On this week's episode of “Our Kids Play Hockey,” Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli sit down with Kim Davis, the Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives, and Legislative Affairs for the National Hockey League.

Kim Davis is a transformative figure in hockey, working tirelessly to promote inclusivity and growth within the sport. In this episode, Kim shares her insights on the importance of youth hockey, the vital role of inclusivity, and how hockey can be a powerful tool for societal change.

Highlights:

•The Influence of Youth Hockey: Kim Davis discusses the importance of youth hockey in shaping the future of the sport and the reciprocal impact it has on adults.

•Creating Access and Inclusivity: Explore the initiatives led by Kim and the NHL to make hockey more accessible and inclusive, including the reimagining of street hockey programs.

•Building Community and Breaking Barriers: Hear about the NHL’s efforts to normalize differences, make the game more welcoming, and the importance of intentional outreach to diverse communities.

•The Role of Parents and Coaches: Learn how parents and coaches can become allies in growing the game and fostering an inclusive environment.

•Character Development: The importance of character and leadership in hockey, and how youth programs can instill these values in young players.

•The Future of Women’s Hockey: Kim shares her thoughts on the exciting growth of women’s hockey and its impact on the next generation of players.

Kim’s passion for the game and her dedication to making hockey a more inclusive and welcoming sport is truly inspiring. Whether you’re a parent, coach, player, or fan, this episode is packed with valuable insights on how we can all contribute to the growth and betterment of hockey.

Tune in and be inspired to make a difference in your hockey community!

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NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.

Use Code "HNS-72A36D" at the Meta Quest Store to score 10% off an annual plan!

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Welcome to a special holiday edition of "The Ride To The Rink" with Lee Elias! As we celebrate the 4th of July and reflect on Canada Day, Lee emphasizes the importance of family time during these festive occasions.

In this brief but heartfelt episode, Lee reminds us that:

• Family Time is Precious: Whether it’s family dinners, holidays, or just spending time together, being with your loved ones is invaluable.
• Family Dynamics in Hockey: The way you interact with your family can reflect on how you function within a hockey team. Coaches observe family dynamics when considering players for higher levels.
• Expressing Gratitude: Take a moment to thank your parents, guardians, and loved ones for their support and dedication. A simple acknowledgment can mean the world to them.
• Mindset Matters: Approach holidays and days off with a positive mindset, looking for opportunities to connect and appreciate your family.

Lee encourages all young hockey players to use these holidays to strengthen their family bonds, which in turn, will help them thrive within their hockey families.

Tune in for a quick yet meaningful episode that highlights the essence of family both on and off the ice. Happy 4th of July and Canada Day from "Our Kids Play Hockey"!

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.

Use Code "HNS-72A36D" at the Meta Quest Store to score 10% off an annual plan!

Follow Us On Social Media:

• Facebook Group: Our Kids Play Hockey
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In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli tackle a critical topic for hockey parents and coaches alike: burnout. Is your young athlete losing their passion for the game? Are they showing signs of exhaustion and lack of enthusiasm? Today, we delve into the three main signs of burnout in youth hockey players and provide actionable steps you can take to help them recover their love for the sport.

Episode Highlights:

1.How To Identify Burnout

2.Personal Experiences

3.Preventing Burnout

4.Parental Burnout

5.The Importance of Expanding Interests

Key Takeaways:

•Burnout can manifest in different ways, and it’s crucial to recognize the signs early.

•Open communication with your child about their feelings towards hockey is essential.

•Taking regular breaks from hockey can prevent burnout and reignite passion for the game.

•Encouraging other interests and activities can help your child develop a balanced life.

•Parents also need to be mindful of their own burnout and manage it effectively.

Thank you for joining us for this important discussion. Remember, the goal is to keep hockey fun and enjoyable for everyone involved. If you have any thoughts, questions, or personal experiences to share, please reach out to us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com. We love hearing from our community and are here to support you through your hockey journey!

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.

