Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey is a podcast that focuses on youth hockey, offering insights, stories, and interviews from the hockey community. It provides valuable advice for parents, coaches, and players, covering various aspects of the game, including skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and creating a positive experience for young athletes. The show frequently features guests who share their expertise and personal experiences in youth hockey, both on and off the ice. The show features three hockey parents, who all work in the game at high levels:  Christie Casciano-Burns - USA Hockey Columnist, Author, and WSYR AnchorMike Bonelli - USA Hockey Coach and Organizational ConsultantLee M.J. Elias - Hockey Entrepreneur, Author, and Team Strategist In addition to the main podcast, there are several spin-off series that dive into specific aspects of youth hockey: 1.Our Girls Play Hockey – This series highlights the growing presence of girls in hockey, addressing the unique challenges they face while celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport. 2.The Ride to The Rink – A shorter, motivational series designed to be listened to on the way to the rink, offering quick, inspirational tips and advice to help players and parents get into the right mindset before a game or practice.  3.Our Kids Play Goalie – This series is dedicated to young goalies and the unique challenges they face. It provides advice for players, parents, and coaches on how to support and develop young goaltenders, focusing on the mental and physical demands of the position. Together, these shows provide a comprehensive platform for parents, players, and coaches involved in youth hockey, offering insights for all aspects of the sport, from parenting, playing, or coaching to specialized positions like goaltending.

  1. The Ride to The Rink: Stay or Go? How to Decide If It’s Time to Play at a Higher Level

    2D AGO ·  VIDEO

    The Ride to The Rink: Stay or Go? How to Decide If It’s Time to Play at a Higher Level

    🏒 Thinking about moving up to the next level in hockey? Before you decide… listen to this. On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Christie, Mike, and Lee tackle a question so many young players (and parents) face: Should you move up to a higher team—or stay where you are? It’s exciting to be recognized for your talent. But is moving up always the right move? This conversation is all about helping YOU take ownership of your hockey journey—because your voice matters more than you think. 🔑 In this episode, we talk about: -Why confidence and fun should guide your decisions -How to know if you're truly ready for the next level -The importance of speaking up and advocating for yourself -Why being a leader on your current team can be just as valuable -What you’re doing away from the rink that really drives improvement 💡 You’ll also hear a powerful reminder: You don’t have to change teams to get better—you just have to stay committed to getting better every day. 🎯 The bottom line: There’s no “one right path” in hockey. Whether you stay or move up, the best decision is the one that helps you grow, stay confident, and love the game. So ask yourself: 👉 Am I happy where I am right now? 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Should Kids Play Up in Hockey? How to Make the Right Development Decision 💬 Share this episode with a teammate or parent who needs to hear it—and keep the conversation going on your next ride to the rink. #RideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #ConfidenceInSports #HockeyJourney #WorkHardHaveFun #DreamBig #YouthSports Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽 Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace.  Right now, they’ve got offseason pricing at $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know! Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow! Follow Us On Social Media: Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    6 min
  2. 4D AGO ·  VIDEO

    From Sweden to Your Rink: My Kid Is the Best on the Team… Now What? (Parent Dilemma Solved)

    🏒 What happens when your kid becomes the best player on the team… and there’s no one left to chase? It sounds like a dream—but for many hockey parents, it quickly turns into a big question: Is my child still developing, or are they stuck in a comfort zone? In this powerful mailbag episode, we hear from a hockey parent in Sweden whose 12-year-old son is thriving—but may lack the competition to push him further. What follows is a deep, honest conversation about development, confidence, and the biggest myths in youth hockey. 💡 Here’s what we break down: Why being the best player on the team isn’t a bad thingThe truth behind “you need better competition to improve”When (and if) a player should move upHow off-ice habits separate elite playersThe real danger of rushing developmentWhy leadership, confidence, and puck touches matter more than you think🔥 Plus, we tackle one of the biggest parenting questions in youth sports:  Is this your dream… or your child’s? This episode is a must-listen for any hockey parent navigating development, pressure, and long-term growth. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: When Your Child Is the Best Player on the Team: A Youth Hockey Parent’s Guide 🎯 Remember: It’s not a race—it’s a marathon. 👉 Got a question you want featured on the show?  Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com  or use the link in the episode description! #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #SportsParenting #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyTraining #YouthSports #HockeyLife #LongTermDevelopment Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽 Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace.  Right now, they’ve got offseason pricing at $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know! Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow! Follow Us On Social Media: Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    48 min
  3. Our Girls Play Hockey: PWHL Playoffs - A Day in the Life with Haley Scamurra

