Our Kids Play Hockey Episodes

This week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" features an inspiring conversation with Jaime Faulkner, President of Business Operations for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jaime shares insights into her multifaceted role, which largely focuses on advancing the fan experience—a goal the Blackhawks' team is truly succeeding at. Jaime’s leadership and vision in a pivotal position within the Blackhawks organization highlights the evolving landscape of hockey at all levels. Key Insights: The significance of ...

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we explore the evolving landscape of hockey training, emphasizing the blend of physical and cognitive skills necessary for modern players. We dive into the discussion with Justin Scott, a renowned power skating specialist and certified hockey skills coach, to understand the global perspective of hockey's growth and how it translates into local training methodologies. Key Points Discussed: Expanding Hockey Globally: We discuss the worldwide expansion of h...

On this week’s episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns are joined by Professional Hockey Player Madison Packer. Madison's hockey journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and passion. From her early days on the ice in Birmingham, Michigan, to becoming an NCAA champion with the University of Wisconsin, and now stepping into the professional arena with PWHL New York, Madison's story is not just about hockey, but about life, family, and breaki...

Ever wondered what it takes to make it in the NHL? Dive into this captivating episode of 'Our Kids Play Hockey,' where retired NHL defenseman Andrew Alberts pulls back the curtain on his journey to the top. From his early days in Minneapolis to becoming a Hockey Player Development Director, Alberts reveals the secret sauce: a blend of play, persistence, and the pivotal moments that shaped his career. We also discuss how Andrew and the team at Sense Arena is using cutting-edge VR technology to r...

When the summer sun hits, every hockey parent starts facing the ultimate power play - selecting the perfect hockey camp for their young athlete. Andrew's heartfelt letter kicks off our heartfelt discussion on aligning camp choice with your child's passion and developmental stage. We lace up and glide through the myriad of options from skills camps to day camps, sharing how the right mix of fun and skill development can light the lamp for kids of all ages. And for those with sights set higher, li...

As youth hockey tryouts loom on the horizon, the anticipation and nerves can feel overwhelming for players and parents alike. In this insightful episode, our seasoned hosts Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli dive into the heart of youth hockey's "March Madness," offering a wealth of advice on how to approach tryouts with a winning mindset. What You'll Learn: Strategies for Success: Discover proven strategies for standing out during tryouts and making a lasting impression on co...

In this edition of Our Kids Play Hockey, we dive deep into the world of youth hockey development with Peter Robinson who is the Director of Youth Hockey Development for the Washington Capitals. With a career spanning 17 seasons with the Capitals, Peter shares his journey from a youth hockey player in Maryland to shaping the future of the sport in the DMV (D.C., Maryland, and Virginia) area. Key Highlights: Peter Robinson's Path to the Capitals: Discover how Peter's passion for hockey and his ro...

In this episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," we have the privilege of welcoming John Buccigross, a renowned figure in ESPN's hockey coverage and a passionate advocate for the sport. Known for his in-depth knowledge and love for hockey, Buccigross shares his journey as a hockey dad, broadcaster, and advocate for youth and college hockey. Key Highlights: Buccigross's Hockey Journey: An exploration of Buccigross's path from a passionate hockey fan to a leading voice in ESPN's hockey coverage, highli...

Chase Barud from Ice Warehouse joins Mike, Christie and Lee this week on Our Kids Play Hockey to arm you with the insider knowledge you need for your next hockey gear shopping adventure. Chase is here as our guide, drawing back the curtain on what it truly means to select equipment that amplifies your game without succumbing to the hype of the latest and greatest. As we navigate the realm of hockey equipment choices, we delve into the nuances of balancing cost with performance. The heart of our...

This week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey covers a few topics sent into us asking about travel time and how you know its too much, and the correct way to solve some team-level discipline issues! Tune in as Lee, Christie, and Mike share their expertise and experience with both questions. They truly are the "Dear Abby" of the youth hockey world! We love to help answer your questions, so be sure to send them to team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or submit them via the contact page on OurKidsPlayHockey....

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we're joined by Tom and Ellen Atkinson, the parents of NHL star Cam Atkinson and four brothers who all played youth hockey. Their journey is a compelling tale of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a family dream, offering a unique window into the life of a dedicated hockey family. The Atkinson’s discuss the complexities of managing multiple hockey schedules and how they fostered a sense of unity that helped their sons transition from local ponds to the ...

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli delve into the emotional aspects of youth hockey coaching. They discuss the important role coaches play in not only teaching the game but also in shaping young lives. The episode extends beyond game tactics and drills, offering a deeper look into the emotional investment and patience required in coaching youth sports. Lee and Mike share practical tips on how to engage young players, maintain their interest, and utilize ed...

