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 Anchor
- Mike Bonelli - USA Hockey Coach and Organizational Consultant
- Lee M.J. Elias - Hockey Entrepreneur, Author, and Team Strategist
In 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, co-hosted by Olympic Gold Medalist and Walter Cup Champion Hayley Scamurra, 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.
Our Kids Play Hockey
Latest Episodes
Passed Over Twice, Still Made the NHL: Kurtis Gabriel’s Lesson in Relentless Belief
🏒 What happens when a player’s belief is strong enough to take him all the way to the NHL—but his identity becomes so tied to hockey that he has to rediscover who he is when the game ends?Former NHL player Kurtis Gabriel jo...
Our Girls Play Hockey: Why Confidence Can’t Come From Coaches or Parents
🏒 What if confidence isn’t something a coach, parent, teammate, or scoreboard can give you—or take away from you?Olympic gold medalist and Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra joins the conversation for a powerful look at on...
The Ride to The Rink: Why Your Skate Edges Matter More Than You Think
🏒 Do you know what your skates are telling you when something just doesn’t feel right on the ice?Your stick gets a lot of attention. Your gloves are fun to pick out. But when it comes to actually moving, stopping, turning, and com...
Skate Sharpening 101 with Sparx Hockey Founder & CEO Russ Layton
🏒 Your player knows their stick flex, curve, and favorite tape job—but do they know what’s happening underneath their skates?Skate sharpening may be one of the most overlooked parts of youth hockey, yet the condition of a player’s...
Our Girls Play Hockey: Why Rest Can Make You a Better Hockey Player
🏒 What if one of the best things a young hockey player can do for her game is… step away from it?In a sport where players constantly hear messages about working harder, training more, and never taking a day off, knowing when to...
Contributors
Lee MJ Elias
Host
Christie Casciano Burns
Co-host
Mike Bonelli
Co-host
Katelynn Reiss
Producer
Xavier Cruz
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