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
Nov 12, 2024 • 5min
The Ride To The Rink - Why Every Young Player Should Watch the Rivalry Series
Have you checked out the Rivalry Series yet?In this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Sheri and Lee dive into the growing excitement around women’s hockey and the impact of watching Team USA and Canada face off in their annual Rivalry Series.They explore how USA Hockey is building the sport’s fanbase through outreach events like “try hockey for free” sessions and meet-and-greets with Olympians, making hockey more accessible and inspiring the next generation of fans.With the latest Rivalry Series game held at the Maverik Center in Salt Lake City, this nearly 40-year-old USA-Canada rivalry is now one of the oldest in hockey, even surpassing some men’s rivalries.--Key Discussion Points- Intense USA vs Canada Game Highlights- Growing Women's Hockey Fanbase- Importance of Experiencing Games Live- USA Hockey Outreach Events- Utah's Emerging Hockey Market- Historical USA-Canada RivalryClick 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
Nov 9, 2024 • 1h 11min
Focusing on the Human Behind the Player & Building Better Athletes with John O'Sullivan
Are you raising a future sports star? John O'Sullivan offers his insights into nurturing confident, competitive athletes and discusses his upcoming book "The Champion Sports Parent: Practical Wisdom for Raising Confident, Competitive, Mentally Tough Athletes." Discover the significance of self-awareness for parents, as John emphasizes examining personal motivations in youth sports. Learn how gratitude can transform the sports experience for both parents and athletes, fostering a positive environment. Explore techniques to help your child develop a healthy inner dialogue and mental resilience. Finally, John shares his vision of an ideal game day, where support triumphs over pressure, ensuring a fulfilling experience for your young athlete.--0:00 Intro1:12 Introduction of John O'Sullivan3:11 The Champion Sports Parent Book5:15 Traits of a Champion Sports Parent9:03 Detachment from Control12:33 Book Structure and Content16:25 Coaching Conversations20:50 Parental Gratitude and Communication28:35 Gratitude Practices34:13 Inner Dialogue and Self-Esteem41:17 Parental Pressure and Youth Sports47:58 Reflective Questions for Parents55:26 Trust and Consistency1:00:07 Ideal Game Day for Parents1:04:23 Developing the Human and the Athlete1:06:49 Closing RemarksClick 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
Nov 7, 2024 • 11min
The Ride To The Rink - Being A Multi-Sport Athlete Will Help You Excel In Hockey
Are you missing out by focusing on just one sport? This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores why playing multiple sports can enhance long-term athletic development and enjoyment. Kevin Shier of TOP Sports shares insights on managing the challenges of balancing various sports and activities, offering practical advice on communicating with coaches and prioritizing passions. The conversation highlights the importance of playing sports for the love of the game, not external pressures, ensuring that fun remains at the forefront. The hosts also discuss the benefits of exploring diverse interests, such as music and theater, to cultivate well-rounded individuals. Mike Bonelli emphasizes the power of modern resources, encouraging young athletes to utilize technology and information on nutrition, training, and sports science to boost their physical and mental well-being.--0:00 Intro0:08 Christy's Son's Dilemma3:04 Advice for Multi-Sport Kids5:19 Importance of Playing Multiple Sports7:30 Advice to Young Mike Benelli9:34 ConclusionClick 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
Nov 5, 2024 • 39min
Our Girls Play Hockey - Building Girls' Youth Hockey Programs with Kristen Bowness
How can we expand the world of girls' hockey? This episode of Our Girls Play Hockey explores this question with Kristen Bowness, who shares her journey of growing girls' hockey programs in Nashville and now in Utah. She highlights the importance of girls-only hockey, emphasizing how these programs and tournaments foster camaraderie and provide unique opportunities for those who prefer not to play co-ed. The discussion also touches on how events like the Preds Girls Classic can drive the sport's growth by offering both playing opportunities and social experiences. Kristen also sheds light on the success of women's learn-to-play programs for adults, helping parents connect with their children's hockey experiences.--0:00 Intro5:20 Tournaments and Their Importance10:18 Role of Tournaments in Girls' Hockey15:15 Challenges in Girls' Hockey20:13 Starting New Programs in Utah25:26 Potential Rivalries and Branding30:33 Passion and Career in Hockey35:12 Creativity in Hockey Development36:31 Closing RemarksClick 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
Nov 2, 2024 • 1h 3min
The Multi-Sport Model with Kevin Shier of "Top Sports"
Are kids missing out by specializing in just one sport at a young age?Is specializing in one sport too soon hindering our kids' development? Discover how Kevin Shire and Top Sports are transforming youth athletics with a multi-sport approach that encourages playing hockey, soccer, and lacrosse within a single organization. Top Sports is a multi-sport model that lets young athletes explore hockey, soccer, and lacrosse within the same organization. This approach not only delays specialization but also supports long-term athletic growth. The focus is on fun and skill development, using creative techniques that draw from various sports. By offering seasonal sports, the program aims to prevent burnout, allowing kids to anticipate and enjoy each sport rather than sticking to one year-round. With high retention rates and a commitment to affordability.Learn how this innovative model fosters long-term athletic growth and keeps the fun in sports.--0:00 Intro1:12 Introduction of Kevin Shier3:01 Program Growth and Structure5:12 Age Groups and Competitive Streams8:27 Philosophy on Athlete Development11:54 Balancing Fun and Competition15:35 Parental Reception and Challenges19:40 Seasonal Structure and Scheduling23:19 Managing Multi-Sport Participation26:31 Transitioning Between Sports31:12 Development Across Multiple Sports36:02 Seasonal Excitement and Anticipation40:37 Success Stories and Retention44:50 Advice for U.S. Organizations51:07 Future Plans for Top Sports56:31 Conclusion and Final ThoughtsClick 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
