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 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.
Our Kids Play Hockey
Are You Cut Out To Be A Coach?... Ask The Experts!
This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Christie takes over the host seat to ask the big question: what does it really take to be a great coach in youth hockey?
With Mike and Lee in the hot seat, we dive deep into the reality of coaching—far beyond X’s and O’s. From balancing passion and pressure to dealing with criticism, managing parents, and constantly learning, they break down the challenges and rewards that come with the title of “Coach.”
Whether you’re thinking about coaching for the first time or have years behind the bench, this episode is full of candid stories, practical insights, and hard-earned wisdom about what makes a coach successful—not just in wins, but in shaping better athletes and people.
In this episode, we cover:
- 🏒 The unexpected ways coaches get started—and stay in the game
- 📚 Why the best coaches never stop learning
- 🧠 How emotional intelligence and communication are just as important as strategy
- 💬 What coaching parents need to know before signing up
- 💥 Why “passion” isn’t always enough—and what it really takes to commit
- 📋 The role of certifications and what those coaching levels actually mean
From locker room lessons to life skills, this conversation pulls back the curtain on coaching youth hockey in today’s world—and why it’s one of the most challenging, yet meaningful, roles in the sport.
📬 Got questions or thinking about coaching yourself? Drop us a note at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or connect with us in the Our Kids Play Hockey Facebook group!
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