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. 1H AGO

    GIVEAWAY: One Week Left! The Ultimate Youth Hockey Holiday Giveaway (Free Entry)

    ⏰ One week left… and this might be the biggest youth hockey giveaway we’ve ever done. Every year, we look for a way to say thank you to the hockey families who make this community so special — and this year’s Holiday End-of-Year Giveaway is next level. In this short but important episode, we break down everything one lucky family can win, and trust us — this is the kind of prize pack that makes you the hero of the locker room. 🏒 What’s included in the grand prize? ✨ A Sparx Machine for at-home skate sharpening💡 A personalized hockey puck lamp for the ultimate fan cave🧠 Heads Up Hockey – lifetime training app subscription📊 Helios Hockey Core Sensor🧊 BladeTech prize pack (custom blades + swag)😎 Hockey Wraparound sunglasses🎒 Gear, pucks, balls & accessories from trusted hockey brands🧼 Team set of Extinct Bomb deodorizer packs🏒 Best Damn Tape sampler (clear, white, and black)…and it’s all going to ONE hockey family. 🚨 Important details: Entry is 100% FREEGiveaway closes in ONE WEEKWinners announced after the deadlineYou must enter at hockeywraparound.com via the Roundtable Giveaway linkThis is one of our favorite traditions, and we don’t want any hockey family missing out. 👉 Enter now, share it with your teammates, and we’ll see you next week when we wrap it all up. #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyGiveaway #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyFamily #SparxHockey #HockeyTraining #HockeyGear Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout. Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now at hockey.sensearena.com/OKPH 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    4 min
  2. Holidays, Hockey, and Heart: A Special Our Girls Play Hockey Episode

    1D AGO

    Holidays, Hockey, and Heart: A Special Our Girls Play Hockey Episode

    🎁 Happy holidays, hockey family! As the holiday season rolls in, Lee Elias and Hayley Scamurra take a break from the usual hockey talk to do what matters most this time of year — connect, reflect, and give thanks. In this special holiday episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee and Hayley come together from Montreal to share warm wishes with the entire girls’ hockey community and offer listeners a more personal look behind the podcast. Hayley is joined by her partner Nick Stoop (yes, that Nick — longtime listener favorite and past guest), along with their beloved giant schnauzer, Lexie, who unofficially claims the title of “podcast couch MVP.” This episode is a reminder that while hockey brings us together, community is what keeps us connected — especially during the holidays. ✨ In this episode, you’ll hear: Holiday wishes to hockey families around the worldHayley’s life in Montreal and holiday travel plansNick’s perspective on mentorship, travel, and supporting athletesThe importance of family, relationships, and community beyond the rinkWhy the girls’ hockey world truly feels like one big familyWhether you’re listening on a drive home, wrapping gifts, or sneaking in a quiet moment for yourself, this episode is a heartfelt reminder of why this community means so much. 🎄 From all of us at Our Girls Play Hockey, we wish you a very Merry Christmas, a Happy Hanukkah, and a joyful holiday season, whatever you celebrate. 💙 Thanks for being part of our hockey family — we’ll see you in the next episode. #OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #HockeyCommunity #HolidayEpisode #WomenInHockey #HockeyFamily #Grateful #Mentorship #HockeyLife Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout. Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now at hockey.sensearena.com/OKPH 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    7 min
  3. 4D AGO

    Inside PlayWellMinds: How Henrik Cronebäck and Johan Fallby Are Changing Mental Training for Teens

    🧠 Mental fitness isn’t a buzzword anymore — it’s a skill. And like any hockey skill, it has to be trained. Mental fitness is one of the most requested topics in the Our Kids Play Hockey community, and for good reason. Parents, coaches, and players all know it matters — but far fewer know how to actually teach it, practice it, and *build it into everyday hockey life. In this episode, hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli are joined by Swedish sport psychology leaders Henrik Cronebäck and Johan Fallby, co-founders of PlayWellMinds, a science-backed mental training platform helping young athletes build confidence, focus, and emotional balance through short, daily routines. This conversation moves mental fitness from theory to action. 🏒 Inside this episode: ~Why mental fitness should be trained just like skating, shooting, and strength ~How elite athletes learn to work with stress instead of fighting it ~Why introducing mental skills early gives kids a lifelong advantage ~The difference between outcome goals and performance goals — and why it matters ~Simple tools parents and coaches can use immediately (including the powerful “Top Three” exercise) ~How teams can build stronger culture, trust, and communication through shared mental skills 💡 From mindfulness and breathing, to emotional awareness, reflection, and celebration, Henrik and Johan break down how mental training can become a daily habit — not a reaction to problems. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants kids to stay in the game longer, enjoy it more, and develop skills that go far beyond the rink. 📩 Have questions for the hosts or guests? Email team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or use the text link in the show description. 🎧 Listen, learn, and start training the mind like the muscle it is. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Training the Mind Like the Body in Youth Hockey #OurKidsPlayHockey #MentalFitness #YouthHockey #SportsPsychology #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaches #PlayerDevelopment #MentalTraining Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout. Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now at hockey.sensearena.com/OKPH 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    1h 2m
  4. The Ride to The Rink: How Young Players Can Turn Their Passions Into Hockey Careers with Working in Hockey's Nick Bowins

