Our Kids Play Hockey

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, three-time Olympic gold medalist Cherie Piper shares wisdom for young hockey players chasing their dreams. Whether your goal is to play in the PWHL, make it to the NHL, or pursue excellence in any area of life, Cherie offers invaluable advice about:•Dreaming Big: Why having bold aspirations drives purpose and energy.•The Many Paths to Success: How hockey opens doors beyond playing, from coaching to officiating and beyond.•The Work Behind the Dream: Why commitment, effort, and smart choices matter more than just wishing for success.•Making Choices, Not Sacrifices: How pursuing your dream is about prioritizing what truly matters.Cherie’s candid insights remind us that while dreams are never guaranteed, the pursuit itself is incredibly rewarding. Tune in for actionable advice and encouragement, whether you’re on the way to the rink or tackling challenges in life.Key Quote:“Dream big, act on it, and make the right choices—because every step gets you closer to what you’re striving for.”🎧 Listen Now and Get Inspired!#RideToTheRink #HockeyDreams #CheriePiper #DreamBig #YouthHockey--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

What does it take to coach the greatest hockey players of all time?In this unforgettable episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, the legendary Coach Mike Keenan joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share wisdom from a career that spans decades, continents, and championships. From his Stanley Cup victory to managing icons like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Mario Lemieux, Coach Keenan dives deep into the art and science of coaching, team culture, and the importance of developing young players with care and purpose.🔥 Episode Highlights Include:•The inspiration behind Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench 📚•How parenting and upbringing shaped some of hockey’s greatest superstars 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦•Building championship teams through culture, leadership, and trust 🏆•Why failure is a necessary step in youth development 🚧•A glimpse into Coach Keenan’s musical side (yes, Iron Mike sings!) 🎶Whether you’re a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with actionable advice, heartfelt stories, and life lessons that go far beyond the rink.🎧 Tune in now and don’t miss this incredible conversation with one of hockey’s most accomplished and insightful minds!📖 Check out Coach Keenan’s book: Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench--•0:08 – 0:56: Introduction to Coach Mike Keenan and his legendary career.•1:11 – 2:04: The inspiration and process behind Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench.•3:21 – 5:26: How Keenan discovered his passion for coaching.•5:56 – 8:03: The importance of fun and teamwork in youth sports.•9:59 – 12:10: Developing leadership in players at every level.•15:35 – 16:48: Why showing players you care is essential.•19:15 – 21:10: Building resilience in kids through failure.•47:39 – 49:06: Team bonding and creating a championship culture.•1:01:48 – 1:03:03: Keenan’s advice for kids pursuing their hockey dreams.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 discussion, young athletes learn the importance of emotional control on the ice. The hosts emphasize the '12-Second Rule'—not allowing brief moments of frustration or joy to derail performance. They encourage players to be like goldfish, letting go of mistakes quickly. Mindfulness and emotional awareness are highlighted as essential skills, both in sports and daily life. Practical tips include briefly acknowledging emotions and focusing on learning from game footage instead of dwelling on errors. Stay present and keep improving!

In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, we’re joined by none other than Cherie Piper—a three-time Olympic gold medalist and the Senior Manager of Scouting and Player Development for Hockey Canada. Fresh off another gold medal win at the U18 Women’s World Championship, Cherie shares her journey to becoming one of hockey’s most accomplished athletes.Together with hosts Lee MJ Elias, Sheri Hudspeth, and Mike Bonelli, Cherie dives deep into what it takes to succeed in high-performance hockey, both on and off the ice. Highlights include:•The Pathway to Playing for Team Canada: Cherie breaks down how young players can get noticed, starting with provincial programs and the importance of staying consistent.•The Role of Parents and Coaches: Insightful advice on fostering a supportive, high-performance mindset from a young age.•Hockey IQ and Leadership: Why being skilled isn’t enough—Cherie shares what separates great players from good ones, including hockey sense, work ethic, and positive body language.•Behind the Scenes at U18 Worlds: Cherie gives an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of coaching at the international level and preparing athletes for the pressures of competition.•Her Love for the Game: Cherie reflects on her career, the mentors who shaped her, and her passion for helping the next generation of players thrive.Cherie also discusses why “pressure is a privilege” and how her team helps athletes navigate social media, mental performance, and the emotional rollercoaster of competitive hockey. This episode is packed with actionable insights for players, parents, and coaches alike.--🎧 Loved this episode? Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more hockey families.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyCanada #CheriePiper #U18Worlds #HockeyPodcast #YouthHockey #GirlsHockey--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 thought-provoking episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns dive into the controversial world of youth hockey rankings with special guests Ken Ruoff and Jean Linscott, authors of What Is the Goal? The Truth About the Youth Sports Industry. Together, they tackle the tough questions surrounding the impact of rankings, the emphasis on winning over development, and the broader effects of the “youth sports industry” on families and players.💡 Key Topics Covered:•The Problem with Rankings: How rankings prioritize “win-now” over long-term development and why this system needs a shift.•Burnout & Injuries: The alarming statistics on overuse injuries and why 70% of youth athletes quit sports by age 13.•The Role of Parents & Coaches: Red flags to watch for in youth organizations and how to make choices that prioritize development and fun over prestige.•Reimagining Success: Why redefining winning as growth, learning, and team bonding can create better experiences for players and families.Ken and Jean also discuss how their experiences as parents and their research into the billion-dollar youth sports industry inspired their no-nonsense guide for families navigating the chaotic world of youth hockey.🎧 Tune in to gain actionable insights on creating a healthier, more enjoyable youth sports environment for players and families alike.--#YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #YouthSports #OurKidsPlayHockey #WhatIsTheGoal--0:00 Intro1:07 Rankings in youth sports: Stress vs trajectory6:56 Migrating college practices to youth sports15:26 Astonishing youth sports statistics revealed22:54 Redefining winning in youth sports31:05 Non-nonsense book on youth sports37:15 Pro-youth sports stance with critical lens44:12 Red flags in youth sports organizations50:03 Closing thoughts and contact information--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

