Our Kids Play Hockey Episodes

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...

The Co-Founders of Hone Athletics have dedicated their lives to helping professional athletes on the mental fitness journeys. Jessica Renney grew up with a unique perspective of the game having spent most of her life close to the NHL and witnessing the importance of mental fitness to pro players, and Paula McQuaid serves as a mental performance consultant for Hockey Canada's Women's u-18 National team. She has won two golds, silver and bronze medals with the team in IIHF World Championships sinc...

Being a hockey parent is a tiresome job, but what would happen if you multiply that by four kids? Add in a few successful businesses to make life more chaotic and you have today's guest, Kim Wright. Kim is the mastermind behind multiple successful Nothing Bundt Cakes locations, and the mother of four young, lively hockey players (two goalies, a defenseman, and a mite!). Her story is not just inspiring; it's a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and an unwavering positive attitude. K...

In this special mid-week edition of our show - Martin Negron, the young entrepreneur who, along with his father, created Duzter Armor checks back in to share some amazing updates after their first year on the market. Their invention, Duzter Armor, has acquired the official nod for use in NHL games, and their product range now includes junior sizes. To recap our original conversation with Martin - this isn’t just your run-of-the-mill protective garment; Duzter Armor offers an added layer of safe...

Ever wondered if it's a good idea to pay your young hockey player each time they score a goal? Join in on our discussion challenging the practice of financial payouts in youth hockey. We dig into the implications and how such practices can shape not only the player's attitudes on the ice but also their personal growth off it. As we dive deeper, we warn of creating a self-centered player at the expense of a team ethos. Instead of cash incentives, we advocate for recognizing well-rounded team pla...

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 preparation, revealing the complexities of handling five divisions and the relentless attention to detail a tournament of this caliber needs. The episode also sheds light on the burgeoning growth of girls' hockey, and Eric's ambitious goal of establishing a state championship for gir...

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 experiences of the child factor in. We specifically dissect the controversies around the 12U mark, pondering the pros and cons of continued parental involvement in coaching. We also venture into the realm of autonomy in youth sports. The spotlight here is on the evolving game o...

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 strategies for coaches and parents alike, on how to manage the emotions that come with competition, and how to start the season off in a manner that keeps the game exciting and engaging for the players. We reveal the secrets of nurturing a competitive culture within a team, from s...

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 analyses to post-game reflections, John provides a unique and insightful perspective. He shares his conversations with hockey parents, underscoring the importance of fostering players' ambition and personal growth. Drawing from his interactions with Canadian players, he re...

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 team, alongside his close friend, mentee, and fellow hockey enthusiast, Bill Cahill. Pete and Bill share their lifelong passion for hockey and the profound impact that mentorship has had on their paths. This isn't just a story of sports; it's a tale of friendship, resilience, ...

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 extraordinary high school senior juggling the responsibilities of being a hockey team captain (on TWO teams) while also running his own businesses. Max's story is a true testament to perseverance and determination. Through his experiences on the ice, he has honed a unique...