Videos

Jan. 5, 2024

Should Coaching Youth Hockey Be Emotionally Draining?

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli delve into the emotional aspects of youth hockey coaching. They discuss the important role coaches play in not only teaching the game but also in shaping young lives. The episode extends beyond game tactics and drills,…

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Jan. 3, 2024

The Ride To The Rink: Effective New Year Goal Setting

On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee dives into the critical role of goal setting in both hockey and life. Lee shares insights from his own experiences, demonstrating how setting specific, written goals has led to real achievements. We discuss the importance of having a clear vision…

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Dec. 29, 2023

Encouraging Youth Hockey Players to Step Out of Their Comfort Zones

How do you help young hockey players step out of their comfort zones and grow both on and off the ice? This week's conversation centers on practical advice for parents, coaches, and mentors, focusing on building resilience, creativity, and courage in young athletes. We dive into the importance of creating…

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Dec. 27, 2023

The Ride To The Rink - Balancing Your Ego: Confidence vs. Arrogance in Youth Hockey

Ever wondered how the line between confidence and arrogance can make or break a young hockey player's career?Join Mike as he helps us navigate the delicate dance of cultivating a healthy ego in youth hockey. We're not just talking about puffing chests and swagger—there's an art to balancing self-assurance with…

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Dec. 23, 2023

Merry Christmas From Our Kids Play Hockey

As the festive lights twinkle and the ice glistens Lee, Christie, and Mike are wrapping up the year with a heartfelt thank you to our hockey family. We're toasting to the incredible milestones we've reached together. In this special holiday episode, we're sharing our gratitude and reflecting on the connections…

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Dec. 22, 2023

A Look Back at 2023 with Our Kids Play Hockey

Join us this week as we celebrate the year's end with heartfelt gratitude. The final episode of 2023 draws the curtain on a year of conversations that have been listened to around the world from Toronto to Nepal, uniting our hockey family across the globe. We revisit the standout moments…

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Dec. 20, 2023

The Ride To The Rink - Have A Great Holiday!

Join us this week as we celebrate the year's end with heartfelt gratitude. The final episode of 2023 draws the curtain on a year of conversations that have been listened to around the world from Toronto to Nepal, uniting our hockey family across the globe. We revisit the standout moments…

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Dec. 15, 2023

Turning Youth Hockey Tournaments into Unforgettable Experiences with Showdown Hockey Tournaments

With a combined experience of 30 years in the industry, Brian and Whitney Harrington join the show to give an insider's look into the world of organizing hockey tournaments, straight from the trenches. The Harringtons are experts in creating an unforgettable tournament experience that transcends beyond just winning games. They…

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Dec. 13, 2023

The Ride To The Rink - How To Protect Your Mind From Junk For Youth Hockey Players

Today's episode is a game-changer as we navigate the landscape of mental performance with the assistance of Dr. Cassidy Preston. As a mental performance coach and the author of the Amazon bestseller "Mindset First," Cassidy illuminates the significance of shielding our minds from unnecessary distractions, particularly those stemming from social…

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Dec. 8, 2023

Communication As A Tool In Youth Hockey with Coach Pete Whitney

Ever wondered why some sports teams perform far better than others, despite having similar levels of talent? One answer lies within the realm of communication, and in our latest conversation with the insightful retired NCAA coach, Pete Whitney, we shine a light on this often overlooked, yet critical aspect of…

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Dec. 6, 2023

The Ride To The Rink: Emotional Control When Dealing With Officials

Ever wondered why a bad call seems to ruin your game? Or how your interaction with officials can influence the outcome of a hockey match? This week's Ride To The Rink explores how players can effectively manage their interactions with officials for a successful game. We spotlight the necessity of…

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Dec. 1, 2023

Monday Morning Coaching - Parental Influence In Youth Hockey

Who says parents can't play a crucial role in youth sports? With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate the complicated role of being a "Monday morning coach," thereby nurturing your young hockey player's skills and craft in the process. This episode is brimming with insights, anecdotes, and practical…

