Our Kids Play Hockey

🏒 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 thing
The truth behind “you need better competition to improve”
When (and if) a player should move up
How off-ice habits separate elite players
The real danger of rushing development
Why 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 [email protected]
 or use the link in the episode description!
#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #SportsParenting #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyTraining #YouthSports #HockeyLife #LongTermDevelopment
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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
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🔥 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 means
How playoff intensity builds before the playoffs even start
The unique strategy behind choosing your playoff opponent
The mindset shift that led to Haley’s best pro season
Why confidence — not stats — changed everything
How elite players stay focused through back-to-back championships
What “sustained excellence” actually looks like day-to-day
Why roles matter more than ice time
The truth about time & space at the pro level
🏒 Day in the Life Highlights:
Practice routines, recovery, and mental training
Team culture and preparation behind the scenes
The importance of habits, consistency, and belief
Why “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!

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🚗💭 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 games
Why phrases like “don’t mess up” or “you need to score” can backfire
How to reframe negative messaging into confidence
Simple ways to communicate with your parents about what actually helps
Why 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 games
Why 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!

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🏒 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 backfire
The hidden danger of “you need to score today”
How “don’t” language rewires your child’s thinking
Why pressure-based motivation rarely works long-term
The truth about confidence, nerves, and performance
What your child actually needs to hear before a game
How 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 [email protected]
— 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!

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🥅 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:
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