What the Puck Do We Do?

The U.S. just made hockey history.For the first time in Olympic history, both the U.S. men’s and women’s teams won gold at the same Games. And for the men, this is the first Olympic gold since 1980 — the Miracle on Ice.In this bonus episode, we break down what actually happened in the USA vs Canada gold medal game, including:How overtime works in Olympic hockeyWhat a power play and penalty kill really meanHow a 4-minute double minor works (yes — including the lost tooth moment)Why goalies can freeze the puckKey momentum shifts like Brody’s goal and Hellebuyck’s saveIf you watched and thought, “Wait… what just happened?” — this one’s for you.Send your hockey questions to: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.comFree ResourceDownload our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes here.Connect With DanielleFor more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:Instagram: @Danielle__McDonoughWebsite: www.ocppt.comBook: The Empowered Athlete

The first few hockey practices can feel chaotic — cold rinks, complicated gear, locker rooms, and safety concerns all at once.In this episode, we talk about the practical side of youth hockey that no one really prepares you for: getting dressed, managing early frustrations, helmet and mouthguard basics, and what parents should (and shouldn’t) stress about.If the beginning has felt messier than expected, this episode will help you feel more steady and less alone.What We CoverHow kids get dressed (and how long it really takes)Beginner locker room expectationsHelmet fit and mouthguard basicsHair, glasses, and comfort adjustmentsWhat early practices typically look likeWe’d Love to Hear From YouNavigating early practices and have questions?Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.comFree ResourceDownload our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes here.Connect With DanielleFor more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:Instagram: @Danielle__McDonoughWebsite: www.ocppt.comBook: The Empowered Athlete

If hockey gear has you overwhelmed, you’re not alone. In this episode of What the PUCK… Do We DO?!, Danielle and Mike break down what beginner hockey players actually need to get started — without overspending, overthinking, or feeling like you’re doing it wrong.You’ll learn what matters most (safety + comfort), where used gear is a great option, and a super practical walk-through of what each piece of equipment is and the order to get your kid dressed so the locker room feels less chaotic.This episode is perfect for parents brand new to youth hockey — and anyone new to the sport who wants a simple, confident way to approach gear.What We CoverWhy hockey gear feels overwhelming (and why you’re not behind)The “duct tape shin pad” locker room story (and why asking for help is normal)Used gear, hand-me-downs, and where to shop (including stores like Play It Again Sports)Helmet basics: fit, cage vs clear shield, chin straps, and why snug mattersNeck guards: what’s required now and how to think about it without spiralingShoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, pants, and shin guards — what they are and where they goHow to size key pieces (especially gloves, pants, shin guards, and skates)Skate tips: sizing, how to test fit, and how tight to tie skates (especially around the ankle)Stick basics: straight blade vs curved, wood sticks are fine, and how to figure out righty vs leftyTape 101: clear tape for shin pads + simple sock solutionsStep-by-step “getting dressed” order (bottom half → top half) to make it easier at the rinkWe’d Love to Hear From YouConfused about gear or equipment?Send your questions to: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.comFree ResourceDownload our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes here.Connect With DanielleFor more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:Instagram: @Danielle__McDonoughWebsite: www.ocppt.comBook: The Empowered Athlete

Once skating feels comfortable, what comes next?In this episode of What the PUCK… Do We DO?!, Danielle and Mike break down beginner hockey programs and explain the difference between in-house (rec) hockey and travel hockey. If you’re confused about league levels, intro programs, or what “tryouts” actually mean for younger players, this episode simplifies the process.Youth hockey pathways can feel overwhelming at the beginning. This conversation helps you understand your options so you can choose what fits your child — and your family — best.What We CoverWhat intro to hockey programs typically look likeThe difference between in-house (rec) and travel hockeyHow team placement works at younger agesWhy development timelines varyHow to avoid rushing the processWe’d Love to Hear From YouHave a question about choosing the right hockey program?Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.comFree ResourceDownload our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes to feel more confident navigating youth sports here.Connect With DanielleFor more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:Instagram: @Danielle__McDonoughWebsite: www.ocppt.comBook: The Empowered Athlete

Thinking about getting started in hockey but not sure where to begin?In this episode of What the PUCK… Do We DO?!, Danielle and Mike break down what actually matters before hockey “becomes hockey.” From public skating sessions to early skating lessons, this conversation focuses on building comfort and confidence on the ice — without rushing into structure, pressure, or expensive commitments too quickly.If you’re a parent new to youth hockey — or an adult discovering the sport and wanting to try — this episode will help you feel more grounded in those very first steps.What We CoverWhy public skating is the best first stepWhat to wear to your first skating sessionWhy skating development matters more than puck skills early onFigure skates vs hockey skates at the beginningHow to think about “starting” without overcommittingWe’d Love to Hear From YouHave a question about getting started in hockey? Something you’re unsure about at the rink?Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.comWe may feature your question in a future episode.Free ResourceIf you’re looking for a simple place to start, download our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes here.Connect With DanielleFor more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:Instagram: @Danielle__McDonoughWebsite: www.ocppt.comBook: The Empowered Athlete

Hockey can feel overwhelming when you’re new to it — whether you’re a parent navigating the rink for the first time, or an adult discovering the sport and wanting to try it for yourself, or simply someone trying to make sense of a game that seems to have its own language, rules, and culture.In this short teaser episode of What the PUCK… Do We DO?!, hosts Danielle and Mike McDonough introduce the podcast, share why they created it, and explain who the show is for.This podcast is designed to help anyone new to hockey feel more confident and grounded — from understanding the basics of skating and equipment, to making sense of leagues, practices, and gameplay — without unnecessary pressure or overwhelm.Who This Podcast Is For:Parents navigating youth hockey (particularly in the early stages)Adults discovering hockey for the first time and wanting to learn moreFamilies or individuals who feel like they missed the orientationAnyone who wants hockey to feel more understandable and enjoyableWhat You’ll Hear on This Podcast:Clear, beginner-friendly explanations of how hockey worksPractical guidance on gear, logistics, and rink lifeHelp understanding the game — even if you never playedHonest conversations about hockey culture, pressure, and perspectiveHelpful Resource:If you’re looking for a simple place to start, we’ve linked our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes in the show notes. It’s designed to help you feel more confident and supported as you navigate sports — especially if hockey is new to you or your family.👉 Download the free guide here: https://www.ocppt.com/starter-guideWhat’s Coming Next:New episodes are coming soon, starting with what to know before hockey becomes hockey — and what actually matters at the beginning.Be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss it.Email us at WhatThePuckDoWeDo@gmail.com with any questions!