Our Kids Play Hockey – Détails, épisodes et analyse

🏒 Can a teammate be your greatest mentor in hockey?

In this game-changing episode of Girls Play Hockey, Olympian Hayley Scamurra and Coach Nick Stoop join host Lee MJ Elias to explore the powerful impact of mentorship in youth and girls' hockey. From locker room dynamics to on-ice performance, they share invaluable insights on creating supportive environments that nurture both athletic excellence and personal growth.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• Redefining mentorship: It's not just about age, but impact 🤝
• Balancing the pressure to perform with the joy of playing 🏆
• How coaches can foster a culture of peer-to-peer mentorship 👥
• Navigating the challenges of being the only girl on a boys' team 💪
• The unexpected long-term benefits of building connections in sports 🌟

Whether you're a player looking to level up, a coach aiming to inspire, or a parent supporting your young athlete, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt stories that extend far beyond the rink.

🎧 Listen now and discover how mentorship can transform your hockey journey!

📱 Explore the Pro Athlete Experience platform for more mentorship opportunities.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Ripple Effect of Hockey Mentorship with Coach Nick Stoop

#GirlsHockey #Mentorship #YouthSports #PWHL #TeamBuilding #HockeyFamily

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Special Offseason pricing: $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase - http://nhl.sensearena.com/OKPH

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💸 Ever felt like youth hockey tournaments are taking you for a ride? You’re not alone. This week, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli go full “60 Minutes” mode to uncover the real cost of tournaments — from mandatory hotel stays and inflated fees to the emotional tug-of-war parents face when trying to give their kids unforgettable hockey experiences.

🏒 In This Eye-Opening Episode:

• The “stay-to-play” trap that forces families to book overpriced hotels
• Why some tournaments have lost their purpose — and what good ones still get right
• How fundraising and affordability are dividing teams
• When to say “no” to a tournament — and how to push back as a community
• Innovative ideas to rethink tournaments entirely, from skill weekends to balanced, developmental events

💬 Whether you’re a seasoned hockey parent or just entering the travel circuit, this is a must-listen conversation that pulls no punches — but offers plenty of hope (and humor) for a better path forward.

👉 Got thoughts on this? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com
— we might feature your perspective in a future episode.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Tournament Turmoil: The Hidden Costs of Youth Hockey and How Families Can Take Back Control

#YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyLife #TournamentTravel #StayToPlay #HockeyCommunity #OurKidsPlayHockey

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Special Offseason pricing: $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase - http://nhl.sensearena.com/OKPH

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🎧 What really separates players who make it to the next level from those who don’t? This week, we welcome back Jack Han — former Toronto Maple Leafs staff member, player development consultant, and author of the Hockey Tactics Newsletter — to dive deep into the real keys to long-term hockey success.

Jack brings years of experience working with players from minor hockey to the NHL, and in this conversation he breaks down:

✨ Why early success at 14 doesn’t guarantee a hockey career
 ✨ The real ROI of youth hockey (hint: it’s bigger than scholarships)
✨ How coaches can design practices that actually build hockey IQ
✨ Why intention matters — for both players and coaches
✨ What parents should (and shouldn’t) say about their child’s hockey journey

Jack also shares eye-opening lessons from his time in the NHL and his work with top prospects, as well as practical advice that every parent and coach can use right away.

This isn’t just about making it to the pros — it’s about helping kids love the game, grow as people, and find their path in hockey. 🏒

👉 Don’t miss this one — and be sure to check out Jack’s Hockey Tactics Newsletter for even more resources on practice planning and player development.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: From Maple Leafs Development to Youth Rinks: Jack Han How to Build Hockey IQ in Kids

 #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyIQ #HockeyParents #CoachingHockey #JackHan #OurKidsPlayHockey

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Special Offseason pricing: $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase - http://nhl.sensearena.com/OKPH

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In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike sit down with Matt Dumouchelle, the creator of the Hockey Factories series and podcast via The Coaches Site. Matt’s in-depth exploration into elite hockey development programs worldwide has uncovered the secret ingredients behind their success—not just in creating great players, but in cultivating outstanding people.

Matt shares insights from his research, including the importance of community among coaches, redefining success in youth hockey, and how the world’s top hockey programs prioritize development over immediate results. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or hockey enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking perspectives.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Coaching Community: Top programs succeed through constant coach collaboration across age groups.

2. Redefining Success: Success is more than wins—it’s about character, skills, and a love for hockey.

3. Culture Matters: Programs like Frolunda focus on pride and long-term development over short-term results.

4. Patience Wins: Gradual, long-term growth is more effective than instant success.

5. Free Improvements: Positive culture and coach collaboration are impactful and cost nothing.

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Practical Tips for Coaches and Organizations:

• Build Coaching Unity: Regular meetings ensure aligned goals and best practices.

