Our Kids Play Hockey

On this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink with host Lee MJ Elias, we explore Wayne Gretzky's first NHL level encounter with championship grit and what it truly takes to win when it matters most. This episode is a treasure trove for athletes, coaches, and fans, packed with strategies, historical insights, and the mental toughness required for playoff success.Key Highlights:Gretzky's Eye-Opening Experience: Discover the impactful moment when Wayne Gretzky learned a vital lesson from the New York Islanders after the 1983 Stanley Cup Finals. It's a deep dive into the sacrifices and dedication behind the Islanders' victory, setting the stage for the Oilers' future success.The Essence of Winning: Lee unravels the key components that contribute to a team's triumph in the playoffs, blending talent, relentless effort, and mental fortitude. Learn from the experiences of hockey legends and how their lessons apply to today's game.Building a Championship Mindset: This episode focuses on mental preparation and resilience, offering actionable advice for players to develop a winning mentality, handle playoff pressures, and maintain focus during critical moments.Strengthening Team Bonds: Emphasizing teamwork and unity, Lee discusses strategies for creating a positive team environment that fosters trust, collaboration, and mutual support, crucial for navigating the challenges of playoff hockey.Practical Advice for Peak Performance: Listeners will gain valuable insights into effective game preparation, performance optimization, and strategic planning, all aimed at achieving the ultimate goal—winning the championship.Learning from Legends: Inspired by Gretzky's revelation, this episode also touches on the importance of recognizing and appreciating the roles of support systems within the hockey community, including teammates, coaches, and family​​​​.This episode not only celebrates the journey to championship success but also imparts timeless wisdom from hockey legends like Wayne Gretzky, making it essential listening for those aspiring to leave their mark on the ice.Catch this episode of The Ride To The Rink with Lee MJ Elias to delve into the heart of championship culture, inspired by the greatest names in hockey. It's your guide to mastering the playoffs with the spirit of a champion.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 edition of Our Kids Play Hockey, we dive deep into the world of youth hockey development with Peter Robinson who is the Director of Youth Hockey Development for the Washington Capitals. With a career spanning 17 seasons with the Capitals, Peter shares his journey from a youth hockey player in Maryland to shaping the future of the sport in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) area.Key Highlights:Peter Robinson's Path to the Capitals: Discover how Peter's passion for hockey and his roots in Maryland led him to his dream job with the Capitals. From playing youth hockey to pursuing degrees in psychology marketing and sports marketing, Peter's journey is a testament to his dedication to the game.Youth Hockey Development in the DMV: Learn about the Capitals' efforts to grow the game of hockey through on and off-ice programming for all skill levels. Peter discusses the impact of NHL stars like Alex Ovechkin on local youth participation and how the Capitals are working to make hockey more accessible and inclusive.The Ovechkin Effect: Hear firsthand accounts of how Alex Ovechkin's influence extends beyond the rink into community development, including funding legacy ball hockey rinks to encourage more kids to embrace the sport.Expanding Access to Hockey: Peter highlights the importance of introducing various forms of hockey to kids, from ice hockey to street and inline hockey, emphasizing the role of community engagement and educational programs in fostering a love for the game.Advice for Hockey Directors: Peter shares his insights on making hockey fun and inclusive, emphasizing the long-term benefits of cultivating a passion for the sport among youth.Join us as we explore the impactful work being done to ensure the future of hockey is bright, inclusive, and accessible to all. Whether you're a seasoned hockey family or new to the sport, this episode is packed with inspiring stories, practical advice, and a deep love for the game that unites us all.Remember, hockey is more than just a game; it's a community that shapes lives on and off the ice. Tune in and be inspired by the power of youth hockey development!Stay tuned for more insightful episodes of Our Kids Play Hockey, where we explore all facets of the sport from grassroots to the professional level.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

