🔥 Ever wondered how people really get jobs in hockey? Today’s episode pulls back the curtain on an industry filled with far more opportunities — and far more good people — than most families ever realize.

Nick Bowins, founder of Working in Hockey, joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to reveal how thousands of passionate players, parents, graduates, and lifelong fans are finding careers in the game. From analytics to marketing, from game ops to coaching, Nick’s message is simple: there is a place for everyone in hockey.

Whether your young athlete is dreaming of their future or you want to stay connected to the sport after your playing days, this conversation will open your eyes to the real pathways forward. 🚀

⭐ In This Episode:

• 🌟 Why getting your first opportunity matters more than where it is
• 🎯 The most common — and most overlooked — hockey jobs available right now
• 🧊 How players’ skills (leadership, teamwork, resilience) translate directly to real careers
• 🤝 Networking vs. socializing: the major difference no one talks about
• 📈 How high school and youth programs can help kids build non-playing hockey skills
• 🔄 Why patience + relentless pursuit of experience beats “years required” on job postings
• 🧩 The reality of working in hockey: long nights, low pay… and incredible purpose
• 🎤 The surprising paths that led today’s pros, execs, and staff into the game

Nick also shares stories from his wildly successful newsletter and platform — including the 100+ people who’ve landed hockey jobs directly through his work.

If you or your child loves this game, this episode is a roadmap to staying in it for life. 🏒❤️

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Kids (and Parents!) Can Build Real Careers in Hockey — Insights from Nick Bowins of Working in Hockey

👉 Have a topic for the show? Email us at Team@OurKidsPlayHockey.com

#hockeyjobs #workinginhockey #youthhockey #hockeyparents #sportsbiz #hockeylife #OurKidsPlayHockey #hockeycareer #hockeycommunity #hockeydevelopment

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🎧 Want to become a better hockey player before you even step onto the ice? Today’s Ride to the Rink is a special one — because cognitive performance coach Satoshi Takano joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share simple, game-changing ways kids can think faster, scan better, and make smarter decisions on the ice.

Young players often focus on chasing the puck or scoring the goal… but what about the other 95–98% of the game when the puck isn’t on your stick? Satoshi breaks it all down in a way kids can immediately use the next time they skate.

Here’s what we cover:
✨ SPDM: See → Process → Decide → Move — the model that shapes hockey IQ
🧠 Why putting the phone down and playing visual “pattern games” helps train your brain
🏒 How to use pre-scanning to avoid mistakes (and even prevent injuries!)
🚗 Fun thinking drills to try in the car, driveway, or garage
📱 How tools like the SwitchedOn app build decision-making skills at home
🔥 Why obsession — not perfection — is the secret ingredient of elite players

Whether you’re a beginner or dreaming of the NHL one day, this short conversation gives kids REAL tools to build better habits and a sharper hockey mind.

If you liked this quick episode, go check out our full conversation with Satoshi — it’s packed with deeper insights every young athlete should hear.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Young Players Can Train Their Hockey Brain: Insights from Cognitive Coach Satoshi Takano

👊 Kids — whatever part of your hockey journey you're on, we believe in you. Keep working!

#YouthHockey #HockeyIQ #CognitiveTraining #HockeyParents #HockeyKids #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyMindset #OurKidsPlayHockey #RideToTheRink #SatoshiTakano

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Welcome to this week’s Wraparound Roundtable, where the game meets grit and grassroots passion. We’re joined by Will Stephens — founder of Trailer Park Sports Network — a one‑man media machine operating out of a trailer in North Alabama, with a mission to grow hockey (and other under‑the‑radar sports) in nontraditional markets.

Once a skeptic, Will became a fan of the game after witnessing the intensity of the 4 Nations Face-Off — and that moment flipped a switch. Since then, he’s used roller hockey, street‑hockey scrimmages, commentary, and social content to build community where ice rinks are rare.

