Our Kids Play Hockey

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 high

Our Kids Play Hockey is a sports podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 565 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Our Kids Play Hockey, a sports show with 565 episodes published.

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  Episode #561

  Skate Sharpening 101 with Sparx Hockey Founder & CEO Russ Layton

  Aug 19, 20261h 6mS1

  Your player knows their stick flex, curve, and favorite tape job—but do they know what’s happening underneath their skates? Skate sharpening may be one of the most overlooked parts of youth hockey, yet the condition of a player’s edges can directly affect their confidence, turning, stopping, acceleration, and overall feel on the ice. In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey , Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano-Burns welcome Russ Layton, Founder & CEO of Sparx Hockey , for a deep dive into everything hockey families need to understand about skate sharpening. And one of the biggest lessons might surprise you: there is no magic number of hours between sharpenings. Russ explains why an edge can be lost before a player even touches the ice, how parents can recognize a damaged edge, what “hollow” actually means, and why consistency matters much more than simply waiting until skates “feel dull.” In this episode, you’ll learn: Why skate edges usually don’t gradually dull the way many parents think How to perform the simple “fingernail test” on a skate blade ⚙️ What skate hollow means and how it affects grip vs. glide Why 1/2" may be a starting point—but not necessarily the perfect hollow for every player How flatter hollows can reduce resistance while deeper hollows create more bite Why younger players may not recognize when they’ve lost an edge How removable steel has changed tournament preparation Why carrying multiple sharpened sets of steel can save a hockey weekend How player preference, skating style, position, strength, and body size can affect sharpening choices ❄️ How ice conditions can change how a player's edges feel Why drying blades, removing footbeds, and properly storing skates matters Why reliable, consistent edges should come before expensive equipment upgrades How at-home skate sharpening can change convenience and consistency for hockey families Perhaps most importantly, Russ and the crew remind parents that skate sharpening isn’t a shortcut to becoming a better player. Kids still have to learn how to skate. But giving them dependable edges provides the foundation they need to actually use the skills they’re developing. Whether your child is just learning to skate, traveling every weekend for tournaments, playing goalie, or beginning to experiment with different hollows and steel, this conversation will help your family make much more informed decisions about one of hockey’s most important pieces of equipment. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Are Your Kid’s Skates Holding Them Back? What Hockey Families Need to Know About Skate Sharpening Listen now, check those edges, and make sure your player isn't stepping onto the ice with their most important performance tool working against them. Have a hockey question for the crew? Reach out to Our Kids Play Hockey and keep the conversation going. #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #SkateSharpening #SparxHockey #HockeySkates #HockeyEquipment #HockeyTips #YouthHockeyParents #HockeyDevelopment Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.SenseArena.com/okph 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

