Listen Now!

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...

Are you ready to elevate your hockey game with insights from the pros? Steve shares invaluable lessons on the significance of watching and editing hockey footage, emphasizing the creation of personal highlight reels for continuous learning and improvement. He delves into the world of video analysis in professional hockey, recounting his collaboration with goalie coach Ben Aller to uncover and correct subtle gameplay details. Steve also highlights the critical role of pre-shot preparation, applic...

Ever wondered what it takes to become an Olympian? This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores the journey of aspiring athletes with insights from Team USA Women's GM Katie Million. She shares the importance of having fun, working hard, and believing in miracles. Discover why character is as vital as talent in Olympic team selection, emphasizing the need to be a good person both on and off the ice. Learn how young athletes can develop character by doing chores, being good students, and suppor...

How has the world of hockey transformed with the rise of analytics? In this episode of Our Kids Play Goalie Steve Valiquette explores the impact of statistical analysis on hockey, revealing a 40% increase in east-west scoring chances over the past five years. Discover the significance of the Royal Road, an imaginary line from the net to the top of the circles, and its role in scoring and goaltending. Steve shares his unique approach to goalie development, emphasizing fundamentals, skating, an...

On this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink, retired NHLer Riley Cote shares how separating the human from the hockey player can enhance mental health and emotional intelligence. This episode emphasizes building a toolbox of skills that extend beyond the rink, focusing on personal development and mental clarity to naturally boost athletic performance. Learn how a shift in perspective empowers athletes to take control of their lives and situations, while gratitude practices help shift energy...

What does it take to make the Olympic team? This week's Our Girls Play Hockey brings you insights from US Women's National Team GM Katie Million on the rigorous selection process for the national hockey team. Hear the challenges of making tough roster decisions and the intense USA-Canada rivalry, celebrated as one of the greatest in sports. Learn how the 1998 Olympic gold medal ignited a surge in girls' and women's hockey participation across the U.S. Plus, get the scoop on the upcoming USA-Ca...

How can mindfulness transform the way young athletes experience hockey? In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, retired NHLer Riley Cote explores the profound impact of teaching mindfulness and mental fitness to young players. He highlights how these practices can enhance focus, emotional regulation, and overall enjoyment of the game. The discussion also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the joy and fun of hockey, rather than pushing for elite development too early. Riley shares his per...

How do you build a strong connection with your coach? In this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink, we explore the art of eye contact and active listening to show respect and eagerness to learn. Mike shares how player maturity plays a crucial role in understanding the time and effort coaches invest in your growth. Hear how the dynamics of coach-player interactions during games, practices, and locker room talks, emphasizing the importance of positive relationships. -- 00:00:00 Intro 00:00:0...

Are you ready to unlock the secrets to building confidence on the ice? Kim McCullough shares how setting and achieving small, daily goals can transform an athlete's mindset and performance. This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores the power of self-directed goal setting, where athletes focus on specific skills or actions they want to improve during practices and games. Learn how just 10 minutes a day dedicated to extra training can lead to significant advantages over time. The discussion al...

Ever wondered how to stay calm and enjoy your child's hockey games without the stress? Join Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns as they share invaluable insights on managing anxiety as a hockey parent. Through personal stories and practical advice, they explore the journey from being a nervous wreck to finding peace at the rink. Learn how to support your young athlete, understand the importance of letting kids learn from failure, and discover the power of unconditional love a...

What are you supposed to do while you're waiting to go back out on the ice between shifts? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Lee shares the importance of staying hydrated and mental preparation. By observing the game from the bench, players can also gain valuable insights into both their own team and their opponents. The discussion emphasizes the power of positive team communication inspired by Sidney Crosby's leadership style, and underscores the need for emotional regulation to handle the gam...

Ever wondered how girls hockey differs from boys hockey? Join us as Kim McCullough, director of Total Female Hockey, shares her insights on the social dynamics and skill development in youth hockey. Discover the unique challenges and opportunities in the girls' game and how they shape the future of female athletes. - Kim McCullough highlights the social aspect as a key difference between girls and boys hockey, emphasizing peer connections. - Skill levels are similar at young ages, but checki...

What does it take to build a winning team in the NHL? In this special crossover edition of "Our Kids Play Hockey," host Lee MJ Elias joins the NHL Wraparound podcast, featuring Neil Smith, former GM of the 1994 New York Rangers Stanley Cup champions, and Vic Morren, award winning ESPN veteran. Together, they interview Keith Jones, President of the Philadelphia Flyers, discussing the intricacies of team building, the importance of character in professional hockey, and how these principles apply t...

Ever wondered how to turn a long car ride into an unforgettable adventure? Hockey mom Christie Casciano shares her insights on making road trips to out-of-town tournaments a memorable experience for kids and parents alike. She emphasizes the importance of completing schoolwork before hitting the road, allowing for a stress-free journey. Christie suggests engaging in fun activities like I Spy and word games to keep the ride lively and interactive. She also highlights the value of bonding with tea...

Are you navigating the college hockey recruitment maze? Boston University Women's Hockey Assistant Coach Megan Myers shares invaluable insights to help young players and their families through this challenging process. She emphasizes the importance of drive, patience, and enjoying the journey, while also highlighting the resources available, such as club coaches and team managers. Megan also discusses the significance of self-advocacy, encouraging players to take charge by writing professional e...

Are you already feeling the pressure of the season? This episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" offers essential tips to help parents manage anxiety and enjoy the game. Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli discuss the common tendency of parents to hyper-focus on their own child, often leading to unnecessary stress. They emphasize the importance of viewing the game from a broader perspective, understanding that youth hockey is about development over the season, not just individual games. The conversation also t...

How often do you communicate on the ice? This episode of "The Ride to the Rink" with Lee explores the critical role of communication in hockey, highlighting how it can make or break a game. Key Points: Importance of Communication on the Ice - Emphasis on the necessity of verbal communication during games and practices. - Comparison of past and present communication habits due to technology. Situational Awareness and Tactical Communication - Examples of essential verbal cues on the ice. - The...