Shows
Our Kids Play HockeyDo Early Hockey Stars Stay Ahead?đ Is your young hockey star destined for greatness, or are they just an early bloomer?In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli tackle the complex world of youth hockey development. From extra ice time advantages to the emergence of late bloomers, they explore the factors that shape a player's journey from novice to potential pro.đĽ Highlights Include:The surprising truth about early physical advantages in youth hockey đŞWhy dominating the ice might not always be the best path to success đĽ
How to break...2025-07-2641 min
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride to The Rink - Mistakes Not To Make This The Summerâď¸ Are you making the most of your summerâor 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 makeâand 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.đ Key Takeaways:Why less hockey can actually reignite your passion for the gameHow off...2025-07-1016 minOur Kids Play HockeyThe Top 5 Mistakes Hockey Parents Make In The Summer (And How to Avoid Them)Are you making these 5 summer hockey mistakes with your kids? đâď¸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 summerâand how to avoid them before they derail your childâs 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.đĽ Highlights Include:How too many camps...2025-07-0547 min
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride to the Rink - Winning Strategies for Youth Hockey Players with the Bruins' Kevin NeeldAre you fueling your game with the right habits? đ Discover how sleep and nutrition can transform your performance on the ice! Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Christie Casciano team up with NHL performance coach Kevin Neeld to share essential advice for young athletes. From the importance of a good night's sleep to making healthy foods more appealing, this episode of "Ride to the Rink" is packed with insights to help you excel.Key Points:Sleep's Role in Performance: Learn why a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for energy and skill rete...2025-03-2012 min
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride To The Rink: Feel Good, Play Good: Mastering Your Hockey EquipmentAre you ready to elevate your hockey game by practicing like a pro? đ This week's "Ride to the Rink" dives into the essentials of equipment usage and safety gear, ensuring young players and their parents are well-prepared for both practice and play. Christie Casciano, Lee MJ Elias, and Mike Bonelli share invaluable insights on selecting, experimenting with, and maintaining hockey gearâespecially neck guardsâto maximize comfort and safety.Key Points to Explore:Neck Guard Necessity: Discover why wearing neck guards during practice is crucial for safety.Equipment Experimentation: Learn...2025-03-0611 min
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride to The Rink - Wearing the Logo with PrideWhat does it take to become a great hockey playerâand a great teammate? In this episode of The Ride to the Rink episode, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli are joined by Matt Dumouchelle, author of the Hockey Factories series. Matt has traveled the world studying elite hockey programs, and he shares invaluable lessons for youth players about the importance of having fun, being a good teammate, and embracing the journey of the game.From celebrating the little moments on the ice to the lasting impact of team pride, Matt offers advice for...2025-02-0610 minOur Kids Play HockeyRethinking Rankings in Youth HockeyIn this thought-provoking episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns dive into the controversial world of youth hockey rankings with special guests Ken Ruoff and Jean Linscott, authors of What Is the Goal? The Truth About the Youth Sports Industry. Together, they tackle the tough questions surrounding the impact of rankings, the emphasis on winning over development, and the broader effects of the âyouth sports industryâ on families and players.đĄ Key Topics Covered:â˘The Problem with Rankings: How rankings prioritize âwin-nowâ over long-term development and why this syst...2025-01-1852 min
Grieving Out Loud: A Mother Coping with Loss in the Opioid EpidemicTV Anchors step up with naloxone training to fight the opioid crisisAward-winning journalists Iris St. Meran and Christie Casciano bring Syracuse, New York's biggest stories to light, covering everything from government decisions to crime. This year, however, they encountered a crisis they couldnât simply cover from the newsroom.After repeatedly hearing overdose calls on the police scanner, they felt compelled to act. In addition to anchoring a special hour-long segment on the opioid crisis, the duo took their commitment a step further by completing naloxone training. Now equipped with the life-saving skills to administer Narcan, theyâre ready to help someone in the grip of an overdose.2025-01-1523 min