In this episode we dive into:

• How a southern upbringing and a chance view of the 4 Nations Face‑Off ignited Will’s love for hockey
• Why he believes street and roller hockey are the keys to growing the game in the South
• The founding story behind Trailer Park Sports Network and how one man can start a movement
• The challenges and surprises of being a hockey voice outside traditional markets
• His bigger goal: shining a spotlight on athletes and sports that mainstream media often ignores

If you believe hockey belongs everywhere — not just in cold‑weather cities — this episode is for you.

As always: remember to head over to hockeywraparound.com, hit the Roundtable button, and enter for this week’s prize pack: Green Biscuit + Puckaround, plus Will’s bonus: a Hockey Wraparound.

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This week on The Wraparound Roundtable, we’re honored to welcome Katie Cummings — a women’s hockey forward whose journey from a non‑traditional hockey market in Nashville all the way to collegiate ice proves that passion and perseverance break barriers.

From starting hockey at age 12 as one of just a few girls in her area, to logging basement stick‑handling hours to catch up — Katie opens up about what it truly takes to chase the dream when the odds aren’t stacked in your favor. She also talks about discovering a deeper mission: giving visibility to women’s hockey, creating representation for girls who never saw someone like them in the game, and using her platform to inspire others.

📲 We dive into:

• Her late start and relentless dedication — how she balanced basement drills, travel hockey, and stick handling to make college hockey.
• What it was like growing up a female player in a city with limited ice access — and how her love for the sport kept her driven.
• The moment she decided to share her hockey journey on social media, and how the reaction helped her realise there was a hole to fill: female hockey representation.
• Stories from her followers — including one fan who reached out after moving to Nashville, picked up hockey because of Katie, and ended up on the ice herself.
• The bigger picture: why she believes visibility and authenticity matter more than follower counts.

If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to chase hockey from an unlikely place — or how a simple social‑media post can spark inspiration in someone else — this episode with Katie Cummings will hit you right in the heart.

🎁 As always: don’t forget to head to hockeywraparound.com, hit the Roundtable button, and enter this week’s giveaway — a Green Biscuit + Puckaround, plus Katie’s bonus: a Hockey Wraparound.

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.

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🎧 Ever wonder what it actually looks like when a pro athlete is chasing an Olympic roster spot? In this new Ride To The Rink episode, Lee Elias checks back in with Team USA forward and PWHL Montreal star Hayley Scamurra — and a lot has happened since her last update.

From moving cities twice, to training with Team USA, to preparing for the Rivalry Series, to staying grounded while chasing her Olympic dream… Hayley opens up about the realities behind the scenes — the excitement, the pressure, the travel, the emotions, and the gratitude that keeps her centered through it all.

🔹 Inside this episode:

• Hayley’s move to Montreal and her first weeks training with PWHL Montreal
• How she balances family time with the demands of a professional season
• What it feels like to be named to the 2024–25 Rivalry Series roster
• The mindset needed when nothing — not even the Olympics — is guaranteed
• How she reconnects with her younger self to stay inspired
• Why “just be you” might be the most important lesson for every athlete

🌟 A message every young player needs to hear:

Hayley shares what she’s learned about pressure, identity, joy, and playing free — and why the grind is something you should embrace, not fear.

Stick around until the end for a powerful reminder from Lee and Hayley about believing in yourself, owning your journey, and loving the work.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Living the Dream & Embracing the Grind — Hayley Scamurra’s Journey to 2026

🎙️ This is Part 2 of our ongoing mini-series with Hayley — and Part 3 is coming after she hits the ice for Team USA and PWHL Montreal. Stay tuned!

#HayleyScamurra #TeamUSA #PWHL #WomenHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyMindset #OlympicJourney #GirlsHockey #RideToTheRink

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NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.

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🧠 What if the biggest advantage your young hockey player could gain… wasn’t on their stick, but in their mind?

This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we dive deep into one of the most misunderstood and under-trained parts of the game: Hockey IQ — the ability to read, decide, anticipate, and act faster than the play itself.

