The Ride To The Rink Episodes

Ready to level up your hockey game? 🏒 Former NHL player Bobby Robins shares his playbook for success on and off the ice in this game-changing episode of "Ride to the Rink"! Ever wonder what it really takes to make it to the big leagues? Bobby breaks down the hockey journey from pee-wee to pro, serving up a heaping dose of motivation along the way. He's not just talking X's and O's—this is about building the mindset of a champion. 🎯 Key Points: The hockey journey: A step-by-step guide to reachi...

🏒 Are you a young hockey star or struggling to find your place on the ice? This episode of "Ride to the Rink" is your game-changer! Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli serve up a power play of wisdom for players at every level. From goal-scoring phenoms to those still finding their stride, there's something here for everyone. But here's the kicker — talent alone won't cut it! Ready to level up your game? Here's what's on deck: The secret sauce that turns good players into legends 🌟Why your lo...

🏒 Ready to gear up for hockey season without breaking the bank? "Ride to the Rink" hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli tackle the age-old question: Does expensive equipment make a better player? Spoiler alert: It doesn't! This episode is packed with practical advice for young players and parents navigating the world of hockey gear. From timing your purchases to finding the perfect fit, our hosts share insider tips that'll have you feeling like a pro—without the pro-level price tag. Ever wonde...

☀️ Are you making the most of your summer—or just skating through it? In this empowering episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli break down the top five summer mistakes that young hockey players and families make—and how to avoid them. From over-scheduling to mental burnout, the crew shares personal stories and practical advice to help every kid reclaim the magic of summer while still growing as a player. 🏒 Key Takeaways: Why less hockey can actually...

In this episode, Lee shares a powerful concept from a conversation with longtime coach and mentor Pete Whitney: the difference between time spent and time invested. Whether it’s hockey, school, or life off the ice, young athletes are constantly choosing how to use their time—but not all choices pay off the same way. 🧠 Lee breaks down: The mindset that separates top performers from the rest How to recognize “brain rot” moments vs. productive ones Why it’s not just about being busy—but being in...

What does a Hockey Hall of Famer really think youth hockey players need to succeed? On this special Ride to the Rink, We spotlight key insights from none other than Brianna Decker, fresh off her induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. From elite playing days to coaching the next generation, Decker has seen it all—and her message for young athletes and families is clear. 🏒 Takeaways from the ride: Why work ethic is more important than talentThe underrated power of Hockey IQHow competitiveness ...

🏒 Ready to unlock your hockey potential without breaking the bank? NHL veteran Matt Moulson joins "Ride to the Rink" to share game-changing tips for young players looking to level up their skills—no fancy equipment required! From DIY shooting ranges to water balloon target practice, this episode is packed with creative hacks to turn your backyard into a hockey development playground. But it's not just about drills. Moulson dishes out hard-hitting advice on bouncing back from setbacks, taking ...

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On this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee shares a simple story that left a big impression—and reminds every young player (and parent) why the way you act off the ice matters just as much as the way you play on it. After a young player was complimented by a stranger for his manners and kindness, Lee and Mike break down what it means to represent your team and your sport in everyday life, and why those little things—like saying “please” and “thank you”—can make a huge difference. A short ...

Private lessons can be a great way to grow your game—but only if you approach them the right way. In this Ride to the Rink, Lee shares advice directly with young players on how to make private coaching sessions truly valuable. From asking the right questions to tracking your progress off the ice, this episode is all about helping players take ownership of their development and turn every lesson into lasting improvement. 🏒 Key Takeaways: ✔️ Don’t just show up—show up with a goal ✔️ Ask smart, ...

On this episode of Ride to the Rink , we’re joined by a true hockey visionary— Howard Dolgon , founder and longtime owner of the Syracuse Crunch , who turned a dream into a franchise and a franchise into a legacy. Howard reflects on his journey from a tough Brooklyn neighborhood to the New York State and Syracuse Hockey Halls of Fame —a path paved not by luck, but by passion, perseverance, and relentless belief. He opens up about the power of effort over excuses, the importance of chasi...

Team USA gold medalist and NCAA champion Caroline Harvey joins us for a special Ride to the Rink episode—and she’s talking directly to young players chasing big goals. Whether you dream of playing high school, college, or even Olympic hockey, this quick conversation is packed with the kind of advice that helps you take the next step in your game. 🏒 In this episode: ✅ Why small, daily habits matter more than highlight-reel moments ✅ What Caroline still does every day to improve her game ...

🏒 Ever wondered what it takes to create a winning goalie partnership in youth hockey? Discover the secrets behind successful team dynamics with insights from Olympian Sami Small on "Ride to the Rink." This episode is packed with valuable advice for young players and coaches, emphasizing the power of teamwork and mutual support. Key Discussion Points: - Multiple Goalies on a Team: Understanding the dynamics and choices involved in who plays. - Goalie Partnerships and Support: Why there's no "b...