Oct 31, 2024 • 9min
The Ride To The Rink - Handling Parent Pressure
How do you handle the pressure of negative comments from the stands? This episode of "The Ride To The Rink" tackles this pressing issue, offering practical advice for young hockey players facing critical remarks from parents during games. Christie, Lee, and Mike explore the impact of such behavior on performance and focus, encouraging open communication between players and their parents. They highlight the significance of self-esteem, emphasizing that a player's worth isn't defined by others' opinions. The hosts also share strategies for tuning out distractions and turning negativity into a powerful motivator, illustrated by a compelling story of a player who transformed criticism into a drive for success.Key Discussion Points- Handling Negative Yelling from Parents- Communicating with Parents- Developing Self-Esteem- Strategies for Blocking Out Noise- Turning Negativity into MotivationClick 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
Oct 29, 2024 • 8min
The Ride To The Rink - Mastering Self-Talk With Olympian Hayley Scamurra
Is your mental game on point? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Olympian and Professional Hockey Player Hayley Scamurra as she shares invaluable insights on the importance of mental fitness, reflecting on lessons she wishes she had learned earlier in her career. Discover how positive self-talk can significantly boost confidence and performance on the ice. This episode also explores effective strategies for young players to manage their emotions, recognizing the fleeting nature of both highs and lows. Haley offers her unique perspective on embracing gratitude in sports, drawing from her experiences, including winning an Olympic silver medal.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
9 snips
Oct 26, 2024 • 58min
Managing Toxic Parental Personalities
Dive into the intense world of youth hockey where parental behavior often overshadows the game. The discussion highlights the negative impact of parents yelling at referees and players, leading to a ripple effect on the sport. Listeners will learn about the importance of establishing a positive team culture and the critical role of coaches in guiding respectful behavior. Strategies like the '24-hour rule' for communications are shared, aiming to promote positivity and reduce toxicity in the rink. Celebrate the uplifting experiences that make youth sports worthwhile!
Oct 24, 2024 • 16min
The Ride To The Rink - How Screen Habits Affect Your Game
Are your screens sabotaging your game? This episode of The Ride To The Rink features expert Larissa Mills and explores how simple habits like avoiding your phone for 30 minutes after waking and shutting it off an hour before bed can boost your performance. Discover how excessive screen time can impact your focus and intensity on the ice, and learn strategies to enhance your athletic prowess by reducing screen exposure before games. We also discuss the art of designing a positive social media feed, curating content that uplifts and inspires while eliminating negativity. Uncover the truth behind social media's highlight reels and the importance of showcasing authenticity, as scouts and advisors often review online profiles when considering athletes.--0:00:00 Intro0:00:08 Creating a Healthy Screen Routine0:01:14 Morning Routine Adjustments for Improved Well-being0:03:51 The Dopamine Dilemma0:07:47 The Importance of Thoughtful Online Presence0:11:39 Managing Screen Time for Kids0:12:59 Pediatric Societies' Screen Time Recommendations--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
Oct 22, 2024 • 45min
Our Girls Play Hockey - The Road to Pro Hockey with PWHLer Hayley Scamurra
Ever wondered what it's like to be drafted into a professional hockey league? Hayley Scamurra shares her thrilling experience of being selected by Ottawa in the inaugural PWHL draft, capturing the excitement and uncertainty of not knowing where she would land. She also opens up about the transition from college to pro hockey, highlighting the increased physicality and the challenges of adapting to a higher level of play. Hayley stresses the significance of mental preparation, reflecting on how focusing on mental toughness earlier could have impacted her career. She contrasts the PWHL with previous women's hockey leagues, noting the enhanced professional resources and amenities now available. For aspiring pro players, Hayley offers heartfelt advice: enjoy the game, avoid comparisons, and trust your unique journey in the sport.--00:00:00 Intro00:06:23 Evolution of Women's Professional Hockey00:10:21 The Off-Season Routine of a Pro Athlete00:12:14 Transition from Youth to Pro Hockey00:14:23 Standards and Expectations in Professional Practice00:16:33 Growth and Competition in Women's Hockey00:18:19 Transition from College to Professional Hockey00:20:28 NCAA Women's Hockey as a Professional Pipeline00:22:47 Team USA's Role in Player Development00:28:40 The Reality of Playing Pro Hockey00:30:34 Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Athletes00:31:40 The Pro Athlete Experience App00:34:20 Advice for Young Athletes00:38:54 Building Team Cohesiveness in Girls Hockey00:40:35 Parental Guidance in Youth Sports--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
