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These episodes are our flagship show meant for all youth hockey parents, coaches, and athletes regardless of position, age, or gender!
Dec. 7, 2024

Brianna Decker's Olympic Journey and Mental Toughness in Hockey

How do you mentally prepare to play hockey when the stakes seem sky-high? This episode of Our Kids Play Hockey brings you insights from Brianna Decker, who highlights the crucial role of mental preparation and confidence in e...

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Nov. 28, 2024

Thanksgiving Reflections and Hockey Life Lessons with Our Kids Play H…

Happy Thanksgiving! What life lessons have you learned from sports? This special Thanksgiving episode of Our Kids Play Hockey explores the profound impact of hockey on personal growth, highlighting how the sport instills disc...

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Nov. 23, 2024

How to Win: Lee MJ Elias Shares the Playbook for Championship Team Bu…

How do you transform a group of individuals into a cohesive team? In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, the team dives into "How to Win," Lee's new refresh on his best selling team building philosophy. This updated edition...

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Nov. 16, 2024

Understanding the USA Hockey American Development Model with Ken Mart…

How can we revolutionize youth hockey development? This week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey explores the transformative impact of the American Development Model (ADM) on young players in the U.S. USA Hockey's Senior Direct...

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Nov. 9, 2024

Focusing on the Human Behind the Player & Building Better Athletes wi…

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, Co...

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Nov. 2, 2024

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 mul...

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Oct. 26, 2024

Managing Toxic Parental Personalities

Have you ever witnessed a youth hockey game where the parents seemed more intense than the players? This episode of Our Kids Play Hockey tackles the pressing issue of inappropriate parent behavior at games, where cursing at r...

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Oct. 19, 2024

How to Create a Screen Routine to Improve Hockey Performance with Lar…

Are smartphones stealing the spotlight from youth athletes? This episode of Our Kids Play Hockey explores the impact of excessive phone use on mental health, performance, and development. Our guest expert, Larissa Mills, give...

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Oct. 5, 2024

Retired NHLer Riley Cote on Mindfulness and It's Impacts On Hockey

How can mindfulness transform the way young athletes experience hockey? In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, retired NHLer Riley Cote explores the profound impact of teaching mindfulness and mental fitness to young player...

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Sept. 28, 2024

Notes From A Youth Hockey Elder

Ever wondered how to stay calm and enjoy your child's hockey games without the stress? Join Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns as they share invaluable insights on managing anxiety as a hockey parent. Thr...

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Sept. 21, 2024

Philadelphia Flyers President Keith Jones On What It Takes To Be A Wi…

What does it take to build a winning team in the NHL? In this special crossover edition of "Our Kids Play Hockey," host Lee MJ Elias joins the NHL Wraparound podcast, featuring Neil Smith, former GM of the 1994 New York Range...

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Sept. 14, 2024

Tips To Not Go Crazy This Hockey Season

Are you already feeling the pressure of the season? This episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" offers essential tips to help parents manage anxiety and enjoy the game. Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli discuss the common tendency of par...

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Sept. 7, 2024

This Tip Could Save Your Team This Season

Do you have team building built into your practice plans this season? Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli dive into the importance of team building in youth hockey. They share practical tips and fun exercises to help coaches ...

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Aug. 31, 2024

11 Essential Questions For Hockey Players To Ask Themselves At The St…

What are the key questions every young hockey player should ask to elevate their game and personal growth? Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli explore eleven essential questions designed to help players, coaches, and parents ...

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Aug. 24, 2024

So You Want to Coach in the NCAA? A Conversation with Coach Pete Whit…

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey , we’re thrilled to welcome back Coach Pete Whitney to dive deep into the world of NCAA coaching. Whether you’re an aspiring coach, a parent, or simply curious about what it takes to cl...

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Aug. 17, 2024

How To Deal With Pressure From Coaches, Parents, And Scouts In Youth …

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey , Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli tackle the intense pressures young athletes face. Inspired by a letter from a concerned parent, they explore how pressures from coaches, parents, and scouts...

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Aug. 10, 2024

Seven-Time Stanley Cup Champion and NHL Hall Of Famer Bryan Trottier

In this inspiring episode of “Our Kids Play Hockey,” hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli sit down with NHL legend & Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier. With seven Stanley Cups to his name—six as a player and one as a coach—Trottier sh...

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Aug. 3, 2024

5 Things Coaches Should do to Prepare for the Youth Hockey Season

What do coaches need to do to prepare for the new season??? In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Mike Bonelli and Lee Elias share essential tips and tactics for coaches to prepare for the upcoming season. Whether yo...

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July 27, 2024

Breaking the Ice: Navigating New Teams and Making Connections in Yout…

In this episode of “Our Kids Play Hockey,” hosts Lee Elias and Christy Casciano Burns discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with being the new kid or new family on a hockey team. Whether you’ve switched clubs, mo...

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July 20, 2024

Luke Croucher’s Path to Inspiring the Next Generation of Hockey Playe…

Show Notes: In this engaging episode of “Our Kids Play Hockey,” hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli welcome Luke Croucher, a Division III hockey player from Neumann University with a passion for motivating, inspiring, and educat...

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July 13, 2024

USA Hockey Rule Changes 2024 - 2025 Season

Welcome back, hockey friends and families! This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli dive into the crucial rule changes coming to USA Hockey for the 2024-25 season. From man...

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July 6, 2024

NHL Senior Executive VP Kim Davis on Revolutionizing Youth Hockey Inc…

On this week's episode of “Our Kids Play Hockey,” Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli sit down with Kim Davis, the Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives, and Legislative Affairs for the National Hockey L...

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June 29, 2024

3 Signs Of Burnout And The Steps To Avoid It

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli tackle a critical topic for hockey parents and coaches alike: burnout. Is your young athlete losing their passion for the game? Are...

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June 22, 2024

Building America's Biggest Youth Hockey League with NIHL President Bo…

On this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns are joined by Bob Apter, President of the Northern Illinois Hockey League (NIHL), the largest youth hockey league in the Unit...

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