Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

What does it take to become a great hockey player—and a great teammate? 

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink episode, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli are joined by Matt Dumouchelle, author of the Hockey Factories series. Matt has traveled the world studying elite hockey programs, and he shares invaluable lessons for youth players about the importance of having fun, being a good teammate, and embracing the journey of the game.

From celebrating the little moments on the ice to the lasting impact of team pride, Matt offers advice for players on focusing less on pressure and more on gratitude and enjoyment. Parents and young skaters alike will gain insights into how the best programs cultivate passion and community—and how individual players can build on those lessons at any level.

Plus, hear why a good attitude and team-first mentality often outweigh raw talent when coaches make their decisions, and learn how finding joy in hockey today will create lasting memories tomorrow.

📚 Check out Matt’s Hockey Factories series on The Coaches Site to explore more about the world’s top hockey programs.

🎧 Stream this episode now and share it with your hockey family for some inspiration on the ride to the rink!

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In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, goaltender-turned-advocate Kendra Fisher shares her journey from making Team Canada to battling severe anxiety and panic disorder. She reveals how hockey became both her escape and her lifeline, leading her to champion mental fitness in sports.

Hockey players are told to be tough, but what happens when the battle is internal? Kendra discusses the pressures of elite competition, the impact of social media on young athletes, and the critical role of parents, coaches, and teammates in fostering mental well-being.

Whether you’re a player struggling with pressure, a parent supporting your child, or a coach looking to build a healthier team culture, this episode delivers must-hear insights.

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Key Takeaways:

🧠 Mental Health Impacts Performance: Just like strength and conditioning, mental fitness is key to success.

🏒 Hockey Saved Her Life: Kendra found stability in the game despite her struggles.

📱 Social Media & Self-Worth: Learn strategies to manage online pressures.

🤝 The Power of Support Systems: No player succeeds alone—team culture matters.

📢 Coaches & Parents Must Lead the Way: Mental fitness should be treated like physical fitness.

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Practical Tips for Parents, Coaches, and Players:

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents: Normalize mental health conversations with your kids.

📢 Coaches: Build team culture around emotional well-being, not just skills.

🛑 Players: Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s strength.

Mental health is part of the game. Let’s change the narrative together. 🎧 Listen now!

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#OurGirlsPlayHockey #MentalHealthInSports #HockeyMindset #Resilience

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In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike sit down with Matt Dumouchelle, the creator of the Hockey Factories series and podcast via The Coaches Site. Matt’s in-depth exploration into elite hockey development programs worldwide has uncovered the secret ingredients behind their success—not just in creating great players, but in cultivating outstanding people.

Matt shares insights from his research, including the importance of community among coaches, redefining success in youth hockey, and how the world’s top hockey programs prioritize development over immediate results. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or hockey enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking perspectives.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Coaching Community: Top programs succeed through constant coach collaboration across age groups.

2. Redefining Success: Success is more than wins—it’s about character, skills, and a love for hockey.

3. Culture Matters: Programs like Frolunda focus on pride and long-term development over short-term results.

4. Patience Wins: Gradual, long-term growth is more effective than instant success.

5. Free Improvements: Positive culture and coach collaboration are impactful and cost nothing.

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Practical Tips for Coaches and Organizations:

• Build Coaching Unity: Regular meetings ensure aligned goals and best practices.

• Broaden Winning: Measure success through growth, engagement, and teamwork.

• Highlight Off-Ice Success: Celebrate players’ academic and personal achievements.

• Promote Position Versatility: Let kids try multiple roles for well-rounded development.

• Supportive Parents: Guide parents to prioritize long-term growth over immediate results.

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#HockeyDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyFactories #YouthHockey

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Are you ready to unlock the secrets of hockey greatness? 🏒✨

Buckle up as this episode of "The Ride to the Rink" brings you hall of fame advice from legendary NHL coach Mike Keenan! Host Lee MJ Elias and Coach Keenan dive into the heart of what it takes to reach the pinnacle of hockey success. From coaching icons like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux, Keenan shares his wisdom on the perfect blend of talent and relentless effort.