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  Episode #560

  Our Girls Play Hockey: Why Rest Can Make You a Better Hockey Player

  Aug 17, 20261h 3mS1

  What if one of the best things a young hockey player can do for her game is… step away from it? In a sport where players constantly hear messages about working harder, training more, and never taking a day off, knowing when to rest, reset, and simply be a kid can feel almost counterintuitive. In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey , Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Olympic gold medalist and Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra explore the best things they’ve done away from the rink—and why those experiences may have helped them just as much as another practice ever could. Hayley shares memories of summers at the lake, playing soccer and tennis, spending time with family, puzzling, hiking, and learning throughout her career that it really is okay to rest . She also explains how she now balances elite-level offseason training with travel, relationships, recovery, and the flexibility required when life changes the plan. And yes… there’s also a middle-school dance story involving hockey practice and hands that still smelled like hockey gloves. ✨ In this episode, we discuss: Why mentally disconnecting from hockey can actually help athletes come back more motivated The difference between taking a random day off and intentionally planning recovery How some of Hayley’s favorite childhood memories had nothing to do with hockey ⚽ Why other sports, hobbies, friendships, and free play matter for young athletes How elite athletes build routines without becoming prisoners of their schedules Why adaptability is a critical skill when training plans change How strong habits allow athletes to take a break without fearing they’ll “lose everything” ‍‍ Why parents should think carefully before turning every free moment into another development opportunity The importance of letting kids play outside simply because it’s fun ❤️ Why who you are away from hockey matters more than any trophy, title, or stat One of the biggest messages from Hayley is one every young player should hear: Not everything you do has to make you better at your sport. Sometimes you should do something simply because you enjoy it. For hockey parents, this episode is an important reminder that development isn’t just about accumulating ice time. Your daughter is developing when she makes friends, learns another sport, spends time outside, reads a book, explores a hobby, rests her body, or discovers something she loves that has absolutely nothing to do with hockey. And sometimes stepping away is exactly what allows a player to realize just how much she misses the game. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Why Time Away From Hockey Can Help Girls Become Better Athletes—and Happier People Listen together with your player and ask this question afterward: What’s something you love doing that has nothing to do with hockey? Because great hockey players need recovery—but great people also need room to discover who they are beyond the rink. #OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #WomensHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyDevelopment #AthleteRecovery #YouthSports #HockeyMindset #HayleyScamurra Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.SenseArena.com/okph 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

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  Episode #559

  The Ride to the Rink: What Your Hockey Team Manager Really Does

  Aug 14, 20267 minS1

  Ever wonder who makes sure your tournaments are booked, your hotel is ready, your ice time is scheduled, and your team actually knows where it needs to be? There’s a good chance your team manager had something to do with it. On this episode of The Ride to the Rink , Lee, Mike, Christie, and special guest **Christine—an experienced youth hockey team manager who has managed multiple high-level teams—**take young players behind the scenes of one of the most important jobs on a hockey team. And kids, your manager does a lot more than send schedules to your parents. From booking hotels and tournaments to organizing meals, team bonding, practices, music, and even the occasional knee-hockey opportunity, managers spend countless hours trying to give players the best season possible. In this ride, you’ll hear: What a youth hockey team manager actually does Why players should feel comfortable bringing ideas to their manager How players can help shape team traditions, music, and off-ice fun When a manager can be another trusted adult to talk to ⏰ Why the early game time or imperfect hotel probably isn’t your manager’s fault How a simple “thank you” can mean more than players realize ⚡ The story behind Christine’s unforgettable Thunderstruck team entrance Christine also shares an important reminder: your season won’t always be perfect. Sometimes schedules, tournament times, hotels, and other details are outside your manager’s control. Behind the scenes, though, they’re usually working hard to make things better for every player and family. So the next time you see your team manager at the rink, don’t just walk past them. Say hello. Share an idea. Ask a question. And every once in a while, tell them thank you. Because being a great hockey player isn’t only about how you treat your teammates and coaches. It’s also about respecting the people who make it possible for your team to have an amazing season. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Unsung Hero of Your Hockey Season: Why Your Team Manager Matters Wherever you are on your hockey journey, we believe in you. You should, too. This episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena. #TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyKids #HockeyParents #YouthHockeyPlayers #HockeyTeamManager #HockeyLife #HockeyTeam #YouthSports #HockeyFamily #Teamwork #Sportsmanship Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.SenseArena.com/okph 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

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  Episode #558

  The Team Manager Playbook: Christine O’Brien on Communication, Travel & Team Culture

