In this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee Elias speaks with Rob Baer, the Director of Youth Hockey and Amateur Programs for the Philadelphia Flyers. Rob has dedicated over two decades to the sport, significantly impacting both youth and amateur hockey through various programs and initiatives. Notably, he's…
On this week's Ride To The Rink, Lee takes a detailed look into one of the most crucial aspects of hockey strategy — understanding "time and space." This episode is especially valuable for young players and their parents as we decode what coaches mean when they instruct players to "create…
In this episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli host Amber Ross, a trailblazer for women's hockey in Minnesota. A former collegiate player and current youth hockey coach, Amber shares her journey from a late start in the sport at age 15 to…
This week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey tackles a pivotal question straight from the Our Kids Play Hockey community: How can you be a good teammate or supportive parent, especially when you or your child doesn't make the desired team? Lee delves into the importance of maintaining a positive…
In this episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee takes us on a reflective journey through the 23-24 hockey season, sharing personal anecdotes, triumphs, challenges, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. From the early skating strides of his daughter, Alina, in her first mite hockey season, to his…
In this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli dive into the crucial topic of youth athlete health and workload management. The episode features a special guest, Dr. Addison Lerner-Lentz, a seasoned expert in physical therapy and sports coaching. With Christie Casciano-Burns on assignment,…
In this week's episode of "The Ride to the Rink," Lee Elias dives into the multifaceted benefits of being a well-rounded individual, not just for hockey players but for anyone striving to enhance their cognitive and physical abilities. Lee shares personal insights and experiences, highlighting the importance of engaging in…
In this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," hosts Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli dive into a conversation with two hockey legends, Neil Smith and Vic Morren. Neil and Vic share their invaluable experiences and philosophies on building successful teams and fostering leadership qualities in young…
On this week's episode of "The Ride To The Rink," Lee dives into an often-overlooked aspect of hockey tryouts and evaluations: the mental and emotional journey that players and their parents experience. While the physical challenges of tryouts are widely acknowledged, the psychological pressures accompanying them can significantly impact performance…
This week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" features an inspiring conversation with Jaime Faulkner, President of Business Operations for the Chicago Blackhawks. Jaime shares insights into her multifaceted role, which largely focuses on advancing the fan experience—a goal the Blackhawks' team is truly succeeding at. Jaime’s leadership and vision…
In this week’s episode of "The Ride to The Rink," Mike shares invaluable advice for young athletes heading to their hockey tryouts. Whether you're a seasoned player familiar with the team or someone stepping into a new organization, Mike's tips are designed to help you prepare effectively and stand out…
In this week’s episode of "The Ride to the Rink," we dive into the essence of what makes a great teammate with the guidance of Madison Packer, a renowned professional hockey player known for her leadership on and off the ice. Madison shares her insights into the simple yet profound…
In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we explore the evolving landscape of hockey training, emphasizing the blend of physical and cognitive skills necessary for modern players. We dive into the discussion with Justin Scott, a renowned power skating specialist and certified hockey skills coach, to understand the global…
Welcome back to "Our Kids Play Hockey"! In this week's episode, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns dive deep into the essential skill of passing in youth hockey. Inspired by a letter from a coach in Norway, our hosts engage in a lively discussion, shedding light on the…
On this week’s episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns are joined by Professional Hockey Player Madison Packer. Madison's hockey journey is a testament to resilience, leadership, and passion. From her early days on the ice in Birmingham, Michigan, to becoming an NCAA…
On this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey,: The Ride To The Rink" we're joined by the Goalie Doctors who dive deep into the psychological and social intricacies crucial for acing goalie tryouts. This episode is not just about the mechanics of goaltending but about mastering the mental game…
Ever wondered what it takes to make it in the NHL? Dive into this captivating episode of 'Our Kids Play Hockey,' where retired NHL defenseman Andrew Alberts pulls back the curtain on his journey to the top. From his early days in Minneapolis to becoming a Hockey Player Development Director,…
On this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli welcome back Matt Tendler and Mitch Harris for a special "Our Kids Play Goalie." We focus on the goalies' perspective during try out season and the Goalie Doctors provide expert advice and insights…
In this week's episode of "Ride to the Rink," Lee MJ Elias discusses the significance of self-evaluation and growth for young hockey players as the season draws to an end. Lee emphasizes that development should not solely be measured by a game's outcome but by personal improvement and teamwork. Listeners…
When the summer sun hits, every hockey parent starts facing the ultimate power play - selecting the perfect hockey camp for their young athlete. Andrew's heartfelt letter kicks off our heartfelt discussion on aligning camp choice with your child's passion and developmental stage. We lace up and glide through the…
In this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," host Lee Elias offers a deep dive into the mental and strategic aspects essential for hockey players and coaches as they navigate the intense periods of playoffs, big games, and tryouts. Lee shares his insights on the dynamics of winning and…
As youth hockey tryouts loom on the horizon, the anticipation and nerves can feel overwhelming for players and parents alike. In this insightful episode, our seasoned hosts Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli dive into the heart of youth hockey's "March Madness," offering a wealth of advice on…
On this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink with host Lee MJ Elias, we explore Wayne Gretzky's first NHL level encounter with championship grit and what it truly takes to win when it matters most. This episode is a treasure trove for athletes, coaches, and fans, packed with…
In this edition of Our Kids Play Hockey, we dive deep into the world of youth hockey development with Peter Robinson who is the Director of Youth Hockey Development for the Washington Capitals. With a career spanning 17 seasons with the Capitals, Peter shares his journey from a youth hockey…