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🎙️ Ever felt like there are too many voices on your child’s hockey bench? This mailbag episode might hit close to home. Lee, Christie, and Mike dive into a letter from a parent-coach navigating a situation many families know all too well — four coaches on the bench, nonstop yelling during games, and a sidelined head coach who isn’t guiding the staff. The result? Chaos, confusion, and kids who don’t know who to listen to. In this honest and relatable conversation, our hosts unpack: ✨ Why “one vo...

🍁 This week, we’re giving thanks — for YOU, our listeners, our incredible hockey community, and the five amazing years of Our Kids Play Hockey! Join hosts Lee Elias, Christy Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli for a heartwarming Thanksgiving special that’s all about gratitude, laughter, and celebrating how far this podcast (and our hockey families) have come. In this special holiday edition, the team shares: ✨ Reflections on five years of growing the OKPH community ✨ Heartfelt gratitude for listen...

🚗 Every hockey parent has been there. The game ends, emotions run high, and before you know it — the “coaching” starts before the gear’s even off. In one of our most revisited and requested topics, Lee, Mike, and Christie return to a fan-favorite message: the car ride is STILL not for coaching. In this heartfelt follow-up, the trio breaks down why post-game analysis in the car can damage your relationship with your player — and what to do instead. From anxious parents to over-enthusiastic dads (...

🧠 Ever wonder what separates good hockey players from great ones? It’s not just skating or shooting — it’s how they see the game. In this quick but powerful mini-episode, Lee and Mike dive deep into one of hockey’s most underrated superpowers: situational awareness. From blue-line turnovers to risky rushes, goalie decisions to smart dump-ins, this episode breaks down how learning to “zoom out” and see the full 200x80 sheet can transform a young player’s game — and make coaches trust them more. ...

💭 Feeling the weight of being a hockey parent? You’re not alone. In this heartfelt and honest episode, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli open up about the mental and emotional load that comes with youth hockey — the long weekends, the money, the pressure, and the expectations we quietly carry. 🔥 In this conversation: Why so many parents tie their own worth to their kids’ performance 🧠 The guilt, stress, and second-guessing that come after every game How money, time, and com...

🎙️ “Okay.” “K.” “👍.” Sound familiar? In this week’s episode of The Ride To The Rink, Mike and Lee tackle one of the sneakiest challenges facing young hockey players today — texting instead of talking. From locker room group chats to misread messages, they break down why communication has become so complicated — and how simple face-to-face conversations can make you not only a better teammate, but a better person. 🔥 Highlights include: The hidden dangers of texting tone (and why emojis don’t fi...

Ready to revolutionize your young hockey player's mindset? 🏒💪 "The Ride to the Rink" serves up a game-changing episode packed with insights from PWHL star Hayley Scamurra and Coach Nick Stoop. They tackle the tough questions: How do you keep the love for hockey alive? What's the secret to performing under pressure? And why is positioning more crucial than points? 🔑 Key Takeaways: Recognizing when it's time for a team changeThe power of self-awareness in youth sportsShifting focus from scoring...

💬 “If your kid’s frustrated about ice time, this episode is your playbook for turning conflict into connection.” Today, Lee and Mike sit down with Jen Fry — a sports educator, inclusion consultant, and communication strategist who’s worked with organizations like the NCAA, ESPN, and the NFL — to tackle one of the hardest parts of youth sports: communication. From locker room dynamics to late-night parent frustrations, Jen shares how families, players, and coaches can build trust, transparency, a...

🎙️ Tournament season is here — are your kids really getting the most out of it? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Lee, Christie, and Mike unpack one of youth hockey’s biggest opportunities (and challenges): tournament weekends. From nerves and hotel boredom to team bonding and leadership, this episode is your playbook for making every trip unforgettable — for players and parents alike. 💡 In This Episode: 🏒 Christie shares how to turn nerves into excitement and creativity on the ice.&nb...

🏒 Can a teammate be your greatest mentor in hockey? In this game-changing episode of Girls Play Hockey, Olympian Hayley Scamurra and Coach Nick Stoop join host Lee MJ Elias to explore the powerful impact of mentorship in youth and girls' hockey. From locker room dynamics to on-ice performance, they share invaluable insights on creating supportive environments that nurture both athletic excellence and personal growth. 🔥 Highlights Include: Redefining mentorship: It's not just about age, but im...

💸 Ever felt like youth hockey tournaments are taking you for a ride? You’re not alone. This week, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli go full “60 Minutes” mode to uncover the real cost of tournaments — from mandatory hotel stays and inflated fees to the emotional tug-of-war parents face when trying to give their kids unforgettable hockey experiences. 🏒 In This Eye-Opening Episode: The “stay-to-play” trap that forces families to book overpriced hotels Why some tournaments have ...

What separates good players from great ones? It’s not talent — it’s work ethic. In this inspiring episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee and Mike sit down with Riley Armstrong, NHL Director of Player Development, to talk about what it really takes to level up your game — on and off the ice. From the long days at the rink to the unseen sacrifices parents make, Riley shares how NHL pros push through pain, fatigue, and setbacks — and how young players can learn to bring that same 100% effort every d...

