The Ride To The Rink Episodes

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 ...

Are you ready to elevate your hockey game with insights from the pros? Steve shares invaluable lessons on the significance of watching and editing hockey footage, emphasizing the creation of personal highlight reels for continuous learning and improvement. He delves into the world of video analysis in professional hockey, recounting his collaboration with goalie coach Ben Aller to uncover and correct subtle gameplay details. Steve also highlights the critical role of pre-shot preparation, applic...

Ever wondered what it takes to become an Olympian? This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores the journey of aspiring athletes with insights from Team USA Women's GM Katie Million. She shares the importance of having fun, working hard, and believing in miracles. Discover why character is as vital as talent in Olympic team selection, emphasizing the need to be a good person both on and off the ice. Learn how young athletes can develop character by doing chores, being good students, and suppor...

On this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink, retired NHLer Riley Cote shares how separating the human from the hockey player can enhance mental health and emotional intelligence. This episode emphasizes building a toolbox of skills that extend beyond the rink, focusing on personal development and mental clarity to naturally boost athletic performance. Learn how a shift in perspective empowers athletes to take control of their lives and situations, while gratitude practices help shift energy...

How do you build a strong connection with your coach? In this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink, we explore the art of eye contact and active listening to show respect and eagerness to learn. Mike shares how player maturity plays a crucial role in understanding the time and effort coaches invest in your growth. Hear how the dynamics of coach-player interactions during games, practices, and locker room talks, emphasizing the importance of positive relationships. -- 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:0...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to building confidence on the ice? Kim McCullough shares how setting and achieving small, daily goals can transform an athlete's mindset and performance. This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores the power of self-directed goal setting, where athletes focus on specific skills or actions they want to improve during practices and games. Learn how just 10 minutes a day dedicated to extra training can lead to significant advantages over time. The discussion al...

What are you supposed to do while you're waiting to go back out on the ice between shifts? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Lee shares the importance of staying hydrated and mental preparation. By observing the game from the bench, players can also gain valuable insights into both their own team and their opponents. The discussion emphasizes the power of positive team communication inspired by Sidney Crosby's leadership style, and underscores the need for emotional regulation to handle the gam...

Ever wondered how to turn a long car ride into an unforgettable adventure? Hockey mom Christie Casciano shares her insights on making road trips to out-of-town tournaments a memorable experience for kids and parents alike. She emphasizes the importance of completing schoolwork before hitting the road, allowing for a stress-free journey. Christie suggests engaging in fun activities like I Spy and word games to keep the ride lively and interactive. She also highlights the value of bonding with tea...

Are you navigating the college hockey recruitment maze? Boston University Women's Hockey Assistant Coach Megan Myers shares invaluable insights to help young players and their families through this challenging process. She emphasizes the importance of drive, patience, and enjoying the journey, while also highlighting the resources available, such as club coaches and team managers. Megan also discusses the significance of self-advocacy, encouraging players to take charge by writing professional e...

How often do you communicate on the ice? This episode of "The Ride to the Rink" with Lee explores the critical role of communication in hockey, highlighting how it can make or break a game. Key Points: Importance of Communication on the Ice - Emphasis on the necessity of verbal communication during games and practices. - Comparison of past and present communication habits due to technology. Situational Awareness and Tactical Communication - Examples of essential verbal cues on the ice. - The...

What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your hockey dreams? In this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," Lee challenges young hockey players to reflect on their daily habits and consider what they might need to give up to reach their goals. Key Points: Sacrifice for Goals - As young hockey players, it's crucial to look at your daily routines and spot any time wasters. Screen Time and Practice - Try cutting back on screen time to spend more time practicing your hockey skills. Incremental Im...

In this episode of The Ride To The Rink, host Sheri Hudspeth and guest Hannah Beckman dive into the unique challenges female hockey players face. They chat about the need for strong quads and glutes, and how societal pressures can clash with the physical demands of the sport. Hannah shares her personal experiences with body image and stresses the importance of mental health and proper nutrition. They also offer advice for young athletes and their parents on staying healthy and strong. Tune in fo...

Ever feel like "be patient" is the worst advice? Host Lee MJ Elias shares his unique take on patience, transforming it from passive waiting into active progress. Drawing from his experiences in hockey and life, Lee explains how focusing on present actions can make the waiting game more bearable and productive. He breaks down the concept of patience, emphasizing the importance of what you do right now to achieve future goals. Whether it's practicing hockey skills or tackling everyday tasks, Lee's...

Feeling the weight of expectations on the ice? In this insightful episode of The Ride to the Rink, we delve into mastering the mental game of hockey and managing the pressures from coaches, parents, and scouts. You’ll gain practical strategies to help young athletes recognize and address their stress and anxiety, understanding that these tough feelings are not only normal but temporary. We emphasize the importance of self-awareness and open communication, guiding you on how to have courageous c...

In this episode of The Ride To The Rink, we sit down with Olympian and professional hockey player Megan Bozek to discuss the power of having dreams and the journey it takes to achieve them. Megan shares her personal story, from dreaming of playing college hockey to representing her country on the Olympic stage. She offers valuable advice for young athletes about the importance of setting goals, the reality of facing setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way. Megan emphasizes that while no...