What the Puck Do We Do? – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Détails du podcast

Informations techniques et générales issues du flux RSS du podcast.

What the Puck Do We Do?

Danielle and Mike McDonough

Sport

Fréquence : 1 épisode/5j. Total Éps: 13

What the PUCK Do We DO?! is a podcast for parents navigating youth hockey — especially those new to the rink or unsure where to start.

Why is it so cold in here? Why are they playing across the ice? How does all this gear actually go on — and why are there so many kinds of tape?!

If you’ve found yourself asking questions like these, you’re not alone. Youth hockey can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re new to it and everyone else seems to know what’s going on.

Hosted by Danielle and Mike McDonough, the show blends decades of hockey experience (playing, coaching, and now parenting) with real-life conversations about what families actually face — from getting started on the ice, to gear and logistics, to understanding the game and navigating hockey culture. We’re also parents ourselves, juggling real life, busy schedules, and kids, and we bring that perspective into every conversation.

This podcast isn’t about rushing development or creating elite athletes. It’s about helping parents support their kids in a way that keeps hockey fun, healthy, and sustainable — without unnecessary pressure or overwhelm.

Whether you’re brand new to hockey or just trying to figure out what comes next, this show is here to make the journey feel a little less confusing — and a lot more manageable.

Lire plusRéduire

Site

RSS

Apple

Données mises à jour le 20/09/2026

Classements récents

Dernières positions dans les classements Apple Podcasts et Spotify.

Apple Podcasts

🇩🇪 Allemagne - Hockey
20/09/2026
#76

Spotify

Aucun classement récent disponible

Liens partagés entre épisodes et podcasts

Liens présents dans les descriptions d'épisodes et autres podcasts les utilisant également.

https://www.ocppt.com/starter-guide
15 partages
https://www.ocppt.com/
12 partages

https://www.instagram.com/danielle__mcdonough
12 partages

Qualité et score du flux RSS

Évaluation technique de la qualité et de la structure du flux RSS.

Qualité du flux RSS

À améliorer

Score global : 53%

Historique des publications

Répartition mensuelle des publications d'épisodes au fil des années.

Year

Derniers épisodes publiés

Liste des épisodes récents, avec titres, durées et descriptions.

What Actually Makes Kids Better at Hockey

mercredi 22 avril 2026 • Durée 28:11

If you've been wondering whether your kid needs more practices, more private lessons, or more teams to actually get better at hockey — this episode might surprise you. Danielle and Mike get real about what actually drives development in young players, and the answer has a lot more to do with fun, passion, and unstructured play than it does with a packed schedule. From shooting pucks in the garage to setting up cones in the backyard without being asked, they share stories from their own childhoods that paint a pretty clear picture of how kids genuinely improve.

They also talk about the science behind it — including age-appropriate practice guidelines that most parents have never heard of — and why kids under 10 probably shouldn't be doing more than one structured practice a week. There's also a powerful story about a player who didn't pick up a hockey stick until age 13 and went on to earn a college scholarship, proof that early specialization isn't the only path forward.

This one's a good gut check for any parent who's starting to feel the pressure to do more, sign up for more, or push harder. Sometimes the best thing you can do is get out of the way, hand them a stick, and let them have fun.

Covered in This Episode:

Fun is the foundation — when kids are genuinely enjoying the game, self-motivation follows naturally; you'll notice them practicing on their own without being asked
Unstructured play matters more than you think — street hockey, rollerblading, knee hockey, and backyard games all build real skills without a coach or a drill sheet in sight
Age-appropriate practice guidelines — research suggests kids under 10 should have no more than 60 minutes of structured practice per week; overloading young players leads to burnout fast
Skating is the one thing parents say they wish they'd prioritized sooner — survey responses from real hockey families pointed to skating as the most overlooked piece of early development
Playing multiple sports builds better athletes — cross-training develops coordination, different muscle groups, and mental resilience, and keeps the passion for any one sport alive longer

We’d Love to Hear From You

Have a question you’d like answered on the show?

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

Free Resource

If you’re looking for a simple place to start, download our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes here:

👉 https://www.ocppt.com/starter-guide

Connect With Danielle

For more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:

Instagram: @Danielle__McDonough

Website: www.ocppt.com

Book: The Empowered Athlete

Lire plusRéduire

The Culture of Youth Hockey (And the Stuff No One Tells You)

mercredi 15 avril 2026 • Durée 33:35

If you've spent any time around youth hockey, you've probably noticed that navigating the system can feel more complicated than the sport itself. In this episode, Danielle and Mike McDonough pull back the curtain on youth hockey culture — the good, the frustrating, and everything in between. From pre-tryout skates that function as unofficial tryouts, to coaches who favor the kids they privately train, they break it all down in a way that's honest, warm, and genuinely helpful for parents who are still finding their footing.

One of the biggest themes this episode? Playing time — and why every kid deserves to be on the ice. Danielle and Mike share real stories about coaches shortening the bench, families spending thousands of dollars only to watch their child sit out entire games, and the very real toll that has on young players' confidence and love of the sport. Their message is clear: development and fun have to come first, no matter the level.

