Our Kids Play Hockey

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Building America's Biggest Youth Hockey League with NIHL President Bob Apter

2024-06-2254:55

On this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns are joined by Bob Apter, President of the Northern Illinois Hockey League (NIHL), the largest youth hockey league in the United States. Bob shares his journey from a passionate young player to the leader of a league with over 50 organizations and 300 teams. Discover how NIHL’s innovative approach to competitive balance, community involvement, and partnerships with major teams like the Chic...

The Ride to The Rink: The Importance of Environment in Youth Hockey

2024-06-2009:19

On this week's episode of The Ride to The Rink, Mike and Lee discuss the critical role of environment in a young hockey player’s development. Drawing from a recent interview with professional goaltending coach Brian Daccord and insights from numerous players, coaches, and parents, Mike and Lee emphasize the significance of a positive, supportive, and challenging environment over merely playing at a higher level.They discuss:•Brian Daccord’s perspective on why environment trumps level, especia...

Our Kids Play Goalie: Goalie Development and Coaching Insights with Coach Brian Daccord

2024-06-1501:20:29

In this week's episode of “Our Kids Play Goalie,” Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli sit down with Brian Daccord, goaltending coach for Boston University. Brian’s illustrious career includes coaching stints with the Boston Bruins, Arizona Coyotes, and Toronto Maple Leafs, as well as winning a German championship in 2015. He is also the founder of Stop It Goaltending and the Director of Goaltending Development at Sense Arena. Brian shares his wealth of knowledge and personal experiences, including ins...

The Ride to the Rink: Advocating for Yourself with Coach Jenna Trubiano

2024-06-1318:23

In this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," hosts Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli are joined by Jenna Trubiano, head coach of the University of Michigan Women’s ACHA Division I hockey team. Jenna shares invaluable advice for young hockey players and their parents about the importance of advocating for yourself and communicating effectively with coaches.Key Topics Covered:Self-Advocacy: Jenna emphasizes the significance of young athletes learning to advocate for themselves ...

Leading The University of Michigan Women's Ice Hockey Team To New Heights with Head Coach Jenna Trubiano

2024-06-0801:02:55

In this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," hosts Lee Elias, Christy Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli welcome Jenna Trubiano, head coach of the University of Michigan Women’s ACHA Division I hockey team. Jenna shares her inspiring journey from a late-start youth player to leading one of the most promising women's club hockey programs in the country.Key Topics Covered:Jenna's Hockey Journey: Discover how Jenna went from learning to skate at age nine to becoming the head coach at her alma...

The Ride To The Rink - The Benefits Of Ball Hockey With Sheri Hudspeth of the Vegas Golden Knights

2024-06-0604:04

Hello, hockey skaters and goalies around the world! Welcome back to another edition of The Ride to the Rink. This is Lee Elias with you today, and we have a special guest from the Vegas Golden Knights, Sheri Hudspeth. Sheri is the Director of Development for Youth Hockey and Fan Engagement, and she joins us to discuss the importance and benefits of ball hockey.Sheri emphasizes that ball hockey is a fantastic way for ice hockey players to improve their skills at home. It’s also a great social ...

Wraparound Roundtable - Young Entrepreneur Spotlight: Logan Cuvo & the Best DAM Tape Co. - GIVEAWAY

2024-06-0511:25

This week on the Wraparound Roundtable, we are giving away a sleeve of 10 rolls of clear tape, two sets of black cloth tape, two sets of white cloth tape, two cans of wax, and a hat.Our hockey friend this week is Logan Cuvo, the founder and CEO of the Best Dam Tape Company. Logan is the first of several young entrepreneurs joining us in the coming weeks as we promote and populate their stores with some action. In this episode, you’ll hear Logan’s inspiring story and learn about the innovative...

Sheri Hudspeth's Vision for Las Vegas Youth Hockey and Community Engagement

2024-06-0155:23

In this week’s episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee, Mike, and Christie are joined by Sheri Hudspeth, Director of Youth Hockey Programs and Fan Development for the Vegas Golden Knights. With an extensive background as both a player and coach, Sheri discusses her journey through the world of hockey and her pivotal role with an NHL team that's swiftly become a community pillar in Las Vegas.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Sheri Hudspeth’s Hockey Roots: Discover how growing up in a hockey-lov...

The Ride To The Rink - What To Do When Hockey Hurts

2024-05-3002:59

In this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink, hockey mom Christie Casciano Burns opens up about the emotional and physical toll of hockey injuries. Sharing her personal experience with her 12U son's wrist fracture during a Niagara Falls tournament, Christie highlights the challenges of dealing with injuries far from home. The episode emphasizes the importance of not playing through pain, especially when dealing with head injuries, and encourages young athletes to prioritize their health for...

Dave Caruso's Journey from Non-Traditional Roots to Hockey Leadership

2024-05-2501:10:49

On this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" we chat with Dave Caruso, former Ohio State University goaltender and professional player, now the Senior Director of Hockey Programming for the Columbus Blue Jackets. From growing up in non-traditional hockey markets to coaching in the New Jersey Devils organization and contributing to the U.S. Youth Olympic team's recent gold medal success, Dave shares his unique insights and experiences that span across playing, coaching, and administration ...