Welcome to this week's episode of "The Ride To The Rink," where we dive deep into the essential skills that make a well-rounded hockey player. Today, we're shifting the spotlight to a skill that often doesn't get as much glory as goal-scoring but is equally critical to the game's success: passing.Episode Highlights:The Importance of Passing: We kick off the episode by highlighting how passing, playmaking, and assisting are vital components of hockey that players should practice diligently. Our host, Lee, alongside experts Mike Benelli and Christi Casciano Burns, discuss why being a great passer is a valuable asset on the ice.Mike on Passing: Mike shares his insights on the impact of effective passing on the game's dynamics. He emphasizes that players looking to score more goals should focus on moving the puck more, as it creates open spaces and opportunities. Mike argues that passing is not just about fairness but about strategic play that benefits the team.The Selfishness in Passing: The conversation takes an interesting turn as Mike points out that passing more can be seen as a selfish strategy for players who want to score more. By distributing the puck, players can open up space for themselves and others, making the team's offense more dynamic and unpredictable.Christie on Teamwork: Christie shares a heartwarming perspective on passing, relating it to the joy of seeing teammates, especially those who haven't scored yet, get an opportunity to shine. She highlights the importance of being a great teammate and the satisfaction that comes from assisting others.The Hall Club and Team Dynamics: Lee mentions Christie's book "The Hall Club," which tackles the issues arising from not passing the puck. The book serves as a metaphor for the importance of teamwork and the negative effects of hogging the puck on team morale and success.Closing Thoughts: The episode wraps up with a powerful message about the essence of hockey being a team sport. The hosts encourage young players to embrace passing as a fundamental part of their development, emphasizing that assists are as crucial as goals in building a successful hockey career.Conclusion:This episode of "The Ride To The Rink" sheds light on the underrated skill of passing, urging players to recognize its significance in crafting a winning team. By focusing on being excellent playmakers, players can contribute more to their team's success and enjoy the beautiful gamClick 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 "Our Kids Play Hockey," we have the privilege of welcoming John Buccigross, a renowned figure in ESPN's hockey coverage and a passionate advocate for the sport. Known for his in-depth knowledge and love for hockey, Buccigross shares his journey as a hockey dad, broadcaster, and advocate for youth and college hockey.Key Highlights:Buccigross's Hockey Journey: An exploration of Buccigross's path from a passionate hockey fan to a leading voice in ESPN's hockey coverage, highlighting the integral role of hockey in his family life and career.Parenting in Youth Hockey: Buccigross shares insights on the delicate balance between providing encouragement and applying pressure in youth sports. He emphasizes the importance of energy, creativity, selflessness, and affection in nurturing young athletes.Coaching Challenges and Rewards: Discussing his own coaching experiences, Buccigross talks about the need to adapt coaching styles to fit the diverse needs and sensitivities of young players, ensuring a positive and growth-oriented environment.Redefining Winning: The conversation shifts to the concept of success in sports, advocating for a broader definition that includes teamwork, perseverance, humility, and the personal growth that comes from participation in sports.Impact of Specialization: Buccigross expresses concerns about the trend toward early sports specialization. He advocates for a more balanced approach, encouraging kids to participate in multiple sports to foster a broad skill set and prevent burnout.Support for ACHA and College Hockey: Highlighting his support for the American Collegiate Hockey Association and college hockey, Buccigross discusses the importance of platforms that allow players to continue their hockey careers beyond youth sports.Tribute to Barry Melrose: Buccigross pays tribute to Barry Melrose, discussing their friendship, Melrose's battle with Parkinson's disease, and initiatives to support the Parkinson's community.John's journey offers a compelling look at the hockey's impact on family, the development of young athletes, and the community. His stories and insights provide valuable lessons not just for those involved in hockey, but for anyone navigating the challenges of mentoring young individuals.Call To ActionCheck out https://www.assistmelrose.com/ to buy shirts in support of Barry.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 week's episode of "The Ride to the Rink," our hosts Lee, Mike, and Christie dive into the crucial phase of the hockey season where the weather starts to warm up, and distractions abound. They discuss the importance of commitment to hockey, balancing multiple sports, and strategies for staying focused both on and off the ice.Key Highlights:Commitment to Hockey: The hosts emphasize the importance of fulfilling commitments to your hockey team, even as the season winds down and other sports or outdoor activities become tempting. They remind listeners that being part of a team means seeing your commitment through to the end.Balancing Multiple Sports: Recognizing that many hockey players are multi-sport athletes, Mike shares his insights on the benefits of playing various sports for overall skill development. However, he stresses the importance of communication with coaches and careful scheduling to avoid burnout and injuries.Staying Focused: The episode touches on the challenges of maintaining focus during the latter part of the season, especially as the weather improves and the desire to be outdoors increases. The hosts offer practical advice for integrating outdoor activities without sacrificing hockey skills or team responsibilities.Injury Prevention and Health: With the increase in activities, the hosts discuss the importance of pacing oneself to prevent injuries. They underscore the need for athletes to listen to their bodies, communicate with coaches and parents, and ensure they're not overextending themselves.Communication is Key: A recurring theme throughout the episode is the importance of open communication with coaches, parents, and teammates. Whether it's feeling burned out, needing a day off for another sport, or just balancing life's demands, the hosts encourage young athletes to speak up and seek guidance.As the episode wraps up, the hosts circle back to the core message of commitment, focus, and balance. They encourage young athletes to enjoy the journey, make the most of their multi-sport experiences, and remember the value of their commitments to their teams and themselves.Call to Action:Listeners are encouraged to stay engaged with their teams, communicate openly with their coaches and parents, and keep pushing through to the end of the season with the same passion and dedication they've shown all year.Join us next time on "The Ride to the Rink" for more discussions on growinClick 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

Chase Barud from Ice Warehouse joins Mike, Christie and Lee this week on Our Kids Play Hockey to arm you with the insider knowledge you need for your next hockey gear shopping adventure. Chase is here as our guide, drawing back the curtain on what it truly means to select equipment that amplifies your game without succumbing to the hype of the latest and greatest.As we navigate the realm of hockey equipment choices, we delve into the nuances of balancing cost with performance. The heart of our conversation shares practical wisdom, such as understanding when a mid-range piece of gear might serve you better than the new, flashy, top-tier options. We share personal anecdotes and tackle the real quandaries that face players at every level – from those stepping onto the ice for the first time to seasoned vets. As always, your questions and insights are the fuel for our discussions, and we can't wait to bring you more content that helps you navigate the hockey world with confidence. Whether you're here for the stories, the strategies, or the sheer love of the game, know that this is the place where your passion for hockey finds its voice.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

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!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

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!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

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!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 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!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