  Aug 12, 20261h 7mS1

  What happens when you’re “voluntold” to become the team manager—and suddenly an entire hockey season feels like it’s resting on your shoulders? Every successful youth hockey team has players, coaches, and supportive parents. But behind the scenes, there’s often one person keeping the schedules organized, hotels booked, families informed, problems solved, and team culture moving in the right direction: the team manager . In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey , Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli are joined by Christine O’Brien , who recently managed the Connecticut Junior Rangers at the BRICK Tournament and brings firsthand experience managing the countless details that go into creating a great youth hockey experience. And as Christine explains, great team management is about much more than sending emails and booking hotel rooms. In this episode, you’ll hear about: How managers can organize schedules, travel, hotels, tournaments, and constant last-minute changes Why trust between the manager and coaching staff is essential How to communicate effectively without overwhelming families Why the best managers delegate instead of trying to do everything themselves What Christine learned managing at the high-pressure BRICK Tournament ‍‍‍ How team meals, activities, and simple off-ice moments can create stronger relationships Why managers need to remain conscious of the different financial realities within a team How to avoid becoming the middleman for parent complaints about coaching decisions Why protecting the coaches’ ability to coach is one of a manager’s most valuable contributions ❤️ How managers can help make sure kids are still allowed to be kids , even in highly competitive hockey environments Christine also shares practical ideas for delegating jobs like timekeeping, music, team parties, swag, reservations, and other responsibilities that can quickly overwhelm one person. Whether you’re already managing a team, considering raising your hand, or staring at your phone wondering why the coach just asked you to do it, this conversation is packed with practical advice for making the season more organized, inclusive, and enjoyable. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Unsung MVP of Youth Hockey: What Great Team Managers Do Differently Listen now—and if your team has an incredible manager, send them this episode and make sure they know how much their work matters. Because great managers don’t just keep a team organized. They help create the experience families and players remember long after the season ends. #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #TeamManager #YouthHockeyManager #HockeyCoach #HockeyFamily #YouthSports #HockeyCulture #BRICKTournament Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.SenseArena.com/okph 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

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  Episode #557

  Our Girls Play Hockey: What Makes a Great Hockey Practice? Chris Howard of Ice Hockey Systems Shares

  Aug 10, 202657 minS1

  What separates a practice that simply fills an hour from one that actually makes players better? Great practices don’t happen by accident. They’re intentional, connected to the game, and designed around what players truly need to improve. On this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey , Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Olympic gold medalist Hayley Scamurra are joined by Chris Howard of Ice Hockey Systems for a deep dive into what makes hockey practices effective—from youth hockey all the way to the professional level. Chris shares how coaches can move beyond simply collecting drills and instead build practices around clear objectives, meaningful competition, player development, and connection to real game situations. And this conversation isn’t just for coaches. Players will learn how to become more intentional with every repetition. Parents will hear what they should actually be watching for from the stands. And coaches will walk away with practical ideas for maximizing every precious minute of ice time. In this episode, we discuss: Why every practice should begin with a clear objective Why two or three teaching points may be more effective than trying to fix everything at once How great coaches build progressions instead of constantly chasing new drills ⚡ Why starting practice with competition can immediately increase engagement How drills should connect skills and decisions to real game situations The role of small-area games, constraints, repetition, and “controlled chaos” Why coaches should arrive prepared—but still be willing to change the plan How assistant coaches can help maximize teaching and player connection How players can make every repetition different and practice with greater intention Why creating an environment where players are comfortable failing can accelerate development What parents should actually look for when evaluating a practice ❤️ Why a player’s excitement to go to the rink may tell you more than anything you see from the stands ️ How Ice Hockey Systems helps coaches organize practices, share drills, use video, and continue their own coaching education One of the biggest takeaways? A drill isn’t valuable simply because it looks good. It’s valuable when it connects to what players need in the game. Whether you’re coaching a girls hockey team, supporting your daughter from the stands, or trying to become a more intentional player yourself, this episode will change the way you think about practice. Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How to Build Better Hockey Practices: Chris Howard of Ice Hockey Systems on Player Development Listen now, share it with the coaches and hockey families in your community, and ask yourself: Are we simply running drills—or are we developing hockey players? Have a question or want to continue the conversation? Reach the Our Kids Play Hockey team at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com . #OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyPractice #HockeyCoaching #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyParents #WomensHockey #IceHockeySystems #HockeySkills #YouthSports Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team! Keep your player sharp this summer with NHL Sense Arena. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at hockey.SenseArena.com/okph 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

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