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Nov. 29, 2023

The Ride To The Rink - What NHL Player Development Coach Sumeet Wareh Wishes He Knew Growing Up

Ever dreamt of making it to the NHL? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Sumeet Wareh delivers indispensable advice and practical tips that he wishes he'd known as a young player. He passionately talks about understanding your own skills and the type of player you are, emphasizing the…

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Nov. 24, 2023

Development & Video Analysis in Youth Hockey With NHL Development Skills Coach Sumeet Wareh

In this week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we dive into the intricacies of developing youth hockey skills with NHL developmental skill coach Sumeet Wareh. Sumeet is a renowned NHL Development Skills Coach known for his innovative approach to youth hockey training. With a unique background that spans from…

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Nov. 22, 2023

The Ride To The Rink - Micro Moments Of Gratitude

In this special Thanksgiving edition of The Ride To The Rink, we explore a topic that transcends the holiday season: gratitude. As we celebrate the game we love, let's remember the countless moments that make hockey special, from that incredible assist to the crucial save. Join us as we emphasize…

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Nov. 17, 2023

Nurturing Passion, Not Pressure With Desiree Hall

Imagine nurturing the passion for hockey in your children without pressuring them to love the game. Sounds tough, right? Add in raising 5 kids who are all active in sports, while also being a team manager for multiple teams, and you have today's guest. Desiree Hall and her husband have…

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Nov. 15, 2023

The Ride To The Rink: Unraveling Mental Battles in Hockey with Justin Goldman Of The Goalie Guild

Justin Goldman of the Goalie Guild discusses with us about the mental struggles that players grapple with this week on The Ride To The Rink. He shares valuable insights into the importance of acknowledging and managing emotions like disappointment, fear, and anxiety – emotions that every player, amateur or pro,…

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Nov. 10, 2023

A Youth Hockey Parent's Guide to Establishing Accountability with Equipment and Routines

Ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of your child's hockey experience? Do you wonder if there's a better way to manage all those bits of equipment, schedules, and laundry? We've got you covered. In this episode, we delve deep into establishing routines and fostering accountability in young hockey players. We…

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Nov. 8, 2023

The Ride To The Rink: Two Questions Hockey Players Should Constantly Ask Themselves

Step onto the ice with a winning mindset as we dive into the latest episode of 'Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink'. Hosted by Lee Elias, this podcast is a treasure trove for hockey parents, coaches, and young athletes looking to elevate their mental game and overall…

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Nov. 6, 2023

Unraveling Mental Toughness in Hockey and Goaltending with Justin Goldman of The Goalie Guild

What if you could peek behind the mask of a professional hockey goalie and dive into the mental challenges and toughness required to play the sport and position? Justin Goldman’s experiences range from playing as an e-bug for the Colorado Avalanche to creating an inspiring online community for goalies -…

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Nov. 1, 2023

The Ride To The Rink - Shoot With A Purpose

Ever wondered why elite NHL players almost never miss the net during warm-ups? Its because elite level players players always shoot with a purpose. They know exactly where they want to put the puck each and every time they shoot. In this week's episode of the Ride To The Rink,…

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Oct. 27, 2023

Insights From A Lifetime As The Voice Of The Philadelphia Flyers With Lou Nolan

Lou Nolan, who's been the voice of the Flyers since 1967, joins the show to share his insights from the game that he has watched evolve firsthand. We dive into how he has been instrumental in crafting moments that have left fans on the edge of their seats, and the…

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Oct. 27, 2023

The Ride To The Rink: Never Let Anyone Tell You Your Dreams Aren't Possible

Dreams: we all have them, and there always seems to be someone trying to shut them down on us. If you're willing to commit, work hard, and persist, nobody, absolutely no one, has the right to tell you that you can't make it. On this week's episode, we talk about…

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Oct. 21, 2023

The Evolution of a Crazy Hockey Parent

Ever cringed over the sight of a rabid hockey parent, screaming at the sidelines and pushing their child beyond reasonable limits? We sure have, and this episode is all about that - navigating the perilous landscape of youth hockey parenting. We start the discussion by reminiscing about the evolution of…

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