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Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey

By: Our Kids Play Hockey
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Our Kids Play Hockey is a podcast that focuses on youth hockey, offering insights, stories, and interviews from the hockey community. It provides valuable advice for parents, coaches, and players, covering various aspects of the game, including skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and creating a positive experience for young athletes. The show frequently features guests who share their expertise and personal experiences in youth hockey, both on and off the ice.


The show features three hockey parents, who all work in the game at high levels:

  • Christie Casciano-Burns - USA Hockey Columnist, Author, and WSYR Anchor
  • Mike Bonelli - USA Hockey Coach and Organizational Consultant
  • Lee M.J. Elias - Hockey Entrepreneur, Author, and Team Strategist


In addition to the main podcast, there are several spin-off series that dive into specific aspects of youth hockey:


1.Our Girls Play Hockey – This series highlights the growing presence of girls in hockey, addressing the unique challenges they face while celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport. Each episode of Our Girls Play Hockey is also hosted by Sheri Hudspeth who is the Director, Youth Hockey Programs and Fan Development for the Vegas Golden Knights.


2.The Ride to The Rink – A shorter, motivational series designed to be listened to on the way to the rink, offering quick, inspirational tips and advice to help players and parents get into the right mindset before a game or practice.


3.Our Kids Play Goalie – This series is dedicated to young goalies and the unique challenges they face. It provides advice for players, parents, and coaches on how to support and develop young goaltenders, focusing on the mental and physical demands of the position.


Together, these shows provide a comprehensive platform for parents, players, and coaches involved in youth hockey, offering insights for all aspects of the sport, from parenting, playing, or coaching to specialized positions like goaltending.

© 2025 Our Kids Play Hockey Hockey
Episodes
  • Building a Hockey Town: Howard Dolgon on the Syracuse Crunch, Community, and Chasing the Dream

    Building a Hockey Town: Howard Dolgon on the Syracuse Crunch, Community, and Chasing the Dream
    May 24 2025

    What does it take to build a hockey franchise from the ground up—and keep it thriving for 30+ years? In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re joined by Howard “Howie” Dolgon, the founder, owner, and president of the Syracuse Crunch, AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

    From growing up on the streets of Brooklyn to hosting the first outdoor AHL game in history, Howie shares his incredible journey and the lessons he’s learned about perseverance, community, and building something bigger than yourself. We cover:

    • ✅ How he brought pro hockey to Syracuse after four teams had failed
    • ✅ Why the Crunch became a model of success—and a family for so many players
    • ✅ What makes an impactful coach at every level of the game
    • ✅ The powerful community culture surrounding the Crunch—and how it all starts with giving back
    • ✅ Stories of NHL stars like Yanni Gourde and Jon Cooper that began in Syracuse

    Whether you’re a parent, coach, or just love the game, this episode is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at how one team—and one leader—can change an entire community.

    🎧 Listen now and share with the hockey people in your life!

    Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

    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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    1 hr and 16 mins
  • The Ride to the Rink: World Champion Caroline Harvey on Habits That Build Champions

    The Ride to the Rink: World Champion Caroline Harvey on Habits That Build Champions
    May 22 2025

    Team USA gold medalist and NCAA champion Caroline Harvey joins us for a special Ride to the Rink episode—and she’s talking directly to young players chasing big goals.

    Whether you dream of playing high school, college, or even Olympic hockey, this quick conversation is packed with the kind of advice that helps you take the next step in your game.

    🏒 In this episode:

    • ✅ Why small, daily habits matter more than highlight-reel moments
    • ✅ What Caroline still does every day to improve her game
    • ✅ The balance between having fun and putting in the work
    • ✅ How muscle memory helps you stay confident on the ice
    • ✅ Why practice is just as important as game day

    This one’s short, powerful, and meant to be played on the way to your next skate.

    💬 “Whatever your goals are, you can achieve them—if you’re consistent, focused, and having fun along the way.”

    Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

    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!

    Follow Us On Social Media:

    • Facebook Group
    • X
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    Show More Show Less
    6 mins
  • Our Girls Play Hockey - NCAA and World Champion Caroline Harvey on Playing With the Boys and Dominating With the Girls

    Our Girls Play Hockey - NCAA and World Champion Caroline Harvey on Playing With the Boys and Dominating With the Girls
    May 17 2025

    Fresh off a national championship with Wisconsin and a gold medal at the 2025 Women’s World Championship, Caroline Harvey joins Lee, Sheri, and Mike for a powerful conversation about her rise through the hockey world—and what it really takes to make it.

    From playing boys’ hockey in New Hampshire to becoming the best defenseman on the planet, Caroline (aka “KK”) shares the real behind-the-scenes work that led to her success. She opens up about what helped her stay driven, how to handle nerves before the biggest games of your life, and why the daily grind is the most important part of any athlete’s journey.

    🏒 Topics include:

    • ✅ How Caroline knew she wanted to play D1 hockey—at age 12
    • ✅ The importance of choosing hockey for yourself—not your parents
    • ✅ The transition from boys to girls hockey—and why both mattered
    • ✅ Team USA vs. Canada: inside the gold medal rivalry
    • ✅ What today’s youth players need to know about commitment, failure, and goals
    • ✅ Why representation, mentorship, and giving back matter now more than ever

    Whether you’re a young player with big dreams or a parent navigating the development path, this episode is filled with honesty, inspiration, and elite-level wisdom from one of the best in the world.

    💬 “If you have goals in mind and you set your mind to it… you can achieve it if you put in the work—consistently, every day.” —Caroline Harvey

    Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

    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!

    Follow Us On Social Media:

    • Facebook Group
    • X
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    Show More Show Less
    46 mins

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