🏒 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

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🚨 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. 🏒

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☀️ 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

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🚨 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. 🏒

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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. 🏒

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In this episode, Lee shares a powerful concept from a conversation with longtime coach and mentor Pete Whitney: the difference between time spent and time invested.

Whether it’s hockey, school, or life off the ice, young athletes are constantly choosing how to use their time—but not all choices pay off the same way.

🧠 Lee breaks down:

• The mindset that separates top performers from the rest
• How to recognize “brain rot” moments vs. productive ones
• Why it’s not just about being busy—but being intentional
• A simple daily reflection to help kids grow on and off the ice

This is one of those episodes that’s short, insightful, and absolutely worth sharing with your hockey player.

📣 Remember: the best athletes invest their time—and you’re worth the investment.

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!

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What does a Hockey Hall of Famer really think youth hockey players need to succeed?

On this special Ride to the Rink, We spotlight key insights from none other than Brianna Decker, fresh off her induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. From elite playing days to coaching the next generation, Decker has seen it all—and her message for young athletes and families is clear.

🏒 Takeaways from the ride:

• Why work ethic is more important than talent
• The underrated power of Hockey IQ
• How competitiveness is a skill you can build
• Why being the best player on the team isn’t always best for development
• What truly sets high-level players apart

This episode is a quick hit of motivation and perspective straight from one of the game’s greatest. Whether you’re a skater, goalie, coach, or parent—this is a ride you’ll want to take.

👂 Listen in, soak it up, and remember: We believe in you. You should too.

#RideToTheRink #BriannaDecker #HockeyHallOfFame #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #HockeyIQ

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!

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“Is my kid where they’re supposed to be?”

It’s one of the most common questions we hear—and this week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike break it all down with a level-headed, age-by-age guide to youth hockey development.

Whether your player is just learning to stand on skates or preparing for juniors, this episode helps you understand what skills are appropriate right now, what’s coming next, and how to support your child’s journey without rushing the process.

🏒 In this episode, we explore:

✅ Benchmarks for each age group—from U6 to U18

✅ How hockey IQ and habits grow alongside physical skills

✅ What to really look for in your child’s development

✅ The role of parents in keeping the game fun and productive

If you’ve ever wondered, “Are we behind?” or “What should we focus on next?”—this episode is for you.

Because in youth hockey, the goal isn’t just skating faster or scoring more. It’s building skills, confidence, and love for the game—step by step.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 Intro
• 5:35 6U hockey: Organized chaos and fun
• 11:50 8U hockey: Skating with purpose
• 18:09 10U hockey: Golden age of learning
• 31:38 12U hockey: Hockey IQ starts here
• 36:37 14U hockey: Strength meets strategy
• 47:43 16U/18U hockey: It's a lifestyle
• 1:01:32 Closing thoughts on youth hockey development

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?

Check out our companion blog: A Parent’s Guide to Youth Hockey Development

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

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🏒 Ready to unlock your hockey potential without breaking the bank?

NHL veteran Matt Moulson joins "The Ride to the Rink" to share game-changing tips for young players looking to level up their skills—no fancy equipment required! From DIY shooting ranges to water balloon target practice, this episode is packed with creative hacks to turn your backyard into a hockey development playground.

But it's not just about drills. Moulson dishes out hard-hitting advice on bouncing back from setbacks, taking charge of your own growth, and squeezing every ounce of wisdom from your coaches. Whether you're a rising star or just starting out, this episode is your playbook for hockey success.

Key Takeaways:

• Transform everyday items into powerful training tools
• Turn team cuts into motivation for improvement
• Embrace creativity in your off-ice training
• Take ownership of your hockey development
• Maximize learning from coaches at all levels

🎯 Highlights:

• Matt's ingenious backyard shooting range setup
• Why being resourceful trumps having resources
• The secret to bouncing back stronger after setbacks
• How to squeeze valuable insights from any coach

Ready to revolutionize your training? Tune in and discover how to become the ultimate self-made player!

💬 Got questions or your own DIY training tips? Share them with us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.

#RideToTheRink #HockeyDevelopment #DIYTraining #YouthHockey #MattMoulson

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!

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What does it really take to beat the odds in hockey—and stay at the top?

In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, former NHL forward Matt Moulson joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share the story behind his incredible 11-season career. From being a 9th round draft pick to wearing a letter in the NHL, Matt’s journey is filled with lessons for players, coaches, and parents alike.

👀 Inside the Episode:

• 🏒 Why work ethic and mindset matter more than early success
• 🧢 The surprising truth about leadership—and how letters can sometimes hold kids back
• 👨‍👧‍👦 What Matt’s learned from coaching his own kids
• 🏆 How to create a team culture that brings out the best in everyone
• 🏀 What hockey players can learn from Kobe Bryant’s mindset

Whether your child is chasing big dreams or just starting out, Matt’s wisdom and down-to-earth advice remind us that development is a marathon, not a sprint.

📚 Bonus: Hear about Matt’s children’s book, Matt Moe’s Grit Pile by Greg Presco—a great read for young athletes learning about character.

💬 Got a takeaway from this episode? Email us anytime at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com

#OurKidsPlayHockey #MattMoulson #HockeyDevelopment #YouthSports #ParentingInSports #Resilience #YouthHockey

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