☀️ 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 the magic of summer while still growing as a player. 🏒 Key Takeaways: Why less hockey can actually ...
Jul 10, 2025•16 min•Season 1Ep. 394
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 really for, this conversation will shift your mindset and help you make better, more balanced choices d...
Jul 05, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 393
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 recognize “brain rot” moments vs. productive ones Why it’s not just about being busy—but being inte...
Jul 03, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 392
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 ride: Why work ethic is more important than talent The underrated power of Hockey IQ How competitivene...
Jul 01, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 391
“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 coming next, and how to support your child’s journey without rushing the process. 🏒 In this episode...
Jun 28, 2025•1 hr 9 min•Season 1Ep. 390
🏒 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. But it's not just about drills. Moulson dishes out hard-hitting advice on bouncing back from setbacks, takin...
Jun 26, 2025•13 min•Season 1Ep. 389
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 the Episode: 🏒 Why work ethic and mindset matter more than early success 🧢 The surprising truth a...
Jun 21, 2025•57 min•Season 1Ep. 388
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 🤔 How asking the right questions can unlock new skills 📖 The simple post-clinic habit that will f...
Jun 19, 2025•6 min•Season 1Ep. 387
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 development. 🔥 Highlights Include: What separates a true skills clinic from a glorified workout 🏋️♂️ The secr...
Jun 14, 2025•27 min•Season 1Ep. 386
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 into lasting improvement. 🏒 Key Takeaways: ✔️ Don’t just show up—show up with a goal ✔️ Ask smart, sp...
Jun 12, 2025•6 min•Season 1Ep. 385
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 why those little things—like saying “please” and “thank you”—can make a huge difference. A short but m...
Jun 11, 2025•9 min•Season 1Ep. 383
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. Keep the messages coming—we’re always listening! Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Have A To...
Jun 09, 2025•1 min
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 insights for parents navigating this crucial decision. 🔥 Highlights Include: The surprising benefits o...
Jun 07, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 384
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, a coach wondering how to build true team culture, or just trying to figure out how to support your ...
May 31, 2025•55 min•Season 1Ep. 382
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 relentless belief. He opens up about the power of effort over excuses, the importance of chasing your p...
May 29, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 381
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 his incredible journey and the lessons he’s learned about perseverance, community, and building some...
May 24, 2025•1 hr 17 min•Season 1Ep. 380
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 matter more than highlight-reel moments ✅ What Caroline still does every day to improve her game ✅ Th...
May 22, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 379
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 work that led to her success. She opens up about what helped her stay driven, how to handle nerves be...
May 17, 2025•47 min•Season 1Ep. 378
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 need to develop and thrive in this sport. 🏒 Topics include: ✅ Why playing multiple sports at the same ...
May 10, 2025•1 hr 3 min•Season 1Ep. 376
🏒 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: Understanding the dynamics and choices involved in who plays. - Goalie Partnerships and Support: Why there's no "bac...
May 08, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 375
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 Canada, Sami’s path wasn’t just unconventional—it was groundbreaking. We explore: Her early days as “the gir...
May 03, 2025•58 min•Season 1Ep. 374
What’s your role on the ice—and how can you lean into it, even if it’s not the one you wanted ? In this Ride to the Rink, NHL veteran and current youth coach Zac Rinaldo shares real-world advice for players navigating team dynamics, finding their identity, and expanding their skillset. From his own evolution through junior, pro, and now coaching, Zac breaks down how players can: 🔑 Understand and embrace their role 🧰 Build a versatile “toolbox” of skills 💬 Communicate effectively with coaches ...
May 01, 2025•7 min•Season 1Ep. 373
Getting cut from a team hurts—but it doesn’t define your future. Olympic gold medalist and broadcaster Tessa Bonhomme joins The Ride to the Rink to deliver an inspiring message to every young player who didn’t make the team this season. In just 10 minutes, Tessa shares: Why being cut can actually be a gift How to turn disappointment into fuel for growth The truth about building a winning team (hint: it’s not all top scorers) Her personal “Google Maps” analogy for navigating your unique hockey pa...
Apr 29, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 372
How do young players find their identity, toughness, and purpose—on and off the ice? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re joined by former NHL forward and current junior hockey coach Zac Rinaldo, whose career was defined by grit, heart, and relentless work ethic. Zac shares his journey from leaving home at 14 to attend Notre Dame in Saskatchewan, to becoming a fan favorite in Philadelphia and playing 11 years in the NHL. Now coaching the Pelham Panthers, Zac is focused on developing the next...
Apr 26, 2025•51 min•Season 1Ep. 371
The birds are chirping, the season’s winding down—and that means it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to build a better hockey player this off-season. In this episode of Ride to the Rink , Lee and Mike dive into how players (and parents) can start planning a development calendar that fits real life and drives real growth. From simple 20-minute habits like daily push-ups or shooting pucks, to blocking out time in a shared Google Calendar, it’s all about building consistency, not cram...
Apr 24, 2025•9 min•Season 1Ep. 403
From the outdoor rinks of Sudbury to the heights of Olympic glory, Tessa Bonhomme has lived nearly every chapter of a hockey dream—and she’s still writing new ones. In this powerful episode of Our Girls Play Hockey , Tessa joins Lee, Sherri, and Mike for a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about the journey from “just wanting to play” to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in hockey. Tessa opens up about: Her path from a neighborhood daycare game to captaining Tea...
Apr 22, 2025•1 hr 11 min•Season 1Ep. 369
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 tim...
Apr 19, 2025•1 hr 4 min•Season 1Ep. 368
“Why You Should Never Let Anyone Tell You ‘You Won’t Make It’” On this ride, Lee, Christie, and Mike get real about one of the most common — and harmful — things kids in hockey (and beyond) hear: “You’ll never make it.” Whether it’s a coach, a parent, or even your own doubts, this episode is a rallying cry for young athletes to chase their dreams and embrace the journey — with eyes wide open and skates on the ice. We talk about why dreaming big matters, how to handle criticism, what it really ta...
Apr 17, 2025•8 min•Season 1Ep. 367
Whether your kid is just starting out in youth hockey or already eyeing their college path, this episode is a must-listen. Lee, Christie, and Mike dive into the big questions every hockey parent faces—when should we start thinking about the future, how much should school and social life weigh in, and what really matters in the long run? From navigating early travel tournaments to the intense pressure of high school and junior hockey, the trio reflects on what they wish they knew when their kids ...
Apr 12, 2025•58 min•Season 1Ep. 366
As the hockey season wraps up, it’s time to hit pause—and look back. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink , Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli team up to help young players reflect on their season the right way. Whether you hoisted a championship trophy or just gave it your all every day, there are key lessons waiting to be uncovered—if you take the time to look. Lee and Mike break down a coach-approved reflection process, including: • ✅ How to assess your personal growth beyond stats • 🧠 Why tim...
Apr 10, 2025•14 min•Season 1Ep. 365
