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In this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli dive into an essential topic for young athletes: leadership. Inspired by a question from Logan, a young listener eager to become a role model for his teammates, our hosts share their insights on what makes a great leader in youth hockey.


Mike starts the discussion by emphasizing the importance of compassion and the ability to understand and support teammates facing adversity. He highlights the value of being a calming presence, even when emotions run high, and the significance of learning and fostering leadership qualities from a young age.


Christie follows by reminding us that young players can lead by setting a good example, demonstrating integrity, honesty, confidence, and discipline. She stresses the importance of putting the team's needs ahead of personal desires, a cornerstone of effective leadership.


Finally, Lee wraps up the conversation by underscoring the necessity of self-discipline and the commitment to daily habits that enhance both personal and team performance. He reflects on how true leaders care deeply about their teammates and work tirelessly to guide their team towards shared goals.


This episode is packed with valuable advice for young hockey players aspiring to be leaders on and off the ice.


Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.Use Code "HockeyNeverStops" at Hockey.SenseArena.com to score $50 off an annual plan!

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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 a key figure in the Flyers' Learn to Play program and an assistant coach for the Flyers Warriors.
Discussion Highlights:
Rob Baer's Hockey Journey:From playing at Archbishop Carroll High School to engaging with the Philadelphia Phantoms, Rob's deep-rooted connection with hockey shaped his career and passion for the game.His transition from playing to a pivotal role in fan development and youth engagement with the Flyers.Learn to Play Program:An examination of the Flyers' successful Learn to Play initiative, which has significantly reduced barriers for new entrants into the sport by providing equipment and accessible opportunities.Expanding the Game Beyond Playing:Rob discusses various ways individuals can engage with hockey outside traditional play, highlighting the administrative and developmental roles that contribute to the sport's ecosystem.Veterans in Hockey – Flyers Warriors:A heartwarming look at the Flyers Warriors, a team that offers veterans a sense of community and purpose through hockey. Rob shares inspiring stories of transformation and camaraderie among the team members.Youth Hockey Initiatives and Future Plans:Insights into upcoming initiatives aimed at further fostering the growth of hockey in the Philadelphia area and beyond. Rob expresses a strong desire to include more girls and diverse groups in the sport.Personal Reflections and Hockey Philosophy:Rob reflects on the intrinsic values of hockey, such as teamwork, dedication, and the pure joy of the game. He emphasizes the importance of these values in nurturing a lifelong passion for hockey among young players.Rob’s interview not only highlights his profound impact on hockey through his roles with the Philadelphia Flyers and community initiatives but also paints a broader picture of how sports can serve as powerful platforms for community building and personal development. His stories are a testament to the life-changing power of hockey and its ability to connect and inspire individuals from all walks of life.


Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.Use Code "HockeyNeverStops" at Hockey.SenseArena.com to score $50 off an annual plan!

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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 time and space" on the ice.

Key Episode Highlights:

- Introduction to Time and Space: Lee kicks off the episode with a fundamental question from our Facebook group about what exactly coaches mean by "time and space." This sets the stage for a detailed exploration of the concept, emphasizing why it's a critical skill in today's fast-paced game.

- Breaking Down the Basics: Understanding the dynamics of timing — knowing when to accelerate or slow down during a game to maximize effectiveness. Lee explains the importance of speed modulation and deception in outmaneuvering opponents on the ice.

- Strategic Use of Space: This segment delves into how players can create and utilize space effectively. Whether it's finding open ice for a pass or positioning oneself to defend, mastering spatial awareness is key to enhancing gameplay.

- Practical Applications and Drills: Lee provides practical advice on drills and techniques to improve timing and space recognition. These skills are not just for handling the puck but are also crucial when players are off the puck, helping them make intelligent plays and decisions.

- Advice for Parents and Coaches: Tips on how to support young players in developing these skills. Lee emphasizes the importance of patience and proper guidance in helping young athletes understand and implement these concepts in their playing style.

Wrapping up, Lee reiterates the importance of fundamentals such as skating, shooting, and passing, which provide the foundation upon which advanced skills like time and space are built. He encourages players of all ages to continue honing these basic skills alongside strategic gameplay.

Whether you’re on the ice or cheering from the sidelines, understanding the strategic use of time and space can profoundly impact your appreciation and love for the game. Tune in to refine your skills and deepen your hockey knowledge—remember, you're never too young or too old to improve your game!
Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.Use Code "HockeyNeverStops" at Hockey.SenseArena.com to score $50 off an annual plan!

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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 coaching youth teams. She discusses the importance of female role models in coaching, highlighting her motivations to empower young girls through sport, including her own daughters.
Amber dives into the challenges she faces in a male-dominated coaching environment, illustrating the subtle exclusions that make it tough for women coaches to feel included. Despite these obstacles, she focuses on the positive impact she has had on her players, emphasizing the growth of confidence and camaraderie among the girls.


The episode also touches on broader topics, including the evolution of women's hockey, the increasing opportunities for women in the sport, and the importance of visibility and representation in nurturing future generations. Amber's insights are a testament to the changing landscape of hockey and the pivotal role that inclusive leadership plays in developing the sport for all participants.


Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.Use Code "HockeyNeverStops" at Hockey.SenseArena.com to score $50 off an annual plan!

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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 and proactive attitude, regardless of the team placement. Drawing from personal experiences, he shares how some of his most rewarding hockey seasons were those where he didn't make the team he initially wanted. These experiences underscored the unexpected opportunities for growth and leadership that can arise in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Key Highlights:

- Overcoming Disappointment: Lee talks about the benefits of playing on a team that might not have been your first choice and how this can lead to unexpected personal development and enjoyment.

- The Role of a Good Teammate and Parent: Emphasizing the critical role of supporting one another, Lee discusses how being a great teammate or parent involves more than just dealing with successes; it's about fostering a positive environment and helping others excel.

- Personal Development Beyond the Ice: The conversation extends beyond just playing hockey — it's about developing life skills, leadership, and a strong work ethic. Lee stresses the importance of what you do off the ice, including physical training and studying the game, to improve on it.

This episode is not just for those who play but also for the parents and coaches who guide and support young athletes. Tune in to gain valuable insights on how to navigate the emotional highs and lows of team selections and turn them into developmental stepping stones in youth hockey. Whether you're a player, a parent, or a coach, this discussion offers vital lessons on growth, resilience, and the true spirit of sportsmanship.
Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.Use Code "HockeyNeverStops" at Hockey.SenseArena.com to score $50 off an annual plan!

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This week on the Wraparound Roundtable, we are giving away a pair of custom camo gloves from Verbero Hockey.

Our hockey friend this week is Andy Sutton, a name many of you will know as he is a NHL Veteran who played pro for 15 years before becoming the CEO of Verbero Hockey. In addition to this week’s code word, in our short episode, you will learn more about the people behind Verbero and how they are becoming one of the game's top “team” brands.

In our extended interview (watch here: https://youtu.be/VJvOvl9uUiY), the two dive deeper into Verbero’s story, from the name to their expansion into a team-first operation, in addition to Andy’s time in professional hockey and what made him successful. 

We will pick a winner one week after this blog is posted - so jump in now!

To enter in to win this week’s prizes:
1. Retrieve the code word from the episode
2. Enter that word and the requested into the form on our site https://hockeywraparound.com/blogs/the-wraparound-roundtable/verbero
3. BONUS: Follow/Subscribe to @HockeyWrapAround & @Verberohockey on social