Want to make your mark on the ice? This episode is your playbook! Iron Mike breaks down the essential qualities that separate the good from the great: 

• Faith in yourself and your passion
• The grit to work harder than anyone else
• Perseverance through tough times
• Adaptability when faced with setbacks

But here's the kicker — it's not just about talent. Iron Mike emphasizes, "Nothing is free. You can be the most talented... But you also need to know how to work, how to get prepared, and how to be better." 💪

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Key Takeaways:

1. Self-belief is your secret weapon

2. Turn your passion into your playground

3. Always have a Plan B (and C!)

4. Success leaves clues — learn from the greats

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Are you ready to elevate your game? This episode is a must-listen for young athletes dreaming of reaching the NHL. Don't miss out on the insights that could change your hockey career forever!

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In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, three-time Olympic gold medalist Cherie Piper shares wisdom for young hockey players chasing their dreams. Whether your goal is to play in the PWHL, make it to the NHL, or pursue excellence in any area of life, Cherie offers invaluable advice about:

•Dreaming Big: Why having bold aspirations drives purpose and energy.

•The Many Paths to Success: How hockey opens doors beyond playing, from coaching to officiating and beyond.

•The Work Behind the Dream: Why commitment, effort, and smart choices matter more than just wishing for success.

•Making Choices, Not Sacrifices: How pursuing your dream is about prioritizing what truly matters.

Cherie’s candid insights remind us that while dreams are never guaranteed, the pursuit itself is incredibly rewarding. Tune in for actionable advice and encouragement, whether you’re on the way to the rink or tackling challenges in life.

Key Quote:

“Dream big, act on it, and make the right choices—because every step gets you closer to what you’re striving for.”

🎧 Listen Now and Get Inspired!

#RideToTheRink #HockeyDreams #CheriePiper #DreamBig #YouthHockey

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What does it take to coach the greatest hockey players of all time?

In this unforgettable episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, the legendary Coach Mike Keenan joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share wisdom from a career that spans decades, continents, and championships. From his Stanley Cup victory to managing icons like Wayne Gretzky, Mark Messier, and Mario Lemieux, Coach Keenan dives deep into the art and science of coaching, team culture, and the importance of developing young players with care and purpose.

🔥 Episode Highlights Include:

•The inspiration behind Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench 📚

•How parenting and upbringing shaped some of hockey’s greatest superstars 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

•Building championship teams through culture, leadership, and trust 🏆

•Why failure is a necessary step in youth development 🚧

•A glimpse into Coach Keenan’s musical side (yes, Iron Mike sings!) 🎶

Whether you’re a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with actionable advice, heartfelt stories, and life lessons that go far beyond the rink.

🎧 Tune in now and don’t miss this incredible conversation with one of hockey’s most accomplished and insightful minds!

📖 Check out Coach Keenan’s book: Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench

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•0:08 – 0:56: Introduction to Coach Mike Keenan and his legendary career.

•1:11 – 2:04: The inspiration and process behind Iron Mike: My Life Behind the Bench.

•3:21 – 5:26: How Keenan discovered his passion for coaching.

•5:56 – 8:03: The importance of fun and teamwork in youth sports.

•9:59 – 12:10: Developing leadership in players at every level.

•15:35 – 16:48: Why showing players you care is essential.

•19:15 – 21:10: Building resilience in kids through failure.

•47:39 – 49:06: Team bonding and creating a championship culture.

•1:01:48 – 1:03:03: Keenan’s advice for kids pursuing their hockey dreams.

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In this week's episode of Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike dive into a crucial lesson for young players: how to keep your emotions in check and stay present, no matter what happens on the ice. Using relatable examples and practical advice, they explore how a few seconds of frustration—or celebration—can derail your performance if you let it. Learn why “being a goldfish” and practicing emotional awareness are key skills for hockey players and athletes alike. 

Whether you’re scoring big or bouncing back from a mistake, this episode will teach you how to stay focused, control your mindset, and keep improving every shift.

Tune in to hear why we believe in you—and why you should too!
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Key Takeaways:

1.The “12-Second Rule”: Don’t let a few seconds of frustration or excitement dictate your entire game.

2.Be a Goldfish: Let go of mistakes and move on quickly—just like the best players and goalies do.

3.Balance Good and Bad Moments: Celebrate or process emotions briefly, then refocus on the game.

4.Practice Emotional Awareness: This teachable skill can be honed both on and off the ice.

5.Staying Present: Whether it’s during a game, at school, or with family, the key to improvement lies in emotional awareness and mindfulness.
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Practical Tips for Players:

•After a mistake or success, take 15-30 seconds to acknowledge it, feel your emotions, and let it go.

