What if we told you that creativity is just as important as edge work in hockey? In a recent Ride to the Rink episode, Christian Grunnah of Grow Up Power Skating joined Lee Elias and Christie Casciano to offer a fresh perspective on the connection …
Mastering the Most Important Skill in Hockey: Skating with Christian Grunnah Skating isn’t just another hockey skill—it is the skill. That’s the message Christian Grunnah, founder of GRA Power Skating, brings to the ice in this ep…
As the hockey season kicks into gear, young players are lacing up their skates and diving into the action. But there’s another arena where many are also competing: the classroom. In this energizing episode of Ride to the Rink, Mike Bonelli and…
Balancing school and hockey is one of the greatest challenges young athletes and their families face. Between practices, tournaments, homework, and tests, it can feel like there are never enough hours in the day. In a recent episode of Our Kids Play…
In this inspiring episode of Ride to the Rink, former Boston Bruins forward Bobby Robins drops one of the most impactful pieces of hockey wisdom you may ever hear: "You don’t have to bring your A game every night, but you better bring your B g…
From Buffalo to the Big Stage When you watch Team USA forward and PWHL star Hayley Scamurra dominate on the ice, it’s easy to see the results — speed, skill, and poise under pressure. What you don’t see is the demanding youth hock…
The puck is about to drop on another hockey season, and whether your child is a returning player or lacing up for a new team, those first few weeks can set the tone for everything that follows. In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias and …
When Bobby Robins joined "Ride to the Rink" with Lee Elias, he didn’t just talk about skating drills or stickhandling tips—he delivered something far more valuable: perspective. Bobby’s journey from driveway puck battles to the NH…
The Grind Behind the Glamour When you picture a professional hockey player and Olympian, you might imagine big games, big moments, and the thrill of competition. But what’s life really like at the highest level?In this episode of Our Girls Pl…
When the Spark Fades At the end of last season, a parent noticed something troubling — their 12-year-old daughter wasn’t smiling on the ice anymore. Her effort dropped. Her confidence dipped. And for the first time, hockey didn’t …
If there’s one thing I’ve learned in over 20 years of working with teams, it’s this: no team ever achieved lasting success without strong chemistry. Sure, you might win a few games on talent alone—but without trust, communica…
As part of our 400th episode celebration at Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re shining a spotlight on the best of our Girls Play Hockey series—a show within our network that uplifts women in the game through powerful stories, candid advice, and…
Celebrating 400 Episodes with Impactful Voices In honor of reaching our 400th episode, we’re spotlighting something a little different—but deeply meaningful. While NHL names often grab the headlines, some of the most unforgettable and i…
To celebrate 400 episodes of Our Kids Play Hockey, the team put together a special "Best Of" list—and this one’s all about the goalies. Whether your child just laced up the pads for the first time or is vying for a varsity or junior tea…
Navigating youth hockey as a parent can be a rollercoaster of emotions, decisions, and commitments. From tryouts to post-game car rides, your role is pivotal in shaping your child's hockey experience. In celebration of 400 episodes, the Our Kids Pla…
Whether you're coaching mites, midgets, or anywhere in between, guiding a youth hockey team is no small feat. The good news? You're not alone. Our Kids Play Hockey podcast pulled together five of its best episodes specifically for coaches. These con…
To celebrate their 400th episode milestone, the Our Kids Play Hockey team curated five of their most impactful episodes specifically for young players. Whether your child is just starting out or chasing elite-level dreams, these episodes deliver bit…
Celebrating 400 Episodes with Stories That Still Resonate Reaching 400 episodes is no small feat—and at Our Kids Play Hockey, we wanted to honor this milestone with something special: a “best of” series that celebrates the wisdom,…
Whether your young hockey player is scoring hat tricks by age eight or still finding their stride at twelve, one thing is certain: there is no single path to hockey success. In this episode of Ride to the Rink, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli deliver an …
Do Early Hockey Stars Stay Ahead? What Every Parent Should Know One of the most common questions hockey parents ask is this: If my child starts training extra early or dominates at 8U, will they stay ahead long term? It’s a great question&md…
If you’ve ever had a young hockey player who insists on the newest stick or flashiest gloves, you’re not alone. As gear companies launch shiny new products each season, it’s easy for kids to believe the best equipment equals better…
If your kid plays organized hockey, there’s a strong chance their coach has gone—or is currently going—through USA Hockey’s Coach Education Program, commonly called the CEP. But what exactly does this program cover? What do c…
Summer is here, and while the season offers a golden chance for kids to relax and recharge, it also brings a unique set of challenges for hockey families. In a recent episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bone…
A Parent’s Guide to Youth Hockey Development – Skater Edition By Lee Elias & Mike Bonelli One of the most common questions we get from hockey parents is: "Is my kid where they’re supposed to be skill-wise?" We recently broke…