Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

How do young athletes build confidence, resilience, and a strong mindset both on and off the ice? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we welcome Danielle McDonough, former professional hockey player, mindset coach, and author of The Empowered Athlete.

Danielle shares her incredible journey from playing boys’ hockey in Southern California to earning a full scholarship at Providence College, playing professionally in the NWHL and Switzerland, and ultimately transitioning into mental performance coaching. She discusses the mental challenges young athletes face, including anxiety, pressure, and self-doubt, and provides actionable strategies to help players, parents, and coaches develop mental toughness and confidence.

In this episode, we cover:

🏒 Danielle’s journey from youth hockey to professional play

🧠 The importance of mindset training in sports and life

💡 How visualization, self-awareness, and breathing techniques help athletes perform under pressure

🚗 The “car ride home” conversation – what parents should (and shouldn’t) say

🔑 Why mental skills training is just as important as physical training

This episode is packed with golden nuggets for players, parents, and coaches who want to support young athletes in their development—not just as hockey players, but as confident individuals.

📖 Check out Danielle’s book, The Empowered Athlete, for even more tools on self-confidence, self-acceptance, and self-worth in sports.

🔊 Listen now! 

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On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by Jon Nelson, a hockey coach and mental health advocate, to talk about the highs and lows of a hockey season and what to do when you’re feeling down.

🏒 How to recognize and talk about your feelings

🤝 What makes a great teammate on and off the ice

💡 Why engaging with teammates, coaches, and even rink staff can change your game

Jon shares simple but powerful advice for young players on supporting each other, embracing the team-first mindset, and creating a positive hockey experience.

🎧 Tune in for a quick but impactful ride to the rink! And don’t forget to check out our full conversation with Jon on Our Kids Play Hockey this week!

#RideToTheRink #HockeyMindset #MentalHealthInSports #OurKidsPlayHockey

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In this powerful episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we sit down with Jon Nelson, a hockey coach, father, and mental health advocate, to discuss his incredible journey through hockey, mental health challenges, and the groundbreaking treatment that changed his life.

Jon shares his deeply personal battle with depression, the life-saving deep brain stimulation procedure he underwent, and how hockey helped him persevere through it all. He also discusses his advocacy work through Pulverize the Stigma, a movement dedicated to breaking down barriers around mental health conversations.

This episode is a must-listen for parents, coaches, and players looking to create a supportive, empathetic environment in youth hockey. We explore:

🏒 The role of hockey in mental health and resilience

🧠 How to recognize and support those struggling

💡 Ways we can make the hockey community a leader in mental health awareness

🎧 Listen now and join us in changing the conversation. #OurKidsPlayHockey #MentalHealthInSports #PulverizeTheStigma

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Are you fueling your game with the right habits? 

🏒 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 retention.
• Nutrition Essentials: Understand how your body is built from what you eat and the impact of sugar on your game.
• Taking Initiative: Tips for young athletes to proactively manage their sleep and diet.
• Making Healthy Foods Fun: Creative ways to enjoy vegetables and boost your nutrition.
• Empowerment Message: Encouragement to believe in yourself and your journey.

Got questions or need advice? Reach out at [email protected]. 

#TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #SleepAndNutrition #HockeyPerformance

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What truly defines a successful young athlete in today's competitive world?

In this compelling episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, performance coach Kevin Neeld joins Lee and Christie to share insights from his work with the Boston Bruins and beyond. From the traits of successful NHL players to the critical role of sleep and nutrition, Neeld offers a treasure trove of advice for parents and coaches aiming to nurture young talent.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• The key characteristics that set NHL players apart 🏆
• Practical tips for optimizing sleep and nutrition for young athletes 💤🥦
• Navigating mental health and pressure in youth sports 🧠
• Effective training methods that balance strength and speed 💪
• Understanding individual differences in athlete development 🌟

Whether you're a parent, coach, or young player, this episode is packed with actionable strategies, expert advice, and inspiring stories that extend far beyond the ice.

🎧 Listen now to discover how to support the next generation of hockey stars!

📖 Explore more at Kevin Neeld's website: kevinneeld.com

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

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Tryout season is here, and whether you’re heading to the rink feeling confident or battling nerves, we’re here to help you approach it with the right mindset. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee, Mike, and Sherry break down what you can control, what really matters in an evaluation, and how to set yourself up for success—both on and off the ice.