But it's not all frustration — they also remind us why the hockey community can be so special, and share some encouraging signs that the culture may be starting to shift. Whether you're brand new to hockey or a few seasons in and feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you feel more grounded, more informed, and a lot less alone.

What We Covered:

How tryout season works in youth hockey, including the rise of "pre-tryout skates" that often function as extended, unofficial evaluations — and why that can put newer families at a disadvantage
The growing business side of youth sports and how private coaching relationships can influence which kids get playing time, sometimes regardless of skill level
Why every child deserves ice time — and the real developmental and emotional consequences when coaches don't play everyone, especially at younger ages
How to research coaches the same way you'd research a teacher or pediatrician, and what red flags to watch for when choosing a team or program
A reminder that less than 1% of youth athletes earn a college scholarship, and why keeping things fun and pressure-free is the approach most likely to serve your child long-term

The Hockey Parent Survival Guide

mercredi 8 avril 2026 • Durée 26:37

There are a few things every hockey parent learns quickly: your schedule revolves around ice time, your car starts to smell like gear, and you spend a lot more time at the rink than you ever expected. In this episode, we talk through the real-life side of youth hockey — the everyday experiences no one really warns you about, but every parent ends up navigating.

From early morning practices to late-night ice slots, from freezing rinks to packing (and unpacking) gear, we walk through what this lifestyle actually looks like. We also share personal stories from our own playing and parenting experiences to help you feel more prepared for what’s ahead.

More importantly, we talk about how parents can support their athlete beyond logistics — especially when it comes to building independence, confidence, and self-reflection. Because while youth hockey can feel overwhelming at times, it also creates meaningful moments, lasting memories, and opportunities for growth for both athletes and families.

What We Covered

What to expect as a hockey parent (cold rinks, busy schedules, “rink life” realities)
Managing unpredictable practice times, travel, and family routines
The importance of airing out and organizing hockey equipment
Locker room dynamics, safety, and the role of parent supervision
Helping athletes build self-reflection skills instead of relying on constant external feedback

We’d Love to Hear From You

Have a question you’d like answered on the show?

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

Free Resource

If you’re looking for a simple place to start, download our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes :

House Versus Travel Hockey: Understanding the Youth Hockey Pathway

mercredi 1 avril 2026 • Durée 25:33

If you've ever heard someone throw around terms like "house hockey," "travel team," or "club" and had absolutely no idea what they meant — this episode is for you.

Danielle and Mike McDonough break down the youth hockey pathway from the very beginning, walking you through rec league (also called in-house or house hockey), into club travel hockey, and all the steps in between. Whether your kid just laced up for the first time or you're starting to wonder what comes next, this one will help you feel a whole lot less lost.

5 Things Covered in This Episode

Youth hockey levels explained — from learn-to-skate and rec/in-house hockey all the way through club travel teams, including how age groups have shifted from the old "mites/squirts/peewees" system to birth-year groupings
Girls' hockey pathways — how the girls' route (like the Lady Ducks' Futures program) can look different from the co-ed youth path, including longer season lengths that may surprise younger families
The real cost of travel hockey — ice time, uniforms, tournament fees, flights, hotels, and meals all add up fast; Danielle and Mike break down what to expect so you're not blindsided
Time commitment and burnout — why keeping kids in multiple sports for as long as possible matters, and how to think about the travel hockey schedule before making the leap
The importance of skating fundamentals — why skating is the foundation everything else is built on, and why it's worth continuing to develop even as kids advance through levels

We’d Love to Hear From You

Have a question you’d like answered on the show?

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

Free Resource

If you’re looking for a simple place to start, download our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes here:

Skates & Sharpening: Why Your Kid Suddenly Looks Worse

mercredi 25 mars 2026 • Durée 39:08

In this episode, Danielle and Mike tackle one of the most confusing parts of getting started in youth hockey: skates and sharpening. If your child looked great on the ice one week and suddenly seems to be slipping, falling, or struggling to stop the next, we’re explaining why. We’re breaking down what skate sharpening actually does, why skate edges matter so much, and how something as small as a nick in the blade can change the way your child moves on the ice.

If skate sharpening has ever felt intimidating or overly technical, this episode is here to make it feel much more manageable. By the end, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how skates work and feel more confident knowing what to look for when your young hockey player seems off on the ice.

What We Cover

Why skate sharpening matters and how dull or nicked blades can affect balance, stopping, turning, and overall skating
The difference between inside edges, outside edges, and the hollow of a skate blade
What parents can say when getting skates sharpened, including why a standard hollow is usually just fine for beginners
How to tell if skates may be too dull or too sharp, and why newly sharpened skates can sometimes make stopping harder
Simple skate care tips, including using skate guards, avoiding walking on cement, drying blades, and taking guards off when airing gear out

We’d Love to Hear From You

Have a question you’d like answered on the show?

