Our Kids Play Hockey

Ever wondered if it's a good idea to pay your young hockey player each time they score a goal? Join in on our discussion challenging the practice of financial payouts in youth hockey.  We dig into the implications and how such practices can shape not only the player's attitudes on the ice but also their personal growth off it. As we dive deeper, we warn of creating a self-centered player...

Respect is a crucial part of your character and it starts with self-respect - an essential aspect that could actually help to turn around your game. It's easy to overlook the small things like having a good breakfast or making it to school on time, but we challenge you to take a close look at these seemingly insignificant details, because when done consistently they can pave the way for an ex...

Ever wonder what goes into organizing a high school hockey tournament like the Flyers Cup? Eric Tye joins us this week as the President of the Flyers Cup. He takes us on a journey through the meticulous season-long preparation, revealing the complexities of handling five divisions and the relentless attention to detail a tournament of this caliber needs.  The episode also sheds light on the burgeo...

Ever thought about the power of your smile as you enter the rink, or how your simple hello to a teammate can change the atmosphere around you? Mike dives into the concept of deliberate positivity and the profound impact it can have on your team dynamics. We explore the ripple effect of small gestures like a smile or an engaged conversation, and how these can create a positive force that is both be...

Ever wondered when it's the right time for a parent to step back from coaching their child's sports team? Mike and Lee dig into this pressing question, examining how family dynamics, team requirements, and the individual experiences of the child factor in. We specifically dissect the controversies around the 12U mark, pondering the pros and cons of continued parental involvement in coach...

Shifting your focus and quieting your mind can feel like an uphill battle, especially when you have a game on the line. What if we told you that with just 10 minutes a day, you could enhance your mental agility to not only ace those games but also tackle daily life challenges with ease? This episode of Ride to the Rink explores the power of mental fitness and how simple practices can considerably...

Ever wonder how to keep the fun and competitive spirit alive in youth hockey? This week we draw on our experiences to discuss the art of fostering a vibrant, competitive culture among young players. We share practical strategies for coaches and parents alike, on how to manage the emotions that come with competition, and how to start the season off in a manner that keeps the game exciting and engag...

What if there was a tool that could help you enhance your ice skating skills right in the comfort of your home? Imagine being able to mirror almost everything you do on the ice at any hour of the day. This episode offers just that - a deep dive into the benefits of using a slide board, featuring insights from power skating coaches like Kurt Nichols. Learn how a slide board can help you master bala...

On this episode of Our Kids Play Goalie, Brian Santora, USA Hockey Goaltending Coach Instructor joins us to share his journey and the importance of specialized coaching. We discuss the tools for understanding the position that coaches, parents, and players can implement at all levels. We turn our spotlight on the world of youth hockey, emphasizing the importance of effective goal-tending training...

Ever wondered what it takes to be a 'coachable kid'? Join us on a special road trip edition of "The Ride to the Rink" as hockey mom Christie and her daughter Sophia share their take on the essence of being coachable. Sophia, known for her adaptability on ice, leads us through the importance of being receptive to coaches' guidance, asking the right questions and adjusting g...

In this episode, we delve into legendary sportscaster John Boruk's remarkable journey in the world of hockey and how he seamlessly translates his professional sports experiences into valuable parenting insights. From pre-game analyses to post-game reflections, John provides a unique and insightful perspective. He shares his conversations with hockey parents, underscoring the importance of fos...

Struggling with managing your schedule? Worried about juggling homework and hockey practices, or any other extracurricular activities? If so, we've got a special treat for you. Join Christie and Sophia, for 3 minutes on the go, as we dive into an essential skill that's best learned young - time management.  Sophia, recent college hockey graduate, spills the beans on how she kept up with...

Embark on a remarkable journey that started with childhood dreams and culminated in Olympic glory on this week’s episode of Our Kids Play Hockey as we explore the life of Pete Sears, a member of the 1972 US Olympic hockey team, alongside his close friend, mentee, and fellow hockey enthusiast, Bill Cahill. Pete and Bill share their lifelong passion for hockey and the profound impact that mentorship...

What if a simple tap on the pads and a few words of encouragement could make all the difference to a goalie's game? It's not all about what has happened on the ice, it's what is going to happen next. Join us as we chat with the Goalie Doctors, Matt Tendler and Mitch Harris, who share invaluable advice on how to keep your goalie in the game. They’re not just discussing techniques and...

Imagine being the Captain of multiple teams, being a senior in high school, owning and operating two companies, all while trying to earn the gaze of colleges and scouts. Our guest today is doing just that. Max Rutkowski is an extraordinary high school senior juggling the responsibilities of being a hockey team captain (on TWO teams) while also running his own businesses.  Max's story is a tru...

"Success leaves clues," but are you noticing them?  This week, Mike & Lee take a look at the importance of human interaction, emotional awareness, and the power of putting your phone down. We're tackling the concept of seeking out connections with other players and coaches - not just for the growth of the team, but for individual personal development as well.  In the latter part...

Discover a fresh perspective on youth hockey success in this episode. We delve into an unconventional approach that prioritizes personal growth over the final score. By shifting the focus away from just the outcome of winning, we explore how a mindset of discovering multiple wins can benefit young hockey players, reducing anxiety and enhancing performance. Drawing inspiration from legendary athlet...

Christie and her daughter Sophia check in from their car this week to chat about how you get pumped up before a game!! Leave us a comment on social media with your pre-game pump up routine and/or your favorite song to listen to before you take the ice. Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at...

Ever wondered how one woman could change the game of ice hockey? Let me introduce you to our guest, Michelle Billingsley, a true pioneer in women's ice hockey. In our conversation, Michelle narrates her groundbreaking experience of being the first girl to join a boys-only league, an event that ignited her lifelong commitment to promoting and advancing opportunities for girls and women in this...

This week's 5 minute long episode promises to be a game-changer for young skaters and goalies as Lee addresses the importance of expressing gratitude and appreciation to parents or guardians.  We're flipping the script on our previous episode that advised parents on the key messages to share with their kids before a game. Now, it's the kids' turn to learn what they can say in r...

One of our most popular episodes was titled “3 things to say to your kids before they take the ice.” Today we are reversing it. Here’s “3 things your kids should say to you before they take the ice.”  Grab your kids, grab some Kool-Aid, and enjoy this one.  P.S. Kids - we are giving you the secrets to post game slurpees and treats after every game. Listen up! Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey...

"It’s not about doing 100% all the time as much as not doing 0% weeks.” Mike and Lee dive into how to stay active throughout the off-season in any scenario in this week's ride to the rink.  Share this with a player or teammate that would benefit from it!! Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with...

Ever wonder how NHL players workout their minds? Our guest this week, Dr. Alicia Naser, is an expert behavioral coach for pro athletes who works with NHL, junior and collegiate athletes and coaches, amongst others, to build mindset skills, emotional agility and other mental skills to help athletes succeed.  There a lot of gold in this episode. It’s a great one to listen to with kids.  Click To Tex...

In this two minute and ten second episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee guides you through a pre-skate meditation using your sense of vision and touch to get you centered and focused before your next game or practice! Stay present with us, and have a great skate! Come Back To This Episode Before Every Game Or Practice To Get Present! Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Keep your player sha...

Imagine playing in D1 college, the world junior championships (and winning gold) and then competing in the Olympics in just 5 years. Then having an NHL and international career after.  Our guest, Adrien Plavsic, did just that. But above and beyond that impressive hockey resume, he is a great person who is dedicated to helping others. You will hear about how he has dedicated his life to the mental...