
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.
Latest episodes

Jan 2, 2025 • 10min
The Ride To The Rink - Resetting Your Hockey Routine After Winter Break
Are you ready to jump back into the swing of things after a long winter break?In this episode of "Ride to the Rink," hosts Christie Casciano-Burns, Lee MJ Elias, and Mike Bonelli provide essential guidance for young hockey players and their parents as they transition back into their routines after a long winter break. The discussion centers on the importance of re-establishing daily habits that can help young athletes manage their time effectively and reduce stress. By focusing on creating structured schedules, the hosts offer practical advice on how to balance school, practice, and personal time, ensuring that young players can thrive both on and off the ice.The episode also highlights the role of technology in staying organized. The hosts discuss various tools and apps that can assist in managing schedules and commitments, making it easier for families to keep track of practices, games, and other activities. Additionally, they touch on the significance of mental well-being, encouraging young athletes to reflect on the past year and set realistic goals for the future. By fostering a mindset that values enjoyment and personal growth, the podcast underscores the idea that young athletes are more than just hockey players, promoting a well-rounded identity that extends beyond the rink.--0:00 Intro2:00 Resetting After Winter Break3:45 Importance of Routine6:12 Gratitude and Mental Audit8:46 Fun in HockeyClick 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

Dec 28, 2024 • 42min
2024: Our Kids Play Hockey Year in Review
Join Lee Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli to celebrate all things "Our Kids Play Hockey" from 2024.Reflecting on the past year, we share insights into the podcast's impressive growth, and how we've ranked in the top 10% on Buzzsprout, and reached listeners in 77 countries. This episode also highlights the top episodes that have captivated the audience, from youth hockey journeys to inspiring interviews with NHL personalities. The hosts share their personal favorites, offering a glimpse into the stories and conversations that we believe resonated most with our listeners.Looking ahead to 2025, we also tease exciting new content, including interviews with high-profile guests and plans for merchandise.--0:00 Intro0:08 Welcome and Year in Review1:33 Podcast Ranking Achievement2:33 Global Reach and Listener Locations5:30 Top Cities for Listeners8:55 Top Episodes of 202413:26 Favorite Episodes and Highlights20:20 Christie's Top Picks23:06 Mike's Top Picks28:40 Lee's Top Picks34:37 Looking Forward to 202539:55 Closing Remarks--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

Dec 26, 2024 • 7min
The Ride To The Rink - Happy Holidays From Our Team To Yours!
Happy Holidays from the Our Kids Play Hockey team!On today’s episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee, Christie, Mike, and Sheri share their advice for kids as they celebrate the holidays. From taking care of your gear, to having gratitude for the game - this episode is a great holiday listen.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

Dec 24, 2024 • 7min
Happy Holidays From Our Kids Play Hockey!
Lee, Mike, Christie, and Sheri share the warmest of wishes this Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa for the whole team! We’re grateful for each and every listener this and every season and hope you have a wonderful holiday spent with your families!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

Dec 21, 2024 • 4min
We Need Your Help To Win The 2025 Hockey Podcast Of The Year Award!
Hello, hockey friends and families! 🎙️ This week’s episode of Our Kids Play Hockey is a short but special one. We’re thrilled to announce that our podcast has been nominated for the 2025 Hockey Podcast of the Year by the Sports Podcast Awards! 🏆 After winning in 2023 and 2024, we’re going for the hat trick—and we need your help to make it happen.🗳️ Vote for Our Kids Play Hockey!It’s simple:Click Here To Vote: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-hockey-podcast/ (or visit ourkidsplayhockey.com and click the banner at the top.)Scroll to find Our Kids Play Hockey & click VOTEFill out the super quick form with your name and email (we promise they won't spam you!)Your vote not only helps us win but also elevates the conversations we’re having within the hockey community. Let’s make this a victory we can all share!Thank you for being part of our journey, and let’s win this one together! 🏒➡️ Vote now and share this episode to spread the word!Click 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

Dec 19, 2024 • 9min
The Ride To The Rink - Jason Podollan's Secret to Overcoming Mistakes on the Ice
Are you ready to transform your mindset and elevate your game? This episode of "The Ride to the Rink" brings you an insightful conversation with former pro hockey player Jason Podollan, who shares the powerful "Three R's" technique: Rewind, Replay, Reset. This episode is packed with strategies to help players recover from mistakes and build mental resilience on the ice. Discover how to shift from negative to positive mental states and enhance your performance with practical tips and success stories.Key Discussion Points- The Three R's Technique: Rewind, Replay, Reset- Success Stories and Mental Agility- Practicing Mental Techniques- Post-Shift Routine Bonus Tip- Importance of 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