🏒 Feeling overwhelmed on the ice? PWHL stars Hayley Scamurra and Gabbie Hughes join "The Ride to the Rink" to share game-changing strategies for managing those big hockey emotions. From breathing techniques to teammate support, this episode is packed with practical advice to help young players stay cool under pressure. We dive into the mental game, offering insights that'll transform how you approach those tough moments. Whether you're battling negative self-talk or struggling to stay p...

🎙️ Ever wonder what “player development” really means — beyond the buzzword? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we sit down with Riley Armstrong, the Director of Player Development for the Philadelphia Flyers, to talk about how great players are truly made — from youth hockey to the pros. Riley’s journey is one few can replicate: from figure skating lessons taught by his mom in Saskatchewan to an NHL coaching role recommended personally by Flyers GM Danny Brière. His story is a masterclass in...

🎧 Ready to make your hockey game stronger — on and off the ice? In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, the crew welcomes Pete, CEO of TeamSnap, to talk about their exciting new partnership with Bauer Hockey and the launch of the Bauer Hub inside the TeamSnap app! 🚀 Pete breaks down how this new hub is helping players, parents, and coaches learn together — with on-ice drills, performance tips, coaching plans, and even interactive challenges that make learning fun. Whether you’re a kid who lo...

🏒 What does it really mean to be tough in hockey? In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, PWHL Ottawa star Gabbie Hughes joins Hayley and Lee to open up about her journey from Minnesota pond hockey to professional play—and her fight to bring mental health into the conversation through Sophie’s Squad. Awarded the 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award, Gabbie proves that leadership goes far beyond the ice. She shares the real story behind Sophie’s Squad, the pressures young athletes face, and how vu...

🚨 The App Every Hockey Parent Knows (and Needs!) — Inside TeamSnap with CEO Peter Frintzilas Ever wonder what it’s like to run the app that runs youth sports? In this week’s episode, the OKPH crew sits down with Peter Frintzilas, CEO of TeamSnap — hockey dad, tech leader, and the man helping 25+ million families manage the chaos of youth sports. From 4:30 a.m. coffee runs to 5 a.m. rink drop-offs, Peter gets it — because he’s living it. Hear how TeamSnap is evolving beyond scheduling into a o...

🎧 What’s the true return on investment in hockey? Spoiler alert: it’s about so much more than scholarships and pro contracts. This week on The Ride To The Rink, we welcome back our friend Jack Han — former NHL development coach, AHL assistant, and author who’s worked with players and coaches all over the world. Jack dives into what “ROI” really means in youth hockey and why your investment in the game goes far beyond money. 🔥 Highlights from this episode: 💡 Why hockey’s ROI is measured in fri...

🏒 Feeling unmotivated to hit the ice? You're not alone—even the pros struggle sometimes! This episode of "The Ride to the Rink" tackles the tough days when hockey feels more like a chore than a passion. Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Hayley Scamurra team up with Jessie Thompson from the Washington Capitals to share game-changing strategies for young players facing motivation slumps. Key Points: Turn your frown upside down: Find one thing to look forward to at the rinkIt's okay to not be okay: How to ...

🎧 What really separates players who make it to the next level from those who don’t? This week, we welcome back Jack Han — former Toronto Maple Leafs staff member, player development consultant, and author of the Hockey Tactics Newsletter — to dive deep into the real keys to long-term hockey success. Jack brings years of experience working with players from minor hockey to the NHL, and in this conversation he breaks down: ✨ Why early success at 14 doesn’t guarantee a hockey career ✨ The real RO...

🚨 What’s the most underrated skill in hockey? It’s not speed. It’s not saves. It’s not even scoring goals. According to pro goalie Ian Shane (Cornell standout, now playing at the pro level), the real game-changer is being a great teammate. In this week’s episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee, Mike, and Christie sit down with Ian to explore what makes a true difference-maker in the locker room — and how learning to lift others up can actually improve your own game. 🔥 In this episode, you’ll hear...

🏒 Can women's hockey break through the ice ceiling? In this game-changing episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, we're joined by Jessie Thompson from the Washington Capitals to explore their groundbreaking "All Caps All Her" initiative. From learn-to-play programs to leadership development, Jessie shares how the Capitals are revolutionizing women's hockey and creating a more inclusive ice for all. 🔥 Highlights Include: The four pillars of the All Caps All Her program that are transforming the game...

🔥 From backyard rinks in California to shutting the door at Cornell, Ian Shane’s journey is anything but ordinary. On this week’s episode of Our Kids Play Goalie, Lee, Christie, and Mike sit down with the ECAC Goaltender of the Year and Cornell standout to talk about his path, his mindset, and what it really takes to thrive in the crease. ✅ Growing up outside of a traditional hockey market ✅ Seizing opportunity after starting as a third-string freshman ✅ Developing mental toughness and present-...

🥑🏒 What if your pre-game snack was the difference between skating strong or running out of gas halfway through the game? In this week’s episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re tackling something every young player can control — what they eat. We sat down with nutrition experts who work with pro athletes and Division I players to break down how the right food choices help kids perform their best on the ice. 🍌 Highlights include: Why a banana beats a bag of chips every time How small, consistent...