Our Kids Play Hockey Episodes

💭 Feeling the weight of being a hockey parent? You’re not alone. In this heartfelt and honest episode, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli open up about the mental and emotional load that comes with youth hockey — the long weekends, the money, the pressure, and the expectations we quietly carry. 🔥 In this conversation: Why so many parents tie their own worth to their kids’ performance 🧠 The guilt, stress, and second-guessing that come after every game How money, time, and com...

💬 “If your kid’s frustrated about ice time, this episode is your playbook for turning conflict into connection.” Today, Lee and Mike sit down with Jen Fry — a sports educator, inclusion consultant, and communication strategist who’s worked with organizations like the NCAA, ESPN, and the NFL — to tackle one of the hardest parts of youth sports: communication. From locker room dynamics to late-night parent frustrations, Jen shares how families, players, and coaches can build trust, transparency, a...

💸 Ever felt like youth hockey tournaments are taking you for a ride? You’re not alone. This week, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli go full “60 Minutes” mode to uncover the real cost of tournaments — from mandatory hotel stays and inflated fees to the emotional tug-of-war parents face when trying to give their kids unforgettable hockey experiences. 🏒 In This Eye-Opening Episode: The “stay-to-play” trap that forces families to book overpriced hotels Why some tournaments have ...

🎙️ Ever wonder what “player development” really means — beyond the buzzword? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we sit down with Riley Armstrong, the Director of Player Development for the Philadelphia Flyers, to talk about how great players are truly made — from youth hockey to the pros. Riley’s journey is one few can replicate: from figure skating lessons taught by his mom in Saskatchewan to an NHL coaching role recommended personally by Flyers GM Danny Brière. His story is a masterclass in...

🚨 The App Every Hockey Parent Knows (and Needs!) — Inside TeamSnap with CEO Peter Frintzilas Ever wonder what it’s like to run the app that runs youth sports? In this week’s episode, the OKPH crew sits down with Peter Frintzilas, CEO of TeamSnap — hockey dad, tech leader, and the man helping 25+ million families manage the chaos of youth sports. From 4:30 a.m. coffee runs to 5 a.m. rink drop-offs, Peter gets it — because he’s living it. Hear how TeamSnap is evolving beyond scheduling into a o...

🎧 What really separates players who make it to the next level from those who don’t? This week, we welcome back Jack Han — former Toronto Maple Leafs staff member, player development consultant, and author of the Hockey Tactics Newsletter — to dive deep into the real keys to long-term hockey success. Jack brings years of experience working with players from minor hockey to the NHL, and in this conversation he breaks down: ✨ Why early success at 14 doesn’t guarantee a hockey career ✨ The real RO...

🏒 Are you fueling your young hockey star for success or setting them up for a nutritional penalty? In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Mike, and Christy team up with nutrition powerhouses Danny Drake and Mike Dalberth from Enduraphin to crack the code on youth hockey nutrition. From pre-game meals to post-game recovery, we're serving up a feast of knowledge that'll transform how you think about feeding your young athletes. 🔥 Highlights Include: • The secret recipe for ...

Ready to discover how champions are made—even when the path isn’t perfect? 🏒🔥 Taylor Heise, PWHL star and Team USA forward, joins Our Kids Play Hockey to share her incredible origin story—from picking up hockey at age 8 in a small Minnesota town to becoming the first-ever #1 overall pick in the PWHL draft. Her journey proves you don’t need AAA teams or an early start to reach the top. Instead, it’s about confidence, creativity, and smart decision-making. 🚨 This episode is more than Taylor’s s...

🎙️ Is Your Child's Skating Holding Them Back on the Ice? 🏒 In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, power skating expert Christian Grunnah joins Lee and Christie to unlock the secrets of elite skating skills. From when to start training to debunking myths about NHL superstars, Christian shares invaluable insights that will transform how you approach your child's skating development. 🔥 Highlights Include: • The true meaning of power skating and why it's crucial for success 🏆 • Wh...

Can your child be a star on the ice and in the classroom? 🏒📚 In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli tackle the ultimate challenge faced by young hockey players and their parents: balancing academic excellence with athletic ambition. From managing packed schedules to acing exams while dominating on the ice, this episode is your playbook for success both in school and on the rink. 🔥 Highlights Include: The secret to creating a winning family s...

🏒 Are you ready to dominate the ice this season? In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli reveal the secrets to starting the hockey season with unstoppable momentum. From mindset hacks to practical preparation tips, they're serving up a power play of knowledge that'll have your young athlete crushing it on and off the ice. 🔥 Highlights Include: Avoiding the early-season mindset traps that derail success 🧠The art of establishing roles and...

Is your child's love for hockey fading? 🏒💔 In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike tackle the crucial issue of burnout in youth hockey. Through a heartwarming listener story and expert insights, they explore how to reignite the passion for the game and create a balanced, enjoyable sports experience for young athletes. 🔥 Highlights Include: Recognizing the telltale signs of burnout in young players 🚩Why development takes a backseat to fun (and why that's ok...

