Too Many Coaches on the Bench? Youth Hockey’s Loudest Problem.
🎙️ Ever felt like there are too many voices on your child’s hockey bench? This mailbag episode might hit close to home. Lee, Christie, and Mike dive into a letter from a parent-coach navigating a situation many families know all too well — four coaches on the bench, nonstop yelling during games, and a sidelined head coach who isn’t guiding the staff. The result? Chaos, confusion, and kids who don’t know who to listen to.In this honest and relatable conversation, our hosts unpack: ✨ Why “one voice behind the bench” is crucial for development ✨ How yelling instructions at kids on the ice actually makes them play worse ✨ What great coaching actually looks like at the 8U–10U level ✨ How assistant coaches can support without stepping on toes ✨ Why ego — yes, ego — is at the center of most youth hockey conflicts ✨ Simple steps teams can take this week to restore calm and clarity ✨ Why the best coaches (even in the NHL!) coach through relationships, not volumeLee also shares personal stories about coaching roles, Christie highlights the importance of communication, and Mike brings real-world experience on how to structure a bench so kids thrive—not freeze.If you’re a parent, an assistant coach, or the head coach trying to manage your staff… this episode is your playbook. 🏒👉 Have a question for a future mailbag episode? Send it to [email protected] We love answering real questions from real hockey families.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Why One Voice Matters: Fixing Over-Coaching and Bench Chaos in Youth Hockey🔁 Like the episode? Share it with your team, your coaches, or your hockey board. Your five-star reviews help the show reach more families who need these conversations.#youthhockey #hockeyparents #hockeycoaching #hockeydevelopment #ourkidsplayhockey #benchmanagement #coachingtips #positivecoachingClick 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/OKPHHave 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
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Bonus Deal Drop #4: Buy One, Get One Hockey Sticks (Mode Hockey)
This one’s for the hockey gearheads and budget-savvy parents! In this episode, Lee introduces Mode Hockey, a brand creating elite-level sticks specifically built for youth players. With correct flex, shaft size, and kid-friendly curves, these true one-piece sticks are ideal for mites to intermediates. And right now, it’s BOGO on all sticks—no code needed!🪄 Pro-quality sticks without the pro price tag. 🔗 Visit: ModeHockey.comClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!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
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Bonus Deal Drop #3: 35% Off Hockey Room Favorites (Ultimate Hockey Fans)
Transform your hockey home setup with this incredible Black Friday deal from Ultimate Hockey Fans! From custom ceiling fans to lamps and wall art, these one-of-a-kind heirlooms bring hockey fandom to life. Lee highlights how his own family uses these amazing pieces and shares an exclusive 35% off code (UHF35)—the deepest discount they’ve ever offered!🏒 Light up your home like a true hockey fan. 🔗 Visit: UltimateHockeyFans.com 🔑 Use Code: UHF35Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!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
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Bonus Deal Drop #2: The Perfect Gift for New Hockey Families (Twig & Biscuit)
Looking for the ideal hockey gift for a young player or new hockey family? In this micro-episode, Lee introduces Twig & Biscuit: Learn to Play Hockey, an award-winning children’s book co-authored with Paul Cohen. Perfect for ages 4–8, this beautifully illustrated book walks new players through getting dressed for the game. Plus, discover bonus merch like puck lamps and equipment checklists—only at TwigBiscuit.com!🎁 Support small businesses AND the show this season! 🔗 Visit: TwigBiscuit.comClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!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
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Bonus Deal Drop #1: Save 25% on Off-Ice Training (Hockey Wraparound)
Get ready to protect your sticks and your wallet this holiday season! In this special episode, Lee Elias shares a limited-time deal from Hockey Wraparound, the industry leader in off-ice stick protection. For four days only, you can get 25% off all Wraparound and Green Biscuit products—no code needed! Learn how this family-owned business is helping players train smarter and save money, and how supporting it helps keep Our Kids Play Hockey going strong.🔗 Visit: HockeyWrapAround.comClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!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
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 StrategistIn 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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