Videos

July 25, 2025

Do Early Hockey Stars Stay Ahead?

🏒 Is your young hockey star destined for greatness, or are they just an early bloomer? In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli tackle the complex world of youth hockey development. From extra ice time advantages to the emergence…

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July 23, 2025

The Ride to The Rink - Late Bloomers and Early Stars - Different Paths to Hockey Success

🏒 Are you a young hockey star or struggling to find your place on the ice? This episode of "Ride to the Rink" is your game-changer! Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli serve up a power play of wisdom for players at every level. From goal-scoring phenoms to those still…

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July 18, 2025

Behind “A Savage Shift”:The NHL Lessons Bobby Robins is Sending to Hockey Parents

🏒 What if you could get NHL-level advice delivered straight to your inbox? In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, host Lee MJ Elias teams up with former NHL player Bobby Robins to unveil a revolutionary email newsletter series designed to transform your hockey journey. From the locker…

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July 16, 2025

The Best Coaching Happens… in the Hallway? | Our Kids Play Hockey

You thought the most valuable part of a hockey coaching course was the drills? Think again. Sometimes, the real learning happens outside the classroom—like in a hallway or over breakfast. In this clip from Our Kids Play Hockey, we explore how Level 4 coaching changes your mindset for good. #HockeyCoach…

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July 14, 2025

Why One Practice Isn’t Enough (Level 2 Coaching Tips) | Our Kids Play Hockey

🎙 “One of the biggest mistakes coaches make? One practice on a skill, then moving on. In reality—it takes 4, 5, even 6 practices to really build it.” 📌 This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we break down Level 2 of USA Hockey’s Coaching Program—and why it’s essential for…

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July 13, 2025

The Best Coaches Aren’t Always the Loudest | Our Kids Play Hockey

📢 Coaching hockey isn’t just about drills and systems—it’s about how kids learn. Find out why understanding learning styles is the key to long-term player success. 🎧 Full episode available now on Ride to the Rink! #YouthHockey #CoachingTips #OurKidsPlayHockey #hockeydevelopment

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July 12, 2025

🎓 Why Every Hockey Coach Needs the USA Hockey CEP Program | Our Kids Play Hockey

From Level 1 to Level 5, the Coaching Education Program isn’t just about certification—it’s about becoming a leader in youth hockey. Learn why now’s the time to take the next step in this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey. #USAHockey #CEP #HockeyCoaching #YouthSports #OurKidsPlayHockey

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July 11, 2025

A Complete Guide to the 5 Levels of USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP)

🏒 Ever wondered what it takes to become a top-notch youth hockey coach? In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli take you on an exhilarating journey through the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP). From rookie coaches to seasoned veterans, this…

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July 4, 2025

The Top 5 Mistakes Hockey Parents Make In The Summer (And How to Avoid Them)

Are you making these 5 summer hockey mistakes with your kids? 🏒☀️ In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli reveal the top five mistakes hockey parents make during the summer—and how to avoid them before they derail your child’s development…

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June 30, 2025

6U Hockey = Organized Chaos (and That’s OK!) | Our Kids Play Hockey

At 6U, hockey isn’t about slap shots—it’s about smiles. Learn why laughter, falling down, and getting back up are the real goals at this age. 🏒😄 #OurKidsPlayHockey #youthhockey

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June 21, 2025

Hard Work Over Hype: Lessons from Matt Moulson’s NHL Career

What does it really take to beat the odds in hockey—and stay at the top? In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, former NHL forward Matt Moulson joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share the story behind his incredible 11-season career. From being a 9th round draft pick…

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June 14, 2025

Are Skills Clinics Worth it? A Parent's Guide to Navigating Extra Ice

Are hockey skills clinics worth your time and money? 🏒💰 In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike tackle the hot topic of youth hockey skills clinics. From defining what makes a great clinic to navigating the sea of options, our expert panel shares…

