The Ride to The Rink - Mistakes Not To Make This The Summer
☀️ Are you making the most of your summer—or just skating through it?In this empowering episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli break down the top five summer mistakes that young hockey players and families make—and how to avoid them. From over-scheduling to mental burnout, the crew shares personal stories and practical advice to help every kid reclaim the magic of summer while still growing as a player.🏒 Key Takeaways:Why less hockey can actually reignite your passion for the gameHow off-ice activities build real on-ice skillsThe value of “being a kid” and not obsessing over next seasonRecharging your mindset with rest, play, and perspectiveHow to check in on your mental well-being (and why it matters)🎧 Whether you’re driving to another clinic or just tossing a puck in the driveway, this episode is your summer reset button. Don’t miss it!💬 Got a topic you want us to cover? Text us using the link in the episode description or email us at [email protected]!#RideToTheRink #YouthHockey #SummerTips #HockeyDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyParenting #MentalWellnessClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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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15:39
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15:39
The Top 5 Mistakes Hockey Parents Make In The Summer (And How to Avoid Them)
Are you making these 5 summer hockey mistakes with your kids? 🏒☀️In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli reveal the top five mistakes hockey parents make during the summer—and how to avoid them before they derail your child’s development or love for the game.From packing the schedule with camps to losing sight of what summer is really for, this conversation will shift your mindset and help you make better, more balanced choices during the off-season.🔥 Highlights Include:How too many camps can do more harm than good 🧊Why free play and rest are critical for long-term success ⚽🎨The importance of staying flexible and following your child’s energy 🌞How parents unintentionally add pressure—and how to stop 💬Strategies to prioritize emotional wellness without losing momentum 🧠Whether your kid’s chasing a dream or just chasing pucks, this episode delivers the perspective and practical tools to make this summer their best one yet—on and off the ice.🎧 Tune in now and rethink your approach to summer hockey parenting!💬 Have thoughts or questions? Drop us a line at [email protected]#SummerHockey #YouthDevelopment #HockeyParenting #OurKidsPlayHockey #BalanceMatters #MentalWellness #OffSeasonStrategyClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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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46:49
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46:49
The Ride to the Rink - Are You Spending Time or Investing It?
In this episode, Lee shares a powerful concept from a conversation with longtime coach and mentor Pete Whitney: the difference between time spent and time invested.Whether it’s hockey, school, or life off the ice, young athletes are constantly choosing how to use their time—but not all choices pay off the same way.🧠 Lee breaks down:The mindset that separates top performers from the restHow to recognize “brain rot” moments vs. productive onesWhy it’s not just about being busy—but being intentionalA simple daily reflection to help kids grow on and off the iceThis is one of those episodes that’s short, insightful, and absolutely worth sharing with your hockey player.📣 Remember: the best athletes invest their time—and you’re worth the investment.Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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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4:35
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4:35
The Ride to The Rink - Hall of Fame Lessons from Brianna Decker: What Matters Most in Youth Hockey
What does a Hockey Hall of Famer really think youth hockey players need to succeed?On this special Ride to the Rink, We spotlight key insights from none other than Brianna Decker, fresh off her induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. From elite playing days to coaching the next generation, Decker has seen it all—and her message for young athletes and families is clear.🏒 Takeaways from the ride:Why work ethic is more important than talentThe underrated power of Hockey IQHow competitiveness is a skill you can buildWhy being the best player on the team isn’t always best for developmentWhat truly sets high-level players apartThis episode is a quick hit of motivation and perspective straight from one of the game’s greatest. Whether you’re a skater, goalie, coach, or parent—this is a ride you’ll want to take.👂 Listen in, soak it up, and remember: We believe in you. You should too.#RideToTheRink #BriannaDecker #HockeyHallOfFame #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #HockeyIQClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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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6:51
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6:51
What Skills Should My Kid Have at Their Age? A Parent’s Guide to Youth Hockey Development
“Is my kid where they’re supposed to be?”It’s one of the most common questions we hear—and this week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike break it all down with a level-headed, age-by-age guide to youth hockey development.Whether your player is just learning to stand on skates or preparing for juniors, this episode helps you understand what skills are appropriate right now, what’s coming next, and how to support your child’s journey without rushing the process.🏒 In this episode, we explore:✅ Benchmarks for each age group—from U6 to U18✅ How hockey IQ and habits grow alongside physical skills✅ What to really look for in your child’s development✅ The role of parents in keeping the game fun and productiveIf you’ve ever wondered, “Are we behind?” or “What should we focus on next?”—this episode is for you.Because in youth hockey, the goal isn’t just skating faster or scoring more. It’s building skills, confidence, and love for the game—step by step.Timestamps:0:00 Intro5:35 6U hockey: Organized chaos and fun11:50 8U hockey: Skating with purpose18:09 10U hockey: Golden age of learning31:38 12U hockey: Hockey IQ starts here36:37 14U hockey: Strength meets strategy47:43 16U/18U hockey: It's a lifestyle1:01:32 Closing thoughts on youth hockey development📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: A Parent’s Guide to Youth Hockey DevelopmentClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒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. Each episode of Our Girls Play Hockey is also hosted by Sheri Hudspeth who is the Director, Youth Hockey Programs and Fan Development for the Vegas Golden Knights.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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