Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

How do young players find their identity, toughness, and purpose—on and off the ice? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re joined by former NHL forward and current junior hockey coach Zac Rinaldo, whose career was defined by grit, heart, and relentless work ethic.

Zac shares his journey from leaving home at 14 to attend Notre Dame in Saskatchewan, to becoming a fan favorite in Philadelphia and playing 11 years in the NHL. Now coaching the Pelham Panthers, Zac is focused on developing the next generation of athletes—not just as hockey players, but as resilient, team-first individuals.

In this episode, we cover:

• 🛣️ Zac’s unconventional path from OHL longshot to NHL mainstay
• 🏒 The lost art of physicality and why roles matter more than ever
• 📚 What today’s youth development models are missing
• 🧠 The mindset coaches need to connect with players—and how to earn their trust
• 🧰 Why every young player needs a full “toolbox,” not just highlight-reel skills

Zac’s perspective is honest, refreshing, and full of valuable insight for players, parents, and coaches alike. Whether you’re chasing a dream or helping someone else chase theirs, this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice.

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The birds are chirping, the season’s winding down—and that means it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to build a better hockey player this off-season.

In this episode of Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike dive into how players (and parents) can start planning a development calendar that fits real life and drives real growth. From simple 20-minute habits like daily push-ups or shooting pucks, to blocking out time in a shared Google Calendar, it’s all about building consistency, not cramming in ice time.

You’ll also hear:

     ✅ Why structured planning beats “winging it” every time

     ✅ How daily effort—even 15 minutes—adds up in a big way

     ✅ Tips for integrating hockey into your lifestyle without burning out

     ✅ Why the off-ice work matters just as much (if not more) than spring tournaments

Whether your player wants to hit the next level or just stay sharp during the off-season, this short ride is packed with advice for setting goals, building habits, and staying balanced.

📌 Because greatness—on the ice or off—starts with what you do every day.

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From the outdoor rinks of Sudbury to the heights of Olympic glory, Tessa Bonhomme has lived nearly every chapter of a hockey dream—and she’s still writing new ones. 

In this powerful episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Tessa joins Lee, Sherri, and Mike for a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about the journey from “just wanting to play” to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in hockey.

Tessa opens up about:

• Her path from a neighborhood daycare game to captaining Team Canada
• The moment being cut sparked her fire to chase national team dreams
• The power of representation—and the female role model who changed everything
• Her transition into broadcasting and how it mirrors life in a locker room
• What today’s youth coaches and parents can do to actually grow the women’s game

Plus: stories of pranks, parents with guitars, being a “grocery stick,” and why just turning on the game might be the biggest step forward we can all take.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and love for the game. Whether you’re a parent, player, coach, or fan—don’t miss it.

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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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“Why You Should Never Let Anyone Tell You ‘You Won’t Make It’”

On this ride, Lee, Christie, and Mike get real about one of the most common — and harmful — things kids in hockey (and beyond) hear: “You’ll never make it.” Whether it’s a coach, a parent, or even your own doubts, this episode is a rallying cry for young athletes to chase their dreams and embrace the journey — with eyes wide open and skates on the ice.

We talk about why dreaming big matters, how to handle criticism, what it really takes to succeed, and why the path might change — and that’s okay. This episode is all about believing in yourself, putting in the work, and owning your journey, no matter where it leads.

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Whether your kid is just starting out in youth hockey or already eyeing their college path, this episode is a must-listen. Lee, Christie, and Mike dive into the big questions every hockey parent faces—when should we start thinking about the future, how much should school and social life weigh in, and what really matters in the long run?

From navigating early travel tournaments to the intense pressure of high school and junior hockey, the trio reflects on what they wish they knew when their kids were 8, 9, and 10 years old. They also unpack the rising expectations in the sport, the realities of burnout, and why supporting your child as a person—not just an athlete—is the key to lasting success.

Oh, and yes—Christie even shares a legendary story of calling in “sick” to work for a tournament… and getting caught at Wayne Gretzky’s restaurant. 🤦‍♀️

🎧 Listen in for honest stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs from the hockey trenches.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 This episode is for every parent wondering how to balance ambition, reality, and the joy of the game.

