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 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.

Episodes

Mentioned books

Mar 10, 2026 • 38min

Our Girls Play Hockey: Pro Hockey Secrets for Young Players | Mailbag with Hayley Scamurra (Part 2)

🏒 You asked… and the mailbag is back!In this special Our Girls Play Hockey Mailbag Episode, hosts Lee and Mike sit down with professional hockey player Hayley Scamurra to answer rapid-fire questions straight from young players, parents, and coaches around the hockey world.From game-day meals and pregame routines to scoring goals, getting faster, and handling the fear of missing out during the offseason, Hayley shares real insight into what life looks like as a pro — and what young athletes can learn from it.Along the way, the crew dives into topics like why most goals come from the “dirty areas” in front of the net, why taking breaks from hockey is essential for development, and how the little details — like creating time and space for teammates — make players truly valuable.Whether you're a young player dreaming of the pros, a parent navigating development decisions, or a coach looking for insight from the highest levels of the game, this episode delivers practical advice straight from the source.🏒 Highlights from This Episode🍳 What Hayley Scamurra actually eats on game day🧠 How pro players mentally prepare before hitting the ice🏃 Why speed is the most important skill in hockey🎯 Where most goals really come from (hint: it’s not highlight-reel shots)👊 The underrated skill of creating time and space for teammates⚽ Why playing multiple sports helps long-term development🛑 Why even pro players believe kids need breaks from hockey🚌 What life is like traveling internationally as a professional hockey player🎉 Why team bonding and road trips matter more than you think💬 Have a question for the next mailbag? Email the team at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or use the link in the show description to send your question.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Mailbag Episode Every Young Hockey Player Should Hear: Hayley Scamurra Answers Youth Hockey Questions#OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #WomenInSports #HayleyScamurra #HockeyParents #HockeyTraining #GirlsInSportsClick 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

Mar 7, 2026 • 14min

Olympic Gold: Hayley Scamurra and Team USA’s Historic Run | 2026 Women’s Ice Hockey

🥇 She wrote it on the whiteboard for a year: “I am a gold medalist.” Now it’s real.In this unforgettable crossover episode of Our Kids Play Hockey and Our Girls Play Hockey, Olympic Gold Medalist Hayley Scamurra joins us fresh off Team USA’s historic championship run — and yes… she’s still wearing the medal.Seven games. Seven wins. Two goals in the opener. A perfect penalty kill. A 2–1 overtime thriller against Canada. And the most-watched women’s hockey game in history.This wasn’t just a win. This was a moment.Hayley takes us inside the locker room before overtime, the emotional release when the golden goal hit the back of the net, and what it felt like to step over the boards and jump into history.We talk about:✨ Manifestation and mindset 🥇 The leadership of Hillary Knight 💪 Playing the 13th forward role to perfection 🚫 A 100% penalty kill (yes, really) 🔥 The most dominant Olympic performance ever? 📈 The explosion of women’s hockey 🧠 Coaching lessons youth coaches can apply tomorrow 🎤 Meeting Snoop (multiple times)Hayley also opens up about the sacrifices, the lonely moments growing up, and what holding that gold medal truly represents.This episode isn’t just about winning.It’s about belief.It’s about preparation.It’s about team culture.And it’s about what happens when women’s hockey takes center stage — and the world finally watches.🎧 Listen now, then share it with a young player who needs to hear it.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: From Whiteboard Words to Olympic Gold: Hayley Scamurra’s Historic MomentBecause this gold medal belongs to more than just one team.🙌 Thank you, Hayley. Thank you, Team USA.The ripple effect has already begun.#OurKidsPlayHockey #OurGirlsPlayHockey #HayleyScamurra #TeamUSA #OlympicGold #WomensHockey #GirlsHockey #Manifestation #HockeyMindset #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #GoldMedalMomentClick 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

