Our Kids Play Hockey

🏒 Are you a young hockey star or struggling to find your place on the ice? This episode of "Ride to the Rink" is your game-changer! Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli serve up a power play of wisdom for players at every level. From goal-scoring phenoms to those still finding their stride, there's something here for everyone. But here's the kicker — talent alone won't cut it! R...

🏒 What if you could get NHL-level advice delivered straight to your inbox? In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, host Lee MJ Elias teams up with former NHL player Bobby Robins to unveil a revolutionary email newsletter series designed to transform your hockey journey. From the locker room to the living room, this dynamic duo shares insights that will elevate your game, both on an...

🏒 Ready to gear up for hockey season without breaking the bank? "Ride to the Rink" hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli tackle the age-old question: Does expensive equipment make a better player? Spoiler alert: It doesn't! This episode is packed with practical advice for young players and parents navigating the world of hockey gear. From timing your purchases to finding the perfect...

🏒 Ever wondered what it takes to become a top-notch youth hockey coach? In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli take you on an exhilarating journey through the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP) . From rookie coaches to seasoned veterans, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the five levels of coaching certific...

☀️ Are you making the most of your summer—or just skating through it? In this empowering episode of The Ride to the Rink , Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli break down the top five summer mistakes that young hockey players and families make—and how to avoid them. From over-scheduling to mental burnout, the crew shares personal stories and practical advice to help every kid reclaim...

Are you making these 5 summer hockey mistakes with your kids? 🏒☀️ In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey , Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli reveal the top five mistakes hockey parents make during the summer—and how to avoid them before they derail your child’s development or love for the game. From packing the schedule with camps to losing sight of what summer is rea...

In this episode, Lee shares a powerful concept from a conversation with longtime coach and mentor Pete Whitney: the difference between time spent and time invested. Whether it’s hockey, school, or life off the ice, young athletes are constantly choosing how to use their time—but not all choices pay off the same way. 🧠 Lee breaks down: The mindset that separates top performers from the rest How to...

What does a Hockey Hall of Famer really think youth hockey players need to succeed? On this special Ride to the Rink , We spotlight key insights from none other than Brianna Decker , fresh off her induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame . From elite playing days to coaching the next generation, Decker has seen it all—and her message for young athletes and families is clear. 🏒 Takeaways from the ri...

“Is my kid where they’re supposed to be?” It’s one of the most common questions we hear—and this week on Our Kids Play Hockey , Lee, Christie, and Mike break it all down with a level-headed, age-by-age guide to youth hockey development. Whether your player is just learning to stand on skates or preparing for juniors, this episode helps you understand what skills are appropriate right now , what’s...

🏒 Ready to unlock your hockey potential without breaking the bank? NHL veteran Matt Moulson joins "The Ride to the Rink" to share game-changing tips for young players looking to level up their skills—no fancy equipment required! From DIY shooting ranges to water balloon target practice, this episode is packed with creative hacks to turn your backyard into a hockey development playground...

What does it really take to beat the odds in hockey—and stay at the top? In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Hockey , former NHL forward Matt Moulson joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share the story behind his incredible 11-season career. From being a 9th round draft pick to wearing a letter in the NHL, Matt’s journey is filled with lessons for players, coaches, and parents alike. 👀 Inside...

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink , Lee shares a step-by-step guide for skaters and goalies to get the most out of any skills clinic—whether you’re focused on skating, shooting, passing, or defense. His practical tips will help players, parents, and coaches turn every clinic into a lasting opportunity for growth. 👀 Inside the Episode: 📝 Why identifying your clinic’s focus is key to success...

Are hockey skills clinics worth your time and money? 🏒💰 In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike tackle the hot topic of youth hockey skills clinics. From defining what makes a great clinic to navigating the sea of options, our expert panel shares insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the best choices for your young player's develop...

Private lessons can be a great way to grow your game—but only if you approach them the right way. In this Ride to the Rink, Lee shares advice directly with young players on how to make private coaching sessions truly valuable. From asking the right questions to tracking your progress off the ice, this episode is all about helping players take ownership of their development and turn every lesson in...

On this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee shares a simple story that left a big impression—and reminds every young player (and parent) why the way you act off the ice matters just as much as the way you play on it. After a young player was complimented by a stranger for his manners and kindness, Lee and Mike break down what it means to represent your team and your sport in everyday life, and wh...

Heads up, hockey families! We recently found out that our email— team@ourkidsplayhockey.com —was down for a while, and we may have missed your messages. The good news? It’s back up and running! If you’ve sent in questions, feedback, show ideas, or just wanted to say hi, please re-send them—we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for your patience and for being such an awesome part of our community. Kee...

Are private hockey lessons worth the investment for your young player? 🏒💰 In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike tackle the hot topic of private hockey lessons for youth players. From finding the right coach to balancing extra training with team practices, our expert panel dives into the world of personalized hockey instruction, offering invaluable ins...

In this special mailbag episode of Our Kids Play Hockey , Lee and Mike dive into some powerful listener-submitted questions that hit at the heart of today’s youth hockey experience—from the overwhelming costs of AAA, to what really matters when choosing a team, to how concussions can change the way young players approach the game. Whether you’re a hockey parent struggling with financial decisions,...

On this episode of Ride to the Rink , we’re joined by a true hockey visionary— Howard Dolgon , founder and longtime owner of the Syracuse Crunch , who turned a dream into a franchise and a franchise into a legacy. Howard reflects on his journey from a tough Brooklyn neighborhood to the New York State and Syracuse Hockey Halls of Fame —a path paved not by luck, but by passion, perseverance, and rel...

What does it take to build a hockey franchise from the ground up—and keep it thriving for 30+ years? In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Hockey , we’re joined by Howard “Howie” Dolgon , the founder, owner, and president of the Syracuse Crunch , AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning. From growing up on the streets of Brooklyn to hosting the first outdoor AHL game in history, Howie shares...

Team USA gold medalist and NCAA champion Caroline Harvey joins us for a special The Ride to the Rink edition—and she’s talking directly to young players chasing big goals. Whether you dream of playing high school, college, or even Olympic hockey, this quick conversation is packed with the kind of advice that helps you take the next step in your game. 🏒 In this episode: ✅ Why small, daily habits...

Fresh off a national championship with Wisconsin and a gold medal at the 2025 Women’s World Championship, Caroline Harvey joins Lee, Sherry, and Mike for a powerful conversation about her rise through the hockey world—and what it really takes to make it. From playing boys’ hockey in New Hampshire to becoming the best defenseman on the planet, Caroline (aka “KK”) shares the real behind-the-scenes w...

We get asked for advice all the time… but what happens when that advice goes in one ear and out the other? In this episode, Lee and Mike dive into three common pieces of guidance that youth hockey parents frequently seek out—then completely disregard. From multi-sport overload , to the myth of showcases , to chasing teams hours away for more letters, we tackle the realities of what kids really nee...

🏒 Ever wondered what it takes to create a winning goalie partnership in youth hockey? Discover the secrets behind successful team dynamics with insights from Olympian Sami Small on "Ride to the Rink." This episode is packed with valuable advice for young players and coaches, emphasizing the power of teamwork and mutual support. Key Discussion Points: - Multiple Goalies on a Team: Unders...

In this week's episode of Our Kids Play Goalie , Lee Elias, Christy Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli welcome a true icon in women’s hockey— Sami Jo Small , three-time Olympian, two-time gold medalist, and a lifelong advocate for inclusion, purpose, and team unity. From being the only girl on the street in Winnipeg playing road hockey with her brother’s friends, to starting in net for Team Can...