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride To The Rink - Resetting Your Hockey Routine After Winter BreakAre you ready to jump back into the swing of things after a long winter break?In this episode of "Ride to the Rink," hosts Christie Casciano-Burns, Lee MJ Elias, and Mike Bonelli provide essential guidance for young hockey players and their parents as they transition back into their routines after a long winter break. The discussion centers on the importance of re-establishing daily habits that can help young athletes manage their time effectively and reduce stress. By focusing on creating structured schedules, the hosts offer practical advice on how to balance school, practice, and personal time...2025-01-0211 minOur Kids Play Hockey2024: Our Kids Play Hockey Year in ReviewJoin Lee Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli to celebrate all things "Our Kids Play Hockey" from 2024.Reflecting on the past year, we share insights into the podcast's impressive growth, and how we've ranked in the top 10% on Buzzsprout, and reached listeners in 77 countries. This episode also highlights the top episodes that have captivated the audience, from youth hockey journeys to inspiring interviews with NHL personalities. The hosts share their personal favorites, offering a glimpse into the stories and conversations that we believe resonated most with our listeners.Looking ahead to 2025, we also tease exciting...2024-12-2842 minOur Kids Play HockeyRetired NHLer Jason Podollan on Hockey and Personal GrowthWhat role does mindset play in the journey from youth hockey to the professional leagues? In this episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," hosts Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli sit down with former NHL player Jason Podollan to explore this crucial question. Jason shares his personal experiences, from watching the Vancouver Canucks as a child to winning a provincial championship at 13, and how these moments shaped his path. The conversation highlights the significance of mental fitness as a competitive edge, distinguishing it from mental health, and how adopting a growth min...2024-12-141h 24
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride To The Rink - Is Prep School For Me with Shattuck St. Mary's Girls Head Hockey Coach & Olympic Gold Medalist Brianna DeckerAre you on the path to prep school? This episode of "The Ride To The Rink" explores the critical decisions and skills that shape a successful hockey career. From preparing for prep school hockey to mastering self-advocacy, our hosts provide valuable insights for both players and parents. Discover how surrounding yourself with better players can elevate your game, and gain wisdom from Olympic gold medalist Brianna Decker's unique coaching philosophy. Whether you're considering a hockey-focused prep school or one with diverse sports options, this episode offers guidance to help you make informed choices.2024-12-0508 min
Our Kids Play HockeyNotes From A Youth Hockey ElderEver wondered how to stay calm and enjoy your child's hockey games without the stress? Join Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns as they share invaluable insights on managing anxiety as a hockey parent. Through personal stories and practical advice, they explore the journey from being a nervous wreck to finding peace at the rink. Learn how to support your young athlete, understand the importance of letting kids learn from failure, and discover the power of unconditional love and praise. This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the highs and lows of youth hockey.2024-09-2853 min
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride To The Rink - Christie's Perfect Youth Hockey Road Trip PlanEver wondered how to turn a long car ride into an unforgettable adventure? Hockey mom Christie Casciano shares her insights on making road trips to out-of-town tournaments a memorable experience for kids and parents alike. She emphasizes the importance of completing schoolwork before hitting the road, allowing for a stress-free journey. Christie suggests engaging in fun activities like I Spy and word games to keep the ride lively and interactive. She also highlights the value of bonding with teammates and friends during these trips, encouraging meaningful conversations and shared memories. With Christie's tips, road trips become more than just...2024-09-1904 min
Our Kids Play HockeyOur Girls Play Hockey - A Guide To Girls College Hockey Recruiting with Boston University Women's Ice Hockey Team Assistant Coach Megan MyersDive into our essential guide to college hockey recruiting with hosts Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, Christie Casciano Burns, and Sheri Hudspeth in this episode of "Our Girls Play Hockey." Joined by Megan Myers, assistant coach for the Boston University women's ice hockey team, the discussion covers everything from the ideal age to start thinking about college hockey to crafting the perfect email to catch a coach's attention. Megan shares her expertise on navigating NCAA rules, the importance of balancing academics and athletics, and the value of both official and unofficial visits. This episode is a must-listen for players...2024-09-1051 min
