Our Kids Play Hockey

🔥 What if the most important thing in youth hockey isn’t winning… but noticing when someone isn’t okay?
In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with Rob Thorsen, founder of the Shoulder Check Foundation and HT40 Foundation, to talk about how one simple idea — checking in on each other — can change lives.
After the heartbreaking loss of his son Hayden, Rob turned pain into purpose, creating a movement that’s transforming locker rooms, teams, and communities across hockey and beyond. From youth teams to NHL players, the message is spreading: you are not alone — because I’m right here beside you.
This conversation goes far beyond hockey. It’s about parenting, coaching, mental health, team culture, and the small actions that make a massive difference.
💡 In This Episode, We Cover:
The story behind the Shoulder Check movement ❤️
Why peer-to-peer support is the most powerful tool we have
How youth sports culture impacts mental health
What parents should (and shouldn’t) say after games 🚗
Simple ways coaches can build empathy into team culture
Why “checking in” can literally save lives
How teams across the country are bringing this to life
🧠 Key Takeaway:
You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference.
You just need to show up, ask, and care.
🏒 Resources & How to Get Involved:
Visit: shouldercheck.org
Bring the program to your team, school, or community
Start with one simple action: reach out, check in, make contact
💬 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a coach, parent, or teammate. These conversations matter.
📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How the Shoulder Check Movement Is Changing Youth Hockey Culture
#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #MentalHealthInSports #ShoulderCheck #HockeyParents #TeamCulture #BeKind #CheckIn
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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. 
And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.
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🚨 What if the difference between good and great in hockey… wasn’t just talent—but data?
This week on Our Girls Play Hockey, we’re joined by trailblazer Meghan Chayka, co-founder of Stathletes and one of the leading voices in hockey analytics. From working with NHL teams to breaking down the game on major broadcasts, Meghan is helping redefine how hockey is played, evaluated, and understood.
In this episode, we dive into how analytics is shaping the future of hockey—from youth development all the way to the pros—and what players, parents, and coaches need to know to stay ahead.
💡 Whether you’re a player chasing your next level, a parent trying to understand the game better, or a coach looking for an edge… this conversation is packed with insight.
🔑 Episode Highlights:
📊 What “expected goals” really means—and why it matters
🧠 How hockey IQ shows up in data (and how to improve it)
🚀 The 5 key traits all elite players share
📈 Why players can’t “hide” anymore in the era of analytics
🏒 How youth players can use data to develop faster
💬 Why failure, curiosity, and confidence are critical for success
👩‍💼 Breaking barriers: building a career in hockey beyond the ice
🎯 Key Takeaway:
Analytics isn’t replacing the human side of hockey—it’s enhancing it. The players who understand both? They’re the ones who separate themselves.
📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Hockey Analytics Is Changing Player Development (with Meghan Chayka)
📩 Got questions about stats, development, or your game? Email us—we’d love to hear from you!
🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and keep growing the game.
#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyAnalytics #PlayerDevelopment #WomenInSports #HockeyIQ #YouthHockey #SportsData #GirlsHockey #LeadershipInSports #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. 
And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.
Or go all in with
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 really take to show up every single day—no matter what?
This week on The Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike are joined by former NHL defenseman Karl Alzner, who played an incredible 428 consecutive NHL games. 🤯
But this conversation isn’t about stats—it’s about mindset, toughness, and understanding your body.
Karl shares what it takes to stay consistent at the highest level, how to handle bumps and bruises, and—most importantly—how young players can learn the difference between being hurt and being injured.
🚨 In this episode, we cover:
🧠 The mental toughness required to never miss a game
💪 Why loving competition is the foundation of success
⚖️ The critical difference between discomfort and injury
🏒 How young players can safely push their limits
🔥 Why resilience matters just as much in life as it does in hockey
Karl breaks it down in a way every young player can understand:
 👉 Some things hurt… but you can still play
 👉 Some things are injuries… and you need to stop
Learning that difference? That’s a game-changer.
🎯 Take this ride as a challenge:
How far can YOU push yourself—mentally and physically—while still being smart about your body?
Because the best players don’t just work hard… they know when to push—and when to pause.
📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog:Hurt vs Injured in Hockey: Lessons from NHL Ironman Karl Alzner
💬 Share this episode with a teammate who needs a boost today—and don’t forget:
We believe in you. You should too.
#YouthHockey #HockeyMindset #MentalToughness #KarlAlzner #HockeyDevelopment #RideToTheRink #HockeyLife #Resilience #AthleteMindset #PlaySmart
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. 
And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.
Or go all in with
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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🏒 What if the most important skill in hockey isn’t scoring… but being trusted?
This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re joined by former NHL defenseman Karl Alzner—a World Junior captain, Olympic-level competitor, and one of the most dependable players of his era—to unpack what really matters in player development.
From a 428-game ironman streak to raising kids in today’s hockey culture, Karl shares powerful insights on leadership, consistency, and why doing the “little things” right is what separates good players from great ones.
🔑 In This Episode, We Cover:
What real leadership looks like (hint: it’s not the “C” on your chest)
Why being a “steady, dependable” player is elite—not boring
The truth about spring hockey, burnout, and multi-sport development
How to build hockey IQ in young players (and why it’s declining)
Why coaches must start rewarding defense—not just goals
Practical ways to teach kids positioning, stick detail, and decision-making
The mindset difference between NHL players and everyone else
💡 A Must-Listen For:
Parents navigating youth hockey pressure
Coaches looking to develop smarter players
Players who want to stand out without being flashy
Karl also shares stories from playing alongside stars like Alex Ovechkin, what leadership really looks like inside an NHL locker room, and why returning to represent Team Canada still means everything.
🎯 Bottom line: If your child wants to succeed in hockey, it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing the right things better.
📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Most Underrated Skill in Hockey: What Karl Alzner Teaches About Real Player Development
📩 Got a question for the show? Email us or use the link in the description!
#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyIQ #DefenseWins #LeadershipInSports #KarlAlzner #HockeyCoaching #LongTermDevelopment
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. 
And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.
Or go all in with
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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🥇 What happens after you win Olympic gold?
For most athletes, it’s a moment frozen in time. For Haley Scamurra… it was just the beginning.
In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Haley takes us inside the whirlwind after the gold medal—where life didn’t slow down… it sped up. From jet lag and packed schedules to jumping straight into high-stakes PWHL games, this is the reality of elite women’s hockey at its peak.
And oh yeah… did we mention appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show (hosted by Pink 😲), hometown honors with the Buffalo Sabres, and inspiring the next generation of players along the way?
This episode is equal parts behind-the-scenes access, emotional reflection, and a powerful reminder of how fast the game—and the opportunity—keeps moving.
🔥 In This Episode, We Cover:
The immediate transition from Olympic gold to pro hockey pressure
What it’s like juggling media, interviews, and elite performance
Behind the scenes of national TV (and meeting Pink!)
The emotional impact of inspiring young girls in hockey
The explosion of growth in girls hockey (100,000+ players!)
Life inside the PWHL playoff race and what’s at stake
💬 Whether you're a player, parent, or fan—this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand what the journey really looks like after the biggest moment of your life.
👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and send us your questions—we love hearing from you!
📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: What Happens After Olympic Gold? Inside Haley Scamurra’s Return to Pro Hockey
#OurGirlsPlayHockey #WomensHockey #PWHL #HaleyScamurra #OlympicGold #GirlsHockey #HockeyLife #WomenInSports #HockeyPodcast #GrowTheGame
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. 
And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.
Or go all in with
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