Use Code "HNS-72A36D" at the Meta Quest Store to score 10% off an annual plan!

Follow Us On Social Media:

• Facebook Group: Our Kids Play Hockey
• X: @OKPHpodcast
• Instagram: @OurKidsPlayHockey
• LinkedIn: Our Kids Play Hockey
• YouTube: Our Kids Play Hockey

In this episode of The Ride to The Rink Mike and Lee dive into the joys and opportunities of summer and spring league hockey. With the summer heat in full swing, it’s time to embrace the fun and freedom these leagues offer, while still focusing on personal growth and development.

In this episode, we discuss:

•The unique, relaxed atmosphere of summer and spring league hockey, with no practices and just one game a week.
•Encouraging kids to try different positions and roles on the ice to develop new skills and perspectives.
•The importance of maintaining good habits and sportsmanship, even in a less formal league setting.
•The value of playing multiple sports during the off-season to give the mind and body a break from hockey.
•How to balance having fun with staying competitive and focused on personal improvement.
•Engaging with new teammates and experiencing different playing styles to become a more well-rounded player.

Mike and Lee also stress the importance of making the most out of these less structured leagues. They remind players to keep their behavior in check and always be mindful of their conduct on and off the ice.

Tune in to discover how to make the most of your summer and spring league hockey experience, and remember, it’s all about having fun and growing as a player and person.

Catch all the episodes of The Ride to The Rink and the full Our Kids Play Hockey episodes at ourkidsplayhockey.com.

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.

Use Code "HNS-72A36D" at the Meta Quest Store to score 10% off an annual plan!

Follow Us On Social Media:

• Facebook Group: Our Kids Play Hockey
• X: @OKPHpodcast
• Instagram: @OurKidsPlayHockey
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• YouTube: Our Kids Play Hockey

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 Chicago Blackhawks has fostered incredible growth and success.

Bob also provides valuable insights on how parents can make informed decisions about their child’s hockey journey, the importance of fair play, and the impact of meaningful game experiences. Plus, learn about the special initiatives NIHL supports, including their collaboration with the Wounded Warriors veterans team.

Key Points:

•Growth and Success of NIHL:

•How NIHL grew from six teams to over 300.

•The league’s commitment to fair play and competitive balance.

•Partnership with the Chicago Blackhawks:

•Promoting youth hockey growth through collaboration with the Blackhawks.

•Creating memorable championship experiences for young players.

•Ensuring Fair Play:

•NIHL’s unique seeding process and its benefits.

•Addressing challenges in maintaining competitive balance.

•Parental Involvement:

•Tips for parents on making informed decisions about league changes.

•Understanding and supporting your child’s hockey needs.

•Communication and Transparency:

•How NIHL maintains open lines of communication with families and clubs.

•The importance of listening to feedback and making adjustments.

•Special Initiatives:

•Involving the Wounded Warriors veterans team and fostering community connections.

•Success stories like Tage Thompson’s journey from NIHL to the NHL.

Quotes:

•“If you like the situation, the coach, the staff, and the rink, there’s no reason to leave ever.”

•“Competitiveness is key. Winning or losing by 10 goals doesn’t help anyone.”

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.

Use Code "HNS-72A36D" at the Meta Quest Store to score 10% off an annual plan!

Follow Us On Social Media:

• Facebook Group: Our Kids Play Hockey
• X: @OKPHpodcast
• Instagram: @OurKidsPlayHockey
• LinkedIn: Our Kids Play Hockey
• YouTube: Our Kids Play Hockey

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, especially for goaltenders.
•The importance of being happy and feeling valued in your team setting.
•How to determine if your current environment is conducive to your growth as a player.
•The impact of a supportive coaching staff and positive team dynamics on player development.
•Encouraging youth players to advocate for themselves and communicate their feelings to their parents.
•Balancing the aspiration to play at higher levels with the need for a nurturing environment.

Mike and Lee also stress the importance of finishing commitments to a team while fostering open conversations between players and parents about their happiness and development.

