Our Kids Play Hockey

“Why You Should Never Let Anyone Tell You ‘You Won’t Make It’”On this ride, Lee, Christie, and Mike get real about one of the most common — and harmful — things kids in hockey (and beyond) hear: “You’ll never make it.” Whether it’s a coach, a parent, or even your own doubts, this episode is a rallying cry for young athletes to chase their dreams and embrace the journey — with eyes wide open and skates on the ice.We talk about why dreaming big matters, how to handle criticism, what it really takes to succeed, and why the path might change — and that’s okay. This episode is all about believing in yourself, putting in the work, and owning your journey, no matter where it leads.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

Whether your kid is just starting out in youth hockey or already eyeing their college path, this episode is a must-listen. Lee, Christie, and Mike dive into the big questions every hockey parent faces—when should we start thinking about the future, how much should school and social life weigh in, and what really matters in the long run?From navigating early travel tournaments to the intense pressure of high school and junior hockey, the trio reflects on what they wish they knew when their kids were 8, 9, and 10 years old. They also unpack the rising expectations in the sport, the realities of burnout, and why supporting your child as a person—not just an athlete—is the key to lasting success.Oh, and yes—Christie even shares a legendary story of calling in “sick” to work for a tournament… and getting caught at Wayne Gretzky’s restaurant. 🤦‍♀️🎧 Listen in for honest stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs from the hockey trenches.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 This episode is for every parent wondering how to balance ambition, reality, and the joy of the 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

As the hockey season wraps up, it’s time to hit pause—and look back.In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli team up to help young players reflect on their season the right way. Whether you hoisted a championship trophy or just gave it your all every day, there are key lessons waiting to be uncovered—if you take the time to look.Lee and Mike break down a coach-approved reflection process, including:• ✅ How to assess your personal growth beyond stats• 🧠 Why timing and mindset matter when you reflect• 🏒 What to consider about your team, your coach, and even your parents• 💬 How honest conversations can help set the stage for future successThis isn’t just about looking back—it’s about building a stronger foundation for what’s next. Every season is a stepping stone. Let’s make sure you’re stepping forward.👉 Listen now and start your season reflection today!#YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyLife #TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick 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

How should coaches, parents, and players truly evaluate a hockey season—especially when it didn’t end with a trophy? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike (with Christie on assignment) take a deep dive into what it really means to have a successful season—and it’s not just about the scoreboard.From fostering a positive team culture to navigating tough losses, they share strategies for reflecting on the year with purpose. They also discuss the importance of development, goal-setting, communication, and knowing when it’s time for a break from the rink.In this episode, we cover:🏆 Why your last game doesn’t define your whole season📈 How to set—and revisit—goals with your players🧰 Tools for coaches to reflect on their own impact and growth🧒 Why your child’s experience may be very different than yours🛑 The benefits of taking time off from hockeyThis episode is packed with honest insights and actionable takeaways for coaches, parents, and players alike—perfect for anyone looking to close out the season with clarity, intention, and a plan to move forward.📬 Have questions or reflections of your own? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or use the link in the episode notes. We’d love to hear from you!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 episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by mental performance coach and former professional hockey player Danielle McDonough to help young athletes develop a winning mindset before they even step onto the ice.Feeling nervous about a big game? Stressed about a mistake from last time? Danielle shares simple but powerful tools—like breathing techniques, visualization, and superpower statements—to help you stay calm, confident, and focused. She explains how practicing mental skills is just like practicing stickhandling or skating—the more you do it, the better you’ll be when it matters most!Plus, we tackle how to reset after a mistake, overcome peer pressure, and get back to having fun on the ice. This short but powerful episode is packed with real-life strategies that can help you in hockey, school, and beyond.So sit back, relax, and get ready to breathe in confidence and skate out stronger on your next Ride to the Rink!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