• Broaden Winning: Measure success through growth, engagement, and teamwork.

• Highlight Off-Ice Success: Celebrate players’ academic and personal achievements.

• Promote Position Versatility: Let kids try multiple roles for well-rounded development.

• Supportive Parents: Guide parents to prioritize long-term growth over immediate results.

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#HockeyDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyFactories #YouthHockey

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Special Offseason pricing: $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase - http://nhl.sensearena.com/OKPH

Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!

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Are you ready to unlock the secrets of hockey greatness? 🏒✨

Buckle up as this episode of "The Ride to the Rink" brings you hall of fame advice from legendary NHL coach Mike Keenan! Host Lee MJ Elias and Coach Keenan dive into the heart of what it takes to reach the pinnacle of hockey success. From coaching icons like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, Keenan shares his wisdom on the perfect blend of talent and relentless effort.

Want to make your mark on the ice? This episode is your playbook! Iron Mike breaks down the essential qualities that separate the good from the great: 

• Faith in yourself and your passion
• The grit to work harder than anyone else
• Perseverance through tough times
• Adaptability when faced with setbacks

But here's the kicker — it's not just about talent. Iron Mike emphasizes, "Nothing is free. You can be the most talented... But you also need to know how to work, how to get prepared, and how to be better." 💪

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Key Takeaways:

1. Self-belief is your secret weapon

2. Turn your passion into your playground

3. Always have a Plan B (and C!)

4. Success leaves clues — learn from the greats

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Are you ready to elevate your game? This episode is a must-listen for young athletes dreaming of reaching the NHL. Don't miss out on the insights that could change your hockey career forever!

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Special Offseason pricing: $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase - http://nhl.sensearena.com/OKPH

Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!

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In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, three-time Olympic gold medalist Cherie Piper shares wisdom for young hockey players chasing their dreams. Whether your goal is to play in the PWHL, make it to the NHL, or pursue excellence in any area of life, Cherie offers invaluable advice about:

•Dreaming Big: Why having bold aspirations drives purpose and energy.

•The Many Paths to Success: How hockey opens doors beyond playing, from coaching to officiating and beyond.

•The Work Behind the Dream: Why commitment, effort, and smart choices matter more than just wishing for success.

•Making Choices, Not Sacrifices: How pursuing your dream is about prioritizing what truly matters.

Cherie’s candid insights remind us that while dreams are never guaranteed, the pursuit itself is incredibly rewarding. Tune in for actionable advice and encouragement, whether you’re on the way to the rink or tackling challenges in life.

Key Quote:

“Dream big, act on it, and make the right choices—because every step gets you closer to what you’re striving for.”

🎧 Listen Now and Get Inspired!

#RideToTheRink #HockeyDreams #CheriePiper #DreamBig #YouthHockey

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Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Special Offseason pricing: $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase - http://nhl.sensearena.com/OKPH

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What does it take to coach the greatest hockey players of all time?

In this unforgettable episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, the legendary Coach Mike Keenan joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share wisdom from a career that spans decades, continents, and championships. From his Stanley Cup victory to managing icons like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Mario Lemieux, Coach Keenan dives deep into the art and science of coaching, team culture, and the importance of developing young players with care and purpose.

🔥 Episode Highlights Include:

•The inspiration behind Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench 📚

•How parenting and upbringing shaped some of hockey’s greatest superstars 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

•Building championship teams through culture, leadership, and trust 🏆

•Why failure is a necessary step in youth development 🚧

•A glimpse into Coach Keenan’s musical side (yes, Iron Mike sings!) 🎶

Whether you’re a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with actionable advice, heartfelt stories, and life lessons that go far beyond the rink.

🎧 Tune in now and don’t miss this incredible conversation with one of hockey’s most accomplished and insightful minds!

📖 Check out Coach Keenan’s book: Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench

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•0:08 – 0:56: Introduction to Coach Mike Keenan and his legendary career.

•1:11 – 2:04: The inspiration and process behind Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench.

•3:21 – 5:26: How Keenan discovered his passion for coaching.

•5:56 – 8:03: The importance of fun and teamwork in youth sports.

•9:59 – 12:10: Developing leadership in players at every level.

•15:35 – 16:48: Why showing players you care is essential.

•19:15 – 21:10: Building resilience in kids through failure.

•47:39 – 49:06: Team bonding and creating a championship culture.

•1:01:48 – 1:03:03: Keenan’s advice for kids pursuing their hockey dreams.