•Review game film with a focus on learning, not reliving mistakes or getting stuck on highlights.

•Practice emotional control in everyday life to build resilience on the ice
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#HockeyMindset #RideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey

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In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, we’re joined by none other than Cherie Piper—a three-time Olympic gold medalist and the Senior Manager of Scouting and Player Development for Hockey Canada. Fresh off another gold medal win at the U18 Women’s World Championship, Cherie shares her journey to becoming one of hockey’s most accomplished athletes.

Together with hosts Lee MJ Elias, Sheri Hudspeth, and Mike Bonelli, Cherie dives deep into what it takes to succeed in high-performance hockey, both on and off the ice. Highlights include:

•The Pathway to Playing for Team Canada: Cherie breaks down how young players can get noticed, starting with provincial programs and the importance of staying consistent.

•The Role of Parents and Coaches: Insightful advice on fostering a supportive, high-performance mindset from a young age.

•Hockey IQ and Leadership: Why being skilled isn’t enough—Cherie shares what separates great players from good ones, including hockey sense, work ethic, and positive body language.

•Behind the Scenes at U18 Worlds: Cherie gives an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of coaching at the international level and preparing athletes for the pressures of competition.

•Her Love for the Game: Cherie reflects on her career, the mentors who shaped her, and her passion for helping the next generation of players thrive.

Cherie also discusses why “pressure is a privilege” and how her team helps athletes navigate social media, mental performance, and the emotional rollercoaster of competitive hockey. This episode is packed with actionable insights for players, parents, and coaches alike.

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#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyCanada #CheriePiper #U18Worlds #HockeyPodcast #YouthHockey #GirlsHockey

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In this thought-provoking episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns dive into the controversial world of youth hockey rankings with special guests Ken Ruoff and Jean Linscott, authors of What Is the Goal? The Truth About the Youth Sports Industry. Together, they tackle the tough questions surrounding the impact of rankings, the emphasis on winning over development, and the broader effects of the “youth sports industry” on families and players.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

•The Problem with Rankings: How rankings prioritize “win-now” over long-term development and why this system needs a shift.

•Burnout & Injuries: The alarming statistics on overuse injuries and why 70% of youth athletes quit sports by age 13.

•The Role of Parents & Coaches: Red flags to watch for in youth organizations and how to make choices that prioritize development and fun over prestige.

•Reimagining Success: Why redefining winning as growth, learning, and team bonding can create better experiences for players and families.

Ken and Jean also discuss how their experiences as parents and their research into the billion-dollar youth sports industry inspired their no-nonsense guide for families navigating the chaotic world of youth hockey.

🎧 Tune in to gain actionable insights on creating a healthier, more enjoyable youth sports environment for players and families alike.

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#YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #YouthSports #OurKidsPlayHockey #WhatIsTheGoal

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0:00 Intro

1:07 Rankings in youth sports: Stress vs trajectory

6:56 Migrating college practices to youth sports

15:26 Astonishing youth sports statistics revealed

22:54 Redefining winning in youth sports

31:05 Non-nonsense book on youth sports

37:15 Pro-youth sports stance with critical lens

44:12 Red flags in youth sports organizations

50:03 Closing thoughts and contact information

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How do you bounce back from massive adversity in your life?

On today’s episode of Ride to the Rink, NHL veteran Chris Therien joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to inspire young players with wisdom drawn from his 12-year professional career. As kids and families head to the rink, Chris shares advice on the importance of having fun, competing with effort, and being a great teammate.

💡 Key Highlights:

•The Core of Hockey: Why fun and friendship should be your foundation in the game.

•Overcoming Adversity: Chris’s personal story of being cut from a team at 14 and how it fueled his NHL career.

•Effort and Motivation: How putting in 110% on and off the ice can help you achieve your dreams.

•Life Lessons: The value of being a good teammate and responding to challenges with resilience.

Chris reminds players that hockey is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about the friendships you form, the lessons you learn, and the effort you put into every moment.

🎧 Tune in now and get inspired as you head to your next game or practice!

#YouthHockey #ChrisTherien #RideToTheRink #HockeyLife #OurKidsPlayHockey

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Key Discussion Points

- Enjoying the Sport of Hockey

- Balancing Fun with Competitiveness

- Overcoming Setbacks and Team Cuts

- Rewards of Determination in Hockey

- Importance of Being a Good Teammate

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