This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Christie takes over the host seat to ask the big question: what does it really take to be a great coach in youth hockey?

With Mike and Lee in the hot seat, we dive deep into the reality of coaching—far beyond X’s and O’s. From balancing passion and pressure to dealing with criticism, managing parents, and constantly learning, they break down the challenges and rewards that come with the title of “Coach.”

Whether you’re thinking about coaching for the first time or have years behind the bench, this episode is full of candid stories, practical insights, and hard-earned wisdom about what makes a coach successful—not just in wins, but in shaping better athletes and people.

In this episode, we cover:

• 🏒 The unexpected ways coaches get started—and stay in the game
• 📚 Why the best coaches never stop learning
• 🧠 How emotional intelligence and communication are just as important as strategy
• 💬 What coaching parents need to know before signing up
• 💥 Why “passion” isn’t always enough—and what it really takes to commit
• 📋 The role of certifications and what those coaching levels actually mean

From locker room lessons to life skills, this conversation pulls back the curtain on coaching youth hockey in today’s world—and why it’s one of the most challenging, yet meaningful, roles in the sport.

📬 Got questions or thinking about coaching yourself? Drop us a note at [email protected] or connect with us in the Our Kids Play Hockey Facebook group!

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