Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

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 hockey
• How hobbies and passions outside the rink make you a better person (and player)
• Advice for parents on setting healthy expectations for their kids
• The importance of attitude, effort, and being a great teammate over stats
• How pros like Taylor & Hayley find balance in their busy lives

Whether 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.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?

Check out our companion blog: More Than a Hockey Player: Taylor Heise & Hayley Scamurra on Identity and Balance

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

In Part 2 of our conversation, Taylor Heise shares the habits, mindset, and lessons that fuel her success as a two-time Walter Cup champion and Playoff MVP.

From being cut by Team USA to leading the PWHL’s next generation, Taylor opens up about resilience, confidence, and what it takes to thrive at the highest level.

💡 And she’s not just talking hockey—this episode is loaded with life lessons that every athlete (and parent) needs to hear.

Key Takeaways:

• Why failure can be the best thing that ever happens to you

• The biggest differences between college and pro hockey

• How Taylor manages time and pressure in an Olympic year

• Her message to kids: “Hockey is something I do, not who I am”

• The bright future of women’s hockey—and why it matters for the next generation

Taylor’s story is equal parts inspiring and practical. Whether your dream is the PWHL, the Olympics, or just being the best teammate you can be, this episode will light the way.

🎧 Tune in now and be inspired by one of hockey’s brightest stars.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: PWHL Star Taylor Heise on Resilience, Olympic Dreams & The Future of Women’s Hockey

#OurGirlsPlayHockey #TaylorHeise #WomensHockey #PWHL #HockeyLife #HockeyDevelopment

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

Taylor Heise, PWHL star and Team USA forward, joins Our Kids Play Hockey to share her incredible origin story—from picking up hockey at age 8 in a small Minnesota town to becoming the first-ever #1 overall pick in the PWHL draft.

Her journey proves you don’t need AAA teams or an early start to reach the top. Instead, it’s about confidence, creativity, and smart decision-making.

🚨 This episode is more than Taylor’s story—it’s packed with takeaways for players, parents, and coaches.

Key Takeaways:

• Why a late start in hockey doesn’t mean you’re behind

• How basketball and the arts fueled Taylor’s hockey IQ

• Lessons from playing on “B” teams (and why it helped, not hurt)

• The role of hockey sense in separating good players from great ones

• How technology like Sense Arena is giving kids an edge

Whether you’re a player chasing big dreams or a parent guiding your child’s journey, this episode will change how you see hockey development.

🎧 Don’t miss Part 1 with Taylor Heise—then catch Part 2 on Our Girls Play Hockey!

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: PWHL Star Taylor Heise on Leadership, Legacy & Giving Back

#OurKidsPlayHockey #TaylorHeise #HockeyIQ #HockeyDevelopment #WomensHockey #PWHL

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Ready to unlock your hockey potential? 🏒✨

"Ride to the Rink" serves up a game-changing episode on creativity in skating and hockey. Guest Christian Grunnah from Grow Up Power Skating drops wisdom bombs that'll revolutionize your approach to the ice.

Ever wondered how off-ice activities could level up your game? Or why mastering your edges might be more crucial than stick handling? This episode's got answers that'll make you rethink your training routine.

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Creativity is king — approach each shift as a blank canvas

• Theater skills = better teamwork (seriously!)

• Skating mastery: your secret weapon for effortless play

• Focus on others to elevate your own game

Grunnah challenges players to think beyond the puck. "The best part about our game is that we have to play together in order to be effective," he says. It's time to break out of your bubble and see the bigger picture on the ice.

Whether you're a rookie or a seasoned player, this episode is packed with insights to transform your game. Ready to paint your masterpiece on the ice? Tune in and let's get creative! 🎨⛸️

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?

Check out our companion blog: Unlocking Creativity on Ice with Christian Grunnah

#RideToTheRink #HockeyCreativity #SkatingSkills #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork

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Ready to unlock the secrets of hockey success? 🏒✨

Blake Bolden, a trailblazer in women's hockey, shares her journey from Division 1 college player to NHL scout in this inspiring episode of "Ride to the Rink." Joined by host Lee MJ Elias and co-host Hayley Scamurra, Blake offers game-changing advice for young players looking to level up their mental game and push past their limits.

Ever wonder how top athletes overcome self-doubt? Or what it takes to make it to the national team? This episode's got you covered!

Key Takeaways:

• Embrace discomfort — it's where growth happens!
• Turn negative self-talk into fuel for success
• The power of love and gratitude in sports
• Practical tips for maintaining a positive mindset

Blake's wisdom isn't just for hockey players — it's a playbook for anyone chasing big dreams. She shares how getting out of her comfort zone led to becoming the second woman to scout in the NHL and the first black woman in professional women's hockey. Talk about breaking barriers! 💪

But it's not all smooth skating. Blake opens up about battling "obsessor thoughts" and how focusing on her love for the game helped her push through tough times. And Hayley? She dishes on how staying present and grateful ultimately landed her a spot on Team USA.

Want to level up your mental game? Blake and the team share practical tips like morning gratitude practices and reframing negative thoughts. It's like yoga for your mind — on ice! ❄️🧘‍♀️

Whether you're a seasoned player or just lacing up your skates, this episode is packed with inspiration to help you crush your goals — on and off the ice.