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As the hockey season wraps up, it’s time to hit pause—and look back.

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli team up to help young players reflect on their season the right way. Whether you hoisted a championship trophy or just gave it your all every day, there are key lessons waiting to be uncovered—if you take the time to look.

Lee and Mike break down a coach-approved reflection process, including:

• ✅ How to assess your personal growth beyond stats

• 🧠 Why timing and mindset matter when you reflect

• 🏒 What to consider about your team, your coach, and even your parents

• 💬 How honest conversations can help set the stage for future success

This isn’t just about looking back—it’s about building a stronger foundation for what’s next. Every season is a stepping stone. Let’s make sure you’re stepping forward.

👉 Listen now and start your season reflection today!

#YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyLife #TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey

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How should coaches, parents, and players truly evaluate a hockey season—especially when it didn’t end with a trophy? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike (with Christie on assignment) take a deep dive into what it really means to have a successful season—and it’s not just about the scoreboard.

From fostering a positive team culture to navigating tough losses, they share strategies for reflecting on the year with purpose. They also discuss the importance of development, goal-setting, communication, and knowing when it’s time for a break from the rink.

In this episode, we cover:

• 🏆 Why your last game doesn’t define your whole season
• 📈 How to set—and revisit—goals with your players
• 🧰 Tools for coaches to reflect on their own impact and growth
• 🧒 Why your child’s experience may be very different than yours
• 🛑 The benefits of taking time off from hockey

This episode is packed with honest insights and actionable takeaways for coaches, parents, and players alike—perfect for anyone looking to close out the season with clarity, intention, and a plan to move forward.

📬 Have questions or reflections of your own? Email us at [email protected] or use the link in the episode notes. We’d love to hear from you!

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In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by mental performance coach and former professional hockey player Danielle McDonough to help young athletes develop a winning mindset before they even step onto the ice.

Feeling nervous about a big game? Stressed about a mistake from last time? Danielle shares simple but powerful tools—like breathing techniques, visualization, and superpower statements—to help you stay calm, confident, and focused. She explains how practicing mental skills is just like practicing stickhandling or skating—the more you do it, the better you’ll be when it matters most!

Plus, we tackle how to reset after a mistake, overcome peer pressure, and get back to having fun on the ice. This short but powerful episode is packed with real-life strategies that can help you in hockey, school, and beyond.

So sit back, relax, and get ready to breathe in confidence and skate out stronger on your next Ride to the Rink!

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🔥 It sold out in 24 hours.

🧪 It took 7 prototypes to perfect.

👕 And now… five of you are getting a free “Puck Around and Find Out” t-shirt.

Welcome to a special edition of the Wraparound Roundtable where host Lee Elias is joined by longtime friend and Hockey Wraparound’s Head of Operations, Matt Eastman, to puckaround and find out exactly how the Puckaround™ Off-Ice Training Puck came to life.

In this episode, we dive into:

• 🛠️ The 18-month journey of development, failure, and finally success

• 🧠 The innovation that make this puck glide, shoot, and handle like the real deal

• 👕 The story behind the viral “Puck Around and Find Out” slogan and t-shirt

• 🚨 Why you NEED to get yours before the price jumps — and how to win one of five exclusive t-shirts

💥 Giveaway Alert: Buy a Puckaround between now and April 9th at hockeywraparound.com and you’ll be entered to win one of five limited-edition “Puck Around and Find Out” shirts. These are gone-gone… so this is your only shot to score one for free!

If you’re part of the Our Kids Play Hockey community, a Wraparound loyalist, or just someone who wants to improve their off-ice game — this one’s for you.

👉 Head to hockeywraparound.com

🎯 Grab your Puckaround™ (ships in 2-packs!)

📩 Questions? Hit up us up directly: [email protected]

—

🔁 Leave a review, share with your team, and tag us with your off-ice setups.

Let’s keep building this game — one shot at a time.

#PuckAround #OffIceHockey #HockeyTraining #HockeyWraparound #PuckAroundAndFindOut #WraparoundRoundtable #OurKidsPlayHockey

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