Our Kids Play Hockey Episodes

These episodes are our flagship show meant for all youth hockey parents, coaches, and athletes regardless of position, age, or gender!
Sept. 16, 2023

High School Hockey Tournaments From Planning to Execution with Flyers…

Ever wonder what goes into organizing a high school hockey tournament like the Flyers Cup? Eric Tye joins us this week as the President of the Flyers Cup. He takes us on a journey through the meticulous season-long preparatio...

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 9, 2023

When Should Parents Retreat from Coaching Youth Hockey?

Ever wondered when it's the right time for a parent to step back from coaching their child's sports team? Mike and Lee dig into this pressing question, examining how family dynamics, team requirements, and the individual expe...

Listen to the Episode
Sept. 2, 2023

Cultivating a Competitive Culture in Youth Hockey

Ever wonder how to keep the fun and competitive spirit alive in youth hockey? This week we draw on our experiences to discuss the art of fostering a vibrant, competitive culture among young players. We share practical strateg...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 19, 2023

Applying Lessons Learned At The Rink To Parenting with John Boruk

In this episode, we delve into legendary sportscaster John Boruk's remarkable journey in the world of hockey and how he seamlessly translates his professional sports experiences into valuable parenting insights. From pre-game...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 12, 2023

The Impact of Mentorship, On The Ice And Beyond, With Bill Cahill And…

Embark on a remarkable journey that started with childhood dreams and culminated in Olympic glory on this week’s episode of Our Kids Play Hockey as we explore the life of Pete Sears, a member of the 1972 US Olympic hockey tea...

Listen to the Episode
Aug. 5, 2023

Balancing Sports & Entrepreneurship with Max Rutkowski

Imagine being the Captain of multiple teams, being a senior in high school, owning and operating two companies, all while trying to earn the gaze of colleges and scouts. Our guest today is doing just that. Max Rutkowski is an...

Listen to the Episode
July 29, 2023

Redefining Success in Youth Hockey: Why The Score Isn't The Most Impo…

Discover a fresh perspective on youth hockey success in this episode. We delve into an unconventional approach that prioritizes personal growth over the final score. By shifting the focus away from just the outcome of winning...

Listen to the Episode
July 22, 2023

Championing Women in the Game of Ice Hockey with Michelle Billingsley

Ever wondered how one woman could change the game of ice hockey? Let me introduce you to our guest, Michelle Billingsley, a true pioneer in women's ice hockey. In our conversation, Michelle narrates her groundbreaking experie...

Listen to the Episode
July 15, 2023

3 Things Your Kids Should Say To You Before They Take The Ice

One of our most popular episodes was titled “3 things to say to your kids before they take the ice.” Today we are reversing it. Here’s “3 things your kids should say to you before they take the ice.” Grab your kids, grab some...

Listen to the Episode
July 8, 2023

Emotional Endurance With Dr. Alicia Naser

Ever wonder how NHL players workout their minds? Our guest this week, Dr. Alicia Naser, is an expert behavioral coach for pro athletes who works with NHL, junior and collegiate athletes and coaches, amongst others, to build m...

Listen to the Episode
July 1, 2023

NHLer, Olympian, and World Junior Champion Adrien Plavsic

Imagine playing in D1 college, the world junior championships (and winning gold) and then competing in the Olympics in just 5 years. Then having an NHL and international career after. Our guest, Adrien Plavsic, did just that....

Listen to the Episode
June 24, 2023

Introducing Hockey Through Education With Caroline Potolicchio of the…

There are a lot of ways to have a professional career in hockey aside from playing. Our guest this week, Caroline Potolicchio, is a former Division 1 hockey player and is the current Director of Fan Development for the Washin...

Listen to the Episode
June 10, 2023

Making Things Happen with New York Ranger Legend Stéphane Matteau

Matteau! (I’m not gonna shout it more than that). We are honored to be joined this week by NHL Alum and NY Rangers Legend Stéphane Matteau. In this episode we dive into the trials and tribulations of being hockey Dad to two c...

Listen to the Episode
June 3, 2023

How to Identify Athletic Talent At An Early Age

It’s the question almost every hockey parent wants to know, “how do you spot talent at a young age?” In this episode Mike and Lee answer and explore the question while providing listeners with actionable items to make sure th...

Listen to the Episode
May 27, 2023

A Guidebook To Youth Sports With Tim Cook

Every chapter in this man’s book could be an episode title for one of our episodes. So naturally you are gonna love this episode. Tim Cook played hockey at an extremely high level and now coaches at a high level in Northern N...

Listen to the Episode
May 13, 2023

Playing Top Line Hockey with Boo Nieves

Hockey has evolved more than most realize over the past decade. Boo Nieves (Former NY Ranger) has seen a lot of these changes first hand during his career and as a coach/trainer at his gym, Top Line Hockey. In this episode we...

Listen to the Episode
May 6, 2023

What Youth Hockey Players, Coaches, And Parents Can Learn From Watchi…

How can you use the NHL playoffs as a coaching tool for your young athletes? We discuss the lessons that can be learned just from watching professional athletes perform in a high-stress environment like the playoffs, the ment...

Listen to the Episode
April 29, 2023

Changing The Game With Coach John O'Sullivan

A lot of us want to change the game, but where do you start? Our guest today may be the perfect answer. John O’Sullivan is an award winning author, acclaimed speaker and the founder of the “Changing the Game Project” which ha...

Listen to the Episode
April 22, 2023

Our Kids Play Goalie: Prepping Your Goaltenders With David Ayres

Imagine being thrown into net during an NHL game without any warm-up and very little heads up. Our guest, David Ayres, did just that - and won. Many of you will remember when he took over our hockey news feeds for a short tim...

Listen to the Episode
April 15, 2023

Anthems, Antarctica, And Work Ethic With Lauren Hart and Todd Carmich…

Who does your child get their work ethic from? In the Carmichael-Hart household there’s no shortage of examples of hard work for their children. Lauren Hart and Todd Carmichael are both Philadelphia legends in their own right...

Listen to the Episode
April 8, 2023

Choosing The Right Youth Hockey Coach

How do you decide what kind of coach is the right fit for your kid? Mike and Lee breakdown some of the best qualities to look for when joining a new hockey program. Do you need a Level-5 USA Hockey instructor or is a parent v...

Listen to the Episode
April 1, 2023

Our Kids' Hockey Seasons Are Over - A Review Of The 2023 Youth Hockey…

How would you summarize the 2023 youth hockey season? As this season comes to a close, we talk about moving up (or graduating - CONGRATS Sophia and Christie!!!), thoughts on coaching styles, adversities conquered, coaches gif...

Listen to the Episode
March 25, 2023

The Path To College Hockey With The Hockey Think Tank

Are you on the path to college hockey? Topher Scott and Jeff LoVecchio of The Hockey Think Tank podcast talk with us this week about what you can do to set yourself up for success when working towards college hockey. Both Top...

Listen to the Episode
March 18, 2023

How To Prepare For The Next Age Level

Is your kid(s) moving to the next age level this coming season? The gang dives right into how to prepare for that on this week’s episode of Our Kids Play Hockey. -- Hockey friends and families, we need your help! We have been...

Listen to the Episode