    6D AGO

    The Ride to The Rink: How Young Players Can Turn Their Passions Into Hockey Careers with Working in Hockey's Nick Bowins

    🎮 What if your love of hockey could become a lifelong career… even if you’re still a kid? On today’s Ride to the Rink, Lee, Mike, and Christie are joined by Nick Bowins, founder of Working in Hockey, to open young players’ eyes to just how many opportunities exist beyond playing the game. Whether you love video games, math, technology, social media, photography, coaching, or just being around the rink — there’s a path for you in hockey. Nick shares real examples and powerful reminders that the traits kids learn in the locker room — leadership, teamwork, effort, resilience — translate directly into careers on and off the ice. He explains how to explore your interests now, how to talk about your passions with confidence, and how to start building connections in the sport no matter your age. Kids, this episode is your permission slip to dream big — not just about where you’ll play, but about the kind of hockey life you can build. ⭐ Highlights from the Episode 🎮 Love video games? There are careers in tech and gaming inside the hockey world.📊 Good at math? Analytics roles exist at every level of hockey.📱 Into social media? Marketing is one of the fastest-growing lanes in the sport.📷 Creative? Photography and videography can open doors at rinks everywhere.🧠 Leadership matters: The same kids who lead in the locker room often become leaders in business later.🗣️ Tell people what you love: Sharing your passions helps others help you.💡 You’re more than a hockey player — and developing your other interests makes you stronger, not distracted.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Kids Can Start Building a Future in Hockey — With Insights from Working in Hockey’s Nick Bowins 🎧 Listen in and help your young athlete discover how their unique skills and passions can fuel a lifelong journey in hockey — on or off the ice.  #RideToTheRink #WorkingInHockey #HockeyCareers #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyLife #LeadershipLessons #HockeyKids #HockeyDevelopment #BeyondTheIce Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout. Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now at hockey.sensearena.com/OKPH 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    10 min
  5. GIVEAWAY: Global Game, Honest Reviews & Real Talk: Hockey Tutorial’s Chris Kibui

    6D AGO · BONUS

    GIVEAWAY: Global Game, Honest Reviews & Real Talk: Hockey Tutorial’s Chris Kibui

    For the final episode of this season’s Wraparound Roundtable, we’re joined by Chris Kibui — the creator behind Hockey Tutorial, one of hockey’s most respected and widely‑watched channels. From humble beginnings making “how to hockey stop” videos to producing gear reviews, expert tutorials, and international documentaries, Chris has spent over a decade bridging the gap between gear tech, on‑ice performance, and global hockey culture. Lee and Chris dive deep into: 🔹 His first spark — inspired by The Mighty Ducks — that got him on the ice and behind the camera 🔹 What it truly takes to produce honest reviews that players actually trust 🔹 How he built a brand that works with every major hockey manufacturer without ever selling out 🔹 Why relatable content (gear, explanation, & real people) matters more than follower count 🔹 What it’s like to travel the world, document hockey in places like Kenya, India, and Sweden, and help grow the game beyond traditional markets 🔹 The positive messages and feedback that keep him creating year after year 🎁 Giveaway: Green Biscuit™ + Puckaround™ + Custom Hockey Tutorial Jersey (your name, number & country!) 🎧 Listen now & enter at: HockeyNeverStops.com Follow @hockeytutorial on all platforms for honest gear breakdowns, expert tutorials, documentaries, and hockey storytelling you won’t find anywhere else. Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout. Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now at hockey.sensearena.com/OKPH 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    39 min
  6. GIVEAWAY: Gear, Passion & Purpose: Goalie Gear Nerd on Obsession, Community & the Art of the Save

    DEC 17 · BONUS

    GIVEAWAY: Gear, Passion & Purpose: Goalie Gear Nerd on Obsession, Community & the Art of the Save

