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What is something that Carter Hart knows now that he wishes he knew as a youth hockey player? We were able to ask him this to share with you for this week’s episode of The Ride To The Rink. Take a listen before your next practice or game and don’t forget to keep the game fun! 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 ne...

What if you could get behind-the-scenes insights from a veteran NHL play-by-play broadcaster? Our guest, Jim Jackson, has an incredible 30-year career under his belt, and he shares lessons from his wealth of experience with us. From his humble beginnings at Syracuse University to his encounters with the NHL's finest athletes, Jackson's passion for hockey and broadcasting knows no bounds. We venture into the world of sports broadcasting, probing the role of technology and how it's revolutionizin...

Kevin Weekes, a former NHL goaltender turned the NHL's top analyst on ESPN and NHL network shares the importance of an unwavering work ethic through stories of his personal journey to demonstrate that hard work pays off. Kevin is a living example of how an insatiable drive and determination can set a strong foundation for a career beyond the rink. Kevin also highlights the power of teamwork, excellence, optimization, potential, discipline, and the indomitable spirit of grit and hunger. He firml...

The Co-Founders of Hone Athletics have dedicated their lives to helping professional athletes on the mental fitness journeys. Jessica Renney grew up with a unique perspective of the game having spent most of her life close to the NHL and witnessing the importance of mental fitness to pro players, and Paula McQuaid serves as a mental performance consultant for Hockey Canada's Women's u-18 National team. She has won two golds, silver and bronze medals with the team in IIHF World Championships sinc...

On this week's Ride To the Rink, Lee shares insights on leadership that extend beyond the badge of honor stitched onto a jersey. Tune in to explore the qualities that make a good leader. We challenge the notion that leadership is confined to those donning the 'C' or 'A', provoking thought on how each team member, regardless of their designated role, can contribute to the team's success. We unpack essential leadership attributes such as trust, communication, accountability, and character, and ho...

Being a hockey parent is a tiresome job, but what would happen if you multiply that by four kids? Add in a few successful businesses to make life more chaotic and you have today's guest, Kim Wright. Kim is the mastermind behind multiple successful Nothing Bundt Cakes locations, and the mother of four young, lively hockey players (two goalies, a defenseman, and a mite!). Her story is not just inspiring; it's a testament to the power of resilience, passion, and an unwavering positive attitude. K...

Ever wondered why you can't seem to nail that slapshot? Or why your stick handling leaves much to be desired? It could be down to the stick you're using. Mike illuminates the often overlooked, yet crucial world of hockey sticks. From the size and flex to the tape job, he shares demonstrate how the right stick can greatly enhance your performance on the ice and emphasizes that consistency and familiarity with your equipment is key, on and off the ice. We also look into the necessity of taking ca...

In this special mid-week edition of our show - Martin Negron, the young entrepreneur who, along with his father, created Duzter Armor checks back in to share some amazing updates after their first year on the market. Their invention, Duzter Armor, has acquired the official nod for use in NHL games, and their product range now includes junior sizes. To recap our original conversation with Martin - this isn’t just your run-of-the-mill protective garment; Duzter Armor offers an added layer of safe...

Ever wondered if it's a good idea to pay your young hockey player each time they score a goal? Join in on our discussion challenging the practice of financial payouts in youth hockey. We dig into the implications and how such practices can shape not only the player's attitudes on the ice but also their personal growth off it. As we dive deeper, we warn of creating a self-centered player at the expense of a team ethos. Instead of cash incentives, we advocate for recognizing well-rounded team pla...

Respect is a crucial part of your character and it starts with self-respect - an essential aspect that could actually help to turn around your game. It's easy to overlook the small things like having a good breakfast or making it to school on time, but we challenge you to take a close look at these seemingly insignificant details, because when done consistently they can pave the way for an exceptional display of self-respect. And here's a guarantee - not only will it make you a better athlete, b...

Ever wonder what goes into organizing a high school hockey tournament like the Flyers Cup? Eric Tye joins us this week as the President of the Flyers Cup. He takes us on a journey through the meticulous season-long preparation, revealing the complexities of handling five divisions and the relentless attention to detail a tournament of this caliber needs. The episode also sheds light on the burgeoning growth of girls' hockey, and Eric's ambitious goal of establishing a state championship for gir...

Ever thought about the power of your smile as you enter the rink, or how your simple hello to a teammate can change the atmosphere around you? Mike dives into the concept of deliberate positivity and the profound impact it can have on your team dynamics. We explore the ripple effect of small gestures like a smile or an engaged conversation, and how these can create a positive force that is both beneficial for your mindset and incredibly contagious. We also discuss the importance of standing up ...

