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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...

What makes a truly great teammate? It’s not just about scoring goals or making big plays—it’s about how you treat the people around you. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, PWHL stars Taylor Heise and Hayley Scamurra share powerful stories about what it means to be the kind of teammate that others never forget. From offering encouragement and building confidence to accepting challenges and learning from mistakes, they remind us that being a great teammate is about character, respect, and c...

🏒 Are you fueling your young hockey star for success or setting them up for a nutritional penalty? In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Mike, and Christy team up with nutrition powerhouses Danny Drake and Mike Dalberth from Enduraphin to crack the code on youth hockey nutrition. From pre-game meals to post-game recovery, we're serving up a feast of knowledge that'll transform how you think about feeding your young athletes. 🔥 Highlights Include: • The secret recipe for ...

It’s easy to get caught up in hockey and start thinking the sport defines who you are. But in this episode of The Ride to the Rink, two PWHL stars—Taylor Heise and Hayley Scamurra—share why you’re always more than just a hockey player. They open up about the roles and hobbies that keep them grounded: being sisters, daughters, and aunts… baking, puzzles, pickleball, family time, and even online shopping. Both remind us that while hockey is important, it can’t be the only thing that defines you. ...

How do you balance Olympic dreams, pro hockey pressure, and still find joy in the game? 🏆🇺🇸 In Part 2 of our conversation, Taylor Heise shares the habits, mindset, and lessons that fuel her success as a two-time Walter Cup champion and Playoff MVP. From being cut by Team USA to leading the PWHL’s next generation, Taylor opens up about resilience, confidence, and what it takes to thrive at the highest level. 💡 And she’s not just talking hockey—this episode is loaded with life lessons that ever...

Ready to discover how champions are made—even when the path isn’t perfect? 🏒🔥 Taylor Heise, PWHL star and Team USA forward, joins Our Kids Play Hockey to share her incredible origin story—from picking up hockey at age 8 in a small Minnesota town to becoming the first-ever #1 overall pick in the PWHL draft. Her journey proves you don’t need AAA teams or an early start to reach the top. Instead, it’s about confidence, creativity, and smart decision-making. 🚨 This episode is more than Taylor’s s...

Ready to unlock your hockey potential? 🏒✨ "Ride to the Rink" serves up a game-changing episode on creativity in skating and hockey. Guest Christian Grunnah from Grow Up Power Skating drops wisdom bombs that'll revolutionize your approach to the ice. Ever wondered how off-ice activities could level up your game? Or why mastering your edges might be more crucial than stick handling? This episode's got answers that'll make you rethink your training routine. 🔑 Key Takeaways: • Creativity is king ...

Ready to unlock the secrets of hockey success? 🏒✨ Blake Bolden, a trailblazer in women's hockey, shares her journey from Division 1 college player to NHL scout in this inspiring episode of "Ride to the Rink." Joined by host Lee MJ Elias and co-host Hayley Scamurra, Blake offers game-changing advice for young players looking to level up their mental game and push past their limits. Ever wonder how top athletes overcome self-doubt? Or what it takes to make it to the national team? This episode'...

🎙️ Is Your Child's Skating Holding Them Back on the Ice? 🏒 In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, power skating expert Christian Grunnah joins Lee and Christie to unlock the secrets of elite skating skills. From when to start training to debunking myths about NHL superstars, Christian shares invaluable insights that will transform how you approach your child's skating development. 🔥 Highlights Include: • The true meaning of power skating and why it's crucial for success 🏆 • Wh...

Ready to level up your hockey game—and your life? 🏒💪 "Ride to the Rink" drops some serious wisdom bombs for young players looking to crush it on and off the ice. Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli serve up a power play of tips on creating killer routines and managing time like a pro. Want to impress your parents and coaches? It's all about taking charge of your schedule and prep. No more last-minute scrambles or forgotten gear! These hockey gurus break down exactly how to plan your attack, f...

🏒 What does it take to break barriers and grow the game of hockey for everyone? In this inspiring episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, trailblazer Blake Bolden joins Lee and Hayley to share her incredible journey from player to scout to ambassador. From her early days with the Cleveland Lumberjacks to her groundbreaking role with the LA Kings, Blake offers a unique perspective on making hockey more accessible, diverse, and inclusive for all. 🔥 Highlights Include: Blake's path from youth hockey t...

Can your child be a star on the ice and in the classroom? 🏒📚 In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli tackle the ultimate challenge faced by young hockey players and their parents: balancing academic excellence with athletic ambition. From managing packed schedules to acing exams while dominating on the ice, this episode is your playbook for success both in school and on the rink. 🔥 Highlights Include: The secret to creating a winning family s...