    6D AGO ·  VIDEO

    Our Girls Play Hockey: PWHL Playoffs - A Day in the Life with Haley Scamurra

    🔥 What does it really take to go from Olympic gold medalist… to chasing a pro championship just months later? In this Day in the Life episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, we go inside the world of Haley Scamurra as she prepares for the PWHL playoffs and the pursuit of the Walter Cup. From finishing first in the league to navigating the unique playoff format, Haley shares what life is actually like at the highest level — the grind, the mindset, and the habits that separate good from great. 💡 This episode isn’t just about pro hockey — it’s packed with lessons for players, parents, and coaches at every level. 🧠 In This Episode: What finishing first in the PWHL really meansHow playoff intensity builds before the playoffs even startThe unique strategy behind choosing your playoff opponentThe mindset shift that led to Haley’s best pro seasonWhy confidence — not stats — changed everythingHow elite players stay focused through back-to-back championshipsWhat “sustained excellence” actually looks like day-to-dayWhy roles matter more than ice timeThe truth about time & space at the pro level🏒 Day in the Life Highlights: Practice routines, recovery, and mental trainingTeam culture and preparation behind the scenesThe importance of habits, consistency, and beliefWhy “amplifying” your game matters more than changing it in playoffs💬 Whether you're a player chasing your next level, a parent supporting the journey, or a coach building a team — this episode gives you a real look at what it takes. 👉 Listen now and take your game (and mindset) to the next level. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Daily Habits That Build Elite Hockey Players (A Day in the Life with Haley Scamurra) 🔗 Have a question for Haley? Reach out anytime — we’d love to hear from you! #OurGirlsPlayHockey #PWHL #WomensHockey #HaleyScamurra #HockeyMindset #DayInTheLife #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #EliteAthlete #WalterCup #OlympicGold #HockeyTraining Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽 Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace.  Right now, they’ve got offseason pricing at $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know! Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow! Follow Us On Social Media: Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    55 min
  4. The Ride to The Rink: Pressure to Power - Turning Your Parents’ Words Into Confidence

    MAY 2 ·  VIDEO

    The Ride to The Rink: Pressure to Power - Turning Your Parents’ Words Into Confidence

    🚗💭 Ever hear something from your parents right before a game… and it just doesn’t sit right? On this episode of The Ride To The Rink, we’re diving into the messages players hear before they step out of the car—and how those words can impact confidence, nerves, and performance. Here’s the truth: your parents care. A lot. ❤️  But sometimes, even well-meaning words can add pressure instead of helping you play your best. So what can you do about it? 🎯 In this episode, we break down: The 3 most common things parents say before gamesWhy phrases like “don’t mess up” or “you need to score” can backfireHow to reframe negative messaging into confidenceSimple ways to communicate with your parents about what actually helpsWhy your goal should always be: “Did I do my best today?”💡 Plus, we talk about: Playing for the right reasons (not rewards)Handling pressure during tryouts and big gamesWhy competition is a privilege—not something to fear🏒 Whether you're 8 or 18, this episode will help you take control of your mindset before you even hit the locker room. 👉 And parents—this one’s for you too. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: What Parents Say Before a Game (And How Hockey Players Can Handle It) 🎧 Take this with you today: You can’t always control what’s said to you… but you can control how you respond.  #YouthHockey #HockeyMindset #SportsParenting #MentalGame #HockeyTips #ConfidenceInSports #HockeyLife #TheRideToTheRink #PlayYourGame #YouthSports Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽 Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace.  Right now, they’ve got offseason pricing at $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know! Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow! Follow Us On Social Media: Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    13 min
  5. APR 30 ·  VIDEO

