The Ride To The Rink Episodes

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...

In this week's episode of "Ride to the Rink," Lee MJ Elias discusses the significance of self-evaluation and growth for young hockey players as the season draws to an end. Lee emphasizes that development should not solely be measured by a game's outcome but by personal improvement and teamwork. Listeners will learn the importance of setting and accomplishing personal goals, assessing their contributions as teammates, and the value of listening and learning from coaches and parents. This episode ...

In this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," host Lee Elias offers a deep dive into the mental and strategic aspects essential for hockey players and coaches as they navigate the intense periods of playoffs, big games, and tryouts. Lee shares his insights on the dynamics of winning and losing, emphasizing the importance of embracing losses as learning opportunities to achieve greater successes in hockey. Highlights Include: Winning and Losing Dynamics: Lee discusses the reality that striving for ...

On this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink with host Lee MJ Elias, we explore Wayne Gretzky's first NHL level encounter with championship grit and what it truly takes to win when it matters most. This episode is a treasure trove for athletes, coaches, and fans, packed with strategies, historical insights, and the mental toughness required for playoff success. Key Highlights: Gretzky's Eye-Opening Experience: Discover the impactful moment when Wayne Gretzky learned a vital lesson from the Ne...

Welcome to this week's episode of "The Ride To The Rink," where we dive deep into the essential skills that make a well-rounded hockey player. Today, we're shifting the spotlight to a skill that often doesn't get as much glory as goal-scoring but is equally critical to the game's success: passing. Episode Highlights: The Importance of Passing: We kick off the episode by highlighting how passing, playmaking, and assisting are vital components of hockey that players should practice diligently. Ou...

In this week's episode of "The Ride to the Rink," our hosts Lee, Mike, and Christie dive into the crucial phase of the hockey season where the weather starts to warm up, and distractions abound. They discuss the importance of commitment to hockey, balancing multiple sports, and strategies for staying focused both on and off the ice. Key Highlights: Commitment to Hockey: The hosts emphasize the importance of fulfilling commitments to your hockey team, even as the season winds down and other spor...

This week on The Ride To The Rink, Christie recounts the laughter-filled corridors of hotels during travel tournaments. She shares how young athletes carry their team's reputation with every sprint down the hall and every prank gone sideways. Her tales of camaraderie and the occasional hotel mishap serve as a reminder that respect and sportsmanship create the most indelible impressions. Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! We're powered by NHL Sense Arena! NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality t...

Not every hockey journey looks the same, but we should be able to celebrate them all. Lee shares his own journey on this episode of The Ride To The Rink and reminds us that we should believe in ourselves regardless of what our journey looks like! Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! We're powered by NHL Sense Arena! NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice train...

Mid-January marks a crucial turning point in the hockey season, and feelings of exhaustion may be creeping in. But with the right mindset, this time can also ignite a renewed passion for the game. Listen in for some strategies to help you stay connected to your love for hockey and make the most of the season's final stretch. We'll look at conducting a personal review, setting mental structures, and revisiting goals to ensure you end your season on a high, cherishing every moment on the ice. In ...

On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee dives into the critical role of goal setting in both hockey and life. Lee shares insights from his own experiences, demonstrating how setting specific, written goals has led to real achievements. We discuss the importance of having a clear vision and the ability to adapt your goals as you grow. This episode is a straightforward guide on how to effectively set and pursue goals, providing practical tips whether you're a player, coach, or anyone looking...

Ever wondered how the line between confidence and arrogance can make or break a young hockey player's career?Join Mike as he helps us navigate the delicate dance of cultivating a healthy ego in youth hockey. We're not just talking about puffing chests and swagger—there's an art to balancing self-assurance with humility, and it's crucial for players who want to shine individually without dimming their team's collective spirit. From leading by example in drills to handling the highs and lows on th...

Have a very happy holiday and make sure to enjoy yourself to the fullest! Take the time to spend with those you care about, and recharge as we head into the new year. From the entire Our Kids Play Hockey Network family, we're wishing you peace, joy, and a festive season that scores more memories than a championship game! Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! We're powered by NHL Sense Arena! NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ ...

Today's episode is a game-changer as we navigate the landscape of mental performance with the assistance of Dr. Cassidy Preston. As a mental performance coach and the author of the Amazon bestseller "Mindset First," Cassidy illuminates the significance of shielding our minds from unnecessary distractions, particularly those stemming from social media. He equates harmful mental inputs to junk food, underlining the "input vs output" concept in a way that resonates and makes you rethink your mental...

Ever wondered why a bad call seems to ruin your game? Or how your interaction with officials can influence the outcome of a hockey match? This week's Ride To The Rink explores how players can effectively manage their interactions with officials for a successful game. We spotlight the necessity of emotional control and the impact of gestures like picking up the puck after an icing, and how these can impact the officials' perception of you. As a player, the game isn't merely about scoring goals; i...

Ever dreamt of making it to the NHL? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Sumeet Wareh delivers indispensable advice and practical tips that he wishes he'd known as a young player. He passionately talks about understanding your own skills and the type of player you are, emphasizing the necessity of dream-chasing and never losing sight of the NHL goal. He firmly believes in the 1% chance, and he's committed to being part of that chance for tomorrow's NHL stars. Sumeet's insightful guidance doesn’t...

In this special Thanksgiving edition of The Ride To The Rink, we explore a topic that transcends the holiday season: gratitude. As we celebrate the game we love, let's remember the countless moments that make hockey special, from that incredible assist to the crucial save. Join us as we emphasize the power of recognizing and thanking our teammates, coaches, and everyone who contributes to our journey on and off the ice. Hockey is a team sport, and it's the little things that count. So, as you ...

Justin Goldman of the Goalie Guild discusses with us about the mental struggles that players grapple with this week on The Ride To The Rink. He shares valuable insights into the importance of acknowledging and managing emotions like disappointment, fear, and anxiety – emotions that every player, amateur or pro, has felt at some point. No one should feel alone in their emotional journey, and Justin stresses the critical importance of reaching out, sharing, and discussing these feelings. He belie...

Step onto the ice with a winning mindset as we dive into the latest episode of 'Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink'. Hosted by Lee Elias, this podcast is a treasure trove for hockey parents, coaches, and young athletes looking to elevate their mental game and overall performance. In this must-listen episode, Lee introduces two vital questions that have the power to change the game for hockey players at every level: "What do I control in this situation?" and "Am I being present right now...