Dec 17, 2024 • 8min
The Ride To The Rink - Cassie Campbell-Pascall's Guide to Overcoming Criticism in Youth and Minor Hockey
Ever wondered how successful individuals handle criticism and stay grounded? Cassie Campbell-Pascall shares her insights on managing criticism, emphasizing that it often accompanies success and the challenge of breaking norms. She advises considering the source of criticism and using it as motivation to prove naysayers wrong. Cassie also discusses her method of maintaining perspective by surrounding herself with reminders of life's challenges and accomplishments, helping her stay grounded when facing criticism. The conversation highlights the importance of resilience and a growth mindset, encouraging listeners to view criticism as motivation to improve and achieve their goals. Cassie emphasizes the value of having a strong support system of family and friends who keep her grounded and help her navigate criticism. The team also discusses the importance of understanding that emotions, both positive and negative, are temporary, encouraging young listeners to develop resilience in facing challenges.--Key Discussion Points- Handling Criticism with Success- Maintaining Perspective- Embracing a Growth Mindset- Building a Strong Support System- Understanding Emotions and Resilience--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

Dec 14, 2024 • 1h 24min
Retired NHLer Jason Podollan on Hockey and Personal Growth
What role does mindset play in the journey from youth hockey to the professional leagues? In this episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," hosts Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli sit down with former NHL player Jason Podollan to explore this crucial question. Jason shares his personal experiences, from watching the Vancouver Canucks as a child to winning a provincial championship at 13, and how these moments shaped his path. The conversation highlights the significance of mental fitness as a competitive edge, distinguishing it from mental health, and how adopting a growth mindset can transform an athlete's potential. Parents will find valuable insights on supporting their children's hockey dreams without overstepping, while Jason's stories of navigating professional hockey offer a candid look at the resilience required to succeed. With practical advice like the "Three R's" for handling mistakes, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone involved in the world of hockey.--3:16 Reflecting on early hockey experiences7:40 Early career challenges11:00 Adversity in hockey career14:34 Pivotal hockey decision17:43 Challenges in youth hockey19:58 Parent Empowerment24:05 Coaching and Child Development27:37 Challenges in youth sports30:56 Managing Relationships in Hockey34:23 Family dynamics and personal development38:39 Solution-Based Mentality42:01 NHL Debut and Early Career45:36 Mindset and career transitions49:36 Mindset and Competitive Advantage52:37 Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset55:02 Growth Mindset in Hockey58:37 Fostering passion in sports1:01:47 Athlete mindset and growth1:05:15 Personal Development in Hockey1:09:14 Lesson from Mistakes1:12:51 Mental Health in Sports1:16:03 Powerful People and Upbringing1:19:13 Hockey's impact on personal growth and empowermentClick 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

Dec 12, 2024 • 6min
The Ride To The Rink: Practice Like You Play
Are you maximizing your practice sessions to their full potential? Discover how adopting a "Practice Like You Play" philosophy can transform your performance on the ice. This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores the critical importance of approaching practice with the same intensity and mindset as a game. Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli emphasize the need for proper warm-ups, highlighting that preparation for practice is just as vital as for games due to its continuous nature. They also discuss the benefits of maintaining a competitive mindset during practice, encouraging players to compete hard against teammates and play to the whistle. The conversation covers deliberate practice techniques, focusing on specific skills like shooting, backchecking, and puck handling with game-like intensity. Additionally, they warn against the consequences of poor practice habits and how they can negatively impact game performance. Whether you're a player or a coach, this episode offers valuable insights to elevate your practice sessions.--Key Discussion Points- Practice Like You Play Philosophy- Importance of Proper Warm-up- Competitive Mindset in Practice- Deliberate Practice Techniques- Consequences of Poor Practice Habits--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

Dec 10, 2024 • 57min
Our Girls Play Hockey - Cassie Campbell-Pascall on The PWHL's Growth and Future
What does it take to break barriers in the world of hockey? In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey featuring Cassie Campbell-Pascall we explore her remarkable journey as a trailblazer in women's hockey. Cassie reflects on her playing days with elite teams like the Toronto Aeros, sharing the ice with some of the best players of her time. She discusses the evolution of women's professional hockey, highlighting the strides made in facilities, resources, and professionalism leading to the current PWHL. As one of the first female hockey analysts on major networks, Cassie opens up about the challenges she faced in a male-dominated field and how she overcame criticism to pave the way for future female broadcasters. As a special advisor to the PWHL, she provides insights into the league's growth and development plans. Cassie also offers invaluable advice to young female players, emphasizing the importance of hard work, self-belief, and respect for teammates and 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