    3 Things You SHOULDN'T Say To Your Kids Before a Game

    🏒 What you say before the game matters more than you think… We’ve all been there — the car ride to the rink, the final words before your child heads into the locker room. You want to motivate them, support them, and set them up for success. But what if some of those well-intentioned phrases are actually doing the opposite? In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike flip one of their most popular topics on its head — breaking down the top things you should NOT say to your child before they hit the ice… and what to say instead. 💥 From “You need to score today” to “Don’t mess up,” these common phrases can create pressure, fear, and overthinking — even when they come from a place of love. Instead, the team shares simple, powerful ways to build confidence, encourage teamwork, and help your player step onto the ice feeling free, focused, and ready to compete. 🎯 In This Episode, We Cover: Why “you’re the best player out there” can backfireThe hidden danger of “you need to score today”How “don’t” language rewires your child’s thinkingWhy pressure-based motivation rarely works long-termThe truth about confidence, nerves, and performanceWhat your child actually needs to hear before a gameHow to shift from results-based talk → process-based support🧠 Key Takeaway Your words shape your child’s mindset before they ever step on the ice.  The goal isn’t to hype them up — it’s to free them up. ❤️ A Better Pregame Message “I love you no matter what happens out there… and I love watching you play.” Simple. Powerful. Effective. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: 🏒 What NOT to Say Before a Hockey Game (And What to Say Instead) 📩 Got a story or something you’ve said (or heard) at the rink?  Email the team at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com — they’d love to hear it! #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #SportsParenting #MentalGame #ConfidenceInSports #HockeyDevelopment #ParentingTips #HockeyLife #KidsSports #OurKidsPlayHockey Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽 Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace.  Right now, they’ve got offseason pricing at $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know! Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow! Follow Us On Social Media: Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    53 min
  6. Our Girls Play Goalie: The Journey Isn’t Linear - How Aerin Frankel Became Team USA’s Backbone

    APR 28 ·  VIDEO

    Our Girls Play Goalie: The Journey Isn’t Linear - How Aerin Frankel Became Team USA’s Backbone

    🥅 What does it take to go from being cut… to standing on top of the Olympic podium? In this special crossover episode of Our Girls Play Hockey and Our Kids Play Goalie, we sit down with Olympic gold medalist and one of the most dominant goaltenders in the world, Aerin Frankel. From growing up playing boys hockey in New York… to leaving home for Shattuck-St. Mary’s… to being cut from the 2022 Olympic team… and ultimately becoming the backbone of Team USA’s gold medal run in 2026 — Aerin’s journey is the definition of resilience, belief, and elite mindset. 💥 This episode is packed with powerful lessons for players, parents, and goalies alike. 🔑 In This Episode, We Cover: 🥅 Why playing boys hockey helped shape Aerin’s compete level 💡 The real truth about being an “undersized” goalie 🚫 Getting cut from Team USA… and using it as fuel 🧠 How to build confidence without letting doubt creep in 🔁 Why failure is actually just experience 🤝 The importance of team culture, trust, and goalie partnerships 🔥 Competing against your friends at the highest level 🎯 Focusing only on what you can control (and why it matters) ✨ Whether you’re a goalie, a parent, or a player chasing big dreams, this episode will challenge the way you think about development, adversity, and success. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog:🏒 From Setback to Stardom: What We Can Learn from Aerin Frankel 📩 Got questions or want to connect? Use the link in the description to send us a message — we’d love to hear from you!  #OurGirlsPlayHockey #OurKidsPlayGoalie #AerinFrankel #WomensHockey #GoalieMindset #HockeyDevelopment #OlympicGold #GirlsHockey #YouthHockey #MentalGame Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽 Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace.  Right now, they’ve got offseason pricing at $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know! Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow! Follow Us On Social Media: Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    51 min
  7. The Ride To The Rink: Got Your Bell Rung? Here’s What To Do Next (With Dr. Baric)

    APR 25

    The Ride To The Rink: Got Your Bell Rung? Here’s What To Do Next (With Dr. Baric)

