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Our Kids Play Hockey
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.
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A podcast for hockey families, by hockey families

Hello Hockey Friends And Families Around The World!

Our Kids Play Hockey is the ultimate podcast for hockey families, hosted by expert parents and coaches. Dive into essential tips, inspiring stories, and insightful strategies that transform youth hockey experiences on and off the ice.

Recent Episodes

563
Aug. 24, 2026

Our Girls Play Hockey: Why Confidence Can’t Come From Coaches or Parents

🏒 What if confidence isn’t something a coach, parent, teammate, or scoreboard can give you—or take away from you? Olympic gold medalist and Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra joins the conversation for a powerful look at one of the most important—and misunderstood—parts of being an athlete: building confidence from within. Even at the highest levels of hockey, doubt doesn’t disappear. Hayley opens up about seeking approval from coaches and parents as a young player, struggling with public speak
562
Aug. 21, 2026

The Ride to The Rink: Why Your Skate Edges Matter More Than You Think

🏒 Do you know what your skates are telling you when something just doesn’t feel right on the ice? Your stick gets a lot of attention. Your gloves are fun to pick out. But when it comes to actually moving, stopping, turning, and competing on the ice, everything starts with your skates. On this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns are joined by Russ Layton, founder and CEO of Sparx Hockey, for a quick, practical lesson every young hockey player should hear: how...
561
Aug. 19, 2026

Skate Sharpening 101 with Sparx Hockey Founder & CEO Russ Layton

🏒 Your player knows their stick flex, curve, and favorite tape job—but do they know what’s happening underneath their skates? Skate sharpening may be one of the most overlooked parts of youth hockey, yet the condition of a player’s edges can directly affect their confidence, turning, stopping, acceleration, and overall feel on the ice. In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano-Burns welcome Russ Layton, Founder & CEO of Sparx Hockey, for a deep dive
560
Aug. 17, 2026

Our Girls Play Hockey: Why Rest Can Make You a Better Hockey Player

🏒 What if one of the best things a young hockey player can do for her game is… step away from it? In a sport where players constantly hear messages about working harder, training more, and never taking a day off, knowing when to rest, reset, and simply be a kid can feel almost counterintuitive. In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Olympic gold medalist and Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra explore the best things they’ve done away from the rink—and why thos...
559
Aug. 14, 2026

The Ride to the Rink: What Your Hockey Team Manager Really Does

🏒 Ever wonder who makes sure your tournaments are booked, your hotel is ready, your ice time is scheduled, and your team actually knows where it needs to be? There’s a good chance your team manager had something to do with it. On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee, Mike, Christie, and special guest **Christine—an experienced youth hockey team manager who has managed multiple high-level teams—**take young players behind the scenes of one of the most important jobs on a hockey team. And k
558
Aug. 12, 2026

The Team Manager Playbook: Christine O’Brien on Communication, Travel & Team Culture

🏒 What happens when you’re “voluntold” to become the team manager—and suddenly an entire hockey season feels like it’s resting on your shoulders? Every successful youth hockey team has players, coaches, and supportive parents. But behind the scenes, there’s often one person keeping the schedules organized, hotels booked, families informed, problems solved, and team culture moving in the right direction: the team manager. In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burn
557
Aug. 10, 2026

Our Girls Play Hockey: What Makes a Great Hockey Practice? Chris Howard of Ice Hockey Systems Shares

🏒 What separates a practice that simply fills an hour from one that actually makes players better? Great practices don’t happen by accident. They’re intentional, connected to the game, and designed around what players truly need to improve. On this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Olympic gold medalist Hayley Scamurra are joined by Chris Howard of Ice Hockey Systems for a deep dive into what makes hockey practices effective—from youth hockey all the way to the pr...