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Are you fueling your game with the right habits? 🏒 Discover how sleep and nutrition can transform your performance on the ice! Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Christie Casciano team up with NHL performance coach Kevin Neeld to share essential advice for young athletes. From the importance of a good night's sleep to making healthy foods more appealing, this episode of "Ride to the Rink" is packed with insights to help you excel. Key Points: Sleep's Role in Performance: Learn why a consistent sleep sched...

What truly defines a successful young athlete in today's competitive world? In this compelling episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, performance coach Kevin Neeld joins Lee and Christie to share insights from his work with the Boston Bruins and beyond. From the traits of successful NHL players to the critical role of sleep and nutrition, Neeld offers a treasure trove of advice for parents and coaches aiming to nurture young talent. 🔥 Highlights Include: The key characteristics that set NHL players...

Tryout season is here, and whether you’re heading to the rink feeling confident or battling nerves, we’re here to help you approach it with the right mindset. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee, Mike, and Sherry break down what you can control, what really matters in an evaluation, and how to set yourself up for success—both on and off the ice. We’ll talk about: ✅ How to manage nerves and set a strong mental outlook ✅ Why most teams already have a roster in mind—and what that means ...

🏒 Ever wondered what it takes to succeed both on and off the ice? Lindsay Pennal from the NHL Coaches Association shares her insights on achieving success in hockey and beyond. With hosts Lee MJ Elias and Sheri Hudspeth, this episode of "Ride to the Rink" is packed with valuable advice for young players. Key Highlights: - Role of the NHL Coaches Association: Discover how they support coaches with off-ice matters and share knowledge globally. - Guiding Principles for Success: Lindsay's three co...

How do we get more women behind the bench in hockey? Lindsay Pennal, the Executive Director of the NHL Coaches Association, joins Our Girls Play Hockey to share her journey in leading the NHLCA, the impact of the Female Coaches Development Program, and the steps being taken to create more opportunities for women in coaching. Lindsay opens up about her unconventional path into the hockey world, the importance of networking, and how the NHLCA is helping shape the next generation of coaches—both m...

What do the latest USA Hockey rule changes mean for your young athlete's game? In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike break down the latest USA Hockey rule updates for the 2025 season. From team composition to equipment regulations, these changes are set to impact youth, girls, high school, and adult hockey leagues. Discover how these modifications aim to enhance safety, respect, and skill development on the ice. 🔥 Highlights Include: New team composition rules...

Spring is here! As the temperatures rise and the ice starts to melt, you might be wondering: Should I keep playing hockey in the spring, or is it okay to take a break? In this episode, Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Sherry Hudspeth tackle one of the biggest questions young hockey players face: Do I need to play year-round to get better? Spoiler alert: You don’t. ✅ Why taking a break from hockey can actually make you a better player ✅ The benefits of playing other sports (or even picking up an ...

🚨 Feeling the pressure before a big game? You’re not alone. But what if we told you that pressure is actually a privilege? In this episode, mental performance coach Vinny Malts—who works with NHL players and teams—joins us to break down how young athletes can turn stress into strength. Together, we explore why pressure exists, where it comes from, and how you can take control of it instead of letting it control you. Coach Vinny shares a simple but powerful exercise to help players recognize the...

In today’s episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we dive into the critical role of mental performance in hockey with Coach Vinny Malts, a former pro player turned elite mental performance coach. Vinny has worked with athletes at every level, including as the first-ever mindset performance coach in the NHL, helping players strengthen their confidence, focus, and resilience. Together, we explore why mental training is becoming as essential as physical training, how young players can develop their own ...

Calling all young hockey players and future broadcasters! In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, broadcaster Jamie Hersch joins Lee Elias to share how kids can turn their love for sports into an exciting career in broadcasting. 🚨 Inside This Episode: ✅ How to get started in broadcasting—even as a kid! ✅ Overcoming fear—why doing it scared is the first step to success. ✅ Reps, reps, reps!—why practice makes perfect in front of the camera. ✅ How broadcasting keeps you in the game—staying inv...

In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, we welcome Jamie Hersch, a trailblazing broadcaster and studio host for the NHL Network, MLB Network, PWHL, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights. From growing up as a passionate sports fan in Minnesota to becoming a respected voice in hockey broadcasting, Jamie shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she’s faced, and the evolving role of women in sports media. 🚨 Inside This Episode: ✅ How Jamie got her start in sports journalism—from high schoo...

What makes a hockey parent truly legendary? 🏒 In this entertaining episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike explore the lighter side of hockey parenting with a series of humorous awards. From the "Always on Time" accolade to the "Rink Cyclopedia" honor, they celebrate the unsung heroes of the rink—parents who go above and beyond for their kids. With personal anecdotes and relatable stories, this episode is a delightful tribute to the dedication and quirks of hockey familie...

