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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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
• LinkedIn: Our Kids Play Hockey
• 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.”

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