Our Kids Play HockeyOur Girls Play Hockey - Debunking 5 Myths About Womenâs Hockey with Hannah BeckmanIn this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, we dive deep into five common myths about womenâs hockey with our expert guest, Hannah Beckman. Hannah, a skater for the Puerto Rican National Ice Hockey Team and recent graduate from Utica University, where she served as Director of Operations for their NCAA womenâs program, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation.Together, we discuss and debunk the myths that have long surrounded womenâs hockey, shedding light on the realities of the game and how itâs evolving. From the false notion that womenâs...2024-08-271h 21
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride To The Rink - Chasing Your Hockey Dreams With Megan BozekIn this episode of The Ride To The Rink, we sit down with Olympian and professional hockey player Megan Bozek to discuss the power of having dreams and the journey it takes to achieve them. Megan shares her personal story, from dreaming of playing college hockey to representing her country on the Olympic stage. She offers valuable advice for young athletes about the importance of setting goals, the reality of facing setbacks, and the lessons learned along the way.Megan emphasizes that while not all dreams are guaranteed, the process of striving toward them shapes you into...2024-08-2007 min
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride To The Rink - 7-Time Stanley Cup Champion and NHL Hall Of Famer Bryan TrottierWelcome back, hockey skaters and goalies! On this special edition of The Ride to the Rink, we are honored to have a true hockey legend joining usâNHL Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier. As one of the top 100 NHL players of all time, Bryan has an impressive resume with seven Stanley Cups under his beltâsix as a player and one as a coach. Today, he shares valuable insights on the importance of being resourceful in your training and how overcoming challenges can lead to success.Key Takeaways:â˘Resourcefulness Over Resources: Bryan...2024-08-1508 min
Our Kids Play HockeyOur Girls Play Hockey - How Long Should Girls Play Boys' Hockey with USA Hockey Olympian Megan BozekIn this insightful episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Sheri Hudspeth are joined by hockey legend Megan Bozek to tackle a question many parents and young female athletes face: âHow long should girls play boysâ hockey?âMegan, a decorated Team USA member and Olympic medalist, shares her personal journey from playing boysâ hockey until the 8th grade to making the switch to girlsâ hockey. She delves into the challenges and benefits of both environments, offering invaluable advice for parents and players navigating this crucial decision.The episode covers essential topics suc...2024-08-131h 03
Our Kids Play HockeySeven-Time Stanley Cup Champion and NHL Hall Of Famer Bryan TrottierIn this inspiring episode of âOur Kids Play Hockey,â hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli sit down with NHL legend & Hall of Famer Bryan Trottier. With seven Stanley Cups to his nameâsix as a player and one as a coachâTrottier shares his journey from a small town in Saskatchewan to the pinnacle of hockey success. He opens up about his commitment to honoring his First Nation heritage and the vital work he does to grow the game in Indigenous communities across Canada.Trottier discusses the resilience and pride of these communities, the role hockey plays in build...2024-08-101h 16
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride to The Rink - Navigating New Teams: Tips for Kids Joining a Hockey Team for the First TimeIn this episode of âThe Ride to the Rink,â hosts Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns provide invaluable advice for kids who are either joining a new hockey team for the first time or welcoming new teammates. The hosts discuss common anxieties, how to make a positive first impression, and the importance of teamwork both on and off the ice. This episode is packed with practical tips to help young players navigate new team dynamics with confidence and ease.Key Topics:Joining a New Team:Addressing common anxieties about being the new kid.Tips for making a po...2024-08-0109 min
Our Kids Play HockeyOur Girls Play Hockey - How to Start a Girlsâ Hockey Program feat. Katelyn Parker of the Seattle KrakenWelcome to the premiere episode of âOur Girls Play Hockey,â a new series within the âOur Kids Play Hockeyâ podcast network. In this episode, hosts Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Sheri Hudspeth from the Vegas Golden Knights, dive into the intricacies of starting a girlsâ youth hockey program. Our expert guest, Katelyn Parker, shares her invaluable insights and experiences.Starting a Girlsâ Hockey Program:â˘Importance of having passionate leaders.â˘Initial steps: Contacting district representatives and understanding rules and regulations.â˘Grassroots approach: Building a sustainable program by starting at the lower levels and c...2024-07-301h 07
