Videos

July 12, 2025

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

šŸŽ“ 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)

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

šŸ’ 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)

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? šŸ’ā˜€ļø 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

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. šŸ’šŸ˜„ #OurKidsPlayHockey #youthhockey

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June 21, 2025

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

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

Are hockey skills clinics worth your time and money? šŸ’šŸ’° 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

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

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 ā€œHowieā€ 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

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

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

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

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

šŸ’ 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 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?!

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

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

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

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. šŸ’ How to recognize and talk about your feelings šŸ¤ā€¦

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March 21, 2025

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

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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March 12, 2025

The Ride to The Rink - How to Prepare and Perform Your Best for Tryouts and Evaluations

The Ride to The Rink - How to Prepare and Perform Your Best for Tryouts and Evaluations

Tryout season is here, and whether you’re heading to the rink feeling confident or battling nerves, we’re here to help you approach it with the right mindset. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee, Mike, and Sherry break down what you can control, what really matters in…

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March 10, 2025

The Ride to The Rink - Work Hard, Be Kind, & Stay Curious with Lindsay Pennal

The Ride to The Rink - Work Hard, Be Kind, & Stay Curious with Lindsay Pennal

šŸ’ Ever wondered what it takes to succeed both on and off the ice? Lindsay Pennal from the NHL Coaches Association shares her insights on achieving success in hockey and beyond. With hosts Lee MJ Elias and Sheri Hudspeth, this episode of "Ride to the Rink" is packed with valuable…

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March 7, 2025

The Truth About Tryouts And Evaluations

The Truth About Tryouts And Evaluations

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Sheri Hudspeth, tackle the often daunting world of youth hockey tryouts. They share personal stories and professional insights to guide parents and players through the pressures and misconceptions of the tryout process, emphasizing the importance…

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March 5, 2025

The Ride To The Rink: Feel Good, Play Good: Mastering Your Hockey Equipment

The Ride To The Rink: Feel Good, Play Good: Mastering Your Hockey Equipment

Are you ready to elevate your hockey game by practicing like a pro? šŸ’ This week's "Ride to the Rink" dives into the essentials of equipment usage and safety gear, ensuring young players and their parents are well-prepared for both practice and play. Christie Casciano, Lee MJ Elias, and Mike…

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March 3, 2025

Breaking Barriers in Hockey Coaching with the NHLCA’s Lindsay Pennal

Breaking Barriers in Hockey Coaching with the NHLCA’s Lindsay Pennal

How do we get more women behind the bench in hockey? Lindsay Pennal, the Executive Director of the NHL Coaches Association, joins Our Girls Play Hockey to share her journey in leading the NHLCA, the impact of the Female Coaches Development Program, and the steps being taken to create more…

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Feb. 28, 2025

2025 USA Hockey Rule Changes

2025 USA Hockey Rule Changes

What do the latest USA Hockey rule changes mean for your young athlete's game? šŸŽ™ļø USA Hockey Rule Changes: What Parents and Coaches Need to Know šŸ’ In this compelling episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike break down the latest USA Hockey rule updates for…

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