And joining us is one of the world’s leading innovators in cognitive performance for athletes: Satoshi Takano, founder of ReactForge Cognitive Performance Institute and the creator behind the groundbreaking video platform ReactView. From a 200-square-foot basement to a 12,000-square-foot facility training over 1,500 athletes, Satoshi’s journey is as remarkable as the results he helps players achieve.

Together, we unpack:

• 🧩 What Hockey IQ actually is (and why 95% of the game happens WITHOUT the puck)
• 🎯 How players can train decision-making, scanning, and situational awareness
• 🧒 When parents should start thinking about cognitive development — and the signs your child may benefit
• 🚦 Why some kids take off when parents simply “say less”
• 🤖 How AI and video annotation tools like ReactView are transforming coaching forever
• ⚡ Why training faster than the game is the secret to slowing the game down for young players

Satoshi also shares stories from the early days — when he trained his son alone in the garage, hauling strange equipment into the rink while other parents stared — and how those experiments shaped the system helping NHLers today.

Whether you’re a coach trying to teach smarter hockey, a parent navigating development choices, or a player wanting to understand the game on a deeper level… this episode will change the way you see the sport.

🎧 Hit play — and get ready to rethink everything you thought you knew about Hockey IQ.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Cognitive Training Builds Smarter Hockey Players: Insights from Satoshi Takano

Follow Satoshi: @ReactForge / @reactviewapp

#HockeyIQ #YouthHockey #CognitiveTraining #ReactForge #HockeyParents #PlayerDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyCoaching #SituationalAwareness #HockeyMindset

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NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.

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🧼 Hockey kids… we love you. But some of you stink.
And today, we’re tackling a topic every parent is cheering for and every young player needs to hear: HYGIENE. Don’t panic. Don’t turn us off. This one’s going to help you stay healthy, stay in the lineup, and yes… stop clearing the bench with your gear odor.

In this Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike break down why taking care of your body isn’t just a “parent rule” — it’s a hockey advantage. From brushing your teeth to washing your gear to actually showering after games (yes, kids… we said shower), these small daily habits make a big difference.

🚿 In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why poor hygiene keeps kids out of the lineup
• The real reason your gear smells like it’s plotting an escape
• Toothaches, sickness, and the pain you don’t want as a hockey player
• What older and pro players do to stay clean and healthy
• How showing up well-kept translates to confidence and life skills
• The simple five habits every young player should master

🙌 Parents — this is the episode you've been waiting for.
Kids — we believe in you. And trust us… your teammates will thank you.

➡️ Take a minute to listen together on your way to the rink, and start building the habits that make better hockey players — and healthier humans.

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NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.

Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now at hockey.sensearena.com/OKPH

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This week on The Wraparound Roundtable, we sit down with Ryan Beckmann — father, coach, mental health advocate, and founder of The Last Save and Ultimate Goalie Showdown — to explore how hockey became the pathway for his recovery and his mission to help others heal.

From ICU hospital visits to launching nationwide events with NHL players, Ryan shares how pain shaped his purpose — and how he’s using the sport to support families and individuals battling mental health and addiction.

📌 In this episode:

• Turning personal struggle into a mission of service
• The life-saving impact of small gestures from the hockey community
• Why authenticity, not virality, drives lasting content
• What today’s kids and creators need to hear about purpose and passion
• How The Last Save is bridging gaps for families in crisis
• Behind-the-scenes of Ryan’s goalie showdown with Eddie Lack and how it sparked a movement

🎁 GIVEAWAY:

This week’s prize:

🏒 Green Biscuit™ + Puckaround™ + Goalie Wraparound™ (Ryan’s pick!)

🧊 2 episodes per week = 2 chances to win

🎄 10 total episodes = 10 shots at the massive grand prize (yes, there’s a Sparx machine in there)

🎯 Enter now at HockeyNeverStops.com – hit the Roundtable button!

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.

Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now at hockey.sensearena.com/OKPH

Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!

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