss ideas for creating creative competitions in practice and recreating game scenarios with high stakes to help develop mental skills. Finally, we reflect on the essence of long-term development in competitive sports, stressing the importance of establishing a competitive culture early on, and how to make competition enjoyable, even in the face of losses. Listen in as we break down these concepts and much more!Click 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 31, 2023 • 6min
The Ride To The Rink - Enhancing Skating Skills at Home
What if there was a tool that could help you enhance your ice skating skills right in the comfort of your home? Imagine being able to mirror almost everything you do on the ice at any hour of the day. This episode offers just that - a deep dive into the benefits of using a slide board, featuring insights from power skating coaches like Kurt Nichols. Learn how a slide board can help you master balance, strength, cadacity, agility, and much more. This isn't just about repetition - it's about refining your stride formation, body positioning, and points of contact.Along with the physical benefits of the slide board, we also discuss how it can be used to improve your stick handling, shooting, and body positioning. These insights come straight from our summer conversations with premier power skating coaches who highlighted how off-ice practice translates to on-ice success. This isn't just a training tool, it's an opportunity to get creative, experiment and have fun with your routine. It's time to take control of your training, invest in a slide board and elevate your game to the next level. Listen in, and get ready to transform your ice skating journey.Click 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 26, 2023 • 1h 17min
Insights from Goalie Coach Brian Santora and the Importance of Multi-Sport Participation in Youth Sports
On this episode of Our Kids Play Goalie, Brian Santora, USA Hockey Goaltending Coach Instructor joins us to share his journey and the importance of specialized coaching. We discuss the tools for understanding the position that coaches, parents, and players can implement at all levels.We turn our spotlight on the world of youth hockey, emphasizing the importance of effective goal-tending training in each practice. With the advent of the internet, goal-tending information is accessible, but how can coaches, parents, and players filter helpful instruction from the noise? Brian brings a distinctive perspective to the discussion, underscoring the value of goalies playing other positions. He provides a balanced outlook on hockey, arguing for the importance of rotational goaltending at different levels.We wrap up our conversation with Brian by discussing the impact of specialization in youth sports, the benefits of multi-sport participation and allowing kids to diversify their activities - a philosophy that Brian believes can cement a passion for the sport. We also delve into the necessity of incorporating mental fitness training into practice regimes and allowing young goal tenders to develop their unique style. You'll hear an inspiring discussion about Brian's first responder hockey team and the positive impact of the game beyond the ice rink. --Click 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 23, 2023 • 5min
The Ride To The Rink - Coachability's Value with Sophia Burns
Ever wondered what it takes to be a 'coachable kid'? Join us on a special road trip edition of "The Ride to the Rink" as hockey mom Christie and her daughter Sophia share their take on the essence of being coachable. Sophia, known for her adaptability on ice, leads us through the importance of being receptive to coaches' guidance, asking the right questions and adjusting game strategies on the fly.As we journey beyond the rink, Sophia sheds light on how a player's image can make a significant impact in the sport. Discover the importance of maintaining a good reputation in the closely-knit hockey world. This discourse not only gives you a fascinating peek into competitive hockey, but also arms you with invaluable life lessons that transcend the ice. Click 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, 2023 • 1h 17min
Applying Lessons Learned At The Rink To Parenting with John Boruk
In this episode, we delve into legendary sportscaster John Boruk's remarkable journey in the world of hockey and how he seamlessly translates his professional sports experiences into valuable parenting insights.From pre-game analyses to post-game reflections, John provides a unique and insightful perspective. He shares his conversations with hockey parents, underscoring the importance of fostering players' ambition and personal growth. Drawing from his interactions with Canadian players, he reveals how they harness the challenges of harsh winters to their advantage. Our conversation encompasses topics ranging from kindling passion in young athletes to finding the right equilibrium between practice and gameplay, all while recognizing the significance of well-timed breaks.However, our discussion doesn't solely focus on the younger generation. We explore the evolving mindset of sports parents, addressing contemporary challenges like digital distractions and the controversial trend of selecting very young children for elite teams. Moreover, we examine the subtle yet pivotal elements that contribute to success in sports, including the role of nutrition and the essence of leadership. --Click 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 17, 2023 • 5min
The Ride To The Rink - Sophia's Time Management Tips And Tricks
Struggling with managing your schedule? Worried about juggling homework and hockey practices, or any other extracurricular activities? If so, we've got a special treat for you. Join Christie and Sophia, for 3 minutes on the go, as we dive into an essential skill that's best learned young - time management. Sophia, recent college hockey graduate, spills the beans on how she kept up with her dual commitments.Sophia makes it all sound so simple with her practical advice: Imagine turning your travel time into a productive homework session! She also her method of maintaining a weekly planner and the importance of tackling tasks upfront. Listen in as Sophia talks about managing the stress that comes with maintaining a balance between academics and sports, and using hockey as a stress reliever. We guarantee that her strategies will help you master the art of time management. Click 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