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Special Offseason pricing: $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase - http://nhl.sensearena.com/OKPH

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In this week's episode of Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike dive into a crucial lesson for young players: how to keep your emotions in check and stay present, no matter what happens on the ice. Using relatable examples and practical advice, they explore how a few seconds of frustration—or celebration—can derail your performance if you let it. Learn why “being a goldfish” and practicing emotional awareness are key skills for hockey players and athletes alike. 

Whether you’re scoring big or bouncing back from a mistake, this episode will teach you how to stay focused, control your mindset, and keep improving every shift.

Tune in to hear why we believe in you—and why you should too!
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Key Takeaways:

1.The “12-Second Rule”: Don’t let a few seconds of frustration or excitement dictate your entire game.

2.Be a Goldfish: Let go of mistakes and move on quickly—just like the best players and goalies do.

3.Balance Good and Bad Moments: Celebrate or process emotions briefly, then refocus on the game.

4.Practice Emotional Awareness: This teachable skill can be honed both on and off the ice.

5.Staying Present: Whether it’s during a game, at school, or with family, the key to improvement lies in emotional awareness and mindfulness.
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Practical Tips for Players:

•After a mistake or success, take 15-30 seconds to acknowledge it, feel your emotions, and let it go.

•Review game film with a focus on learning, not reliving mistakes or getting stuck on highlights.

•Practice emotional control in everyday life to build resilience on the ice
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#HockeyMindset #RideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Special Offseason pricing: $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase - http://nhl.sensearena.com/OKPH

Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!

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In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, we’re joined by none other than Cherie Piper—a three-time Olympic gold medalist and the Senior Manager of Scouting and Player Development for Hockey Canada. Fresh off another gold medal win at the U18 Women’s World Championship, Cherie shares her journey to becoming one of hockey’s most accomplished athletes.

Together with hosts Lee MJ Elias, Sheri Hudspeth, and Mike Bonelli, Cherie dives deep into what it takes to succeed in high-performance hockey, both on and off the ice. Highlights include:

•The Pathway to Playing for Team Canada: Cherie breaks down how young players can get noticed, starting with provincial programs and the importance of staying consistent.

•The Role of Parents and Coaches: Insightful advice on fostering a supportive, high-performance mindset from a young age.

•Hockey IQ and Leadership: Why being skilled isn’t enough—Cherie shares what separates great players from good ones, including hockey sense, work ethic, and positive body language.

•Behind the Scenes at U18 Worlds: Cherie gives an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of coaching at the international level and preparing athletes for the pressures of competition.

•Her Love for the Game: Cherie reflects on her career, the mentors who shaped her, and her passion for helping the next generation of players thrive.

Cherie also discusses why “pressure is a privilege” and how her team helps athletes navigate social media, mental performance, and the emotional rollercoaster of competitive hockey. This episode is packed with actionable insights for players, parents, and coaches alike.

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🎧 Loved this episode? Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more hockey families.

#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyCanada #CheriePiper #U18Worlds #HockeyPodcast #YouthHockey #GirlsHockey

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Special Offseason pricing: $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase - http://nhl.sensearena.com/OKPH

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In this thought-provoking episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns dive into the controversial world of youth hockey rankings with special guests Ken Ruoff and Jean Linscott, authors of What Is the Goal? The Truth About the Youth Sports Industry. Together, they tackle the tough questions surrounding the impact of rankings, the emphasis on winning over development, and the broader effects of the “youth sports industry” on families and players.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

•The Problem with Rankings: How rankings prioritize “win-now” over long-term development and why this system needs a shift.

•Burnout & Injuries: The alarming statistics on overuse injuries and why 70% of youth athletes quit sports by age 13.

•The Role of Parents & Coaches: Red flags to watch for in youth organizations and how to make choices that prioritize development and fun over prestige.

•Reimagining Success: Why redefining winning as growth, learning, and team bonding can create better experiences for players and families.

Ken and Jean also discuss how their experiences as parents and their research into the billion-dollar youth sports industry inspired their no-nonsense guide for families navigating the chaotic world of youth hockey.

🎧 Tune in to gain actionable insights on creating a healthier, more enjoyable youth sports environment for players and families alike.

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#YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #YouthSports #OurKidsPlayHockey #WhatIsTheGoal

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0:00 Intro

1:07 Rankings in youth sports: Stress vs trajectory

6:56 Migrating college practices to youth sports

15:26 Astonishing youth sports statistics revealed

22:54 Redefining winning in youth sports

31:05 Non-nonsense book on youth sports

37:15 Pro-youth sports stance with critical lens

44:12 Red flags in youth sports organizations

50:03 Closing thoughts and contact information

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Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. Special Offseason pricing: $299 for the year—less than a dollar a day, and up to four profiles. Use code OKPH to save an extra $25 off your purchase - http://nhl.sensearena.com/OKPH

Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!

Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!

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