Our Kids Play Hockey Episodes

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 Rangers Stanley Cup champions, and Vic Morren, award winning ESPN veteran. Together, they interview Keith Jones, President of the Philadelphia Flyers, discussing the intricacies of team building, the importance of character in professional hockey, and how these principles apply t...

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 parents to hyper-focus on their own child, often leading to unnecessary stress. They emphasize the importance of viewing the game from a broader perspective, understanding that youth hockey is about development over the season, not just individual games. The conversation also t...

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 and parents create a tight-knit team. From trust falls to tic-tac-toe with hockey sticks, they show how just 20 minutes a week can make a big difference. Whether your team is on a winning streak or facing challenges, these simple activities can help build trust, communicatio...

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 foster development throughout the season. From turning problems into opportunities to understanding the importance of being a thoughtful listener, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone involved in youth hockey. Whether you're a player looking to enhance your skill...

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 climb the coaching ladder in college hockey, this episode is packed with valuable insights. Key Points Discussed: 1.Passion and Mentality: •The mindset required to transition from youth coaching to the NCAA level, including the importance of passion, patience, and willingness ...

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 impact youth hockey players. Lee and Mike begin by discussing what pressure means for kids and adults in the sport. They share real-world examples that highlight the emotional toll these pressures can have on young players. The discussion focuses on recognizing when pressur...

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 shares his journey from a small town in Saskatchewan to the pinnacle of hockey success. He opens up about his commitment to honoring his First Nation heritage and the vital work he does to grow the game in Indigenous communities across Canada. Trottier discusses the resilienc...

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 you’re a seasoned coach or volunteering for the first time, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you build a successful and enjoyable season for your team. Remember: •Successful coaching starts with good communication and a supportive staff. •Proper planni...

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, moved to a new town, or joined a different hockey team for any reason, this episode offers valuable tips on how to integrate smoothly, make new friends, and create a positive environment. With Mike Bonelli on assignment in Norway, Lee and Christy share personal stories, practi...

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 educating young hockey players. Luke shares his unique hockey journey from Ancaster, Ontario, to college hockey near Philadelphia, highlighting the importance of perseverance, hard work, and capturing life lessons. This episode dives into overcoming challenges, the significance of...

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 mandatory neck guards to SafeSport certification for 18U players and updated locker room policies, we cover everything you need to know to ensure a smooth start to the season. Tune in for practical advice, thoughtful discussion, and insights on how these changes will impact pla...

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 League. Kim Davis is a transformative figure in hockey, working tirelessly to promote inclusivity and growth within the sport. In this episode, Kim shares her insights on the importance of youth hockey, the vital role of inclusivity, and how hockey can be a powerful tool for...

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 they showing signs of exhaustion and lack of enthusiasm? Today, we delve into the three main signs of burnout in youth hockey players and provide actionable steps you can take to help them recover their love for the sport. Episode Highlights: 1.How To Identify Burnout 2.Pe...

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 United States. Bob shares his journey from a passionate young player to the leader of a league with over 50 organizations and 300 teams. Discover how NIHL’s innovative approach to competitive balance, community involvement, and partnerships with major teams like the Chicago Bla...

In this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," hosts Lee Elias, Christy Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli welcome Jenna Trubiano, head coach of the University of Michigan Women’s ACHA Division I hockey team. Jenna shares her inspiring journey from a late-start youth player to leading one of the most promising women's club hockey programs in the country. Key Topics Covered: Jenna's Hockey Journey: Discover how Jenna went from learning to skate at age nine to becoming the head coach at her alma...

In this week’s episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee, Mike, and Christie are joined by Sheri Hudspeth, Director of Youth Hockey Programs and Fan Development for the Vegas Golden Knights. With an extensive background as both a player and coach, Sheri discusses her journey through the world of hockey and her pivotal role with an NHL team that's swiftly become a community pillar in Las Vegas. What You'll Learn in This Episode: Sheri Hudspeth’s Hockey Roots: Discover how growing up in a hockey-lov...

On this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" we chat with Dave Caruso, former Ohio State University goaltender and professional player, now the Senior Director of Hockey Programming for the Columbus Blue Jackets. From growing up in non-traditional hockey markets to coaching in the New Jersey Devils organization and contributing to the U.S. Youth Olympic team's recent gold medal success, Dave shares his unique insights and experiences that span across playing, coaching, and administration in ...

On this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," we take you behind the scenes look at NHL operations with our special guest, Sean Ellis, a Vice President of Hockey Operations at the NHL. We dive deep into the mechanics and the thrill of managing the famed NHL Situation Room. Key Highlights: Sean's Hockey Journey:Sean shares his personal journey from playing junior hockey in Massachusetts to finding his path in the NHL. Discover the series of fortunate events and the pivotal decisions that sha...

In this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee Elias speaks with Rob Baer, the Director of Youth Hockey and Amateur Programs for the Philadelphia Flyers. Rob has dedicated over two decades to the sport, significantly impacting both youth and amateur hockey through various programs and initiatives. Notably, he's a key figure in the Flyers' Learn to Play program and an assistant coach for the Flyers Warriors. Discussion Highlights: Rob Baer's Hockey Journey:From playing at Archbishop Carro...

In this episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli host Amber Ross, a trailblazer for women's hockey in Minnesota. A former collegiate player and current youth hockey coach, Amber shares her journey from a late start in the sport at age 15 to coaching youth teams. She discusses the importance of female role models in coaching, highlighting her motivations to empower young girls through sport, including her own daughters. Amber dives into the challeng...

In this episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee takes us on a reflective journey through the 23-24 hockey season, sharing personal anecdotes, triumphs, challenges, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. From the early skating strides of his daughter, Alina, in her first mite hockey season, to his son, Logan, embracing the goalie crease in his first squirt season, Lee delves into the transformative power of family, fun, and community in the youth hockey experience. What You'll Discover...

In this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli dive into the crucial topic of youth athlete health and workload management. The episode features a special guest, Dr. Addison Lerner-Lentz, a seasoned expert in physical therapy and sports coaching. With Christie Casciano-Burns on assignment, Lee and Mike lead a conversation that explores the delicate balance between pushing young athletes towards greatness and ensuring they remain healthy and injury-free for the...

Welcome back to "Our Kids Play Hockey"! In this enlightening episode, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns dive deep into the essential skill of passing in youth hockey. Inspired by a letter from a coach in Norway, our hosts engage in a lively discussion, shedding light on the significance of passing, teamwork, and the development of hockey IQ at the youth level. Key Highlights: The Importance of Passing: Explore the critical role passing plays in developing young athletes' hock...

In this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," hosts Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli dive into a conversation with two hockey legends, Neil Smith and Vic Morren. Neil and Vic share their invaluable experiences and philosophies on building successful teams and fostering leadership qualities in young athletes. What You'll Learn: The Art of Team Building: Discover Neil Smith's approach to creating a championship team, focusing on the blend of talent, character, and leadersh...