Our Kids Play Hockey

🎧 Want to become a better hockey player before you even step onto the ice? Today’s Ride to the Rink is a special one — because cognitive performance coach Satoshi Takano joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share simple, game-changing ways kids can think faster, scan better, and make smarter decisions on the ice.Young players often focus on chasing the puck or scoring the goal… but what about the other 95–98% of the game when the puck isn’t on your stick? Satoshi breaks it all down in a way kids can immediately use the next time they skate.Here’s what we cover: ✨ SPDM: See → Process → Decide → Move — the model that shapes hockey IQ 🧠 Why putting the phone down and playing visual “pattern games” helps train your brain 🏒 How to use pre-scanning to avoid mistakes (and even prevent injuries!) 🚗 Fun thinking drills to try in the car, driveway, or garage 📱 How tools like the SwitchedOn app build decision-making skills at home 🔥 Why obsession — not perfection — is the secret ingredient of elite playersWhether you’re a beginner or dreaming of the NHL one day, this short conversation gives kids REAL tools to build better habits and a sharper hockey mind.If you liked this quick episode, go check out our full conversation with Satoshi — it’s packed with deeper insights every young athlete should hear.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Young Players Can Train Their Hockey Brain: Insights from Cognitive Coach Satoshi Takano👊 Kids — whatever part of your hockey journey you're on, we believe in you. Keep working! #YouthHockey #HockeyIQ #CognitiveTraining #HockeyParents #HockeyKids #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyMindset #OurKidsPlayHockey #RideToTheRink #SatoshiTakanoClick 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

🎧 Ever wonder what it actually looks like when a pro athlete is chasing an Olympic roster spot? In this new Ride To The Rink episode, Lee Elias checks back in with Team USA forward and PWHL Montreal star Hayley Scamurra — and a lot has happened since her last update.From moving cities twice, to training with Team USA, to preparing for the Rivalry Series, to staying grounded while chasing her Olympic dream… Hayley opens up about the realities behind the scenes — the excitement, the pressure, the travel, the emotions, and the gratitude that keeps her centered through it all.🔹 Inside this episode:Hayley’s move to Montreal and her first weeks training with PWHL MontrealHow she balances family time with the demands of a professional seasonWhat it feels like to be named to the 2024–25 Rivalry Series rosterThe mindset needed when nothing — not even the Olympics — is guaranteedHow she reconnects with her younger self to stay inspiredWhy “just be you” might be the most important lesson for every athlete🌟 A message every young player needs to hear:Hayley shares what she’s learned about pressure, identity, joy, and playing free — and why the grind is something you should embrace, not fear.Stick around until the end for a powerful reminder from Lee and Hayley about believing in yourself, owning your journey, and loving the work.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Living the Dream & Embracing the Grind — Hayley Scamurra’s Journey to 2026🎙️ This is Part 2 of our ongoing mini-series with Hayley — and Part 3 is coming after she hits the ice for Team USA and PWHL Montreal. Stay tuned!#HayleyScamurra #TeamUSA #PWHL #WomenHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyMindset #OlympicJourney #GirlsHockey #RideToTheRinkClick 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