    This week on The Wraparound Roundtable, we’re joined by Tim McCarthy, founder of Goalie Gear Nerd — one of the most respected voices in the world of goalie equipment. With nearly a decade of gear expertise (and a lifelong obsession with pads, gloves, and everything in between), Tim breaks down how a passion project turned into a global hub for goaltender knowledge. He and Lee dive into what sparked his gear obsession, how sharing his nerdy curiosity grew into an online community, and why the relationships he’s built with brands and fellow goalies mean far more than follower counts. This episode is a deep look at gear, authenticity, and why doing what you love always shows. 🎁 Giveaway: Green Biscuit™ + Puckaround™ + Goalie Wraparound™ (Tim’s multiplier pick!) 🎧 Listen now and enter at: HockeyNeverStops.com Follow @goaliegearnerd and visit goaliegearnerd.com for gear breakdowns, insider insights, and goaltending content that actually teaches you something. Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout. Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now at hockey.sensearena.com/OKPH 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    25 min
  7. Our Girls Play Hockey: Breaking Barriers & Winning Gold: The Rise of Puerto Rico Women’s Hockey

    DEC 16

    Our Girls Play Hockey: Breaking Barriers & Winning Gold: The Rise of Puerto Rico Women’s Hockey

    📣 What happens when grit, belief, and a nation’s pride collide on the ice? In one of the most electrifying moments in recent women’s hockey history, the Puerto Rico Women’s National Team stormed back from a 5–2 deficit to win gold at the IIHF 3-on-3 Series in Buenos Aires — and today, we take you inside that unforgettable run. Host Lee Elias and co-host Hayley Scamurra sit down with four players who helped make history: Katie Leffler, Anastasia Sloan, Sabrina Honeycutt, and goaltender Kaylee Awrachow. Together, they share the leadership moments, mental battles, adjustments, and pure joy that powered their gold-medal comeback. 🌟 Episode Highlights: How Puerto Rico unlocked the perfect game with only minutes leftThe surprising tactical shift that changed everythingKatie “El Diabla” Leffler’s 21-point performance — and the nickname she didn’t ask forAnastasia Sloan breaking through traditional habits to score the OT winnerKaylee Awrachow’s mentality in a chaotic, whistle-less 3v3 formatSabrina Honeycutt’s “flu game” and the goal that lit up a silent arenaWhat it means to represent Puerto Rico — and inspire the next generationLeadership insights players can apply at any level of the gameThis episode is a celebration of resilience, culture, fun, and the unstoppable rise of women’s hockey across the world. 🇵🇷✨ 🎥 Want to see the comeback? Lee included the full game link in the show notes — trust us, you’ll want to watch it. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Puerto Rico’s Women’s National Team Made History — And What Young Players Can Learn From Their Gold Medal Run 👉 Have a topic or guest suggestion? Email us anytime at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com 👉 Visit OurKidsPlayHockey.com for more episodes, resources & our children’s book When Hockey Stops. #WomensHockey #PuertoRicoHockey #HockeyCulture #IIHF #GirlsHockey #LeadershipInSports #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #OurGirlsPlayHockey Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout. Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now at hockey.sensearena.com/OKPH 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    53 min
  8. DEC 13

    Working in Hockey with Nick Bowins: A Mission to Help People Find Jobs in the Game

    🔥 Ever wondered how people really get jobs in hockey? Today’s episode pulls back the curtain on an industry filled with far more opportunities — and far more good people — than most families ever realize. Nick Bowins, founder of Working in Hockey, joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to reveal how thousands of passionate players, parents, graduates, and lifelong fans are finding careers in the game. From analytics to marketing, from game ops to coaching, Nick’s message is simple: there is a place for everyone in hockey. Whether your young athlete is dreaming of their future or you want to stay connected to the sport after your playing days, this conversation will open your eyes to the real pathways forward. 🚀 ⭐ In This Episode: 🌟 Why getting your first opportunity matters more than where it is🎯 The most common — and most overlooked — hockey jobs available right now🧊 How players’ skills (leadership, teamwork, resilience) translate directly to real careers🤝 Networking vs. socializing: the major difference no one talks about📈 How high school and youth programs can help kids build non-playing hockey skills🔄 Why patience + relentless pursuit of experience beats “years required” on job postings🧩 The reality of working in hockey: long nights, low pay… and incredible purpose🎤 The surprising paths that led today’s pros, execs, and staff into the gameNick also shares stories from his wildly successful newsletter and platform — including the 100+ people who’ve landed hockey jobs directly through his work. If you or your child loves this game, this episode is a roadmap to staying in it for life. 🏒❤️ 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Kids (and Parents!) Can Build Real Careers in Hockey — Insights from Nick Bowins of Working in Hockey 👉 Have a topic for the show? Email us at Team@OurKidsPlayHockey.com #hockeyjobs #workinginhockey #youthhockey #hockeyparents #sportsbiz #hockeylife #OurKidsPlayHockey #hockeycareer #hockeycommunity #hockeydevelopment Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout. Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now at hockey.sensearena.com/OKPH 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 Group X Instagram LinkedIn YouTube

    1 hr
4.8
out of 5
66 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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