We’ll talk about:

✅ How to manage nerves and set a strong mental outlook

✅ Why most teams already have a roster in mind—and what that means for you

✅ The importance of preparation, from gear checks to pre-tryout routines

✅ What coaches really look for during tryouts

✅ How being a great teammate can make a difference

Plus, we’ve got advice for parents—because your role in this process is just as important! Whether this is your first eval or your tenth, this episode is packed with insights to help you skate onto the ice with confidence.

🎧 Listen now and get ready to bring your best to tryouts!

#Hockey #YouthHockey #HockeyTryouts #HockeyEvals #HockeyMindset #TryoutTips #HockeyTraining #HockeyParents #HockeyLife #HockeyDevelopment #SkateHard #GameReady #HockeyMotivation #Teamwork #BeAGoodTeammate #TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey

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🏒 Ever wondered what it takes to succeed both on and off the ice? Lindsay Pennal from the NHL Coaches Association shares her insights on achieving success in hockey and beyond. With hosts Lee MJ Elias and Sheri Hudspeth, this episode of "Ride to the Rink" is packed with valuable advice for young players.

Key Highlights:

- Role of the NHL Coaches Association: Discover how they support coaches with off-ice matters and share knowledge globally.

- Guiding Principles for Success: Lindsay's three core principles—work hard, be kind, and stay curious—are essential for any aspiring athlete.

- Staying Present: Learn the importance of focusing on immediate goals rather than distant outcomes.

- Lifelong Learning: Embrace continuous learning as a key to staying ahead in the game.

Lindsay's wisdom, drawn from Stanley Cup-winning coaches, emphasizes staying grounded and prepared. Her message? "Go get it. Go crush it. Win the day." Whether you're lacing up your skates or planning your next career move, this episode offers inspiration and practical advice.

#RideToTheRink #HockeySuccess #NHLCoaches #YouthHockey #LifelongLearning

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In this  episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Sheri Hudspeth, tackle the often daunting world of youth hockey tryouts. They share personal stories and professional insights to guide parents and players through the pressures and misconceptions of the tryout process, emphasizing the importance of long-term development over immediate team placements.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• The reality behind youth hockey tryouts and evaluations 🏒
• Essential preparation tips for players and parents 📋
• How coaches evaluate players and select teams 🎯
• The critical role of parental support during tryouts 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
• Balancing competitive spirit with fun in youth hockey practices ⚖️
  
  

Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with practical advice, heartfelt stories, and valuable lessons that extend beyond the rink.

🎧 Listen now to gain insights into creating a positive hockey culture and fostering long-term player development!

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

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Are you ready to elevate your hockey game by practicing like a pro? 🏒 

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 gear—especially neck guards—to 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 how practice is the perfect time to test different gear for the best fit.
• Comfort Over Brand: Understand why comfort should trump brand names when choosing equipment.
• Proper Fit and Comfort: Find out why the best gear is the one that feels right, not the most expensive.
• Hygiene and Maintenance: Get tips on keeping your equipment clean and odor-free.

Got questions or need advice? Reach out at [email protected].

 #RideToTheRink #HockeySafety #YouthHockey #EquipmentEssentials

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How do we get more women behind the bench in hockey? Lindsay Pennal, the Executive Director of the NHL Coaches Association, joins Our Girls Play Hockey to share her journey in leading the NHLCA, the impact of the Female Coaches Development Program, and the steps being taken to create more opportunities for women in coaching.

Lindsay opens up about her unconventional path into the hockey world, the importance of networking, and how the NHLCA is helping shape the next generation of coaches—both male and female. She also discusses Jessica Campbell’s historic milestone as the first full-time female coach in the NHL and other rising stars to watch.

🔥 Episode Highlights Include:

• The vision behind the NHLCA's Female Coaches Development Program 🌟

• Success stories of women breaking into professional hockey coaching 🏆

• Applying NHL coaching practices to youth hockey for better development 🏒

• Essential resources and initiatives for aspiring coaches 📚

• Lindsay's personal journey and leadership insights in the hockey world 🌍

Whether you're an aspiring coach, a player, or a fan, this episode is packed with inspiring stories, practical advice, and a vision for a more inclusive future in hockey.

🎧 Listen now to discover how Lindsay Pennal and the NHLCA are shaping the future of hockey coaching!

Want to attend the 2025 NHLCA Global Coaches’ Clinic? Click here to learn more: https://www.nhlcaclinic.com/event/NHLCA2025/home

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

#HockeyCoaching #GrowTheGame #OurGirlsPlayHockey #WomenInHockey #CoachingDevelopment

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