Ever wondered when it's the right time for a parent to step back from coaching their child's sports team? Mike and Lee dig into this pressing question, examining how family dynamics, team requirements, and the individual experiences of the child factor in. We specifically dissect the controversies around the 12U mark, pondering the pros and cons of continued parental involvement in coaching. We also venture into the realm of autonomy in youth sports. The spotlight here is on the evolving game o...

Shifting your focus and quieting your mind can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you have a game on the line. What if we told you that with just 10 minutes a day, you could enhance your mental agility to not only ace those games but also tackle daily life challenges with ease? This episode of Ride to the Rink explores the power of mental fitness and how simple practices can considerably improve your performance on and off the ice. From centering your attention on a single object to li...

Ever wonder how to keep the fun and competitive spirit alive in youth hockey? This week we draw on our experiences to discuss the art of fostering a vibrant, competitive culture among young players. We share practical strategies for coaches and parents alike, on how to manage the emotions that come with competition, and how to start the season off in a manner that keeps the game exciting and engaging for the players. We reveal the secrets of nurturing a competitive culture within a team, from s...

What if there was a tool that could help you enhance your ice skating skills right in the comfort of your home? Imagine being able to mirror almost everything you do on the ice at any hour of the day. This episode offers just that - a deep dive into the benefits of using a slide board, featuring insights from power skating coaches like Kurt Nichols. Learn how a slide board can help you master balance, strength, cadacity, agility, and much more. This isn't just about repetition - it's about refin...

On this episode of Our Kids Play Goalie, Brian Santora, USA Hockey Goaltending Coach Instructor joins us to share his journey and the importance of specialized coaching. We discuss the tools for understanding the position that coaches, parents, and players can implement at all levels. We turn our spotlight on the world of youth hockey, emphasizing the importance of effective goal-tending training in each practice. With the advent of the internet, goal-tending information is accessible, but how ...

Ever wondered what it takes to be a 'coachable kid'? Join us on a special road trip edition of "The Ride to the Rink" as hockey mom Christie and her daughter Sophia share their take on the essence of being coachable. Sophia, known for her adaptability on ice, leads us through the importance of being receptive to coaches' guidance, asking the right questions and adjusting game strategies on the fly. As we journey beyond the rink, Sophia sheds light on how a player's image can make a significant ...

In this episode, we delve into legendary sportscaster John Boruk's remarkable journey in the world of hockey and how he seamlessly translates his professional sports experiences into valuable parenting insights. From pre-game analyses to post-game reflections, John provides a unique and insightful perspective. He shares his conversations with hockey parents, underscoring the importance of fostering players' ambition and personal growth. Drawing from his interactions with Canadian players, he re...

Struggling with managing your schedule? Worried about juggling homework and hockey practices, or any other extracurricular activities? If so, we've got a special treat for you. Join Christie and Sophia, for 3 minutes on the go, as we dive into an essential skill that's best learned young - time management. Sophia, recent college hockey graduate, spills the beans on how she kept up with her dual commitments. Sophia makes it all sound so simple with her practical advice: Imagine turning your trav...

Embark on a remarkable journey that started with childhood dreams and culminated in Olympic glory on this week’s episode of Our Kids Play Hockey as we explore the life of Pete Sears, a member of the 1972 US Olympic hockey team, alongside his close friend, mentee, and fellow hockey enthusiast, Bill Cahill. Pete and Bill share their lifelong passion for hockey and the profound impact that mentorship has had on their paths. This isn't just a story of sports; it's a tale of friendship, resilience, ...

What if a simple tap on the pads and a few words of encouragement could make all the difference to a goalie's game? It's not all about what has happened on the ice, it's what is going to happen next. Join us as we chat with the Goalie Doctors, Matt Tendler and Mitch Harris, who share invaluable advice on how to keep your goalie in the game. They’re not just discussing techniques and strategies but highlighting the importance of team support and positive reinforcement in boosting a goalie's perfo...

Imagine being the Captain of multiple teams, being a senior in high school, owning and operating two companies, all while trying to earn the gaze of colleges and scouts. Our guest today is doing just that. Max Rutkowski is an extraordinary high school senior juggling the responsibilities of being a hockey team captain (on TWO teams) while also running his own businesses. Max's story is a true testament to perseverance and determination. Through his experiences on the ice, he has honed a unique...

"Success leaves clues," but are you noticing them? This week, Mike & Lee take a look at the importance of human interaction, emotional awareness, and the power of putting your phone down. We're tackling the concept of seeking out connections with other players and coaches - not just for the growth of the team, but for individual personal development as well. In the latter part of our episode, we dig deeper into making conscious choices to interact with peers, even those you might only meet bri...