Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

🎙️ Tournament season is here — are your kids really getting the most out of it?

This week on The Ride To The Rink, Lee, Christie, and Mike unpack one of youth hockey’s biggest opportunities (and challenges): tournament weekends. From nerves and hotel boredom to team bonding and leadership, this episode is your playbook for making every trip unforgettable — for players and parents alike.

💡 In This Episode:

•  🏒 Christie shares how to turn nerves into excitement and creativity on the ice.
•  📱 Mike explains why screens might be stealing your best memories.
•  👥 Lee challenges players to step up as leaders — and pull their teammates out of those hotel rooms!
•  🍳 Plus: The secret to building lifelong friendships at tournaments (hint: it’s not about winning).

Whether it’s your first big road trip or your tenth, this conversation reminds every player: tournaments aren’t just about hockey — they’re about memories.

📩 Listen now, and help your young player make this season’s tournaments the best ones yet.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Beyond the Ice — Making the Most of Hockey Tournaments

 #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyTournament #TeamBonding #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyLife #RideToTheRink #YouthSports #Leadership #HockeyFamily

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Welcome back to The Wraparound Roundtable – our annual celebration of the hockey community through giveaways, gratitude, and a glimpse behind the scenes of the creators who shape your kids’ hockey universe.

🎉 This year, we’re kicking things up a notch. Instead of focusing on small-to-medium hockey businesses, we’re spotlighting the most influential hockey creators on the planet—the ones your kids already follow on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and beyond. From game-changing tutorials to viral highlights, these voices are shaping the culture of hockey today.

In this intro episode, host Lee Elias is joined by longtime friend and legendary creator Chris Kibui of Hockey Tutorial, one of the sport’s most-followed online platforms. Together, they set the stage for a series that combines practical creator insights, authentic inspiration, and of course, incredible prizes.

🎧 NEW THIS YEAR:

Each week features two separate episodes, giving you two chances to win a weekly prize. That’s 10 total episodes, 10 total weekly prizes, and 10 total chances to rack up entries for the season’s grand prize!

🎁 Weekly Giveaways:

• Green Biscuit + Puck Around Pack
• Creator-contributed bonus prizes

🏆 Grand Prize Includes:

• A brand new Sparx Skate Sharpener
• Full team set of skate deodorizers
• Gear from Green Biscuit, Hockey Wraparound, and much more!

🚨 How to Enter:

Starting next week, head to hockeywraparound.com → Click the Wraparound Roundtable button → Enter each episode for more chances to win the grand prize!

💡 What You’ll Learn This Season:

• What it really takes to become a hockey content creator
• The passion and purpose behind today’s top influencers
• Why this new career path resonates with the next generation of players

🎤 With guests like Chris, and many more well-known names your kids already admire, this season blends fun, education, and family-friendly hockey content that brings value to players, parents, and future creators alike.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned—The Wraparound Roundtable starts next week!

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🏒 Can a teammate be your greatest mentor in hockey?

In this game-changing episode of Girls Play Hockey, Olympian Hayley Scamurra and Coach Nick Stoop join host Lee MJ Elias to explore the powerful impact of mentorship in youth and girls' hockey. From locker room dynamics to on-ice performance, they share invaluable insights on creating supportive environments that nurture both athletic excellence and personal growth.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• Redefining mentorship: It's not just about age, but impact 🤝
• Balancing the pressure to perform with the joy of playing 🏆
• How coaches can foster a culture of peer-to-peer mentorship 👥
• Navigating the challenges of being the only girl on a boys' team 💪
• The unexpected long-term benefits of building connections in sports 🌟

Whether you're a player looking to level up, a coach aiming to inspire, or a parent supporting your young athlete, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt stories that extend far beyond the rink.

🎧 Listen now and discover how mentorship can transform your hockey journey!

📱 Explore the Pro Athlete Experience platform for more mentorship opportunities.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Ripple Effect of Hockey Mentorship with Coach Nick Stoop

#GirlsHockey #Mentorship #YouthSports #PWHL #TeamBuilding #HockeyFamily

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💸 Ever felt like youth hockey tournaments are taking you for a ride? You’re not alone. This week, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli go full “60 Minutes” mode to uncover the real cost of tournaments — from mandatory hotel stays and inflated fees to the emotional tug-of-war parents face when trying to give their kids unforgettable hockey experiences.

