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What role does mindset play in the journey from youth hockey to the professional leagues? In this episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," hosts Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli sit down with former NHL player Jason Podollan to explore this crucial question. Jason shares his personal experiences, from watching the Vancouver Canucks as a child to winning a provincial championship at 13, and how these moments shaped his path. The conversation highlights the significance of mental fit...

Are you maximizing your practice sessions to their full potential? Discover how adopting a "Practice Like You Play" philosophy can transform your performance on the ice. This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores the critical importance of approaching practice with the same intensity and mindset as a game. Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli emphasize the need for proper warm-ups, highlighting that preparation for practice is just as vital as for games due to its continuous nature. They also discuss...

What does it take to break barriers in the world of hockey? In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey featuring Cassie Campbell-Pascall we explore her remarkable journey as a trailblazer in women's hockey. Cassie reflects on her playing days with elite teams like the Toronto Aeros, sharing the ice with some of the best players of her time. She discusses the evolution of women's professional hockey, highlighting the strides made in facilities, resources, and professionalism leading to the curren...

How do you mentally prepare to play hockey when the stakes seem sky-high? This episode of Our Kids Play Hockey brings you insights from Brianna Decker, who highlights the crucial role of mental preparation and confidence in elite hockey, where skill differences are razor-thin. She shares her unique approach to practice, treating it with the same intensity as a game, pushing herself and her teammates to elevate their performance. Brianna opens up about the tough lessons learned from losing the...

Are you on the path to prep school? This episode of "The Ride To The Rink" explores the critical decisions and skills that shape a successful hockey career. From preparing for prep school hockey to mastering self-advocacy, our hosts provide valuable insights for both players and parents. Discover how surrounding yourself with better players can elevate your game, and gain wisdom from Olympic gold medalist Brianna Decker's unique coaching philosophy. Whether you're considering a hockey-focused...

Ever wondered what it takes to excel in prep school hockey? This episode of Our Girls Play Hockey features Olympian, Pro, and United States Hockey Hall of Famer - Brianna Decker. Brianna currently serves as the head coach at Shattuck-St. Mary's and she joins the show to offer an insider's look at prep school hockey. She breaks down the daily life of a student-athlete, where academics and hockey training are seamlessly integrated into the school day. Curious about the recruiting process? Disc...

Happy Thanksgiving! What life lessons have you learned from sports? This special Thanksgiving episode of Our Kids Play Hockey explores the profound impact of hockey on personal growth, highlighting how the sport instills discipline, time management, and resilience in young players. The hosts reflect on the enduring friendships formed with fellow hockey families, relationships that last long after the final whistle. They remind listeners to savor every moment, sharing stories like Lee's childr...

Feeling the weight of hockey burnout? Discover how to reignite your passion with insights from Olympian Lindsay Fry. She shares her journey of overcoming burnout and anxiety while training for the Olympic team, offering invaluable advice for young players. Lindsay highlights the crucial difference between motivation and commitment, urging players to remember their initial love for the game during challenging times. She stresses the importance of commitment to oneself and teammates, as motivati...

How do you transform a group of individuals into a cohesive team? In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, the team dives into "How to Win," Lee's new refresh on his best selling team building philosophy. This updated edition, a decade in the making, offers a streamlined approach filled with new experiences and reorganized insights. Lee's philosophy has matured to cater to all ages and settings, from sports teams to corporate environments. Discover the core elements of trust, communication, a...

Are you ready to transform your approach to your hockey development? Discover the power of patience and perseverance in this engaging episode of "The Ride To The Rink." Ken Martel and Lee Elias explore the essential mindset shifts needed for players to thrive on and off the ice. They discuss the critical role of coaches in fostering a supportive environment and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, even on tough days. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, this episode of The...

How can we keep girls in girls' hockey? This episode of Our Girls Play Hockey explores this question with Lindsay Fry, Olympian, Harvard grad, and now chair of the NHL Female Advisory Hockey Committee. Lindsay shares her journey in expanding girls hockey in Arizona, highlighting the creation of a comprehensive pipeline from learn-to-play programs to all-girls teams. She discusses the importance of early development, emphasizing quality coaching for young players to instill both skills and pass...

How can we revolutionize youth hockey development? This week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey explores the transformative impact of the American Development Model (ADM) on young players in the U.S. USA Hockey's Senior Director of Player & Coach Development, Ken Martel, joins the show to share insights on creating fun, game-like practices that emphasize puck touches, appropriate challenges, and decision-making. He highlights why encouraging kids to participate in multiple sports is crucial, w...