🧠 What if the biggest advantage your young hockey player could gain… wasn’t on their stick, but in their mind?This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood and under-trained parts of the game: Hockey IQ — the ability to read, decide, anticipate, and act faster than the play itself.And joining us is one of the world’s leading innovators in cognitive performance for athletes: Satoshi Takano, founder of ReactForge Cognitive Performance Institute and the creator behind the groundbreaking video platform ReactView. From a 200-square-foot basement to a 12,000-square-foot facility training over 1,500 athletes, Satoshi’s journey is as remarkable as the results he helps players achieve. Together, we unpack:🧩 What Hockey IQ actually is (and why 95% of the game happens WITHOUT the puck)🎯 How players can train decision-making, scanning, and situational awareness🧒 When parents should start thinking about cognitive development — and the signs your child may benefit🚦 Why some kids take off when parents simply “say less”🤖 How AI and video annotation tools like ReactView are transforming coaching forever⚡ Why training faster than the game is the secret to slowing the game down for young playersSatoshi also shares stories from the early days — when he trained his son alone in the garage, hauling strange equipment into the rink while other parents stared — and how those experiments shaped the system helping NHLers today.Whether you’re a coach trying to teach smarter hockey, a parent navigating development choices, or a player wanting to understand the game on a deeper level… this episode will change the way you see the sport.🎧 Hit play — and get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about Hockey IQ.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Cognitive Training Builds Smarter Hockey Players: Insights from Satoshi TakanoFollow Satoshi: @ReactForge / @reactviewapp #HockeyIQ #YouthHockey #CognitiveTraining #ReactForge #HockeyParents #PlayerDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyCoaching #SituationalAwareness #HockeyMindsetClick 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

🧼 Hockey kids… we love you. But some of you stink. And today, we’re tackling a topic every parent is cheering for and every young player needs to hear: HYGIENE. Don’t panic. Don’t turn us off. This one’s going to help you stay healthy, stay in the lineup, and yes… stop clearing the bench with your gear odor.In this Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike break down why taking care of your body isn’t just a “parent rule” — it’s a hockey advantage. From brushing your teeth to washing your gear to actually showering after games (yes, kids… we said shower), these small daily habits make a big difference.🚿 In This Episode, We Cover:Why poor hygiene keeps kids out of the lineupThe real reason your gear smells like it’s plotting an escapeToothaches, sickness, and the pain you don’t want as a hockey playerWhat older and pro players do to stay clean and healthyHow showing up well-kept translates to confidence and life skillsThe simple five habits every young player should master🙌 Parents — this is the episode you've been waiting for. Kids — we believe in you. And trust us… your teammates will thank you.➡️ Take a minute to listen together on your way to the rink, and start building the habits that make better hockey players — and healthier humans.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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

💥 Is Women’s Hockey Becoming a Full-Contact Sport? Let’s Talk About It.In today’s episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee and PWHL/Team USA forward Hayley Scamurra dive into one of the most talked-about topics in the sport right now: physicality, checking, and the evolution of competitive contact in women’s hockey.With the PWHL playing faster and more physical than ever, parents and coaches everywhere are asking:➡️ Should girls start learning how to hit earlier? ➡️ What counts as competitive contact? ➡️ Is checking coming to youth or international play?Hayley brings real on-ice experience from the pro game, comparing PWHL physicality, NCAA standards, international rules, and even her time playing in Canada. Together, she and Lee break down how the women’s game is changing — and what it means for young players coming up today.🔥 In This Episode:What “competitive contact” really means in today’s women’s gameWhy the PWHL is already playing near full-checking hockeyThe difference between PWHL, NCAA, and IIHF rulesWhy learning to receive a hit is just as important as giving oneWhy younger players hesitate physically — and how to help themDrills and coaching philosophies to safely introduce physical playThe future of checking in women’s hockey: is change coming?#WomensHockey #PWHL #GirlsHockey #HockeyParents #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #CheckingInHockey #CompetitiveContact #TeamUSA #HayleyScamurraClick 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

Chaos reigns when too many voices dominate the youth hockey bench. The hosts discuss how four yelling coaches can confuse young players and hinder their development. They highlight the importance of having 'one voice' and the role of a head coach in guiding the team. With tips on delegating tasks and managing egos, they offer solutions to restore calm. Personal anecdotes and modern coaching approaches emphasize relationships over volume. It's a vital conversation for all involved in youth sports.

