The Ride To The Rink Episodes

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 ...

How do you bounce back from massive adversity in your life? On today’s episode of Ride to the Rink, NHL veteran Chris Therien joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to inspire young players with wisdom drawn from his 12-year professional career. As kids and families head to the rink, Chris shares advice on the importance of having fun, competing with effort, and being a great teammate. 💡 Key Highlights: •The Core of Hockey: Why fun and friendship should be your foundation in the game. •Overcoming Adve...

Are you ready to elevate your hockey game and finish this season strong? On this episode of "The Ride to the Rink" hosts Lee and Mike share motivational strategies to help young players enhance their skills and performance in the second half of the season. They offer practical advice on setting achievable goals, managing time effectively, and honing specific skills both during team practice and personal time. With a focus on continuous learning and self-belief, this episode is packed with insig...

Are you skating into 2025 with a fresh perspective? On this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," host Lee Elias offers a motivational boost for players looking to reset and refocus as the new year unfolds. Lee encourages listeners to pause, reflect on their journey, and set new goals to enhance their skills and performance. By emphasizing the power of present actions, he guides players to take immediate steps toward improvement, ensuring that future success is built on today's efforts. Key Discu...

Are you ready to jump back into the swing of things after a long winter break? In this episode of "Ride to the Rink," hosts Christie Casciano-Burns, Lee MJ Elias, and Mike Bonelli provide essential guidance for young hockey players and their parents as they transition back into their routines after a long winter break. The discussion centers on the importance of re-establishing daily habits that can help young athletes manage their time effectively and reduce stress. By focusing on creating str...

Happy Holidays from the Our Kids Play Hockey team! On today’s episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee, Christie, Mike, and Sheri share their advice for kids as they celebrate the holidays. From taking care of your gear, to having gratitude for the game - this episode is a great holiday listen. Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Our Kids Play Hockey has been honored with a nomination for the 2025 Hockey Podcast of the Year at the Sports Podcast Awards! To support us in winning this prestigious awa...

Are you ready to transform your mindset and elevate your game? This episode of "The Ride to the Rink" brings you an insightful conversation with former pro hockey player Jason Podollan, who shares the powerful "Three R's" technique: Rewind, Replay, Reset. This episode is packed with strategies to help players recover from mistakes and build mental resilience on the ice. Discover how to shift from negative to positive mental states and enhance your performance with practical tips and success st...

Ever wondered how successful individuals handle criticism and stay grounded? Cassie Campbell-Pascall shares her insights on managing criticism, emphasizing that it often accompanies success and the challenge of breaking norms. She advises considering the source of criticism and using it as motivation to prove naysayers wrong. Cassie also discusses her method of maintaining perspective by surrounding herself with reminders of life's challenges and accomplishments, helping her stay grounded when ...

Are you maximizing your practice sessions to their full potential? Discover how adopting a "Practice Like You Play" philosophy can transform your performance on the ice. This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores the critical importance of approaching practice with the same intensity and mindset as a game. Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli emphasize the need for proper warm-ups, highlighting that preparation for practice is just as vital as for games due to its continuous nature. They also discuss...

Are you on the path to prep school? This episode of "The Ride To The Rink" explores the critical decisions and skills that shape a successful hockey career. From preparing for prep school hockey to mastering self-advocacy, our hosts provide valuable insights for both players and parents. Discover how surrounding yourself with better players can elevate your game, and gain wisdom from Olympic gold medalist Brianna Decker's unique coaching philosophy. Whether you're considering a hockey-focused...

Feeling the weight of hockey burnout? Discover how to reignite your passion with insights from Olympian Lindsay Fry. She shares her journey of overcoming burnout and anxiety while training for the Olympic team, offering invaluable advice for young players. Lindsay highlights the crucial difference between motivation and commitment, urging players to remember their initial love for the game during challenging times. She stresses the importance of commitment to oneself and teammates, as motivati...

Are you ready to transform your approach to your hockey development? Discover the power of patience and perseverance in this engaging episode of "The Ride To The Rink." Ken Martel and Lee Elias explore the essential mindset shifts needed for players to thrive on and off the ice. They discuss the critical role of coaches in fostering a supportive environment and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, even on tough days. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, this episode of The...

On this week’s episode of The Ride To The Rink John O’Sullivan shares ways that youth athletes can overcome uncomfortable conversations regarding sports with their parents - specifically during car rides to and from the rink. John shares the best tactics needed to help young athletes communicate and advocate when they’re ready to discuss their feelings surrounding games and practices. Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! We're powered by NHL Sense Arena! NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality tr...

Have you checked out the Rivalry Series yet? In this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Sheri and Lee dive into the growing excitement around women’s hockey and the impact of watching Team USA and Canada face off in their annual Rivalry Series. They explore how USA Hockey is building the sport’s fanbase through outreach events like “try hockey for free” sessions and meet-and-greets with Olympians, making hockey more accessible and inspiring the next generation of fans. With the latest Riv...

Are you missing out by focusing on just one sport? This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores why playing multiple sports can enhance long-term athletic development and enjoyment. Kevin Shier of TOP Sports shares insights on managing the challenges of balancing various sports and activities, offering practical advice on communicating with coaches and prioritizing passions. The conversation highlights the importance of playing sports for the love of the game, not external pressures, ensuring...

How do you handle the pressure of negative comments from the stands? This episode of "The Ride To The Rink" tackles this pressing issue, offering practical advice for young hockey players facing critical remarks from parents during games. Christie, Lee, and Mike explore the impact of such behavior on performance and focus, encouraging open communication between players and their parents. They highlight the significance of self-esteem, emphasizing that a player's worth isn't defined by others' ...

Is your mental game on point? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Olympian and Professional Hockey Player Hayley Scamurra as she shares invaluable insights on the importance of mental fitness, reflecting on lessons she wishes she had learned earlier in her career. Discover how positive self-talk can significantly boost confidence and performance on the ice. This episode also explores effective strategies for young players to manage their emotions, recognizing the fleeting nature of both highs a...

Are your screens sabotaging your game? This episode of The Ride To The Rink features expert Larissa Mills and explores how simple habits like avoiding your phone for 30 minutes after waking and shutting it off an hour before bed can boost your performance. Discover how excessive screen time can impact your focus and intensity on the ice, and learn strategies to enhance your athletic prowess by reducing screen exposure before games. We also discuss the art of designing a positive social media ...