How do you help young hockey players step out of their comfort zones and grow both on and off the ice? This week's conversation centers on practical advice for parents, coaches, and mentors, focusing on building resilience, creativity, and courage in young athletes. We dive into the importance of creating a supportive environment where mistakes are part of the learning process. Our discussion sheds light on the balance between consistent practice and the introduction of new, innovative skills ...

As the festive lights twinkle and the ice glistens Lee, Christie, and Mike are wrapping up the year with a heartfelt thank you to our hockey family. We're toasting to the incredible milestones we've reached together. In this special holiday episode, we're sharing our gratitude and reflecting on the connections made, the stories shared, and the shared passion for the puck that bonds us all. From emails to in-person chats, your engagement has been the driving force behind our exciting journey, and...

Join us this week as we celebrate the year's end with heartfelt gratitude. The final episode of 2023 draws the curtain on a year of conversations that have been listened to around the world from Toronto to Nepal, uniting our hockey family across the globe. We revisit the standout moments that shaped our year, from Tim Cook's ethical quandaries in youth sports coaching to Dr. Alicia Naser's wisdom on emotional endurance. We highlight our top 10 episodes, each a testament to the diverse tapestry ...

With a combined experience of 30 years in the industry, Brian and Whitney Harrington join the show to give an insider's look into the world of organizing hockey tournaments, straight from the trenches. The Harringtons are experts in creating an unforgettable tournament experience that transcends beyond just winning games. They share tips on how to maximize your tournament travels and stays, and shed light on unique showdown hockey tournaments events like their Olympic skills competition and the ...

Ever wondered why some sports teams perform far better than others, despite having similar levels of talent? One answer lies within the realm of communication, and in our latest conversation with the insightful retired NCAA coach, Pete Whitney, we shine a light on this often overlooked, yet critical aspect of team sports. Together, we explore the communication dynamic in hockey, tracing its influence from youth leagues up to the NCAA level, and discussing how it can often be the determining fact...

Who says parents can't play a crucial role in youth sports? With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate the complicated role of being a "Monday morning coach," thereby nurturing your young hockey player's skills and craft in the process. This episode is brimming with insights, anecdotes, and practical advice on how to balance parental input and trust in the coaching staff; we promise to equip you with valuable tools to make this journey smoother. Being a parent of a young athlete comes w...

In this week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we dive into the intricacies of developing youth hockey skills with NHL developmental skill coach Sumeet Wareh. Sumeet is a renowned NHL Development Skills Coach known for his innovative approach to youth hockey training. With a unique background that spans from finance to professional hockey coaching, Sumeet brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the sport. His expertise in utilizing video analysis and technology to enhance playe...

Imagine nurturing the passion for hockey in your children without pressuring them to love the game. Sounds tough, right? Add in raising 5 kids who are all active in sports, while also being a team manager for multiple teams, and you have today's guest. Desiree Hall and her husband have found the perfect balance to maintaining their busy schedules while placing their focus on raising happy and healthy children rather than star athletes. This episode explores how they inspire their kids to have f...

Ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of your child's hockey experience? Do you wonder if there's a better way to manage all those bits of equipment, schedules, and laundry? We've got you covered. In this episode, we delve deep into establishing routines and fostering accountability in young hockey players. We discuss everything from packing gear to choosing the right jersey color, aiming to take some pressure off parents and empower kids. We also share our insights on the best practices for teach...

Lou Nolan, who's been the voice of the Flyers since 1967, joins the show to share his insights from the game that he has watched evolve firsthand. We dive into how he has been instrumental in crafting moments that have left fans on the edge of their seats, and the key factors that play a crucial role in building a successful franchise. We dive deep into the nuances of coaching, calling out the Kevin Costner and 'chameleon' coaches, and their adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of hockey...

Ever cringed over the sight of a rabid hockey parent, screaming at the sidelines and pushing their child beyond reasonable limits? We sure have, and this episode is all about that - navigating the perilous landscape of youth hockey parenting. We start the discussion by reminiscing about the evolution of 'crazy hockey parents,' pondering on the right time for a child to take the game seriously. As the conversation deepens, we tackle the balancing act of supporting your child's aspirations while ...

What if you could get behind-the-scenes insights from a veteran NHL play-by-play broadcaster? Our guest, Jim Jackson, has an incredible 30-year career under his belt, and he shares lessons from his wealth of experience with us. From his humble beginnings at Syracuse University to his encounters with the NHL's finest athletes, Jackson's passion for hockey and broadcasting knows no bounds. We venture into the world of sports broadcasting, probing the role of technology and how it's revolutionizin...