Our Kids Play Hockey

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!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 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!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

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!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 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!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 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!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 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!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

Imagine nurturing the passion for hockey in your children without pressuring them to love the game. Sounds tough, right? Add in raising 5 kids who are all active in sports, while also being a team manager for multiple teams, and you have today's guest. Desiree Hall and her husband have found the perfect balance to maintaining their busy schedules while placing their focus on raising happy and healthy children rather than star athletes. This episode explores how they inspire their kids to have fun on the ice, do their best, and carry this mentality beyond hockey too. Being passionate and well-grounded parents, Desiree and her husband's approach to sports and parenting is indeed noteworthy.We explore communication's impact on managing teams and look at how Desiree uses tools like TeamSnap to keep everyone on the same page and overcome the challenges of professionalizing youth sports. Consistent communication and meeting kids where they are at, both professionally and in hockey, can empower them and lead to their personal growth. Tune in for an insightful episode with Desiree Hall, as she shares her unique perspective on parenting, team management, and the thrilling world of 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

 Justin Goldman of the Goalie Guild discusses with us about the mental struggles that players grapple with this week on The Ride To The Rink. He shares valuable insights into the importance of acknowledging and managing emotions like disappointment, fear, and anxiety – emotions that every player, amateur or pro, has felt at some point.No one should feel alone in their emotional journey, and Justin stresses the critical importance of reaching out, sharing, and discussing these feelings. He believes that such dialogues can help identify, label, and thereby manage the emotions that can impact a player's performance on and off the ice.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

Ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of your child's hockey experience? Do you wonder if there's a better way to manage all those bits of equipment, schedules, and laundry? We've got you covered. In this episode, we delve deep into establishing routines and fostering accountability in young hockey players. We discuss everything from packing gear to choosing the right jersey color, aiming to take some pressure off parents and empower kids.We also share our insights on the best practices for teaching your child how to manage their own gear, highlighting the importance of checklists and clear instructions. In addition, we discuss the right age to start instilling these responsibilities, and how this can benefit children at all levels of play. Get ready to discover the secrets to effective hockey equipment management and the life lessons it can impart, such as time management and accountability.Finally, we explore the significance of a solid game and practice routine, and the potential pitfalls of not having them in place. Whether you're a hockey mom or dad, coach, or player, you'll find invaluable advice in this episode. From encouraging your child to take charge of their gear to teaching them how to balance their time, we provide strategies to help them thrive on and off the ice. 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

Step onto the ice with a winning mindset as we dive into the latest episode of 'Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink'. Hosted by Lee Elias, this podcast is a treasure trove for hockey parents, coaches, and young athletes looking to elevate their mental game and overall performance.In this must-listen episode, Lee introduces two vital questions that have the power to change the game for hockey players at every level: "What do I control in this situation?" and "Am I being present right now?" By focusing on these queries, players can enhance their focus, effort, and mental fortitude, both during high-pressure game situations and in daily life.Discover the secrets to staying grounded in the present moment and directing your energy towards the aspects of your hockey career that you can control. Lee's expertise in performance psychology offers listeners an accessible guide to mental training that promises to improve concentration, resilience, and in-game decision-making.This episode is perfect for those searching for effective sports psychology techniques, mental toughness training for young athletes, or advice on how to stay present and productive under pressure.Whether you're gearing up for a weekend tournament or navigating the ups and downs of youth hockey, 'Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink' provides the strategies you need to succeed. Join us for an engaging and educational journey that transcends the rink – because these lessons aren't just about hockey, they're about life.Tune in now and empower yourself to make the next shift your best one yet. Don't forget to subscribe for more insights and tips that will help young hockey players skate towards excellence with every episode.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