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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
  • A Complete Guide to the 5 Levels of USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP)
    Jul 12 2025

    🏒 Ever wondered what it takes to become a top-notch youth hockey coach?

    In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli take you on an exhilarating journey through the USA Hockey Coaching Education Program (CEP). From rookie coaches to seasoned veterans, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about the five levels of coaching certification that are shaping the future of American hockey.

    🔥 Highlights Include:

    • The secrets behind USA Hockey's world-class coach education system 🏆
    • How Level 1 turns chaos into fun for 8U players and first-time coaches 🎉
    • Level 3's game-changing approach to teaching hockey's four types of play 🧠
    • The cutting-edge video analysis techniques introduced in Level 4 📹
    • Why Level 5's coaching symposium is the ultimate hockey think tank 🤔

    Whether you're a parent, aspiring coach, or current bench boss, this episode is packed with invaluable insights, practical tips, and inspiring stories that will elevate your understanding of youth hockey development.

    🎧 Tune in now and discover how USA Hockey is revolutionizing coaching education—one level at a time!

    📚 Want to learn more? Visit USAHockey.com for additional resources and certification information.

    👉 Want to go even deeper? Check out our blog, “What Does USA Hockey Teach Its Coaches?” for a full breakdown of each CEP level and how they’re shaping the next generation of great coaches.

    💬 Got questions? Share your thoughts with us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.

    #YouthHockey #CoachingEducation #USAHockey #HockeyDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey #CoachingTips

    Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

    🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.

    🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.

    Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒

    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
    43 mins
  • The Ride to The Rink - Mistakes Not To Make This The Summer
    Jul 10 2025

    ☀️ Are you making the most of your summer—or just skating through it?

    In this empowering episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli break down the top five summer mistakes that young hockey players and families make—and how to avoid them. From over-scheduling to mental burnout, the crew shares personal stories and practical advice to help every kid reclaim the magic of summer while still growing as a player.

    🏒 Key Takeaways:

    • Why less hockey can actually reignite your passion for the game
    • How off-ice activities build real on-ice skills
    • The value of “being a kid” and not obsessing over next season
    • Recharging your mindset with rest, play, and perspective
    • How to check in on your mental well-being (and why it matters)

    🎧 Whether you’re driving to another clinic or just tossing a puck in the driveway, this episode is your summer reset button. Don’t miss it!

    💬 Got a topic you want us to cover? Text us using the link in the episode description or email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com!

    #RideToTheRink #YouthHockey #SummerTips #HockeyDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyParenting #MentalWellness

    Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

    🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.

    🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.

    Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒

    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
    16 mins
  • The Top 5 Mistakes Hockey Parents Make In The Summer (And How to Avoid Them)
    Jul 5 2025

    Are you making these 5 summer hockey mistakes with your kids? 🏒☀️

    In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli reveal the top five mistakes hockey parents make during the summer—and how to avoid them before they derail your child’s development or love for the game.

    From packing the schedule with camps to losing sight of what summer is really for, this conversation will shift your mindset and help you make better, more balanced choices during the off-season.

    🔥 Highlights Include:

    • How too many camps can do more harm than good 🧊
    • Why free play and rest are critical for long-term success ⚽🎨
    • The importance of staying flexible and following your child’s energy 🌞
    • How parents unintentionally add pressure—and how to stop 💬
    • Strategies to prioritize emotional wellness without losing momentum 🧠

    Whether your kid’s chasing a dream or just chasing pucks, this episode delivers the perspective and practical tools to make this summer their best one yet—on and off the ice.

    🎧 Tune in now and rethink your approach to summer hockey parenting!

    💬 Have thoughts or questions? Drop us a line at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com

    #SummerHockey #YouthDevelopment #HockeyParenting #OurKidsPlayHockey #BalanceMatters #MentalWellness #OffSeasonStrategy

    Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

    🚨 The Puckaround™ Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.

    🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.

    Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒

    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
    47 mins

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