Ready to transform your game and your mindset? Hit play and let's ride to the rink! 🎧🏒

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?
Check out our companion blog: Out of the Comfort Zone: Blake Bolden's Powerful Message to Young Hockey Players

#RideToTheRink #HockeyMindset #BlakeBolden #WomensHockey #MentalToughness

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🎙️ Is Your Child's Skating Holding Them Back on the Ice? 🏒

In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, power skating expert Christian Grunnah joins Lee and Christie to unlock the secrets of elite skating skills. From when to start training to debunking myths about NHL superstars, Christian shares invaluable insights that will transform how you approach your child's skating development.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• The true meaning of power skating and why it's crucial for success 🏆

• When to start power skating training (hint: it's not just about age!) 👦👧

• How to teach skating skills across different age groups 📊

• The real skating techniques behind McDavid and MacKinnon's success 🏅

• Red flags to watch for in power skating clinics 🚩

Whether you're a coach, parent, or player, this episode is packed with actionable advice that will elevate your understanding of skating development and help you make informed decisions about training.

🎧 Tune in now and don't miss this incredible conversation with one of hockey's most insightful skating experts!

📱 Follow Christian on Instagram: @powerskating

💬 Got questions? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?

Check out our companion blog: Power Skating Expert Christian Grunnah on Breaking Bad Habits Transforming Your Skating Game

#PowerSkating #YouthHockey #SkatingDevelopment #HockeyParents #OurKidsPlayHockey

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

"Ride to the Rink" drops some serious wisdom bombs for young players looking to crush it on and off the ice. Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli serve up a power play of tips on creating killer routines and managing time like a pro.

Want to impress your parents and coaches? It's all about taking charge of your schedule and prep. No more last-minute scrambles or forgotten gear! These hockey gurus break down exactly how to plan your attack, from packing your bag to nailing that game-day routine.

Key Points:

• Create routines that work for hockey, school, and life
• Plan ahead—winging it is a recipe for disaster
• Avoid the cramming trap (spoiler: it doesn't work long-term)
• Master your game day prep like a boss
• Take accountability and watch your parents' jaws drop

Remember, future all-stars: "Your ability to create routine, to create a schedule is something that you really need to do to not just do well in hockey, but your life in general." - Lee MJ Elias

Ready to take your game to the next level? Tune in and let's make it happen! 🚀

Got questions? Hit us up at [email protected].

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?
Check out our companion blog: Balancing School and Hockey: A Game Plan for Young Athletes

#RideToTheRink #HockeyLife #TimeManagement #YouthHockey #GameDayPrep

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🏒 What does it take to break barriers and grow the game of hockey for everyone?

In this inspiring episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, trailblazer Blake Bolden joins Lee and Hayley to share her incredible journey from player to scout to ambassador. From her early days with the Cleveland Lumberjacks to her groundbreaking role with the LA Kings, Blake offers a unique perspective on making hockey more accessible, diverse, and inclusive for all.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• Blake's path from youth hockey to becoming an NHL scout 🏆
• Innovative initiatives to bring hockey to underrepresented communities 
• The crucial role of affordable equipment in growing the sport 🏒
• Overcoming discrimination and creating inclusive environments 💪
• The exciting future of women's hockey and youth development 🚀
• Why multi-sport participation is key for young athletes 🏅

Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this episode is packed with actionable advice, heartfelt stories, and inspiring insights that extend far beyond the rink.

🎧 Tune in now and don't miss this game-changing conversation with one of hockey's most influential voices!

💬 Got questions? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?
Check out our companion blog: Breaking Barriers, Building Belonging: Blake Bolden's Mission to Grow the Game of Hockey

#HockeyForAll #WomensHockey #BlakeBolden #GrowTheGame #OurGirlsPlayHockey #Diversity

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

In this game-changing episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli tackle the ultimate challenge faced by young hockey players and their parents: balancing academic excellence with athletic ambition. From managing packed schedules to acing exams while dominating on the ice, this episode is your playbook for success both in school and on the rink.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• The secret to creating a winning family schedule that works for everyone 📅
• How to turn potential conflicts with teachers into opportunities for growth 🤝
• Why "hockey is your reward for doing well in school" - and how to make it stick 🏆
• Strategies to prevent burnout and keep your young athlete motivated 🔋The shocking truth about grades and college hockey recruitment 🎓

Whether you're a parent juggling practices and homework, or a young player dreaming of the big leagues, this episode is packed with game-changing advice and real-life strategies to help you excel in both arenas.

🎧 Don't miss this power play of knowledge - tune in now and transform your approach to balancing school and hockey!

📖 Recommended Reading: "When Hockey Stops" - a must-read children's book for young players

💬 Got questions? Hit us up at [email protected] - we're here to help you score big in life and on the ice!

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?
Check out our companion blog: Mastering the Student-Athlete Life: Balancing School and Hockey

#HockeyLife #StudentAthlete #YouthHockey #AcademicSuccess #OurKidsPlayHockey #ParentingWins

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Ready to unlock the secret to consistent performance in hockey? 🏒💪

Former pro player Bobby Robins shares game-changing advice from NHL coach Bruce Cassidy on "Ride to the Rink" with host Lee MJ Elias. Whether you're a young player chasing your dreams or a parent supporting from the sidelines, this episode is packed with wisdom to elevate your game—on and off the ice.

Key Takeaways:

• The power of bringing your "B game" every night
• Why curiosity trumps judgment in athlete development
• How to chase your dreams without regrets
• The long-term value of your hockey journey

Bobby's golden rule? "You don't have to bring your A game every single night, but you better bring your B game." It's all about consistency, folks! 🎯

Curious about how to apply this mindset? Lee encourages young players to keep asking questions and stay curious—it's your superpower on the ice!

And parents, listen up! Your role in nurturing curiosity could be the game-changer your young athlete needs.

Ready to lace up and bring your B game? This episode is your playbook for success. Remember, as Lee says, "We believe in you. You should, too." 🙌

#RideToTheRink #HockeyAdvice #ConsistentPerformance #ChaseYourDreams #YouthHockey

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