Explore every episode of the podcast What the Puck Do We Do?

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.

• 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

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

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

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

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

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.



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

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

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

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

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 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

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

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

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

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

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.

• 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

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

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

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

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

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.

• 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

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

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

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

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

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.

• 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

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

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

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

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

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.

• 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

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

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

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

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

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

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

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

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.

• 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

Navigating early practices and have questions?

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

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

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

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.

• 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

Confused about gear or equipment?

Send your questions to: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

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

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

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 intro to hockey programs typically look like
• The difference between in-house (rec) and travel hockey
• How team placement works at younger ages
• Why development timelines vary
• How to avoid rushing the process

Have a question about choosing the right hockey program?

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

Download our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes to feel more confident navigating youth sports here.

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

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.

• Why public skating is the best first step
• What to wear to your first skating session
• Why skating development matters more than puck skills early on
• Figure skates vs hockey skates at the beginning
• How to think about “starting” without overcommitting

Have a question about getting started in hockey? Something you’re unsure about at the rink?

Email us at: whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com

We may feature your question in a future episode.

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

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 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.

• Parents navigating youth hockey (particularly in the early stages)
• Adults discovering hockey for the first time and wanting to learn more
• Families or individuals who feel like they missed the orientation
• Anyone who wants hockey to feel more understandable and enjoyable

• Clear, beginner-friendly explanations of how hockey works
• Practical guidance on gear, logistics, and rink life
• Help understanding the game — even if you never played
• Honest conversations about hockey culture, pressure, and perspective

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-guide

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!