Ever wondered why you can't seem to nail that slapshot? Or why your stick handling leaves much to be desired? It could be down to the stick you're using. Mike illuminates the often overlooked, yet crucial world of hockey sticks. From the size and flex to the tape job, he…
In this special mid-week edition of our show - Martin Negron, the young entrepreneur who, along with his father, created Duzter Armor checks back in to share some amazing updates after their first year on the market. Their invention, Duzter Armor, has acquired the official nod for use in NHL…
Ever wondered if it's a good idea to pay your young hockey player each time they score a goal? Join in on our discussion challenging the practice of financial payouts in youth hockey. We dig into the implications and how such practices can shape not only the player's attitudes on…
Respect is a crucial part of your character and it starts with self-respect - an essential aspect that could actually help to turn around your game. It's easy to overlook the small things like having a good breakfast or making it to school on time, but we challenge you to…
Ever wonder what goes into organizing a high school hockey tournament like the Flyers Cup? Eric Tye joins us this week as the President of the Flyers Cup. He takes us on a journey through the meticulous season-long preparation, revealing the complexities of handling five divisions and the relentless attention…
Ever thought about the power of your smile as you enter the rink, or how your simple hello to a teammate can change the atmosphere around you? Mike dives into the concept of deliberate positivity and the profound impact it can have on your team dynamics. We explore the ripple…
Ever wondered when it's the right time for a parent to step back from coaching their child's sports team? Mike and Lee dig into this pressing question, examining how family dynamics, team requirements, and the individual experiences of the child factor in. We specifically dissect the controversies around the 12U…
Shifting your focus and quieting your mind can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you have a game on the line. What if we told you that with just 10 minutes a day, you could enhance your mental agility to not only ace those games but also tackle daily…
Ever wonder how to keep the fun and competitive spirit alive in youth hockey? This week we draw on our experiences to discuss the art of fostering a vibrant, competitive culture among young players. We share practical strategies for coaches and parents alike, on how to manage the emotions that…
What if there was a tool that could help you enhance your ice skating skills right in the comfort of your home? Imagine being able to mirror almost everything you do on the ice at any hour of the day. This episode offers just that - a deep dive into…
On this episode of Our Kids Play Goalie, Brian Santora, USA Hockey Goaltending Coach Instructor joins us to share his journey and the importance of specialized coaching. We discuss the tools for understanding the position that coaches, parents, and players can implement at all levels. We turn our spotlight on…
In this episode, we delve into legendary sportscaster John Boruk's remarkable journey in the world of hockey and how he seamlessly translates his professional sports experiences into valuable parenting insights. From pre-game analyses to post-game reflections, John provides a unique and insightful perspective. He shares his conversations with hockey parents,…
Embark on a remarkable journey that started with childhood dreams and culminated in Olympic glory on this week’s episode of Our Kids Play Hockey as we explore the life of Pete Sears, a member of the 1972 US Olympic hockey team, alongside his close friend, mentee, and fellow hockey enthusiast,…
What if a simple tap on the pads and a few words of encouragement could make all the difference to a goalie's game? It's not all about what has happened on the ice, it's what is going to happen next. Join us as we chat with the Goalie Doctors, Matt…
Imagine being the Captain of multiple teams, being a senior in high school, owning and operating two companies, all while trying to earn the gaze of colleges and scouts. Our guest today is doing just that. Max Rutkowski is an extraordinary high school senior juggling the responsibilities of being a…
"Success leaves clues," but are you noticing them? This week, Mike & Lee take a look at the importance of human interaction, emotional awareness, and the power of putting your phone down. We're tackling the concept of seeking out connections with other players and coaches - not just for the…
Discover a fresh perspective on youth hockey success in this episode. We delve into an unconventional approach that prioritizes personal growth over the final score. By shifting the focus away from just the outcome of winning, we explore how a mindset of discovering multiple wins can benefit young hockey players,…
This week's 5 minute long episode promises to be a game-changer for young skaters and goalies as Lee addresses the importance of expressing gratitude and appreciation to parents or guardians. We're flipping the script on our previous episode that advised parents on the key messages to share with their kids…
One of our most popular episodes was titled “3 things to say to your kids before they take the ice.” Today we are reversing it. Here’s “3 things your kids should say to you before they take the ice.” Grab your kids, grab some Kool-Aid, and enjoy this one. P.S.…
"It’s not about doing 100% all the time as much as not doing 0% weeks.” Mike and Lee dive into how to stay active throughout the off-season in any scenario in this week's ride to the rink. Share this with a player or teammate that would benefit from it!! --…
Ever wonder how NHL players workout their minds? Our guest this week, Dr. Alicia Naser, is an expert behavioral coach for pro athletes who works with NHL, junior and collegiate athletes and coaches, amongst others, to build mindset skills, emotional agility and other mental skills to help athletes succeed. There…
In this two minute and ten second episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee guides you through a pre-skate meditation using your sense of vision and touch to get you centered and focused before your next game or practice! Stay present with us, and have a great skate! Come…
Imagine playing in D1 college, the world junior championships (and winning gold) and then competing in the Olympics in just 5 years. Then having an NHL and international career after. Our guest, Adrien Plavsic, did just that. But above and beyond that impressive hockey resume, he is a great person…
Reading is a valuable asset for everyone! In this 4 minute episode, Caroline Potolicchio, former Division I hockey player and director of Fan Development for the Washington Capitals, shares how adding reading to your hockey tool belt is important and the resources you have available to you to help you…