The Ride To The Rink Episodes

Welcome back, hockey skaters and goalies! On this special edition of The Ride to the Rink, we are honored to have a true hockey legend joining us—NHL Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier. As one of the top 100 NHL players of all time, Bryan has an impressive resume with seven Stanley Cups under his belt—six as a player and one as a coach. Today, he shares valuable insights on the importance of being resourceful in your training and how overcoming challenges can lead to success. Key Takeaways: •Resource...

Welcome back, hockey skaters and goalies around the world, to another edition of The Ride to the Rink! With the new season fast approaching, it’s time to get prepared. Inspired by our recent episode on Our Kids Play Hockey, we’ve created a quick three-step checklist to help you get ready for the season. 1.Equipment Check: •Make sure all your gear fits properly. •Replace any equipment that is too small or worn out. •Important items to check include hockey pants, shin guards, and sticks. •Goalies...

In this episode of “The Ride to the Rink,” hosts Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns provide invaluable advice for kids who are either joining a new hockey team for the first time or welcoming new teammates. The hosts discuss common anxieties, how to make a positive first impression, and the importance of teamwork both on and off the ice. This episode is packed with practical tips to help young players navigate new team dynamics with confidence and ease. Key Topics: Joining a New Team: Addr...

Show Notes: In this episode of “The Ride to the Rink,” host Lee Elias is joined by Division 3 hockey player and online influencer Luke Croucher. Currently playing for Neumann University, Luke shares his journey from Canada to Philadelphia and dives into the importance of building habits for success in hockey and life. They discuss how small, consistent actions can lead to significant improvements and the mental fortitude required to maintain these habits. Luke provides practical tips on creating...

Welcome back to another exciting edition of “The Ride To The Rink!” Today, host Lee Elias dives into a significant change coming to youth hockey players: the mandatory use of neck guards starting August 1, 2024. Whether you’re new to neck guards or have been wearing them for years, this episode offers valuable insights on how to adapt to new regulations and unexpected changes both on and off the ice. Lee emphasizes that it’s not the equipment that defines a player, but the player’s mindset and a...

In this inspiring episode of “The Ride to the Rink,” we are joined by, Kim Davis, an extremely high-ranking official at the NHL and a global influencer in the world of hockey. Kim shares a powerful message directly aimed at young hockey players about the importance of courage and leadership in shaping the future of the sport and society. Join us as Kim emphasizes the vital role that today’s youth play in driving positive change, both on and off the ice. She discusses the importance of standing ...

Welcome to a special holiday edition of "The Ride To The Rink" with Lee Elias! As we celebrate the 4th of July and reflect on Canada Day, Lee emphasizes the importance of family time during these festive occasions. In this brief but heartfelt episode, Lee reminds us that: Family Time is Precious: Whether it’s family dinners, holidays, or just spending time together, being with your loved ones is invaluable. Family Dynamics in Hockey: The way you interact with your family can reflect on how yo...

In this episode of The Ride to The Rink Mike and Lee dive into the joys and opportunities of summer and spring league hockey. With the summer heat in full swing, it’s time to embrace the fun and freedom these leagues offer, while still focusing on personal growth and development. In this episode, we discuss: •The unique, relaxed atmosphere of summer and spring league hockey, with no practices and just one game a week. •Encouraging kids to try different positions and roles on the ice to develop...

On this week's episode of The Ride to The Rink, Mike and Lee discuss the critical role of environment in a young hockey player’s development. Drawing from a recent interview with professional goaltending coach Brian Daccord and insights from numerous players, coaches, and parents, Mike and Lee emphasize the significance of a positive, supportive, and challenging environment over merely playing at a higher level. They discuss: •Brian Daccord’s perspective on why environment trumps level, especi...

In this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," hosts Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli are joined by Jenna Trubiano, head coach of the University of Michigan Women’s ACHA Division I hockey team. Jenna shares invaluable advice for young hockey players and their parents about the importance of advocating for yourself and communicating effectively with coaches. Key Topics Covered: Self-Advocacy: Jenna emphasizes the significance of young athletes learning to advocate for themselves...

Hello, hockey skaters and goalies around the world! Welcome back to another edition of The Ride to the Rink. This is Lee Elias with you today, and we have a special guest from the Vegas Golden Knights, Sheri Hudspeth. Sheri is the Director of Development for Youth Hockey and Fan Engagement, and she joins us to discuss the importance and benefits of ball hockey. Sheri emphasizes that ball hockey is a fantastic way for ice hockey players to improve their skills at home. It’s also a great social a...

In this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink, hockey mom Christie Casciano Burns opens up about the emotional and physical toll of hockey injuries. Sharing her personal experience with her 12U son's wrist fracture during a Niagara Falls tournament, Christie highlights the challenges of dealing with injuries far from home. The episode emphasizes the importance of not playing through pain, especially when dealing with head injuries, and encourages young athletes to prioritize their health for a ...

