Our Kids Play Hockey

With a combined experience of 30 years in the industry, Brian and Whitney Harrington join the show to give an insider's look into the world of organizing hockey tournaments, straight from the trenches. The Harringtons are experts in creating an unforgettable tournament experience that transcends beyond just winning games. They share tips on how to maximize your tournament travels and stays, a...

Today's episode is a game-changer as we navigate the landscape of mental performance with the assistance of Dr. Cassidy Preston. As a mental performance coach and the author of the Amazon bestseller "Mindset First," Cassidy illuminates the significance of shielding our minds from unnecessary distractions, particularly those stemming from social media. He equates harmful mental input...

Ever wondered why some sports teams perform far better than others, despite having similar levels of talent? One answer lies within the realm of communication, and in our latest conversation with the insightful retired NCAA coach, Pete Whitney, we shine a light on this often overlooked, yet critical aspect of team sports. Together, we explore the communication dynamic in hockey, tracing its influe...

Ever wondered why a bad call seems to ruin your game? Or how your interaction with officials can influence the outcome of a hockey match? This week's Ride To The Rink explores how players can effectively manage their interactions with officials for a successful game. We spotlight the necessity of emotional control and the impact of gestures like picking up the puck after an icing, and how the...

Who says parents can't play a crucial role in youth sports? With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate the complicated role of being a "Monday morning coach," thereby nurturing your young hockey player's skills and craft in the process. This episode is brimming with insights, anecdotes, and practical advice on how to balance parental input and trust in the coaching staf...

Ever dreamt of making it to the NHL? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Sumeet Wareh delivers indispensable advice and practical tips that he wishes he'd known as a young player. He passionately talks about understanding your own skills and the type of player you are, emphasizing the necessity of dream-chasing and never losing sight of the NHL goal. He firmly believes in the 1% chance, and he...

In this week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we dive into the intricacies of developing youth hockey skills with NHL developmental skill coach Sumeet Wareh.  Sumeet is a renowned NHL Development Skills Coach known for his innovative approach to youth hockey training. With a unique background that spans from finance to professional hockey coaching, Sumeet brings a wealth of knowledge and a...

In this special Thanksgiving edition of The Ride To The Rink, we explore a topic that transcends the holiday season: gratitude. As we celebrate the game we love, let's remember the countless moments that make hockey special, from that incredible assist to the crucial save. Join us as we emphasize the power of recognizing and thanking our teammates, coaches, and everyone who contributes to our...

Imagine nurturing the passion for hockey in your children without pressuring them to love the game. Sounds tough, right? Add in raising 5 kids who are all active in sports, while also being a team manager for multiple teams, and you have today's guest.  Desiree Hall and her husband have found the perfect balance to maintaining their busy schedules while placing their focus on raising happy an...

 Justin Goldman of the Goalie Guild discusses with us about the mental struggles that players grapple with this week on The Ride To The Rink. He shares valuable insights into the importance of acknowledging and managing emotions like disappointment, fear, and anxiety – emotions that every player, amateur or pro, has felt at some point. No one should feel alone in their emotional journey, and Justi...

Ever felt overwhelmed by the chaos of your child's hockey experience? Do you wonder if there's a better way to manage all those bits of equipment, schedules, and laundry? We've got you covered. In this episode, we delve deep into establishing routines and fostering accountability in young hockey players. We discuss everything from packing gear to choosing the right jersey color, aim...

Step onto the ice with a winning mindset as we dive into the latest episode of 'Our Kids Play Hockey: The Ride To The Rink'. Hosted by Lee Elias, this podcast is a treasure trove for hockey parents, coaches, and young athletes looking to elevate their mental game and overall performance. In this must-listen episode, Lee introduces two vital questions that have the power to change the gam...

What if you could peek behind the mask of a professional hockey goalie and dive into the mental challenges and toughness required to play the sport and position? Justin Goldman’s experiences range from playing as an e-bug for the Colorado Avalanche to creating an inspiring online community for goalies - the Goalie Guild.  Serving more than just a peek into his fascinating journey, Justin shares hi...