🏒 In This Eye-Opening Episode:

• The “stay-to-play” trap that forces families to book overpriced hotels
• Why some tournaments have lost their purpose — and what good ones still get right
• How fundraising and affordability are dividing teams
• When to say “no” to a tournament — and how to push back as a community
• Innovative ideas to rethink tournaments entirely, from skill weekends to balanced, developmental events

💬 Whether you’re a seasoned hockey parent or just entering the travel circuit, this is a must-listen conversation that pulls no punches — but offers plenty of hope (and humor) for a better path forward.

👉 Got thoughts on this? Email us at [email protected]
— we might feature your perspective in a future episode.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Tournament Turmoil: The Hidden Costs of Youth Hockey and How Families Can Take Back Control

#YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyLife #TournamentTravel #StayToPlay #HockeyCommunity #OurKidsPlayHockey

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What separates good players from great ones? It’s not talent — it’s work ethic. In this inspiring episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee and Mike sit down with Riley Armstrong, NHL Director of Player Development, to talk about what it really takes to level up your game — on and off the ice.

From the long days at the rink to the unseen sacrifices parents make, Riley shares how NHL pros push through pain, fatigue, and setbacks — and how young players can learn to bring that same 100% effort every day.

🎯 Highlights:

• The truth about hard work — and why your parents’ effort deserves yours in return
• How to avoid the “class clown trap” and surround yourself with teammates who lift you up
• What NHL players do when they don’t feel 100% — and why they still show up
• Why loving the game is the #1 ingredient for long-term success
• The power of car rides, family time, and the memories that make the hockey journey special

Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this episode will remind you that showing up with heart matters more than any stat on the scoresheet.

👉 Tune in, take notes, and remember — the game gives back to those who love it.

 #TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey #RileyArmstrong #NHLDevelopment #YouthHockey #WorkEthic #HockeyParents #HockeyMotivation #HockeyMindset #SkateHard

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🏒 Feeling overwhelmed on the ice? 

PWHL stars Hayley Scamurra and Gabbie Hughes join "The Ride to the Rink" to share game-changing strategies for managing those big hockey emotions. From breathing techniques to teammate support, this episode is packed with practical advice to help young players stay cool under pressure.

We dive into the mental game, offering insights that'll transform how you approach those tough moments. Whether you're battling negative self-talk or struggling to stay present during intense games, these pro tips will elevate your mental game and boost your on-ice performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Breathe deep and tap a teammate — instant calm in the storm

• Shift focus from personal mistakes to teammates' wins

• Master the art of being an awesome teammate (no talent required!)

• Ground yourself with simple finger-counting and breathing exercises

• Develop emotional awareness for success on and off the ice

Remember, hockey's about more than just scoring goals — it's about growth, teamwork, and finding joy in every shift. So next time you're heading to the rink, ask yourself: "Why do I love this game?" That passion is your secret weapon against any challenge the ice throws your way.

Ready to level up your mental game? 🎧 Tune in now and transform those big feelings into your biggest strengths!

📖 Want a written version of this episode you can reference anytime?
Check out our companion blog: Handling Big Feelings on the Ice: Advice for Young Hockey Players

#TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #MentalGame #PWHLStars #HockeyMotivation

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🎙️ Ever wonder what “player development” really means — beyond the buzzword?

This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we sit down with Riley Armstrong, the Director of Player Development for the Philadelphia Flyers, to talk about how great players are truly made — from youth hockey to the pros.

Riley’s journey is one few can replicate: from figure skating lessons taught by his mom in Saskatchewan to an NHL coaching role recommended personally by Flyers GM Danny Brière. His story is a masterclass in patience, precision, and purpose.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why figure skating (yes, figure skating!) builds elite skaters and confident players
• The biggest time and money mistakes parents make — and what to do instead
• The truth about tournaments, burnout, and how pros use their summers to really improve
• The importance of coaching quality over chasing “top-10” teams
• Why the best development happens when kids are having fun — and how music can help
• How NHL players like Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink used skating to change their careers

Whether you’re a hockey parent, a coach, or a young player with big dreams, this episode breaks down what separates “busy” development from meaningful development — and how to focus on what truly matters.