Feb 28, 2026 • 15min

The Ride to The Rink: A Parent’s Guide to Hockey Evals and Team Decisions

🚨 Parents — this one’s for you. 🚨Tryout season is here. Emotions are high. FOMO is real. And decisions made right now can shape your child’s hockey journey for years to come.In this special Parent Edition of The Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike Bonelli flip the script and ask the kids to turn to YOU and say: “Are you listening?”Because when it comes to hockey evals, team jumping, chasing elite labels, and negotiating during tryouts… parents matter more than anyone.Mike brings the perspective of a hockey director and lays it out clearly:Stop chasing what isn’t realistic right now.Stop negotiating like it’s Division I athletics.Start focusing on environment, development, and long-term growth.This episode is about stepping back, thinking clearly, and choosing the right path — not the flashy one.🏒 In This Episode:Why chasing “AAA” or the winning team can backfireThe danger of team-hopping and how coaches really see itThe right (and wrong) way to talk to directors during tryoutsWhy development beats records every timeHow adversity years may actually help your player moreEliminating stress by knowing who you are as a hockey family✨ The goal isn’t to win the tryout season. ✨ The goal is to build a healthy, happy, developing hockey player.Parents, take a breath. Think. Make a decision you won’t regret in six months.And kids… thanks for making sure they listened 😉We believe in you. You should too.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog:Youth Hockey Tryouts: Don’t Let Emotions Make the Decision#YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyTryouts #HockeyDevelopment #ParentingInSports #AAAYouthHockey #HockeyEvals #TheRideToTheRinkClick 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

Feb 26, 2026 • 1h 16min

Habits of Hockey: Building Character, Discipline & Elite Development With Founder Jimmy Law

🏒 Is your child developing as a hockey player… or just playing more hockey?In this powerful episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike sit down with Jimmy Law, Director of Sports Performance at TPH Academy and founder of Habits of Hockey, to unpack what real development looks like.Spoiler alert: It’s not more ice time.Jimmy shares his journey from first-generation roller hockey player to shaping hundreds of student-athletes in a blended academic and hockey development model built around study, train, and play. Together, the guys dig into the missing piece in youth hockey today — character.💡 Inside this episode:Why talent alone won’t get your child to the next levelThe six core habits that separate elite performers from average playersWhat junior and college scouts REALLY ask about your kidWhy being “present” is a competitive advantageHow parents can support without burning kids outWhat makes a great coach (and why it’s not just hockey IQ)The truth about hockey academies — and who they’re really forJimmy breaks down his six core athlete values — work ethic, accountability, preparation, consistency, focus, and character — and explains why these habits matter more than your child’s skating stride.This conversation isn’t just about building better hockey players.It’s about building better people.And in today’s hockey world? That’s the real separator.🎯 If you’re a parent wondering how to support without overstepping… 🎯 A coach trying to elevate your impact… 🎯 Or a player serious about leveling up…This one’s packed with gold.Let’s keep developing the person behind the jersey.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Why Talent Isn’t Enough in Youth Hockey with Jimmy Law#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockeyDevelopment #HockeyMindset #HockeyParenting #TPHAcademy #HabitsOfHockey #HockeyCharacter #RaisingAthletes #HockeyTraining #HockeyLeadershipClick 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

Feb 24, 2026 • 6min

The Ride to The Rink: Hockey Isn’t Your Identity: A Powerful Message from Olympian Haley Winn

🏒 What would an Olympian tell her 10-year-old self?On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we get something special — two Olympians talking directly to young hockey players.Haley Winn joins Hayley Scamurra, Lee Elias, and Mike Bonelli for a powerful conversation about confidence, development, rest, and what really matters if you dream of playing at the highest level.If you're a young player chasing big goals — or a parent supporting one — this episode is your reminder that the journey matters just as much as the destination.💬 In this episode, Haley shares:Why having fun is the foundation of long-term successThe mindset shift that changed her career: “Hockey isn’t your identity.”How confidence fuels developmentWhy taking 3 days off might actually make you betterThe truth about rest, recovery, and playing the long game🔥 One of the most powerful moments? Haley explaining how she used to believe that if she wasn’t thinking about hockey 24/7, she wouldn’t make it — and how learning to step away actually made her stronger.This one’s for:The 10-year-old who wants to make the national teamThe teenager scared to take a day offThe player who ties their self-worth to their last gameRemember — a bad game doesn’t mean you’re a bad player. And it definitely doesn’t mean you’re a bad person.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: What Would an Olympian Tell Her 10-Year-Old Self? With Haley Winn🎧 Hit play, take a breath, and enjoy the ride.#TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey #HaleyWinn #HayleyScamurra #GirlsHockey #YouthHockeyDevelopment #HockeyMindset #RestAndRecovery #HockeyConfidence #LongTermAthleteDevelopmentClick 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