Ever wondered why elite NHL players almost never miss the net during warm-ups? Its because elite level players players always shoot with a purpose. They know exactly where they want to put the puck each and every time they shoot. In this week's episode of the Ride To The Rink, we highlight the importance of adopting a calculated approach to how you shoot. Lee mentions that shooting aimlessly...

Lou Nolan, who's been the voice of the Flyers since 1967, joins the show to share his insights from the game that he has watched evolve firsthand. We dive into how he has been instrumental in crafting moments that have left fans on the edge of their seats, and the key factors that play a crucial role in building a successful franchise. We dive deep into the nuances of coaching, calling out th...

Dreams: we all have them, and there always seems to be someone trying to shut them down on us.  If you're willing to commit, work hard, and persist, nobody, absolutely no one, has the right to tell you that you can't make it. On this week's episode, we talk about the significance of self-belief, resilience, and undying grit in the journey of chasing your dreams, be it in hockey or a...

Ever cringed over the sight of a rabid hockey parent, screaming at the sidelines and pushing their child beyond reasonable limits? We sure have, and this episode is all about that - navigating the perilous landscape of youth hockey parenting. We start the discussion by reminiscing about the evolution of 'crazy hockey parents,' pondering on the right time for a child to take the game seri...

What is something that Carter Hart knows now that he wishes he knew as a youth hockey player? We were able to ask him this to share with you for this week’s episode of The Ride To The Rink. Take a listen before your next practice or game and don’t forget to keep the game fun! Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual...

What if you could get behind-the-scenes insights from a veteran NHL play-by-play broadcaster? Our guest, Jim Jackson, has an incredible 30-year career under his belt, and he shares lessons from his wealth of experience with us. From his humble beginnings at Syracuse University to his encounters with the NHL's finest athletes, Jackson's passion for hockey and broadcasting knows no bounds....

Kevin Weekes, a former NHL goaltender turned the NHL's top analyst on ESPN and NHL network shares the importance of an unwavering work ethic through stories of his personal journey to demonstrate that hard work pays off. Kevin is a living example of how an insatiable drive and determination can set a strong foundation for a career beyond the rink. Kevin also highlights the power of teamwork,...

The Co-Founders of Hone Athletics have dedicated their lives to helping professional athletes on the mental fitness journeys. Jessica Renney grew up with a unique perspective of the game having spent most of her life close to the NHL and witnessing the importance of mental fitness to pro players, and Paula McQuaid serves as a mental performance consultant for Hockey Canada's Women's u-18...

On this week's Ride To the Rink, Lee shares insights on leadership that extend beyond the badge of honor stitched onto a jersey.  Tune in to explore the qualities that make a good leader. We challenge the notion that leadership is confined to those donning the 'C' or 'A', provoking thought on how each team member, regardless of their designated role, can contribute to the...

Being a hockey parent is a tiresome job, but what would happen if you multiply that by four kids? Add in a few successful businesses to make life more chaotic and you have today's guest, Kim Wright. Kim is the mastermind behind multiple successful Nothing Bundt Cakes locations, and the mother of four young, lively hockey players (two goalies, a defenseman, and a mite!). Her story is not just...

Ever wondered why you can't seem to nail that slapshot? Or why your stick handling leaves much to be desired? It could be down to the stick you're using. Mike illuminates the often overlooked, yet crucial world of hockey sticks. From the size and flex to the tape job, he shares demonstrate how the right stick can greatly enhance your performance on the ice and emphasizes that consistency...

In this special mid-week edition of our show - Martin Negron, the young entrepreneur who, along with his father, created Duzter Armor checks back in to share some amazing updates after their first year on the market. Their invention, Duzter Armor, has acquired the official nod for use in NHL games, and their product range now includes junior sizes. To recap our original conversation with Martin -...