The Ride to the Rink: NHL VP of Hockey Ops Sean Ellis on Handling Emotions and Respect in Hockey

2024-05-2313:51

In this episode of The Ride To The Rink, we're thrilled to have Sean Ellis, Vice President of Hockey Operations for the NHL, join us. Sean works in the NHL’s Situation Room in Toronto, making crucial calls during games that can turn the tide of play.Sean shares invaluable advice for young hockey players on how to respond to calls on the ice. He discusses the importance of managing emotions, whether it's a good call or a bad one, and how to use those feelings to fuel your performance positivel...

Inside the NHL Situation Room: A Conversation with Sean Ellis

2024-05-1801:17:21

On this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," we take you behind the scenes look at NHL operations with our special guest, Sean Ellis, a Vice President of Hockey Operations at the NHL. We dive deep into the mechanics and the thrill of managing the famed NHL Situation Room.Key Highlights:Sean's Hockey Journey:Sean shares his personal journey from playing junior hockey in Massachusetts to finding his path in the NHL. Discover the series of fortunate events and the pivotal decisions that sha...

The Ride to the Rink - Kid Questions: What Do You Admire About Great Leaders?

2024-05-1606:35

In this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli dive into an essential topic for young athletes: leadership. Inspired by a question from Logan, a young listener eager to become a role model for his teammates, our hosts share their insights on what makes a great leader in youth hockey.Mike starts the discussion by emphasizing the importance of compassion and the ability to understand and support teammates facing adversity. He highlights the va...

Inside the Flyers' Impact on Youth Hockey, Warrior Hockey, And The Community with Rob Baer

2024-05-1143:56

In this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee Elias speaks with Rob Baer, the Director of Youth Hockey and Amateur Programs for the Philadelphia Flyers. Rob has dedicated over two decades to the sport, significantly impacting both youth and amateur hockey through various programs and initiatives. Notably, he's a key figure in the Flyers' Learn to Play program and an assistant coach for the Flyers Warriors.Discussion Highlights:Rob Baer's Hockey Journey:From playing at Archbishop Carro...

The Ride To The Rink - Understanding Time and Space in Hockey: A Deep Dive for Players and Parents

2024-05-0907:57

On this week's Ride To The Rink, Lee takes a detailed look into one of the most crucial aspects of hockey strategy — understanding "time and space." This episode is especially valuable for young players and their parents as we decode what coaches mean when they instruct players to "create time and space" on the ice.Key Episode Highlights:- Introduction to Time and Space: Lee kicks off the episode with a fundamental question from our Facebook group about what exactly coaches mean by "time and ...

Inspiring the Next Generation of Women in Hockey with Amber Ross

2024-05-0437:51

In this episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli host Amber Ross, a trailblazer for women's hockey in Minnesota. A former collegiate player and current youth hockey coach, Amber shares her journey from a late start in the sport at age 15 to coaching youth teams. She discusses the importance of female role models in coaching, highlighting her motivations to empower young girls through sport, including her own daughters.Amber dives into the challen...

The Ride To The Rink - What To Do When You Don't Make The Team You Wanted To Be On

2024-05-0210:24

This week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey tackles a pivotal question straight from the Our Kids Play Hockey community: How can you be a good teammate or supportive parent, especially when you or your child doesn't make the desired team?Lee delves into the importance of maintaining a positive and proactive attitude, regardless of the team placement. Drawing from personal experiences, he shares how some of his most rewarding hockey seasons were those where he didn't make the team he initially...

Lee's Hockey Year In Review 2024

2024-04-2730:19

In this episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee takes us on a reflective journey through the 23-24 hockey season, sharing personal anecdotes, triumphs, challenges, and the invaluable lessons learned along the way. From the early skating strides of his daughter, Alina, in her first mite hockey season, to his son, Logan, embracing the goalie crease in his first squirt season, Lee delves into the transformative power of family, fun, and community in the youth hockey experience.What You'll Discove...

The Ride to the Rink: Defy Conventions And Persevere Towards Success

2024-04-2503:34

In this heartfelt episode of The Ride To The Rink, Hockey Mom Christie shares a powerful story penned by her son, Joey at age 14, illustrating his profound journey through the world of hockey. Titled "Challenged and Inspired by Hockey," Joey's narrative delves into his relentless work ethic and determination that set him apart from his peers in a generation often criticized for its instant gratification mindset. Despite starting hockey later than most of his peers, Joey’s commitment turn...

Safeguarding Youth Athletes: Insights from Physical Therapist Dr. Addison Lerner-Lentz

2024-04-2001:08:14

In this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli dive into the crucial topic of youth athlete health and workload management. The episode features a special guest, Dr. Addison Lerner-Lentz, a seasoned expert in physical therapy and sports coaching. With Christie Casciano-Burns on assignment, Lee and Mike lead a conversation that explores the delicate balance between pushing young athletes towards greatness and ensuring they remain healthy and injury-free for ...

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