The Ride To The Rink Episodes

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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...

Spring is here! As the temperatures rise and the ice starts to melt, you might be wondering: Should I keep playing hockey in the spring, or is it okay to take a break? In this episode, Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Sherry Hudspeth tackle one of the biggest questions young hockey players face: Do I need to play year-round to get better? Spoiler alert: You don’t. ✅ Why taking a break from hockey can actually make you a better player ✅ The benefits of playing other sports (or even picking up an ...

🚨 Feeling the pressure before a big game? You’re not alone. But what if we told you that pressure is actually a privilege? In this episode, mental performance coach Vinny Malts—who works with NHL players and teams—joins us to break down how young athletes can turn stress into strength. Together, we explore why pressure exists, where it comes from, and how you can take control of it instead of letting it control you. Coach Vinny shares a simple but powerful exercise to help players recognize the...

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike discuss the often-overlooked power of positive body language in hockey. While much attention is given to avoiding negative habits like sulking or smashing sticks, this episode flips the script to explore how positivity can elevate not just individual performance but the entire team. From encouraging teammates after mistakes to staying engaged between periods, Lee and Mike share actionable tips and stories about how players can use their body...

Hockey is more than just a game—it’s a team, a family, and a place where players support one another both on and off the ice. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we welcome world-class hockey player and mental health advocate Kendra Fisher to talk about an important part of the game that doesn’t always get enough attention—the mental side. Kendra shares her own journey with mental health, offering powerful advice for young players who may be struggling. From learning how to ask for help to...

What does it take to become a great hockey player—and a great teammate? In this episode of The Ride to the Rink episode, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli are joined by Matt Dumouchelle, author of the Hockey Factories series. Matt has traveled the world studying elite hockey programs, and he shares invaluable lessons for youth players about the importance of having fun, being a good teammate, and embracing the journey of the game. From celebrating the little moments on t...

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, three-time Olympic gold medalist Cherie Piper shares wisdom for young hockey players chasing their dreams. Whether your goal is to play in the PWHL, make it to the NHL, or pursue excellence in any area of life, Cherie offers invaluable advice about: •Dreaming Big: Why having bold aspirations drives purpose and energy. •The Many Paths to Success: How hockey opens doors beyond playing, from coaching to officiating and beyond. •The Work Behind the Dream: ...

In this week's episode of Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike dive into a crucial lesson for young players: how to keep your emotions in check and stay present, no matter what happens on the ice. Using relatable examples and practical advice, they explore how a few seconds of frustration—or celebration—can derail your performance if you let it. Learn why “being a goldfish” and practicing emotional awareness are key skills for hockey players and athletes alike. Whether you’re scoring big or bouncing ...