🔥 It sold out in 24 hours.🧪 It took 7 prototypes to perfect.👕 And now… five of you are getting a free “Puck Around and Find Out” t-shirt.Welcome to a special edition of the Wraparound Roundtable where host Lee Elias is joined by longtime friend and Hockey Wraparound’s Head of Operations, Matt Eastman, to puckaround and find out exactly how the Puckaround™ Off-Ice Training Puck came to life.In this episode, we dive into:• 🛠️ The 18-month journey of development, failure, and finally success• 🧠 The innovation that make this puck glide, shoot, and handle like the real deal• 👕 The story behind the viral “Puck Around and Find Out” slogan and t-shirt• 🚨 Why you NEED to get yours before the price jumps — and how to win one of five exclusive t-shirts💥 Giveaway Alert: Buy a Puckaround between now and April 9th at hockeywraparound.com and you’ll be entered to win one of five limited-edition “Puck Around and Find Out” shirts. These are gone-gone… so this is your only shot to score one for free!If you’re part of the Our Kids Play Hockey community, a Wraparound loyalist, or just someone who wants to improve their off-ice game — this one’s for you.👉 Head to hockeywraparound.com🎯 Grab your Puckaround™ (ships in 2-packs!)📩 Questions? Hit up us up directly: team@hockeywraparound.com—🔁 Leave a review, share with your team, and tag us with your off-ice setups.Let’s keep building this game — one shot at a time.#PuckAround #OffIceHockey #HockeyTraining #HockeyWraparound #PuckAroundAndFindOut #WraparoundRoundtable #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!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

How do young athletes build confidence, resilience, and a strong mindset both on and off the ice? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we welcome Danielle McDonough, former professional hockey player, mindset coach, and author of The Empowered Athlete.Danielle shares her incredible journey from playing boys’ hockey in Southern California to earning a full scholarship at Providence College, playing professionally in the NWHL and Switzerland, and ultimately transitioning into mental performance coaching. She discusses the mental challenges young athletes face, including anxiety, pressure, and self-doubt, and provides actionable strategies to help players, parents, and coaches develop mental toughness and confidence.In this episode, we cover:🏒 Danielle’s journey from youth hockey to professional play🧠 The importance of mindset training in sports and life💡 How visualization, self-awareness, and breathing techniques help athletes perform under pressure🚗 The “car ride home” conversation – what parents should (and shouldn’t) say🔑 Why mental skills training is just as important as physical trainingThis episode is packed with golden nuggets for players, parents, and coaches who want to support young athletes in their development—not just as hockey players, but as confident individuals.📖 Check out Danielle’s book, The Empowered Athlete, for even more tools on self-confidence, self-acceptance, and self-worth in sports.🔊 Listen now! 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

On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by Jon Nelson, a hockey coach and mental health advocate, to talk about the highs and lows of a hockey season and what to do when you’re feeling down.🏒 How to recognize and talk about your feelings🤝 What makes a great teammate on and off the ice💡 Why engaging with teammates, coaches, and even rink staff can change your gameJon shares simple but powerful advice for young players on supporting each other, embracing the team-first mindset, and creating a positive hockey experience.🎧 Tune in for a quick but impactful ride to the rink! And don’t forget to check out our full conversation with Jon on Our Kids Play Hockey this week!#RideToTheRink #HockeyMindset #MentalHealthInSports #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick 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 powerful episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we sit down with Jon Nelson, a hockey coach, father, and mental health advocate, to discuss his incredible journey through hockey, mental health challenges, and the groundbreaking treatment that changed his life.Jon shares his deeply personal battle with depression, the life-saving deep brain stimulation procedure he underwent, and how hockey helped him persevere through it all. He also discusses his advocacy work through Pulverize the Stigma, a movement dedicated to breaking down barriers around mental health conversations.This episode is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and players looking to create a supportive, empathetic environment in youth hockey. We explore:🏒 The role of hockey in mental health and resilience🧠 How to recognize and support those struggling💡 Ways we can make the hockey community a leader in mental health awareness🎧 Listen now and join us in changing the conversation. #OurKidsPlayHockey #MentalHealthInSports #PulverizeTheStigmaClick 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

Are you fueling your game with the right habits? 🏒 Discover how sleep and nutrition can transform your performance on the ice! Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Christie Casciano team up with NHL performance coach Kevin Neeld to share essential advice for young athletes. From the importance of a good night's sleep to making healthy foods more appealing, this episode of "Ride to the Rink" is packed with insights to help you excel.Key Points:Sleep's Role in Performance: Learn why a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for energy and skill retention.Nutrition Essentials: Understand how your body is built from what you eat and the impact of sugar on your game.Taking Initiative: Tips for young athletes to proactively manage their sleep and diet.Making Healthy Foods Fun: Creative ways to enjoy vegetables and boost your nutrition.Empowerment Message: Encouragement to believe in yourself and your journey.Got questions or need advice? Reach out at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com. #TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #SleepAndNutrition #HockeyPerformanceClick 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