Blog

Aug. 16, 2025

Our Top-5 Episodes With Expert Voices & What They’ve Taught Us About the Bigger Picture In Youth Hockey

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…

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Aug. 14, 2025

Our Top-5 Episodes For Youth Hockey Goalies & What They Uncover About Pressure & Performance

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…

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Aug. 9, 2025

Our Top-5 Episodes For Youth Hockey Parents & What They Reveal About Support That Actually Helps

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…

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Aug. 7, 2025

Our Top-5 episodes for Youth Hockey Coaches & What They Teach About Leadership & Team Culture

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…

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Aug. 2, 2025

Our Top-5 Episodes for Youth Hockey Players & What They Say About Mindset, Motivation and Growth

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…

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July 31, 2025

Our Top-5 NHL Guest Episodes & What They’ve Taught Us About Youth Hockey Development

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,…

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July 24, 2025

Early vs. Late Bloomers: Why Your Hockey Journey Is Right on Time

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 …

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July 19, 2025

Do Early Hockey Stars Stay Ahead? What Every Parent Should Know.

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…

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July 17, 2025

The Off-Season Equipment Advantage: A Smart Guide for Hockey Families

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…

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July 12, 2025

What Does USA Hockey Teach Its Coaches? A Level-by-Level Guide to the Coach Education Program (CEP)

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…

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July 7, 2025

Top 5 Summer Mistakes Hockey Parents Make and How to Avoid Them

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…

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June 28, 2025

A Parent’s Guide to Youth Hockey Development

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…

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