Our Kids Play Hockey

What makes a truly great teammate? It's not just about scoring goals or making big plays—it's about how you treat the people around you.In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, PWHL stars Taylor Heise and Hayley Scamurra share powerful stories about what it means to be the kind of teammate that others never forget. From offering encouragement and building confidence to accepting challenges and learning from mistakes, they remind us that being a great teammate is about character, respect, and care for others.Taylor talks about the importance of surrounding yourself with people who lift you up and challenge you, while Hayley reflects on how different influences (both tough love and warm support) helped shape her into the player and person she is today.What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why the best teammates aren't always the most skilledHow encouragement and honesty both make teams strongerThe balance between surrounding yourself with cheerleaders and challengersWhy confidence in others is just as important as confidence in yourselfThe simple ways you can make a teammate's day—on or off the iceNo matter your age or skill level, this episode is a reminder: you don't need hockey skills to be a great teammate—you just need to care.

It's easy to get caught up in hockey and start thinking the sport defines who you are. But in this episode of The Ride to the Rink, two PWHL stars—Taylor Heise and Hayley Scamurra—share why you're always more than just a hockey player.They open up about the roles and hobbies that keep them grounded: being sisters, daughters, and aunts… baking, puzzles, pickleball, family time, and even online shopping. Both remind us that while hockey is important, it can't be the only thing that defines you.Parents—this one's for you too. Taylor and Hayley share wisdom on how you can support your child's hockey journey without making their performance their entire identity. The most powerful words you can say? “I love you no matter what.”What You'll Learn in This Episode:Why it's vital to build an identity beyond hockeyHow hobbies and passions outside the rink make you a better person (and player)Advice for parents on setting healthy expectations for their kidsThe importance of attitude, effort, and being a great teammate over statsHow pros like Taylor & Hayley find balance in their busy livesWhether you're a young player dreaming big or a parent navigating the hockey grind, this episode is a reminder that hockey is something you do—not who you are.

How do you balance Olympic dreams, pro hockey pressure, and still find joy in the game?

Ready to discover how champions are made—even when the path isn't perfect?

Ready to unlock your hockey potential?

Ready to unlock the secrets of hockey success?

Ready to level up your hockey game—and your life?

Can your child be a star on the ice and in the classroom?

Ready to unlock the secret to consistent performance in hockey?

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of a pro hockey player's journey?

Ready to level up your hockey game?

Is your child's love for hockey fading?

Every great hockey season starts with one thing: team chemistry. But how do you actually build it? After two decades of leading team-building sessions for coaches, athletes, and organizations worldwide, Lee has distilled his best strategies, drills, and real-world lessons—both the wins and the hard-learned mistakes—into The Ultimate Team Building Course for Coaches. In this special micro-episode, he shares why team bonding isn't just “nice to have,” why the start of the season is the prime time to build it, and how this new online course can give you an entire season's worth of tools to strengthen trust, communication, leadership, and accountability on your team.If you've ever asked, “How can I get my players to truly work together?”—this is your playbook.

Are you ready to unlock the secrets of successful hockey parenting?

☀️ 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.

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

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.

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.

“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.

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.

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee shares a step-by-step guide for skaters and goalies to get the most out of any skills clinic—whether you're focused on skating, shooting, passing, or defense. His practical tips will help players, parents, and coaches turn every clinic into a lasting opportunity for growth.

Are hockey skills clinics worth your time and money?

Private lessons can be a great way to grow your game—but only if you approach them the right way.In this Ride to the Rink, Lee shares advice directly with young players on how to make private coaching sessions truly valuable. From asking the right questions to tracking your progress off the ice, this episode is all about helping players take ownership of their development and turn every lesson into lasting improvement.

Heads up, hockey families! We recently found out that our email—team@ourkidsplayhockey.com—was down for a while, and we may have missed your messages. The good news? It's back up and running!If you've sent in questions, feedback, show ideas, or just wanted to say hi, please re-send them—we'd love to hear from you. Thanks for your patience and for being such an awesome part of our community.Keep the messages coming—we're always listening!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

Are private hockey lessons worth the investment for your young player?

On this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee shares a simple story that left a big impression—and reminds every young player (and parent) why the way you act off the ice matters just as much as the way you play on it. After a young player was complimented by a stranger for his manners and kindness, Lee and Mike break down what it means to represent your team and your sport in everyday life, and why those little things—like saying “please” and “thank you”—can make a huge difference.A short but meaningful message about respect, accountability, and the kind of character that makes great teammates—and great people.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

In this special mailbag episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike dive into some powerful listener-submitted questions that hit at the heart of today's youth hockey experience—from the overwhelming costs of AAA, to what really matters when choosing a team, to how concussions can change the way young players approach the game.Whether you're a hockey parent struggling with financial decisions, a coach wondering how to build true team culture, or just trying to figure out how to support your child's passion for the game, this episode is packed with insight, honest advice, and real stories from decades in the rink.We also talk about:What to do when your child's motivation changesWhy there's no “one path” in hockey developmentThe real role of team building (spoiler: it's not just pizza parties)And why sometimes the best thing to do… is step back

On this episode of Ride to the Rink, we're joined by a true hockey visionary—Howard Dolgon, founder and longtime owner of the Syracuse Crunch, who turned a dream into a franchise and a franchise into a legacy.Howard reflects on his journey from a tough Brooklyn neighborhood to the New York State and Syracuse Hockey Halls of Fame—a path paved not by luck, but by passion, perseverance, and relentless belief. He opens up about the power of effort over excuses, the importance of chasing your potential, and why he's still dreaming big after 30+ years in the game.This is an episode for the kids with big dreams, the parents who believe in them, and the coaches who help them grow. If you've ever wondered how far love for the game can really take you—this ride is for you.

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 SyracuseWhether 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.

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.

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.

We get asked for advice all the time… but what happens when that advice goes in one ear and out the other?In this episode, Lee and Mike dive into three common pieces of guidance that youth hockey parents frequently seek out—then completely disregard. From multi-sport overload, to the myth of showcases, to chasing teams hours away for more letters, we tackle the realities of what kids really need to develop and thrive in this sport.