On this week’s episode of The Ride To The Rink John O’Sullivan shares ways that youth athletes can overcome uncomfortable conversations regarding sports with their parents - specifically during car rides to and from the rink. John shares the best tactics needed to help young athletes communicate and advocate when they’re ready to discuss their feelings surrounding games and practices. Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! We're powered by NHL Sense Arena! NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality tr...

Have you checked out the Rivalry Series yet? In this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Sheri and Lee dive into the growing excitement around women’s hockey and the impact of watching Team USA and Canada face off in their annual Rivalry Series. They explore how USA Hockey is building the sport’s fanbase through outreach events like “try hockey for free” sessions and meet-and-greets with Olympians, making hockey more accessible and inspiring the next generation of fans. With the latest Riv...

Are you raising a future sports star? John O'Sullivan offers his insights into nurturing confident, competitive athletes and discusses his upcoming book "The Champion Sports Parent: Practical Wisdom for Raising Confident, Competitive, Mentally Tough Athletes." Discover the significance of self-awareness for parents, as John emphasizes examining personal motivations in youth sports. Learn how gratitude can transform the sports experience for both parents and athletes, fostering a positive envir...

Are you missing out by focusing on just one sport? This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores why playing multiple sports can enhance long-term athletic development and enjoyment. Kevin Shier of TOP Sports shares insights on managing the challenges of balancing various sports and activities, offering practical advice on communicating with coaches and prioritizing passions. The conversation highlights the importance of playing sports for the love of the game, not external pressures, ensuring...

How can we expand the world of girls' hockey? This episode of Our Girls Play Hockey explores this question with Kristen Bowness, who shares her journey of growing girls' hockey programs in Nashville and now in Utah. She highlights the importance of girls-only hockey, emphasizing how these programs and tournaments foster camaraderie and provide unique opportunities for those who prefer not to play co-ed. The discussion also touches on how events like the Preds Girls Classic can drive the sport'...

Are kids missing out by specializing in just one sport at a young age? Is specializing in one sport too soon hindering our kids' development? Discover how Kevin Shire and Top Sports are transforming youth athletics with a multi-sport approach that encourages playing hockey, soccer, and lacrosse within a single organization. Top Sports is a multi-sport model that lets young athletes explore hockey, soccer, and lacrosse within the same organization. This approach not only delays specialization b...

How do you handle the pressure of negative comments from the stands? This episode of "The Ride To The Rink" tackles this pressing issue, offering practical advice for young hockey players facing critical remarks from parents during games. Christie, Lee, and Mike explore the impact of such behavior on performance and focus, encouraging open communication between players and their parents. They highlight the significance of self-esteem, emphasizing that a player's worth isn't defined by others' ...

Is your mental game on point? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Olympian and Professional Hockey Player Hayley Scamurra as she shares invaluable insights on the importance of mental fitness, reflecting on lessons she wishes she had learned earlier in her career. Discover how positive self-talk can significantly boost confidence and performance on the ice. This episode also explores effective strategies for young players to manage their emotions, recognizing the fleeting nature of both highs a...

Have you ever witnessed a youth hockey game where the parents seemed more intense than the players? This episode of Our Kids Play Hockey tackles the pressing issue of inappropriate parent behavior at games, where cursing at referees and yelling at children can become all too common. This episode explores the ripple effects of such negativity, from driving referees away and causing shortages to impacting the overall experience for young players. The hosts highlight the crucial role of organizat...

Are your screens sabotaging your game? This episode of The Ride To The Rink features expert Larissa Mills and explores how simple habits like avoiding your phone for 30 minutes after waking and shutting it off an hour before bed can boost your performance. Discover how excessive screen time can impact your focus and intensity on the ice, and learn strategies to enhance your athletic prowess by reducing screen exposure before games. We also discuss the art of designing a positive social media ...

Ever wondered what it's like to be drafted into a professional hockey league? Hayley Scamurra shares her thrilling experience of being selected by Ottawa in the inaugural PWHL draft, capturing the excitement and uncertainty of not knowing where she would land. She also opens up about the transition from college to pro hockey, highlighting the increased physicality and the challenges of adapting to a higher level of play. Hayley stresses the significance of mental preparation, reflecting on how...

Are smartphones stealing the spotlight from youth athletes? This episode of Our Kids Play Hockey explores the impact of excessive phone use on mental health, performance, and development. Our guest expert, Larissa Mills, gives some surprising suggestions in advocating for limited screen use until a certain age. Discover how to create healthy phone routines, establish boundaries, and balance parental monitoring with trust. Also, learn to audit your social media feeds for positivity and embrac...