How do you bounce back from massive adversity in your life? On today’s episode of Ride to the Rink, NHL veteran Chris Therien joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to inspire young players with wisdom drawn from his 12-year professional career. As kids and families head to the rink, Chris shares advice on the importance of having fun, competing with effort, and being a great teammate.💡 Key Highlights:•The Core of Hockey: Why fun and friendship should be your foundation in the game.•Overcoming Adversity: Chris’s personal story of being cut from a team at 14 and how it fueled his NHL career.•Effort and Motivation: How putting in 110% on and off the ice can help you achieve your dreams.•Life Lessons: The value of being a good teammate and responding to challenges with resilience.Chris reminds players that hockey is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about the friendships you form, the lessons you learn, and the effort you put into every moment.🎧 Tune in now and get inspired as you head to your next game or practice!#YouthHockey #ChrisTherien #RideToTheRink #HockeyLife #OurKidsPlayHockey--Key Discussion Points- Enjoying the Sport of Hockey- Balancing Fun with Competitiveness- Overcoming Setbacks and Team Cuts- Rewards of Determination in Hockey- Importance of Being a Good Teammate--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

🏒 What does it take to create a positive experience in youth hockey?In this insightful episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, former NHL defenseman and mental health advocate Chris Therien joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities in youth hockey today. Drawing from his 12-year NHL career and personal experiences as a coach and parent, Chris shares hard-earned wisdom on how parents, coaches, and players can navigate the sport’s evolving landscape.🔥 Topics Include:•The power of adversity: How being cut from a team at 14 shaped Chris’s career and life.•Youth hockey’s commercialization: Why the shift from community to business is impacting development.•Parenting in sports: Are we focusing on the right goals for our kids?•The role of coaches: How great coaches can inspire love for the game while developing life skills.•Lessons from the pros: Chris shares the secrets of team-building and mental resilience learned in his NHL career.Whether you’re a parent, player, or coach, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating better experiences in youth sports.🎧 Tune in now to learn how we can all help our kids thrive on and off the ice!--📖 Learn more about Chris in his book The Road to Redemption.--#OurKidsPlayHockey #ChrisTherien #YouthSports #MentalHealth #HockeyLifeClick 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 ready to elevate your hockey game and finish this season strong? On this episode of "The Ride to the Rink" hosts Lee and Mike share motivational strategies to help young players enhance their skills and performance in the second half of the season. They offer practical advice on setting achievable goals, managing time effectively, and honing specific skills both during team practice and personal time. With a focus on continuous learning and self-belief, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and guide players on their journey to improvement.--Key Discussion Points- Setting Goals for the Rest of the Season- Time Management and Creating Opportunities- Working on Skills Outside of Team Practice- Continuous Learning and Improvement- Motivation and Self-Belief--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

Are you skating into 2025 with a fresh perspective?On this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," host Lee Elias offers a motivational boost for players looking to reset and refocus as the new year unfolds. Lee encourages listeners to pause, reflect on their journey, and set new goals to enhance their skills and performance. By emphasizing the power of present actions, he guides players to take immediate steps toward improvement, ensuring that future success is built on today's efforts.Key Discussion Points- Resetting and Reflecting on the Hockey Season- Setting New Goals and Focusing on Improvement- Taking Action in the Present Moment- Encouragement and Support for Listeners--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

Are you ready to finish the hockey season on a high note? Join hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike as they explore strategies to keep the momentum going, no matter your team's current standing. Discover how to maintain positivity and motivation with engaging drills like the "candy drill," and tackle burnout by setting fresh goals and injecting fun into practices. Learn how to manage parent expectations and foster a supportive environment, all while embracing gratitude and a love for the game. With practical advice and personal anecdotes, this episode offers a roadmap to a rewarding hockey experience for coaches, parents, and players alike.--0:00 Intro2:01 Staying motivated after winter break5:24 Maintaining positivity throughout the season10:47 Redefining yourself mid-season14:48 Gratitude in hockey19:26 Parental behavior at youth games25:32 Importance of team building30:04 Celebrating progress and development34:34 Closing argumentsClick 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