What’s your role on the ice—and how can you lean into it, even if it’s not the one you wanted? In this Ride to the Rink, NHL veteran and current youth coach Zac Rinaldo shares real-world advice for players navigating team dynamics, finding their identity, and expanding their skillset. From his own evolution through junior, pro, and now coaching, Zac breaks down how players can: 🔑 Understand and embrace their role 🧰 Build a versatile “toolbox” of skills 💬 Communicate effectively with coaches ...

Getting cut from a team hurts—but it doesn’t define your future. Olympic gold medalist and broadcaster Tessa Bonhomme joins The Ride to the Rink to deliver an inspiring message to every young player who didn’t make the team this season. In just 10 minutes, Tessa shares: Why being cut can actually be a gift How to turn disappointment into fuel for growth The truth about building a winning team (hint: it’s not all top scorers) Her personal “Google Maps” analogy for navigating your unique hocke...

The birds are chirping, the season’s winding down—and that means it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to build a better hockey player this off-season. In this episode of Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike dive into how players (and parents) can start planning a development calendar that fits real life and drives real growth. From simple 20-minute habits like daily push-ups or shooting pucks, to blocking out time in a shared Google Calendar, it’s all about building consistency, not cramm...

“Why You Should Never Let Anyone Tell You ‘You Won’t Make It’” On this ride, Lee, Christie, and Mike get real about one of the most common — and harmful — things kids in hockey (and beyond) hear: “You’ll never make it.” Whether it’s a coach, a parent, or even your own doubts, this episode is a rallying cry for young athletes to chase their dreams and embrace the journey — with eyes wide open and skates on the ice. We talk about why dreaming big matters, how to handle criticism, what it really t...

As the hockey season wraps up, it’s time to hit pause—and look back. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli team up to help young players reflect on their season the right way. Whether you hoisted a championship trophy or just gave it your all every day, there are key lessons waiting to be uncovered—if you take the time to look. Lee and Mike break down a coach-approved reflection process, including: • ✅ How to assess your personal growth beyond stats • 🧠 Why t...

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by mental performance coach and former professional hockey player Danielle McDonough to help young athletes develop a winning mindset before they even step onto the ice. Feeling nervous about a big game? Stressed about a mistake from last time? Danielle shares simple but powerful tools—like breathing techniques, visualization, and superpower statements—to help you stay calm, confident, and focused. She explains how practicing mental skills i...

On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by Jon Nelson, a hockey coach and mental health advocate, to talk about the highs and lows of a hockey season and what to do when you’re feeling down. 🏒 How to recognize and talk about your feelings 🤝 What makes a great teammate on and off the ice 💡 Why engaging with teammates, coaches, and even rink staff can change your game Jon shares simple but powerful advice for young players on supporting each other, embracing the team-first mindset, ...

Are you fueling your game with the right habits? 🏒 Discover how sleep and nutrition can transform your performance on the ice! Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Christie Casciano team up with NHL performance coach Kevin Neeld to share essential advice for young athletes. From the importance of a good night's sleep to making healthy foods more appealing, this episode of "Ride to the Rink" is packed with insights to help you excel. Key Points: Sleep's Role in Performance: Learn why a consistent sleep sched...

Tryout season is here, and whether you’re heading to the rink feeling confident or battling nerves, we’re here to help you approach it with the right mindset. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee, Mike, and Sherry break down what you can control, what really matters in an evaluation, and how to set yourself up for success—both on and off the ice. We’ll talk about: ✅ How to manage nerves and set a strong mental outlook ✅ Why most teams already have a roster in mind—and what that means ...

🏒 Ever wondered what it takes to succeed both on and off the ice? Lindsay Pennal from the NHL Coaches Association shares her insights on achieving success in hockey and beyond. With hosts Lee MJ Elias and Sheri Hudspeth, this episode of "Ride to the Rink" is packed with valuable advice for young players. Key Highlights: - Role of the NHL Coaches Association: Discover how they support coaches with off-ice matters and share knowledge globally. - Guiding Principles for Success: Lindsay's three co...

Are you ready to elevate your hockey game by practicing like a pro? 🏒 This week's "Ride to the Rink" dives into the essentials of equipment usage and safety gear, ensuring young players and their parents are well-prepared for both practice and play. Christie Casciano, Lee MJ Elias, and Mike Bonelli share invaluable insights on selecting, experimenting with, and maintaining hockey gear—especially neck guards—to maximize comfort and safety. Key Points to Explore: Neck Guard Necessity: Discover w...