How Kids Can Start Building a Future in Hockey — With Insights from Working in Hockey’s Nick Bowins

Building a Hockey Life Beyond the Ice — Lessons for Young Players

For many young athletes, the dream is simple: play hockey for as long as possible. But what happens after the final buzzer sounds? What happens when the skates eventually come off?

On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, the team was joined by Nick Bowins, founder of Working in Hockey, who helps people discover careers and opportunities throughout the sport. Nick’s message to young players is powerful: there are countless ways to build a hockey life — even if you’re not holding a stick.

And the best part? You can start exploring those paths right now.

The Hockey World Is Bigger Than You Think

Nick reminds kids (and parents) that the sport isn’t just made up of players and coaches. Hockey relies on countless people behind the scenes — people who specialize in analytics, technology, video games, content creation, marketing, photography, medicine, scouting, and much more.

If a young player loves math, there are analytics roles waiting.
If they love video games, companies like EA Sports employ thousands of people.
If they’re always on TikTok, social media skills can become a doorway into the sport.
If they’re naturally creative, rinks everywhere need photographers and videographers.

Hockey becomes the canvas. Kids get to bring their own colors.

Leadership: The Most Transferable Skill in Sports

One of the most meaningful takeaways from Nick is his reminder that the most important skills kids learn aren’t always technical.

Leadership, teamwork, communication, emotional control — these tools show up in locker rooms and tournaments, sure, but they travel far beyond the ice. Many of the strongest leaders Nick knew in minor hockey are now thriving in business, entrepreneurship, and professional roles throughout the sport.

Kids rarely remember their season records. But they remember the teammates who brought people together — and that ability is an asset for life.

Tell the World What You Love

Kids often underestimate how much adults want to help them discover opportunities. But people can’t support interests they don’t know about.

Nick encourages young athletes to talk about what excites them:

• On the ride to school

• With teammates

• On social media

• With parents or coaches

When kids share their passions, they attract encouragement, ideas, and connections — even at age 10 or 15. Passion creates pathways.

You Are More Than a Hockey Player

One of the most important messages in this episode is identity. Kids often feel pressure to be “just” a hockey player. But the truth is this: they are also students, friends, siblings, creators, thinkers, and dreamers. Recognizing those other roles doesn’t weaken their commitment to hockey — it strengthens it.

The earlier kids understand this, the more confident, balanced, and resilient they become.

Starting Early Makes a Difference

Nick emphasizes that there’s no age requirement for getting involved in hockey beyond playing — but early awareness is a huge advantage. A child who begins exploring interests at age 12 or 15 builds experience, confidence, and opportunities long before adulthood.

Parents can support this by asking:

• “What parts of hockey do you love besides playing?”

• “What school subjects get you excited?”

• “What would you like to try creating or learning?”

Small steps today can turn into big opportunities tomorrow.

Final Thoughts

Whether a child dreams of playing in the NHL or simply loves being part of the game, hockey offers endless ways to grow, explore, and contribute. Nick Bowins’ message is a timely reminder that passion doesn’t end when the skates come off — it simply evolves.

Encourage your young athlete to be curious, be creative, and be confident in all the things that make them who they are. Because hockey needs every kind of thinker, leader, and dreamer.

And as always… keep enjoying every ride to the rink. We’re cheering for you.