Our Kids Play Hockey
Our Kids Play Hockey is a podcast that focuses on youth hockey, offering insights, stories, and interviews from the hockey community. It provides valuable advice for parents, coaches, and players, covering various aspects of the game, including skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and creating a positive experience for young athletes. The show frequently features guests who share their expertise and personal experiences in youth hockey, both on and off the ice.
The show features three hockey parents, who all work in the game at high levels:
- Christie Casciano-Burns - USA Hockey Columnist, Author, and WSYR Anchor
- Mike Bonelli - USA Hockey Coach and Organizational Consultant
- Lee M.J. Elias - Hockey Entrepreneur, Author, and Team Strategist
In addition to the main podcast, there are several spin-off series that dive into specific aspects of youth hockey:
1.Our Girls Play Hockey – This series highlights the growing presence of girls in hockey, addressing the unique challenges they face while celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport.
2.The Ride to The Rink – A shorter, motivational series designed to be listened to on the way to the rink, offering quick, inspirational tips and advice to help players and parents get into the right mindset before a game or practice.
3.Our Kids Play Goalie – This series is dedicated to young goalies and the unique challenges they face. It provides advice for players, parents, and coaches on how to support and develop young goaltenders, focusing on the mental and physical demands of the position.
Together, these shows provide a comprehensive platform for parents, players, and coaches involved in youth hockey, offering insights for all aspects of the sport, from parenting, playing, or coaching to specialized positions like goaltending.
- Update frequency
- every 2 days
- Average duration
- 39 minutes
- Episodes
- 416
- Years Active
- 2020 - 2025
Our Kids Play Goalie - Sami Jo Small on Goaltending, Grit, and Growth
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, a…
The Ride to The Rink: Why You Need To Play Your Role with Zac Rinaldo
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 p…
The Ride To The Rink: Adversity Is a Privilege: What Getting Cut Teaches You – With Tessa Bonhomme
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 …
From NHL Enforcer to Mentor: Zac Rinaldo on Grit, Growth & Giving Back
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,…
The Ride To The Rink: Building Your Off-Season Hockey Habits
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,…
The Power of Role Models in Girls Hockey with Olympian Tessa Bonhomme
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 Gi…
Are You Cut Out To Be A Coach?... Ask The Experts!
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 d…
The Ride to The Rink: You Don’t Need Permission to Dream Big
“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…
What Should I Know As A Young Hockey Parent
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 face…
The Ride To The Rink - Reflecting on Your Hockey Season: A Player's Guide
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 ri…
A Coach's Guide For Parents to Reflect on The Season
How should coaches, parents, and players truly evaluate a hockey season—especially when it didn’t end with a trophy? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike (with Christie on assignment) take…
The Ride To The Rink: Turning Mistakes into Fuel for Momentum with Danielle McDonough
In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by mental performance coach and former professional hockey player Danielle McDonough to help young athletes develop a winning mindset before they…
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Welcome to a special edition of the Wraparound Roundtable wher…
More Than a Hockey Player – Building Self-Worth and Mental Toughness with Danielle McDonough
How do young athletes build confidence, resilience, and a strong mindset both on and off the ice? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we welcome Danielle McDonough, former professional hockey player, …
The Ride To The Rink: Unlocking Your Game by Talking About Your Feelings with Jon Nelson
On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by Jon Nelson, a hockey coach and mental health advocate, to talk about the highs and lows of a hockey season and what to do when you’re feeling …
Pulverizing the Stigma & Tackling Mental Health in Youth Sports with Jon Nelson
In this powerful episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we sit down with Jon Nelson, a hockey coach, father, and mental health advocate, to discuss his incredible journey through hockey, mental health chal…
The Ride to the Rink - Winning Strategies for Youth Hockey Players with the Bruins' Kevin Neeld
Are you fueling your game with the right habits?
🏒 Discover how sleep and nutrition can transform your performance on the ice! Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Christie Casciano team up with NHL performance co…
Debunking Youth Hockey Myths with Boston Bruins' Performance Coach Kevin Neeld
What truly defines a successful young athlete in today's competitive world?
In this compelling episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, performance coach Kevin Neeld joins Lee and Christie to share insights f…
The Ride to The Rink - How to Prepare and Perform Your Best for Tryouts and Evaluations
Tryout season is here, and whether you’re heading to the rink feeling confident or battling nerves, we’re here to help you approach it with the right mindset. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink,…
The Ride to The Rink - Work Hard, Be Kind & Stay Curious with Lindsay Pennal
🏒 Ever wondered what it takes to succeed both on and off the ice? Lindsay Pennal from the NHL Coaches Association shares her insights on achieving success in hockey and beyond. With hosts Lee MJ Elia…