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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...

How do you bounce back from massive adversity in your life? On today’s episode of Ride to the Rink, NHL veteran Chris Therien joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to inspire young players with wisdom drawn from his 12-year professional career. As kids and families head to the rink, Chris shares advice on the importance of having fun, competing with effort, and being a great teammate. 💡 Key Highlights: •The Core of Hockey: Why fun and friendship should be your foundation in the game. •Overcoming Adve...

🏒 What does it take to create a positive experience in youth hockey? In this insightful episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, former NHL defenseman and mental health advocate Chris Therien joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities in youth hockey today. Drawing from his 12-year NHL career and personal experiences as a coach and parent, Chris shares hard-earned wisdom on how parents, coaches, and players can navigate the sport’s evolving landscape. 🔥 Topics Incl...

Are you ready to elevate your hockey game and finish this season strong? On this episode of "The Ride to the Rink" hosts Lee and Mike share motivational strategies to help young players enhance their skills and performance in the second half of the season. They offer practical advice on setting achievable goals, managing time effectively, and honing specific skills both during team practice and personal time. With a focus on continuous learning and self-belief, this episode is packed with insig...

Are you skating into 2025 with a fresh perspective? On this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," host Lee Elias offers a motivational boost for players looking to reset and refocus as the new year unfolds. Lee encourages listeners to pause, reflect on their journey, and set new goals to enhance their skills and performance. By emphasizing the power of present actions, he guides players to take immediate steps toward improvement, ensuring that future success is built on today's efforts. Key Discu...

Are you ready to jump back into the swing of things after a long winter break? In this episode of "Ride to the Rink," hosts Christie Casciano-Burns, Lee MJ Elias, and Mike Bonelli provide essential guidance for young hockey players and their parents as they transition back into their routines after a long winter break. The discussion centers on the importance of re-establishing daily habits that can help young athletes manage their time effectively and reduce stress. By focusing on creating str...

Hello, hockey friends and families! 🎙️ This week’s episode of Our Kids Play Hockey is a short but special one. We’re thrilled to announce that our podcast has been nominated for the 2025 Hockey Podcast of the Year by the Sports Podcast Awards! 🏆 After winning in 2023 and 2024, we’re going for the hat trick—and we need your help to make it happen. 🗳️ Vote for Our Kids Play Hockey! It’s simple: Click Here To Vote: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-hockey-podcast/ (or visit ...

Are you ready to transform your mindset and elevate your game? This episode of "The Ride to the Rink" brings you an insightful conversation with former pro hockey player Jason Podollan, who shares the powerful "Three R's" technique: Rewind, Replay, Reset. This episode is packed with strategies to help players recover from mistakes and build mental resilience on the ice. Discover how to shift from negative to positive mental states and enhance your performance with practical tips and success st...

Ever wondered how successful individuals handle criticism and stay grounded? Cassie Campbell-Pascall shares her insights on managing criticism, emphasizing that it often accompanies success and the challenge of breaking norms. She advises considering the source of criticism and using it as motivation to prove naysayers wrong. Cassie also discusses her method of maintaining perspective by surrounding herself with reminders of life's challenges and accomplishments, helping her stay grounded when ...