Feb 21, 2026 • 14min

The Ride to The Rink: Street Hockey Skills That Build NHL Dreams with Ryan Carter

🏒 What if the most important hockey development tool isn’t a skills coach… but a backyard rink?This week on The Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike are joined by Stanley Cup Finalist, Team USA alum, and all-around great human Ryan Carter — and he’s taking us back to where it all started.Not in a fancy arena. Not at an elite showcase. But on a Minnesota cul-de-sac with a tennis ball.Ryan shares how street hockey, outdoor rinks, and unstructured play shaped his hands, his hockey IQ, his toughness — and most importantly — his love for the game.🔥 In this episode, we talk about:🏒 Why outdoor hockey is the “real-life YouTube” for skill development🧠 How free play builds creativity you won’t learn in structured practice💪 The moment Ryan realized he could compete with older players⏳ Why hockey development is a slow cooker, not a microwave🚨 Getting placed on NHL waivers — and how it led to a Stanley Cup Final run❤️ How to keep your love for hockey alive at every stageRyan’s message to kids is powerful: You’re never out of it. Keep playing. Keep loving it. The game will give back what you put in.Parents — this one’s a reminder that sometimes the best development happens when you just drop them off at the rink with a lunch pail and let them play.🎧 Listen in, then grab your stick and go create your own highlight reel — outside.Because wherever you are on your journey… we believe in you. You should too.#RideToTheRink #RyanCarter #OutdoorHockey #HockeyDevelopment #YouthHockey #StreetHockey #BackyardRink #HockeyMindset #StanleyCupFinal #LoveTheGameClick 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

Feb 19, 2026 • 1h 2min

Slow Cooker Development: Ryan Carter’s NHL Journey & What Youth Hockey Parents Must Know

🏒 What if chasing the “best” team is actually holding your player back?This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we sit down with former NHL forward and Stanley Cup champion Ryan Carter to unpack the truth about youth hockey development — and why the “slow cooker” might beat the “instant pot” every time.From growing up in White Bear Lake, Minnesota to carving out a 10-year NHL career (after going undrafted), Ryan shares the mindset shifts, parenting lessons, and culture-building philosophies that shaped his journey — and how he’s now passing them on through broadcasting and ETS Performance.This is an episode every hockey parent and player needs to hear.🔥 Inside This Episode:🥣 Why development should be a crock pot, not an instant pot🏒 The real difference between good players and NHL players💡 Why “Plan B” might secretly sabotage “Plan A”💪 The power of environment in player development🚗 What parents should (and shouldn’t) say in the car after games🎯 Why belief sets your ceiling — and how to raise it👥 The importance of team-first thinking (high tide raises all ships)Ryan also opens up about:Playing alongside legends like Teemu SelänneHis first NHL game nerves in the Western Conference FinalsThe surprising role of luck and stick-to-itiveness in making the NHLWhy confidence and belonging are everything at the highest levelThis conversation is honest, practical, and deeply encouraging. Whether your player is on the A team, B team, or just starting out — this episode will reframe how you think about development.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Slow Cooker Development: What Ryan Carter’s NHL Journey Teaches Hockey Families📩 Got questions? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com 📚 Check out our children’s book When Hockey Stops at WhenHockeyStops.comEnjoy your hockey. Enjoy your day. And remember — development is a marathon, not a sprint.#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockeyDevelopment #HockeyParenting #RyanCarter #NHLJourney #HockeyMindset #TeamCulture #ResilientAthletes #SlowCookerDevelopmentClick 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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