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike discuss the often-overlooked power of positive body language in hockey. While much attention is given to avoiding negative habits like sulking or smashing sticks, this episode flips the script to explore how positivity can elevate not just individual performance but the entire team. From encouraging teammates after mistakes to staying engaged between periods, Lee and Mike share actionable tips and stories about how players can use their body...

Hockey is more than just a game—it’s a team, a family, and a place where players support one another both on and off the ice. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we welcome world-class hockey player and mental health advocate Kendra Fisher to talk about an important part of the game that doesn’t always get enough attention—the mental side. Kendra shares her own journey with mental health, offering powerful advice for young players who may be struggling. From learning how to ask for help to...

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike shine a spotlight on one of hockey’s most vital yet underappreciated positions: the defenseman. They break down why strong defensive play is the key to offensive success and overall team stability. From understanding the “house” to the importance of skating, positioning, and transitions, this episode dives deep into the mindset and skills that make great defensemen so valuable. Whether you’re a coach, player, or hockey parent, this episode w...

What does it take to become a great hockey player—and a great teammate? In this episode of The Ride to the Rink episode, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli are joined by Matt Dumouchelle, author of the Hockey Factories series. Matt has traveled the world studying elite hockey programs, and he shares invaluable lessons for youth players about the importance of having fun, being a good teammate, and embracing the journey of the game. From celebrating the little moments on t...

In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, goaltender-turned-advocate Kendra Fisher shares her journey from making Team Canada to battling severe anxiety and panic disorder. She reveals how hockey became both her escape and her lifeline, leading her to champion mental fitness in sports. Hockey players are told to be tough, but what happens when the battle is internal? Kendra discusses the pressures of elite competition, the impact of social media on young athletes, and the critical role of par...

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike sit down with Matt Dumouchelle, the creator of the Hockey Factories series and podcast via The Coaches Site. Matt’s in-depth exploration into elite hockey development programs worldwide has uncovered the secret ingredients behind their success—not just in creating great players, but in cultivating outstanding people. Matt shares insights from his research, including the importance of community among coaches, redefining success in ...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of hockey greatness? 🏒✨ Buckle up as this episode of "The Ride to the Rink" brings you hall of fame advice from legendary NHL coach Mike Keenan! Host Lee MJ Elias and Coach Keenan dive into the heart of what it takes to reach the pinnacle of hockey success. From coaching icons like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, Keenan shares his wisdom on the perfect blend of talent and relentless effort. Want to make your mark on the ice? This episode is your playbook! I...

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, three-time Olympic gold medalist Cherie Piper shares wisdom for young hockey players chasing their dreams. Whether your goal is to play in the PWHL, make it to the NHL, or pursue excellence in any area of life, Cherie offers invaluable advice about: •Dreaming Big: Why having bold aspirations drives purpose and energy. •The Many Paths to Success: How hockey opens doors beyond playing, from coaching to officiating and beyond. •The Work Behind the Dream: ...

What does it take to coach the greatest hockey players of all time? In this unforgettable episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, the legendary Coach Mike Keenan joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share wisdom from a career that spans decades, continents, and championships. From his Stanley Cup victory to managing icons like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Mario Lemieux, Coach Keenan dives deep into the art and science of coaching, team culture, and the importance of developing young players with care ...

In this week's episode of Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike dive into a crucial lesson for young players: how to keep your emotions in check and stay present, no matter what happens on the ice. Using relatable examples and practical advice, they explore how a few seconds of frustration—or celebration—can derail your performance if you let it. Learn why “being a goldfish” and practicing emotional awareness are key skills for hockey players and athletes alike. Whether you’re scoring big or bouncing ...

In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, we’re joined by none other than Cherie Piper—a three-time Olympic gold medalist and the Senior Manager of Scouting and Player Development for Hockey Canada. Fresh off another gold medal win at the U18 Women’s World Championship, Cherie shares her journey to becoming one of hockey’s most accomplished athletes. Together with hosts Lee MJ Elias, Sheri Hudspeth, and Mike Bonelli, Cherie dives deep into what it takes to succeed in high-performance hockey, bo...

In this thought-provoking episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns dive into the controversial world of youth hockey rankings with special guests Ken Ruoff and Jean Linscott, authors of What Is the Goal? The Truth About the Youth Sports Industry. Together, they tackle the tough questions surrounding the impact of rankings, the emphasis on winning over development, and the broader effects of the “youth sports industry” on families and players. 💡 Key Topics Cov...