🍁 This week, we’re giving thanks — for YOU, our listeners, our incredible hockey community, and the five amazing years of Our Kids Play Hockey! Join hosts Lee Elias, Christy Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli for a heartwarming Thanksgiving special that’s all about gratitude, laughter, and celebrating how far this podcast (and our hockey families) have come.In this special holiday edition, the team shares: ✨ Reflections on five years of growing the OKPH community ✨ Heartfelt gratitude for listeners, guests, and hockey parents everywhere ✨ A behind-the-scenes peek at the amazing crew (shoutout to producer Katelynn, editor Xavier, and Our Girls Play Hockey co-host Haley Scamurra!) ✨ Why the hockey community means so much — and what keeps them inspired week after weekPlus — a fun reminder to check out the Wraparound Roundtable Giveaway happening every Wednesday, and some tips for surviving the youth hockey holiday tournament chaos!So grab a slice of pie (or your travel coffee mug for the next rink run) and spend this Thanksgiving with your extended hockey family.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: 🍂 A Season of Thanks — and Hockey!🦃 Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Our Kids Play Hockey! #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyFamily #YouthHockey #ThanksgivingEpisode #Gratitude #HockeyParents #HockeyPodcast #HockeyLife #OKPH #HockeyCommunityClick 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

This week, Our Kids Play Hockey is taking a brief break from the Wraparound Roundtable giveaway series to celebrate the holiday season and encourage our community to support small and medium-sized hockey businesses.While there’s no weekly giveaway this week, the grand prize is still on its way, and the full series continues soon!🎁 Holiday Shoutouts:HockeyWrapAround.com – The original wraparound blade protector.TwigBiscuit.com – Our brand-new youth book series, perfect for new hockey families and a great holiday gift!💬 Whether you're shopping Black Friday or Cyber Monday, your support of hockey businesses makes a real impact on our community. Thanks for being part of the Our Kids Play Hockey family—we'll be back with a full episode soon!Click 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

🔥 Is “a hockey-life balance” even real—or is it just about priorities?This week on Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and PWHL star Hayley Scamurra dig into one of the biggest questions families face: how do young athletes juggle hockey, school, family, and downtime without burning out?From missed school dances and long road trips to the reality of puberty and injuries, Hayley shares her honest experience growing up in hockey—and what she wishes she knew about balance, rest, and resilience along the way.🎯 In this episode, we cover:What “balance” really looks like for elite athletesWhy priority balance may be more realistic than “life balance”The role parents play in guiding (not forcing) motivationWarning signs of burnout every parent and coach should watch forHow routines and habits build long-term successUnique challenges girls face during puberty and how coaches can support themWhether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this is a can’t-miss discussion on what it really takes to grow in hockey—and in life.👉 Listen now, share with your hockey community, and let us know your thoughts!📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Truth About Hockey Life Balance (and Why It Might Not Exist)#GirlsHockey #YouthHockey #HaileyScamurra #HockeyParenting #HockeyLifeBalance #PWHLClick 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

🚗 Every hockey parent has been there. The game ends, emotions run high, and before you know it — the “coaching” starts before the gear’s even off. In one of our most revisited and requested topics, Lee, Mike, and Christie return to a fan-favorite message: the car ride is STILL not for coaching.In this heartfelt follow-up, the trio breaks down why post-game analysis in the car can damage your relationship with your player — and what to do instead. From anxious parents to over-enthusiastic dads (and yes, near-accidents involving coaching boards 😅), this episode brings humor, honesty, and real-world strategies to one of youth hockey’s trickiest habits.✨ Highlights include:Why parents coach from the car (and how to stop)The difference between talking and coachingHow to make the car a “safe space” for your playerTips for coaches on setting car-ride boundaries earlyThe three phrases your kid actually needs to hear before every gameAnd a story involving Metallica, hockey homework, and hard-earned wisdom🎧 Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player, this episode is a reminder: your voice matters most when your kid wants to hear it. Let the rink be for hockey — and the ride home for connection.📩 Have a question or story like today’s listener letter? Send it to team@ourkidsplayhockey.com — we might feature it on a future episode!📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog:The Car Ride Is Still Not for Coaching — Why Parents Need to Hit the Brakes#HockeyParenting #YouthHockey #ParentCoachBalance #HockeyFamily #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick 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