Our Kids Play HockeyBreaking the Ice: Navigating New Teams and Making Connections in Youth HockeyIn this episode of âOur Kids Play Hockey,â hosts Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns discuss the challenges and opportunities that come with being the new kid or new family on a hockey team. Whether youâve switched clubs, moved to a new town, or joined a different hockey team for any reason, this episode offers valuable tips on how to integrate smoothly, make new friends, and create a positive environment. With Mike Bonelli on assignment in Norway, Lee and Christie share personal stories, practical advice, and actionable strategies to help both kids and parents navigate this transition with confid...2024-07-2737 min
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride to the Rink: Building Habits for Success: Insights from Luke CroucherShow Notes:In this episode of âThe Ride to the Rink,â host Lee Elias is joined by Division 3 hockey player and online influencer Luke Croucher. Currently playing for Neumann University, Luke shares his journey from Canada to Philadelphia and dives into the importance of building habits for success in hockey and life. They discuss how small, consistent actions can lead to significant improvements and the mental fortitude required to maintain these habits. Luke provides practical tips on creating productive routines, overcoming obstacles, and maintaining motivation.Key Topics:Introduction to Luke Croucher:Background as a...2024-07-2511 min
Our Kids Play HockeyLuke Croucherâs Path to Inspiring the Next Generation of Hockey PlayersShow Notes:In this engaging episode of âOur Kids Play Hockey,â hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli welcome Luke Croucher, a Division III hockey player from Neumann University with a passion for motivating, inspiring, and educating young hockey players. Luke shares his unique hockey journey from Ancaster, Ontario, to college hockey near Philadelphia, highlighting the importance of perseverance, hard work, and capturing life lessons. This episode dives into overcoming challenges, the significance of Division III hockey, and Lukeâs role as a social media influencer for the youth hockey community.Key Topics:Luke C...2024-07-2051 min
Our Kids Play HockeyUSA Hockey Rule Changes 2024 - 2025 SeasonWelcome back, hockey friends and families! This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli dive into the crucial rule changes coming to USA Hockey for the 2024-25 season. From mandatory neck guards to SafeSport certification for 18U players and updated locker room policies, we cover everything you need to know to ensure a smooth start to the season. Tune in for practical advice, thoughtful discussion, and insights on how these changes will impact players, coaches, and parents alike.Key Points:1.Mandatory Neck Guards:2024-07-1346 min
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride To The Rink - Unleashing Your Inner Leader: A Special Message from The NHLâs Kim DavisIn this inspiring episode of âThe Ride to the Rink,â we are joined by, Kim Davis, an extremely high-ranking official at the NHL and a global influencer in the world of hockey. Kim shares a powerful message directly aimed at young hockey players about the importance of courage and leadership in shaping the future of the sport and society.Join us as Kim emphasizes the vital role that todayâs youth play in driving positive change, both on and off the ice. She discusses the importance of standing up for what you believe in, being a continuous learne...2024-07-1105 min
Our Kids Play HockeyNHL Senior Executive VP Kim Davis on Revolutionizing Youth Hockey Inclusivity & DevelopmentOn this week's episode of âOur Kids Play Hockey,â Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli sit down with Kim Davis, the Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives, and Legislative Affairs for the National Hockey League.Kim Davis is a transformative figure in hockey, working tirelessly to promote inclusivity and growth within the sport. In this episode, Kim shares her insights on the importance of youth hockey, the vital role of inclusivity, and how hockey can be a powerful tool for societal change.Highlights:â˘The Influence of Youth Hockey: Kim...2024-07-061h 06
Our Kids Play Hockey3 Signs Of Burnout And The Steps To Avoid ItIn this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli tackle a critical topic for hockey parents and coaches alike: burnout. Is your young athlete losing their passion for the game? Are they showing signs of exhaustion and lack of enthusiasm? Today, we delve into the three main signs of burnout in youth hockey players and provide actionable steps you can take to help them recover their love for the sport.Episode Highlights:1.How To Identify Burnout2.Personal Experiences3.2024-06-291h 10
