The Ride To The Rink Episodes

🎧 Want to become a better hockey player before you even step onto the ice? Today’s Ride to the Rink is a special one — because cognitive performance coach Satoshi Takano joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share simple, game-changing ways kids can think faster, scan better, and make smarter decisions on the ice. Young players often focus on chasing the puck or scoring the goal… but what about the other 95–98% of the game when the puck isn’t on your stick? Satoshi breaks it all down in a way kids c...

🎧 Ever wonder what it actually looks like when a pro athlete is chasing an Olympic roster spot? In this new Ride To The Rink episode, Lee Elias checks back in with Team USA forward and PWHL Montreal star Hayley Scamurra — and a lot has happened since her last update. From moving cities twice, to training with Team USA, to preparing for the Rivalry Series, to staying grounded while chasing her Olympic dream… Hayley opens up about the realities behind the scenes — the excitement, the pressure, th...

🧼 Hockey kids… we love you. But some of you stink. And today, we’re tackling a topic every parent is cheering for and every young player needs to hear: HYGIENE. Don’t panic. Don’t turn us off. This one’s going to help you stay healthy, stay in the lineup, and yes… stop clearing the bench with your gear odor. In this Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike break down why taking care of your body isn’t just a “parent rule” — it’s a hockey advantage. From brushing your teeth to washing your gear to actuall...

🍁 This week, we’re giving thanks — for YOU, our listeners, our incredible hockey community, and the five amazing years of Our Kids Play Hockey! Join hosts Lee Elias, Christy Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli for a heartwarming Thanksgiving special that’s all about gratitude, laughter, and celebrating how far this podcast (and our hockey families) have come. In this special holiday edition, the team shares: ✨ Reflections on five years of growing the OKPH community ✨ Heartfelt gratitude for listen...

🧠 Ever wonder what separates good hockey players from great ones? It’s not just skating or shooting — it’s how they see the game. In this quick but powerful mini-episode, Lee and Mike dive deep into one of hockey’s most underrated superpowers: situational awareness. From blue-line turnovers to risky rushes, goalie decisions to smart dump-ins, this episode breaks down how learning to “zoom out” and see the full 200x80 sheet can transform a young player’s game — and make coaches trust them more. ...

🎙️ “Okay.” “K.” “👍.” Sound familiar? In this week’s episode of The Ride To The Rink, Mike and Lee tackle one of the sneakiest challenges facing young hockey players today — texting instead of talking. From locker room group chats to misread messages, they break down why communication has become so complicated — and how simple face-to-face conversations can make you not only a better teammate, but a better person. 🔥 Highlights include: The hidden dangers of texting tone (and why emojis don’t fi...

Ready to revolutionize your young hockey player's mindset? 🏒💪 "The Ride to the Rink" serves up a game-changing episode packed with insights from PWHL star Hayley Scamurra and Coach Nick Stoop. They tackle the tough questions: How do you keep the love for hockey alive? What's the secret to performing under pressure? And why is positioning more crucial than points? 🔑 Key Takeaways: Recognizing when it's time for a team changeThe power of self-awareness in youth sportsShifting focus from scoring...

🎙️ Tournament season is here — are your kids really getting the most out of it? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Lee, Christie, and Mike unpack one of youth hockey’s biggest opportunities (and challenges): tournament weekends. From nerves and hotel boredom to team bonding and leadership, this episode is your playbook for making every trip unforgettable — for players and parents alike. 💡 In This Episode: 🏒 Christie shares how to turn nerves into excitement and creativity on the ice.&nb...

What separates good players from great ones? It’s not talent — it’s work ethic. In this inspiring episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee and Mike sit down with Riley Armstrong, NHL Director of Player Development, to talk about what it really takes to level up your game — on and off the ice. From the long days at the rink to the unseen sacrifices parents make, Riley shares how NHL pros push through pain, fatigue, and setbacks — and how young players can learn to bring that same 100% effort every d...

🎧 Ready to make your hockey game stronger — on and off the ice? In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, the crew welcomes Pete, CEO of TeamSnap, to talk about their exciting new partnership with Bauer Hockey and the launch of the Bauer Hub inside the TeamSnap app! 🚀 Pete breaks down how this new hub is helping players, parents, and coaches learn together — with on-ice drills, performance tips, coaching plans, and even interactive challenges that make learning fun. Whether you’re a kid who lo...

🎧 What’s the true return on investment in hockey? Spoiler alert: it’s about so much more than scholarships and pro contracts. This week on The Ride To The Rink, we welcome back our friend Jack Han — former NHL development coach, AHL assistant, and author who’s worked with players and coaches all over the world. Jack dives into what “ROI” really means in youth hockey and why your investment in the game goes far beyond money. 🔥 Highlights from this episode: 💡 Why hockey’s ROI is measured in fri...

🚨 What’s the most underrated skill in hockey? It’s not speed. It’s not saves. It’s not even scoring goals. According to pro goalie Ian Shane (Cornell standout, now playing at the pro level), the real game-changer is being a great teammate. In this week’s episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee, Mike, and Christie sit down with Ian to explore what makes a true difference-maker in the locker room — and how learning to lift others up can actually improve your own game. 🔥 In this episode, you’ll hear...

🥑🏒 What if your pre-game snack was the difference between skating strong or running out of gas halfway through the game? In this week’s episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re tackling something every young player can control — what they eat. We sat down with nutrition experts who work with pro athletes and Division I players to break down how the right food choices help kids perform their best on the ice. 🍌 Highlights include: Why a banana beats a bag of chips every time How small, consistent...

It’s easy to get caught up in hockey and start thinking the sport defines who you are. But in this episode of The Ride to the Rink, two PWHL stars—Taylor Heise and Hayley Scamurra—share why you’re always more than just a hockey player. They open up about the roles and hobbies that keep them grounded: being sisters, daughters, and aunts… baking, puzzles, pickleball, family time, and even online shopping. Both remind us that while hockey is important, it can’t be the only thing that defines you. ...

Ready to unlock your hockey potential? 🏒✨ "Ride to the Rink" serves up a game-changing episode on creativity in skating and hockey. Guest Christian Grunnah from Grow Up Power Skating drops wisdom bombs that'll revolutionize your approach to the ice. Ever wondered how off-ice activities could level up your game? Or why mastering your edges might be more crucial than stick handling? This episode's got answers that'll make you rethink your training routine. 🔑 Key Takeaways: • Creativity is king ...

Ready to level up your hockey game—and your life? 🏒💪 "Ride to the Rink" drops some serious wisdom bombs for young players looking to crush it on and off the ice. Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli serve up a power play of tips on creating killer routines and managing time like a pro. Want to impress your parents and coaches? It's all about taking charge of your schedule and prep. No more last-minute scrambles or forgotten gear! These hockey gurus break down exactly how to plan your attack, f...

Ready to unlock the secret to consistent performance in hockey? 🏒💪 Former pro player Bobby Robins shares game-changing advice from NHL coach Bruce Cassidy on "Ride to the Rink" with host Lee MJ Elias. Whether you're a young player chasing your dreams or a parent supporting from the sidelines, this episode is packed with wisdom to elevate your game—on and off the ice. Key Takeaways: The power of bringing your "B game" every nightWhy curiosity trumps judgment in athlete developmentHow to chase ...

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 ...