    🧠 This might not be your favorite hockey topic… but it could be the most important one you ever hear. On this Ride to the Rink, we’re talking about something every player needs to understand: concussions. With the help of concussion expert Dr. Baric (myconcussiondr.com), we break down what actually happens when you take a hit to the head—and why speaking up could protect your entire hockey future. 💥 You’ll learn: What a concussion really is (in simple terms)The signs your body gives you when something’s wrongWhy getting a second hit too soon can be dangerousHow to recognize symptoms—even if no one saw the hitWhy the smartest players are the ones who speak up👀 The truth? Hockey players are tough. But when it comes to your brain, being smart beats being tough every time. 🎯 Whether you're on the bench, in the car, or heading to practice—this is one episode every player (and parent) should hear. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Youth Hockey Concussions: What Every Young Player (and Parent) Needs to Know 👉 Listen, learn, and remember: your future in the game depends on the decisions you make today. #RideToTheRink #HockeySafety #YouthHockey #Concussions #HockeyParents #PlaySmart #HockeyDevelopment #BrainHealth #DrBaric #HockeyLife Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽 Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace.  Right now, they’ve got offseason pricing at $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know! Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow! Follow Us On Social Media: Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    8 min
  8. APR 23

    What Every Hockey Parent Needs to Know About Concussions

    🧠 Concussions can be one of the most misunderstood injuries in youth hockey — and one of the most important for families to understand. In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Mike, and Christie are joined by Dr. Robert Baric, founder of MyConcussionDoctor.com, for a practical, eye-opening conversation about concussion awareness, brain health, and what hockey parents really need to know. This isn’t about fear. It’s about being informed. Dr. Baric breaks down what a concussion actually is, why symptoms can be subtle, how head injuries can happen both on and off the ice, and why parents need to trust their instincts when something feels off. The crew also dives into return-to-play decisions, protective equipment, the role of neck strength, and why no game is worth risking a child’s future. In this episode: 🏒 What a concussion really is — and why it’s not always obvious👀 Signs and symptoms parents should watch for after a hit or fall🧩 Why multitasking, balance, and behavior changes can reveal a problem⏳ How concussion symptoms can show up later, not just immediately🛑 Why “shake it off” is the wrong mindset in youth sports🧠 What parents and coaches should know about return-to-play protocol💪 How neck strengthening and overall brain health may help reduce risk⭐ Why Sidney Crosby helped change the concussion conversation in hockeyThis is one of those episodes every hockey family should hear — because the information you learn today could help protect a player tomorrow. Have fun, skate hard, stay safe, and keep learning. #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #ConcussionAwareness #BrainHealth #SportsSafety #YouthSports #HockeySafety #ConcussionProtocol #ReturnToPlay #ParentingAthletes #DrRobertBaric Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽 Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace.  Right now, they’ve got offseason pricing at $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know! Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow! Follow Us On Social Media: Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

    45 min
4.8
out of 5
12 Ratings

About

Our Kids Play Hockey is a podcast that focuses on youth hockey, offering insights, stories, and interviews from the hockey community. It provides valuable advice for parents, coaches, and players, covering various aspects of the game, including skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and creating a positive experience for young athletes. The show frequently features guests who share their expertise and personal experiences in youth hockey, both on and off the ice. The show features three hockey parents, who all work in the game at high levels:  Christie Casciano-Burns - USA Hockey Columnist, Author, and WSYR AnchorMike Bonelli - USA Hockey Coach and Organizational ConsultantLee M.J. Elias - Hockey Entrepreneur, Author, and Team Strategist In addition to the main podcast, there are several spin-off series that dive into specific aspects of youth hockey: 1.Our Girls Play Hockey – This series highlights the growing presence of girls in hockey, addressing the unique challenges they face while celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport. 2.The Ride to The Rink – A shorter, motivational series designed to be listened to on the way to the rink, offering quick, inspirational tips and advice to help players and parents get into the right mindset before a game or practice.  3.Our Kids Play Goalie – This series is dedicated to young goalies and the unique challenges they face. It provides advice for players, parents, and coaches on how to support and develop young goaltenders, focusing on the mental and physical demands of the position. Together, these shows provide a comprehensive platform for parents, players, and coaches involved in youth hockey, offering insights for all aspects of the sport, from parenting, playing, or coaching to specialized positions like goaltending.

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