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

Jul 29, 2023 • 45min

Redefining Success in Youth Hockey: Why The Score Isn't The Most Important Thing

Discover a fresh perspective on youth hockey success in this episode. We delve into an unconventional approach that prioritizes personal growth over the final score. By shifting the focus away from just the outcome of winning, we explore how a mindset of discovering multiple wins can benefit young hockey players, reducing anxiety and enhancing performance.Drawing inspiration from legendary athletes like Michael Jordan and Wayne Gretzky, we explore the power of being in the moment and how it positively influenced their game. Instead of obsessing over winning, we encourage young hockey players to be mentally present and focused on their individual progress.Throughout the podcast, we discuss practical strategies to cultivate this mindset, emphasizing the importance of positive reinforcement, teamwork, and resilience in youth hockey. We explore constructive feedback techniques like the sandwich method and creating opportunities for rewards. Additionally, we address how to help young players handle disappointment and learn from setbacks.Ultimately, we believe that by instilling these values, we can empower our kids to excel not only in hockey but also in life. Join us in this meaningful conversation as we redefine success in youth hockey, giving our young athletes the tools they need to face challenges, learn from mistakes, and embrace a tenacious spirit.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

Jul 27, 2023 • 4min

The Ride To The Rink - How Do You Get Pumped Up?

Christie and her daughter Sophia check in from their car this week to chat about how you get pumped up before a game!! Leave us a comment on social media with your pre-game pump up routine and/or your favorite song to listen to before you take 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

Jul 22, 2023 • 1h 4min

Championing Women in the Game of Ice Hockey with Michelle Billingsley

Ever wondered how one woman could change the game of ice hockey? Let me introduce you to our guest, Michelle Billingsley, a true pioneer in women's ice hockey. In our conversation, Michelle narrates her groundbreaking experience of being the first girl to join a boys-only league, an event that ignited her lifelong commitment to promoting and advancing opportunities for girls and women in this sport. From coaching at the NCAA level to co-founding Women's Hockey United, Michelle has continually broken through the ice ceiling and championed the recognition and inclusion of women in ice hockey.This episode doesn't just stop at Michelle's inspiring story. It's a deep exploration into the progress women's ice hockey has made over the last four decades - and how Michelle has been pivotal in that journey. We debunk the myth that there's no money in women's sports, and put the spotlight on the competitive spirit and skill level in women's hockey. Through citing examples like Jocelyn Lamarau-Davidson, and several other professional women’s players, Michelle makes a compelling case for the need to invest in women's ice hockey.As we lace up our skates and hit the ice, we take you through the critical issues surrounding girls' participation in sports, and specifically in ice hockey. Michelle shares her insights on the importance of mentorship and coaching at all levels, and the need for increased investment in the sport. We tackle the role of the NHL in promoting girls' hockey and emphasize the significance of creating a lifelong fan experience. If you're keen on the development and growth of women's sports, this episode promises to offer you an in-depth look at the challenges, triumphs, and the road ahead. Join us as we champion the cause of women in ice hockey, one puck at a time.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

Jul 19, 2023 • 7min

The Ride To The Rink - The 3 Things You Should Say To Your Parents Before You Skate

This week's 5 minute long episode promises to be a game-changer for young skaters and goalies as Lee addresses the importance of expressing gratitude and appreciation to parents or guardians. We're flipping the script on our previous episode that advised parents on the key messages to share with their kids before a game. Now, it's the kids' turn to learn what they can say in return to acknowledge and appreciate their parents' support.We dissect three powerful phrases - 'Thank you for supporting me,' 'I love playing hockey,' and 'I love you', reflecting on the positive impact they can have on parents. We delve into the sacrifices parents make and encourage the young ones to recognize this through simple acknowledgments. So, strap in for this heartfelt ride to the rink, which wraps up with a reminder to relish the journey and the game we all love. And remember, the right words can make the ride to the rink even more enjoyable.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

Jul 15, 2023 • 42min

The Ride To The Rink - Listen To This 2 Minute Guided Visual Meditation To Focus Before You Skate

In this two minute and ten second episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee guides you through a pre-skate meditation using your sense of vision and touch to get you centered and focused before your next game or practice!Stay present with us, and have a great skate!Come Back To This Episode Before Every Game Or Practice To Get Present!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

Jul 1, 2023 • 1h 18min

NHLer, Olympian, and World Junior Champion Adrien Plavsic

Imagine playing in D1 college, the world junior championships (and winning gold) and then competing in the Olympics in just 5 years. Then having an NHL and international career after. Our guest, Adrien Plavsic, did just that. But above and beyond that impressive hockey resume, he is a great person who is dedicated to helping others.You will hear about how he has dedicated his life to the mental fitness space and discuss how as a child he used his imagination (or what he now knows is visualization) to propel him towards reaching his goals. A lot of gold (pun intended) in this one! 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

Jun 29, 2023 • 6min

The Ride To The Rink - This Important Skill Set Is Something You Should Add To Your Hockey Tool Belt

Reading is a valuable asset for everyone! In this 4 minute episode, Caroline Potolicchio, former Division I hockey player and director of Fan Development for the Washington Capitals, shares how adding reading to your hockey tool belt is important and the resources you have available to you to help you find something to read that interests you!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

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