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In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli delve into the emotional aspects of youth hockey coaching. They discuss the important role coaches play in not only teaching the game but also in shaping young lives. The episode extends beyond game tactics and drills, offering a deeper look into the emotional investment and patience required in coaching youth sports. Lee and Mike share practical tips on how to engage young players, maintain their interest, and utilize ed...

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...

How do you help young hockey players step out of their comfort zones and grow both on and off the ice? This week's conversation centers on practical advice for parents, coaches, and mentors, focusing on building resilience, creativity, and courage in young athletes. We dive into the importance of creating a supportive environment where mistakes are part of the learning process. Our discussion sheds light on the balance between consistent practice and the introduction of new, innovative skills ...

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...

As the festive lights twinkle and the ice glistens Lee, Christie, and Mike are wrapping up the year with a heartfelt thank you to our hockey family. We're toasting to the incredible milestones we've reached together. In this special holiday episode, we're sharing our gratitude and reflecting on the connections made, the stories shared, and the shared passion for the puck that bonds us all. From emails to in-person chats, your engagement has been the driving force behind our exciting journey, and...

Join us this week as we celebrate the year's end with heartfelt gratitude. The final episode of 2023 draws the curtain on a year of conversations that have been listened to around the world from Toronto to Nepal, uniting our hockey family across the globe. We revisit the standout moments that shaped our year, from Tim Cook's ethical quandaries in youth sports coaching to Dr. Alicia Naser's wisdom on emotional endurance. We highlight our top 10 episodes, each a testament to the diverse tapestry ...

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 ...

With a combined experience of 30 years in the industry, Brian and Whitney Harrington join the show to give an insider's look into the world of organizing hockey tournaments, straight from the trenches. The Harringtons are experts in creating an unforgettable tournament experience that transcends beyond just winning games. They share tips on how to maximize your tournament travels and stays, and shed light on unique showdown hockey tournaments events like their Olympic skills competition and the ...

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 some sports teams perform far better than others, despite having similar levels of talent? One answer lies within the realm of communication, and in our latest conversation with the insightful retired NCAA coach, Pete Whitney, we shine a light on this often overlooked, yet critical aspect of team sports. Together, we explore the communication dynamic in hockey, tracing its influence from youth leagues up to the NCAA level, and discussing how it can often be the determining fact...

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...

Who says parents can't play a crucial role in youth sports? With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate the complicated role of being a "Monday morning coach," thereby nurturing your young hockey player's skills and craft in the process. This episode is brimming with insights, anecdotes, and practical advice on how to balance parental input and trust in the coaching staff; we promise to equip you with valuable tools to make this journey smoother. Being a parent of a young athlete comes w...

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 week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we dive into the intricacies of developing youth hockey skills with NHL developmental skill coach Sumeet Wareh. Sumeet is a renowned NHL Development Skills Coach known for his innovative approach to youth hockey training. With a unique background that spans from finance to professional hockey coaching, Sumeet brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the sport. His expertise in utilizing video analysis and technology to enhance playe...

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 ...

Imagine nurturing the passion for hockey in your children without pressuring them to love the game. Sounds tough, right? Add in raising 5 kids who are all active in sports, while also being a team manager for multiple teams, and you have today's guest. Desiree Hall and her husband have found the perfect balance to maintaining their busy schedules while placing their focus on raising happy and healthy children rather than star athletes. This episode explores how they inspire their kids to have f...

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...

Ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of your child's hockey experience? Do you wonder if there's a better way to manage all those bits of equipment, schedules, and laundry? We've got you covered. In this episode, we delve deep into establishing routines and fostering accountability in young hockey players. We discuss everything from packing gear to choosing the right jersey color, aiming to take some pressure off parents and empower kids. We also share our insights on the best practices for teach...

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...

What if you could peek behind the mask of a professional hockey goalie and dive into the mental challenges and toughness required to play the sport and position? Justin Goldman’s experiences range from playing as an e-bug for the Colorado Avalanche to creating an inspiring online community for goalies - the Goalie Guild. Serving more than just a peek into his fascinating journey, Justin shares his wisdom and knowledge through establishing the Goalie Guild's unique digital platform. We uncover h...

Ever wondered why elite NHL players almost never miss the net during warm-ups? Its because elite level players players always shoot with a purpose. They know exactly where they want to put the puck each and every time they shoot. In this week's episode of the Ride To The Rink, we highlight the importance of adopting a calculated approach to how you shoot. Lee mentions that shooting aimlessly is a waste of a shot and shares practical advice on shot selection, placement, and more. We also discuss...

Lou Nolan, who's been the voice of the Flyers since 1967, joins the show to share his insights from the game that he has watched evolve firsthand. We dive into how he has been instrumental in crafting moments that have left fans on the edge of their seats, and the key factors that play a crucial role in building a successful franchise. We dive deep into the nuances of coaching, calling out the Kevin Costner and 'chameleon' coaches, and their adaptability in the ever-evolving landscape of hockey...

Dreams: we all have them, and there always seems to be someone trying to shut them down on us. If you're willing to commit, work hard, and persist, nobody, absolutely no one, has the right to tell you that you can't make it. On this week's episode, we talk about the significance of self-belief, resilience, and undying grit in the journey of chasing your dreams, be it in hockey or any part of life. Throughout this episode, we'll share inspiring stories of those who were told they couldn't make ...

Ever cringed over the sight of a rabid hockey parent, screaming at the sidelines and pushing their child beyond reasonable limits? We sure have, and this episode is all about that - navigating the perilous landscape of youth hockey parenting. We start the discussion by reminiscing about the evolution of 'crazy hockey parents,' pondering on the right time for a child to take the game seriously. As the conversation deepens, we tackle the balancing act of supporting your child's aspirations while ...