Every great hockey season starts with one thing: team chemistry. But how do you actually build it? After two decades of leading team-building sessions for coaches, athletes, and organizations worldwide, Lee has distilled his best strategies, drills, and real-world lessons—both the wins and the hard-learned mistakes—into The Ultimate Team Building Course for Coaches. In this special micro-episode, he shares why team bonding isn’t just “nice to have,” why the start of the season is the prime time...

🏒 What does it take to raise a champion on and off the ice? In this milestone 400th episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, host Lee Elias takes us on an exhilarating journey through the best non-NHL guest insights that have shaped the world of youth hockey. From ESPN legends to Olympic gold medalists, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for parents, players, and coaches alike. 🔥 Highlights Include: John Buccigross' emotional revelation about true teamwork 😢Sean Ellis's behind-the-scenes look...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of successful hockey parenting? 🏒 As part of our celebration for 400 episodes of Our Kids Play Hockey, host Lee MJ Elias serves up a power play of wisdom from five top episodes for parents. From tryout truths to screen time struggles, we're breaking down the boards on what every hockey parent needs to know. 🔥 Highlights Include: The year-round tryout: Why your kid's always on the ice 🎭NHL star Daniel Briere's playbook for being a hockey dad 🏆Turning the pos...

🏒 What's the secret sauce behind 400 episodes of hockey coaching wisdom? As part of our celebration for 400 episodes of Our Kids Play Hockey, we're serving up a power play of insights from our top five coaching conversations! Join host Lee MJ Elias as he skates through game-changing advice that'll transform your coaching strategy—both on and off the ice. 🔥 Highlights Include: 5 foundational steps to kickstart your youth hockey season 🏁The hidden power of passing in developing hockey IQ ...

🏒 Ready to unlock the secrets of hockey success from NCAA to the pros? As part of our celebration for 400 episodes of Our Kids Play Hockey, host Lee MJ Elias serves up a power play of wisdom from five favorite player-focused episodes. From conquering pre-game jitters to impressing coaches, this highlight reel is packed with game-changing advice for young athletes and their biggest fans—the parents! 🔥 Highlights Include: Turn anxiety into your secret weapon on the ice 🧠11 self-reflection quest...

🏒 What can 400 episodes of hockey wisdom teach us about life, leadership, and the game we love? In this milestone 400th episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, host Lee MJ Elias takes us on an exhilarating journey through the best moments and insights from NHL legends. From Hall of Famers to coaches and current GMs, this episode is a treasure trove of hockey knowledge that goes far beyond the rink. 🔥 Highlights Include: Bryan Trottier's powerful metaphor for team unity in a diverse hockey world&nbsp...

🏒 Is your young hockey star destined for greatness, or are they just an early bloomer? In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli tackle the complex world of youth hockey development. From extra ice time advantages to the emergence of late bloomers, they explore the factors that shape a player's journey from novice to potential pro. 🔥 Highlights Include: The surprising truth about early physical advantages in youth hockey...

🏒 What if you could get NHL-level advice delivered straight to your inbox? In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, host Lee MJ Elias teams up with former NHL player Bobby Robins to unveil a revolutionary email newsletter series designed to transform your hockey journey. From the locker room to the living room, this dynamic duo shares insights that will elevate your game, both on and off the ice. ➡️ Subscribe now at hockeywraparound.com 🔥 Highlights Include: The inside scoop on ...

🏒 Ever wondered what it takes to become a top-notch youth hockey coach? In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli take you on an exhilarating journey through the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP). From rookie coaches to seasoned veterans, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the five levels of coaching certification that are shaping the future of American hockey. 🔥 Highlights Include: The secrets behind USA ...

Are you making these 5 summer hockey mistakes with your kids? 🏒☀️ In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli reveal the top five mistakes hockey parents make during the summer—and how to avoid them before they derail your child’s development or love for the game. From packing the schedule with camps to losing sight of what summer is really for, this conversation will shift your mindset and help you make better, more balanced choices ...

“Is my kid where they’re supposed to be?” It’s one of the most common questions we hear—and this week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike break it all down with a level-headed, age-by-age guide to youth hockey development. Whether your player is just learning to stand on skates or preparing for juniors, this episode helps you understand what skills are appropriate right now, what’s coming next, and how to support your child’s journey without rushing the process. 🏒 In this episode...

What does it really take to beat the odds in hockey—and stay at the top? In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, former NHL forward Matt Moulson joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share the story behind his incredible 11-season career. From being a 9th round draft pick to wearing a letter in the NHL, Matt’s journey is filled with lessons for players, coaches, and parents alike. 👀 Inside the Episode: 🏒 Why work ethic and mindset matter more than early success🧢 The surprising truth abo...