This episode is a must-listen for young athletes, parents, and coaches alike, aiming to create the best possible experience in youth hockey.

Tune in to learn how the right environment can make all the difference in your hockey journey!

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.

Use Code "HNS-72A36D" at the Meta Quest Store to score 10% off an annual plan!

Follow Us On Social Media:

• Facebook Group: Our Kids Play Hockey
• X: @OKPHpodcast
• Instagram: @OurKidsPlayHockey
• LinkedIn: Our Kids Play Hockey
• YouTube: Our Kids Play Hockey

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 insights from his books “Hockey Goaltending” and “How to Be a Goalie Parent,” and stories about his son Joey Daccord, a starting goaltender for the Seattle Kraken.

Key Topics Covered:

•Goaltending Journey: Brian’s inspiring journey from outdoor rinks in Montreal to coaching at the highest levels of hockey.

•Importance of Self-Advocacy: Encouraging young goaltenders to advocate for themselves and communicate effectively with coaches.

•Innovative Training Techniques: Insights into the development and benefits of Sensorena VR training for goaltenders.

•Goaltending Philosophy: The value of environment over level and the importance of passion and resilience in a goaltender’s career.

•Practical Advice for Parents: Guidance on supporting young goaltenders, including tips on decision-making and communication.

Memorable Quotes:

•“Every shot is a chance to get better. There’s a big difference between reading a release in practice and reading a play in a game with real consequences.” - Brian Daccord

•“We have to practice at a higher level. You can’t practice at the pace of the level you’re playing at. You want to play at a high level, let’s play at a higher pace.” - Brian Daccord

Brian’s expert advice on goaltending offers a comprehensive guide for young athletes and their parents. His emphasis on environment, passion, and innovative training methods like Sense Arena provides valuable insights for goaltenders at all levels. This episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories that will resonate with anyone involved in youth hockey.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Brian Daccord. Subscribe to “Our Kids Play Hockey” on your favorite podcast platform and visit ourkidsplayhockey.com for more episodes and updates.

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.

Use Code "HNS-72A36D" at the Meta Quest Store to score 10% off an annual plan!

Follow Us On Social Media:

• Facebook Group: Our Kids Play Hockey
• X: @OKPHpodcast
• Instagram: @OurKidsPlayHockey
• LinkedIn: Our Kids Play Hockey
• YouTube: Our Kids Play Hockey

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 and how it impacts their development.
• Communication Skills: Practical tips on how to approach coaches with questions and concerns, including the importance of timing and preparation.
• Handling Emotions: Advice on managing emotions before having important conversations, ensuring discussions are productive and constructive.
• Parental Support: The role parents can play in helping their children communicate effectively with coaches, including being present during discussions.

Memorable Quotes:

• "It's a huge skill, something that I see with our college athletes. There's definitely a difference between those who have advocated for themselves before versus those who have not." - Jenna Trubiano
• "Conversations go both ways. If you're going to have a conversation with a coach, you have to be in a position mentally to receive feedback." - Lee Elias
  
  

Jenna Trubiano’s guidance on self-advocacy and effective communication offers young hockey players and their parents valuable lessons that extend beyond the rink. Her insights into handling emotions, preparing for conversations, and the role of parents in supporting their children highlight essential skills for personal and athletic growth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills and foster positive relationships with coaches.

Tune in to this insightful episode with Jenna Trubiano to learn more about the critical skill of self-advocacy in hockey and beyond. Subscribe to "Our Kids Play Hockey" on your favorite podcast platform and visit ourkidsplayhockey.com for more episodes.

We Want To Hear From You - Click Here To Leave Us Fan Mail!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.

Use Code "HNS-72A36D" at the Meta Quest Store to score 10% off an annual plan!

Follow Us On Social Media:

• Facebook Group: Our Kids Play Hockey
• X: @OKPHpodcast
• Instagram: @OurKidsPlayHockey
• LinkedIn: Our Kids Play Hockey
• YouTube: Our Kids Play Hockey