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

Free Resource

If you’re looking for a simple place to start, download our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes here:

👉 https://www.ocppt.com/starter-guide

Connect With Danielle

For more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:

When Adults Lose Control at Youth Sports Games

mercredi 18 mars 2026 • Durée 10:17

In this episode, Danielle shares a powerful story from her son’s recent 8U soccer game that quickly spiraled out of control when adults on the sidelines began arguing and the game was ultimately canceled. What began as a normal Saturday morning youth sports game turned into a moment that revealed how quickly the emotional environment of a game can shift when adults lose control.

Using this real-life example, Danielle explores how sideline behavior impacts young athletes more than many people realize. Kids are constantly observing the emotional tone around them, and the way adults react to conflict, pressure, and competition becomes part of the culture they absorb. When adults escalate situations, argue with coaches, or react aggressively to plays on the field, it can change how safe and supported kids feel while playing.

Danielle also introduces a simple tool she calls the Sideline Reset, a quick way for parents to regulate their own emotions before reacting in heated moments. This episode is a reminder that youth sports are about more than wins and losses — they’re environments where kids are learning how to compete, handle pressure, and treat others. When adults stay calm and regulated, it helps keep the game focused on the kids where it belongs.

What We Cover in This Episode

A real story from an 8U youth soccer game that was canceled after adults began arguing on the sidelines
Why referees help regulate the emotional environment of youth sports games
How kids absorb and mirror the emotional behavior they see from adults during competition
Why emotionally safe environments are critical for young athletes to learn and enjoy sports
A simple “Sideline Reset” tool parents can use to calm themselves before reacting during games

We’d Love to Hear From You

Have a question you’d like answered on the show?

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

Free Resource Section

Understanding the Game: Positions, Faceoffs, and What’s Actually Happening Out There

mercredi 11 mars 2026 • Durée 32:33

Ever find yourself sitting in the stands wondering what’s actually happening on the ice?

In this episode, we break down the basics of hockey positions, how shifts work, what faceoffs are, and what coaches are really yelling from the bench. If you never played hockey — or you’re just trying to understand it better — this episode gives you a clear, beginner-friendly framework.

You don’t need to be an expert to support your player. But understanding the game can make the experience more enjoyable and less intimidating.

What We Cover

Basic hockey positions (forwards, defense, goalie)
How shifts and line changes work
Cross-ice vs full-ice hockey
Faceoffs and where players line up
Common hockey terms parents hear from the bench

We’d Love to Hear From You

Have a question about something you’ve seen at the rink?

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

Free Resource

Download our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes here:

Connect With Danielle

For more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:

Instagram: @Danielle__McDonough

Website: www.ocppt.com

Book: The Empowered Athlete

BONUS: Historic USA Gold — Olympic Hockey Overtime, Power Plays & Key Moments Explained

vendredi 27 février 2026 • Durée 50:55

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 hockey
What a power play and penalty kill really mean
How a 4-minute double minor works (yes — including the lost tooth moment)
Why goalies can freeze the puck
Key momentum shifts like Brody’s goal and Hellebuyck’s save

If you watched and thought, “Wait… what just happened?” — this one’s for you.

Send your hockey questions to: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

Free Resource

Download our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes here.

Connect With Danielle

For more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:

Instagram: @Danielle__McDonough

Website: www.ocppt.com

Book: The Empowered Athlete

Lire plusRéduire

Locker Rooms, Safety, and Early Practices: What No One Explains About Youth Hockey

vendredi 27 février 2026 • Durée 30:57

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 Cover

How kids get dressed (and how long it really takes)
Beginner locker room expectations
Helmet fit and mouthguard basics
Hair, glasses, and comfort adjustments
What early practices typically look like

We’d Love to Hear From You

Navigating early practices and have questions?

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

Free Resource

Download our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes here.

Connect With Danielle

For more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:

Instagram: @Danielle__McDonough

Website: www.ocppt.com

Book: The Empowered Athlete

Hockey Gear for Beginners: What You Need, What You Don’t, and How to Get Them Dressed

vendredi 27 février 2026 • Durée 50:21

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 Cover

Why 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 matters
Neck guards: what’s required now and how to think about it without spiraling
Shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, pants, and shin guards — what they are and where they go
How 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 lefty
Tape 101: clear tape for shin pads + simple sock solutions
Step-by-step “getting dressed” order (bottom half → top half) to make it easier at the rink

We’d Love to Hear From You

Confused about gear or equipment?

Send your questions to: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

Free Resource

Podcasts Similaires Basées sur le Contenu

Découvrez des podcasts liées à What the Puck Do We Do?. Explorez des podcasts avec des thèmes, sujets, et formats similaires. Ces similarités sont calculées grâce à des données tangibles, pas d'extrapolations !

À propos Méthodologie Contact Me soutenir Politique de confidentialité Mentions légales

What the Puck Do We Do? – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Détails du podcast

Classements récents

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Liens partagés entre épisodes et podcasts

Other2

Instagram1

Qualité et score du flux RSS

Historique des publications

Derniers épisodes publiés

Podcasts et contenus similaires

Podcasts Similaires Basées sur le Contenu

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

Other2

Instagram1

Podcasts Similaires Basées sur le Contenu