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June 4, 2025

The Ride to The Rink: Character Counts—On and Off the Ice

On this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee shares a simple story that left a big impression—and reminds every young player (and parent) why the way you act off the ice matters just as much as the way you play on it. After a young player was complimented…

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May 24, 2025

Building a Hockey Town: Howard Dolgon on the Syracuse Crunch, Community, and Chasing the Dream

What does it take to build a hockey franchise from the ground up—and keep it thriving for 30+ years? In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re joined by Howard “Howie” Dolgon, the founder, owner, and president of the Syracuse Crunch, AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.…

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May 22, 2025

The Ride to the Rink: World Champion Caroline Harvey on Habits That Build Champions

Team USA gold medalist and NCAA champion Caroline Harvey joins us for a special The Ride to the Rink edition—and she’s talking directly to young players chasing big goals. Whether you dream of playing high school, college, or even Olympic hockey, this quick conversation is packed with the kind of…

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May 19, 2025

NCAA and World Champion Caroline Harvey on Playing With the Boys and Dominating With the Girls

Fresh off a national championship with Wisconsin and a gold medal at the 2025 Women’s World Championship, Caroline Harvey joins Lee, Sherry, and Mike for a powerful conversation about her rise through the hockey world—and what it really takes to make it. From playing boys’ hockey in New Hampshire to…

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May 10, 2025

Three Pieces of Advice Hockey Parents Ask For—Then Ignore

We get asked for advice all the time… but what happens when that advice goes in one ear and out the other? In this episode, Lee and Mike dive into three common pieces of guidance that youth hockey parents frequently seek out—then completely disregard. From multi-sport overload, to the myth…

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May 8, 2025

The Ride To The Rink - Mastering the Goalie Mindset with Olympian Sami Small

🏒 Ever wondered what it takes to create a winning goalie partnership in youth hockey? Discover the secrets behind successful team dynamics with insights from Olympian Sami Small on "Ride to the Rink." This episode is packed with valuable advice for young players and coaches, emphasizing the power of teamwork…

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April 24, 2025

The Ride To The Rink: Building Your Off-Season Hockey Habits

The birds are chirping, the season’s winding down—and that means it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to build a better hockey player this off-season. In this episode of Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike dive into how players (and parents) can start planning a development calendar…

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April 12, 2025

What Should I Know as a Young Hockey Parent?!

Whether your kid is just starting out in youth hockey or already eyeing their college path, this episode is a must-listen. Lee, Christie, and Mike dive into the big questions every hockey parent faces—when should we start thinking about the future, how much should school and social life weigh in,…

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April 4, 2025

A Coach's Guide For Parents to Reflect on The Season

How should coaches, parents, and players truly evaluate a hockey season—especially when it didn’t end with a trophy? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike (with Christie on assignment) take a deep dive into what it really means to have a successful season—and it’s not just about…

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March 28, 2025

More Than a Hockey Player – Building Self-Worth and Mental Toughness with Danielle McDonough

How do young athletes build confidence, resilience, and a strong mindset both on and off the ice? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we welcome Danielle McDonough, former professional hockey player, mindset coach, and author of The Empowered Athlete. Danielle shares her incredible journey from playing boys’ hockey in…

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March 26, 2025

The Ride To The Rink: Unlocking Your Game by Talking About Your Feelings with Jon Nelson

On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by Jon Nelson, a hockey coach and mental health advocate, to talk about the highs and lows of a hockey season and what to do when you’re feeling down. 🏒 How to recognize and talk about your feelings 🤝…

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March 21, 2025

Pulverizing the Stigma & Tackling Mental Health in Youth Sports with Jon Nelson

In this powerful episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we sit down with Jon Nelson, a hockey coach, father, and mental health advocate, to discuss his incredible journey through hockey, mental health challenges, and the groundbreaking treatment that changed his life. Jon shares his deeply personal battle with depression, the…

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