In this episode of The Ride To The Rink, we're thrilled to have Sean Ellis, Vice President of Hockey Operations for the NHL, join us. Sean works in the NHL’s Situation Room in Toronto, making crucial calls during games that can turn the tide of play. Sean shares invaluable advice for young hockey players on how to respond to calls on the ice. He discusses the importance of managing emotions, whether it's a good call or a bad one, and how to use those feelings to fuel your performance positively...

In this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli dive into an essential topic for young athletes: leadership. Inspired by a question from Logan, a young listener eager to become a role model for his teammates, our hosts share their insights on what makes a great leader in youth hockey. Mike starts the discussion by emphasizing the importance of compassion and the ability to understand and support teammates facing adversity. He highlights the val...

On this week's Ride To The Rink, Lee takes a detailed look into one of the most crucial aspects of hockey strategy — understanding "time and space." This episode is especially valuable for young players and their parents as we decode what coaches mean when they instruct players to "create time and space" on the ice. Key Episode Highlights: - Introduction to Time and Space: Lee kicks off the episode with a fundamental question from our Facebook group about what exactly coaches mean by "time and...

This week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey tackles a pivotal question straight from the Our Kids Play Hockey community: How can you be a good teammate or supportive parent, especially when you or your child doesn't make the desired team? Lee delves into the importance of maintaining a positive and proactive attitude, regardless of the team placement. Drawing from personal experiences, he shares how some of his most rewarding hockey seasons were those where he didn't make the team he initially ...

In this heartfelt episode of The Ride To The Rink, Hockey Mom Christie shares a powerful story penned by her son, Joey at age 14, illustrating his profound journey through the world of hockey. Titled "Challenged and Inspired by Hockey," Joey's narrative delves into his relentless work ethic and determination that set him apart from his peers in a generation often criticized for its instant gratification mindset. Despite starting hockey later than most of his peers, Joey’s commitment turned his ...

Hockey Mom Christie offers young hockey players invaluable advice on how to tackle tryouts with confidence and grace. Drawing from wisdom imparted by a respected coach, Christie outlines key strategies to help players stand out and effectively manage the inevitable stress and drama of tryouts. Key points include adopting the right mindset by viewing it as your responsibility to make the team, staying active and engaged whether you have the puck or not, and demonstrating strong character both on...

In this week's episode of "The Ride to the Rink," Lee Elias dives into the multifaceted benefits of being a well-rounded individual, not just for hockey players but for anyone striving to enhance their cognitive and physical abilities. Lee shares personal insights and experiences, highlighting the importance of engaging in various activities outside of hockey. Key Points Discussed: - The Value of Playing Multiple Sports: Lee discusses the well-documented benefits of engaging in various sports ...

On this week's episode of "The Ride To The Rink," Lee dives into an often-overlooked aspect of hockey tryouts and evaluations: the mental and emotional journey that players and their parents experience. While the physical challenges of tryouts are widely acknowledged, the psychological pressures accompanying them can significantly impact performance and well-being. Episode Highlights: Understanding Anxiety in Tryouts: Lee shares insights into the common anxieties faced by both players and pare...

In this week’s episode of "The Ride to The Rink," Mike shares invaluable advice for young athletes heading to their hockey tryouts. Whether you're a seasoned player familiar with the team or someone stepping into a new organization, Mike's tips are designed to help you prepare effectively and stand out during tryouts. Key Points Discussed: Preparation is Key: Mike emphasizes the importance of arriving at the rink fully prepared. This includes knowing the location and timing of your tryouts, en...

In this week’s episode of "The Ride to the Rink," we dive into the essence of what makes a great teammate with the guidance of Madison Packer, a renowned professional hockey player known for her leadership on and off the ice. Madison shares her insights into the simple yet profound principles of kindness, inclusivity, and respect within the team dynamic. What You Will Learn: The fundamental qualities of being a fantastic teammate. The importance of creating a safe and inclusive environment wit...

In this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink, hockey mom Christie Casciano Burns delves into the crucial topic of sportsmanship in youth hockey. Christie shares her perspective and experiences, highlighting the importance of good sportsmanship on and off the ice. She addresses the negative impact of poor sportsmanship, such as throwing equipment and tantrums during games, and emphasizes the value of congratulating the opposing team regardless of the game's outcome. Christie's insights aim to t...

On this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey,: The Ride To The Rink" we're joined by the Goalie Doctors who dive deep into the psychological and social intricacies crucial for acing goalie tryouts. This episode is not just about the mechanics of goaltending but about mastering the mental game and fostering team synergy, whether you're in the crease or skating in front. In This Episode: Discover the art of mental and social finesse essential for goaltenders during tryouts, transcending beyond...