🎧 Listen now — and start seeing development the way the NHL does.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How NHL Pros Develop (And What That Means for Youth Players) with Flyers' Director of Player Development Riley Armstrong

 #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyDevelopment #RileyArmstrong #PhiladelphiaFlyers #YouthHockey #PowerSkating #HockeyParents #PlayerDevelopment #SkatingSkills #YouthSports

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🎧 Ready to make your hockey game stronger — on and off the ice?

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, the crew welcomes Pete, CEO of TeamSnap, to talk about their exciting new partnership with Bauer Hockey and the launch of the Bauer Hub inside the TeamSnap app! 🚀

Pete breaks down how this new hub is helping players, parents, and coaches learn together — with on-ice drills, performance tips, coaching plans, and even interactive challenges that make learning fun. Whether you’re a kid who loves hockey, a coach looking for new drills, or a parent who wants to help your player grow, this one’s packed with takeaways.

💡 Highlights include:

• What the Bauer Hub is and how to find it in the TeamSnap app
• How the #SnapToIceChallenge lets players show off their skills and win scholarships 🏆
• Why showing up, working hard, and keeping a growth mindset matter in both hockey and life
• Tips for coaches and parents to make practice more organized and fun

It’s not just about training — it’s about becoming the best version of yourself, one skate stride at a time.

📲 Check out the Bauer Hub in your TeamSnap app and tag your videos with #SnapToIceChallenge for a chance to win!

🎧 Subscribe to The Ride to the Rink for more inspiring stories and hockey wisdom every week.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How TeamSnap and Bauer Are Changing the Game for Hockey Families

#HockeyTraining #TeamSnap #BauerHub #YouthHockey #SnapToIceChallenge #HockeyParents #TheRideToTheRink

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🏒 What does it really mean to be tough in hockey?

In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, PWHL Ottawa star Gabbie Hughes joins Hayley and Lee to open up about her journey from Minnesota pond hockey to professional play—and her fight to bring mental health into the conversation through Sophie’s Squad.

Awarded the 2023 Hockey Humanitarian Award, Gabbie proves that leadership goes far beyond the ice. She shares the real story behind Sophie’s Squad, the pressures young athletes face, and how vulnerability can be the strongest skill in your game.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• How Gabbie turned early doubts into a Division I and pro hockey career 🌟

• The powerful story of Sophie’s Squad and its mission to support young athletes 💜

• Rethinking “toughness” in hockey—why emotions are strength, not weakness 🧠

• Practical mental health strategies for players, coaches, and parents 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

• Life beyond the rink: finding identity outside of being “just a hockey player” 🤔

This is more than another episode—it’s a blueprint for creating healthier teams, stronger athletes, and a more supportive hockey community.

🎧 Listen now and join the movement to end the stigma around mental health in sports.

📚 Learn more about Sophie’s Squad at sophiessquad.org

📖 Want a written version of this episode you can reference anytime?
Check out our companion blog: Beyond the Ice: Gabby Hughes on Hockey, Mental Health, and the Power of Sophie’s Squad

#HockeyMentalHealth #SophiesSquad #AthleteWellness #OurGirlsPlayHockey #PWHLOttawa

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🚨 The App Every Hockey Parent Knows (and Needs!) — Inside TeamSnap with CEO Peter Frintzilas

Ever wonder what it’s like to run the app that runs youth sports? In this week’s episode, the OKPH crew sits down with Peter Frintzilas, CEO of TeamSnap — hockey dad, tech leader, and the man helping 25+ million families manage the chaos of youth sports.

From 4:30 a.m. coffee runs to 5 a.m. rink drop-offs, Peter gets it — because he’s living it. Hear how TeamSnap is evolving beyond scheduling into a one-stop hub for organization, coaching, and community, including an exciting new partnership with Bauer Hockey that’s changing how families engage with the sport.

💡 In This Episode:

• How TeamSnap keeps youth hockey organized (and parents sane 🧊)
• The Bauer Hockey partnership and new Snap to Ice challenge
• Privacy and security for families using sports tech
• How AI and innovation are shaping the future of youth sports
• Why tech should make sports more fun — not more stressful

Whether you’re a volunteer coach, a rink warrior parent, or just someone who wants fewer 6 a.m. “Where’s the game?” texts, this one’s for you.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: How TeamSnap Is Changing Youth Hockey with CEO Peter Frintzilas

👉 Share this episode in your TeamSnap chat!
#OurKidsPlayHockey #TeamSnap #YouthSportsTech #HockeyParents #BauerHockey #HockeyLife #SnapToIce

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