Our Kids Play HockeyBuilding America's Biggest Youth Hockey League with NIHL President Bob ApterOn this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns are joined by Bob Apter, President of the Northern Illinois Hockey League (NIHL), the largest youth hockey league in the United States. Bob shares his journey from a passionate young player to the leader of a league with over 50 organizations and 300 teams. Discover how NIHLâs innovative approach to competitive balance, community involvement, and partnerships with major teams like the Chicago Blackhawks has fostered incredible growth and success.Bob also provides valuable insights on how parents can make inf...2024-06-2255 min
Our Kids Play HockeyOur Kids Play Goalie: Goalie Development and Coaching Insights with Coach Brian DaccordIn this week's episode of âOur Kids Play Goalie,â Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli sit down with Brian Daccord, goaltending coach for Boston University. Brianâs illustrious career includes coaching stints with the Boston Bruins, Arizona Coyotes, and Toronto Maple Leafs, as well as winning a German championship in 2015. He is also the founder of Stop It Goaltending and the Director of Goaltending Development at Sense Arena. Brian shares his wealth of knowledge and personal experiences, including insights from his books âHockey Goaltendingâ and âHow to Be a Goalie Parent,â and stories about his son Joey Daccord, a starting goaltender for...2024-06-151h 21
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride to the Rink: Advocating for Yourself with Coach Jenna TrubianoIn this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," hosts Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli are joined by Jenna Trubiano, head coach of the University of Michigan Womenâs ACHA Division I hockey team. Jenna shares invaluable advice for young hockey players and their parents about the importance of advocating for yourself and communicating effectively with coaches.Key Topics Covered:Self-Advocacy: Jenna emphasizes the significance of young athletes learning to advocate for themselves and how it impacts their development.Communication Skills: Practical tips on how to...2024-06-1319 min
Our Kids Play HockeyLeading The University of Michigan Women's Ice Hockey Team To New Heights with Head Coach Jenna TrubianoIn this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," hosts Lee Elias, Christy Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli welcome Jenna Trubiano, head coach of the University of Michigan Womenâs ACHA Division I hockey team. Jenna shares her inspiring journey from a late-start youth player to leading one of the most promising women's club hockey programs in the country.Key Topics Covered:Jenna's Hockey Journey: Discover how Jenna went from learning to skate at age nine to becoming the head coach at her alma mater, the University of Michigan.Challenges and Triumphs:...2024-06-081h 03
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride To The Rink - What To Do When Hockey HurtsIn this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink, hockey mom Christie Casciano Burns opens up about the emotional and physical toll of hockey injuries. Sharing her personal experience with her 12U son's wrist fracture during a Niagara Falls tournament, Christie highlights the challenges of dealing with injuries far from home. The episode emphasizes the importance of not playing through pain, especially when dealing with head injuries, and encourages young athletes to prioritize their health for a quicker return to the game they love.Key Takeaways:The emotional impact of sports injuries on...2024-05-3003 min
Our Kids Play HockeyDave Caruso's Journey from Non-Traditional Roots to Hockey LeadershipOn this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" we chat with Dave Caruso, former Ohio State University goaltender and professional player, now the Senior Director of Hockey Programming for the Columbus Blue Jackets. From growing up in non-traditional hockey markets to coaching in the New Jersey Devils organization and contributing to the U.S. Youth Olympic team's recent gold medal success, Dave shares his unique insights and experiences that span across playing, coaching, and administration in hockey.Episode Highlights:Introduction and Background:Introduction of Dave, detailing his journey from a youth...2024-05-251h 11
Our Kids Play HockeyThe Ride to the Rink: NHL VP of Hockey Ops Sean Ellis on Handling Emotions and Respect in HockeyIn this episode of The Ride To The Rink, we're thrilled to have Sean Ellis, Vice President of Hockey Operations for the NHL, join us. Sean works in the NHLâs Situation Room in Toronto, making crucial calls during games that can turn the tide of play.Sean shares invaluable advice for young hockey players on how to respond to calls on the ice. He discusses the importance of managing emotions, whether it's a good call or a bad one, and how to use those feelings to fuel your performance positively. Sean emphasizes personal accountability, re...2024-05-2314 min