Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

Ever wondered what it takes to excel in prep school hockey? 

This episode of Our Girls Play Hockey features Olympian, Pro, and United States Hockey Hall of Famer - Brianna Decker. 

Brianna currently serves as the head coach at Shattuck-St. Mary's and she joins the show to offer an insider's look at prep school hockey.

She breaks down the daily life of a student-athlete, where academics and hockey training are seamlessly integrated into the school day. 

Curious about the recruiting process? Discover what Shattuck, and other top tier programs, look for in potential players and why it's crucial for students, not just parents, to take the lead. 

Learn how Shattuck fosters player development, building competitiveness and preparing athletes for college hockey. Balancing academics with a demanding hockey schedule is no small feat, and Brianna shares how the school supports students in this endeavor. 

For those transitioning to prep school life, she discusses adjusting to living away from home and the support systems that ease homesickness.

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0:00:00 Intro

0:00:08 Brianna Decker's Journey to the USA Hockey Hall of Fame

0:02:14 Shattuck St. Mary's as a Nurturing Environment

0:05:33 Finding the Right Fit at Shattuck

0:08:10 The Day in the Life of a Shattuck Player

0:11:41 Navigating the Elite Hockey Landscape

0:13:15 The Recruitment Process for Hockey Players

0:16:02 Integrity in Youth Hockey Recruitment

0:17:19 Preparing for High-Level Sports and Academics

0:19:17 Competitiveness vs. Competition in Youth Sports

0:20:56 Cultivating Competitiveness in Youth Athletes

0:24:21 Navigating Player Development in Youth Hockey

0:30:26 Transitioning to Boarding School Life

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Happy Thanksgiving!

What life lessons have you learned from sports? 

This special Thanksgiving episode of Our Kids Play Hockey explores the profound impact of hockey on personal growth, highlighting how the sport instills discipline, time management, and resilience in young players. 

The hosts reflect on the enduring friendships formed with fellow hockey families, relationships that last long after the final whistle. They remind listeners to savor every moment, sharing stories like Lee's children clinching a championship together. 

Lee also expresses his ongoing passion for hockey, a connection that keeps him in touch with his childhood. 

The hosts extend heartfelt thanks to their international audience, whose engagement fuels these meaningful discussions about youth hockey.

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Feeling the weight of hockey burnout? 

Discover how to reignite your passion with insights from Olympian Lindsay Fry. She shares her journey of overcoming burnout and anxiety while training for the Olympic team, offering invaluable advice for young players. 

Lindsay highlights the crucial difference between motivation and commitment, urging players to remember their initial love for the game during challenging times. She stresses the importance of commitment to oneself and teammates, as motivation can waver. 

Additionally, Lindsay provides strategies for managing hockey-related stress by focusing on the joy of the game rather than external pressures.

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Key Discussion Points

- Difference Between Motivation and Commitment

- Personal Story of Burnout and Anxiety

- Importance of Commitment to Teammates

- Managing External Pressures

- Rediscovering Love for Hockey

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How do you transform a group of individuals into a cohesive team?

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, the team dives into "How to Win," Lee's new refresh on his best selling team building philosophy.

This updated edition, a decade in the making, offers a streamlined approach filled with new experiences and reorganized insights. Lee's philosophy has matured to cater to all ages and settings, from sports teams to corporate environments.

Discover the core elements of trust, communication, and leadership, along with practical exercises tailored for coaches.

While rooted in hockey, the book's strategies extend to various fields, including business and the military, proving its universal appeal.

Designed for easy navigation, it allows readers to focus on sections that address their specific needs, making it an invaluable resource for coaches, parents, and leaders alike.

You can order “How To Win” here: https://a.co/d/dMWH6ql

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0:00 Intro

1:11 Lee's Book Update

4:33 Book's Evolution

6:33 Application Across Ages

8:46 Team Building Guide

11:41 Practical Advice for Coaches

14:08 Parental Perspective

18:08 Broader Applications

21:25 Book Availability

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Are you ready to transform your approach to your hockey development? 

Discover the power of patience and perseverance in this engaging episode of "The Ride To The Rink." 

Ken Martel and Lee Elias explore the essential mindset shifts needed for players to thrive on and off the ice. 

They discuss the critical role of coaches in fostering a supportive environment and the importance of maintaining a positive attitude, even on tough days. Whether you're a player, coach, or parent, this episode of The Ride To The Rink offers valuable insights to enhance your hockey experience.

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Key Discussion Points

- Importance of Patience in Hockey Development

- Strategies for Building Perseverance

- Coach's Role in Player Development

- Mindset for Improvement

- Belief and Enjoyment in Hockey

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We’re Giving Away 1980 Miracle Team Sunglasses and Supporting a Monument to a Miracle!

In this episode of the Wraparound Roundtable, host Lee MJ Elias is joined by Katie Million, GM of the United States Women’s National Team and the 1980 Miracle Hockey Team, for a special discussion celebrating the 45th anniversary of the legendary “Miracle on Ice.”

Katie shares details about the Monument to a Miracle, a nonprofit project aiming to create a life-size statue honoring the iconic team in Lake Placid. From the sculptor’s incredible vision to the ongoing fundraising efforts, Katie provides an inside look at how this historic tribute is coming together.

We’re also giving away five pairs of fully polarized Miracle sunglasses, with a special gift included. 

For every pair of these glasses sold (and given away via the Wraparound Roundtable), $10 will be donated to the monument fund.

Katie reflects on her unique role working with the Miracle players, how she’s helping preserve their legacy, and what makes this team so deserving of recognition.

👉 Enter to win at: https://hockeywraparound.com/blogs/the-wraparound-roundtable/miracles. Use the secret code word found in this episode for your chance to win!

Do you believe in miracles? We do—join us in celebrating this unforgettable moment in sports history!

Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Hockey Wraparound checked with their lawyers to bring you this deal—seriously!

Buy any Hockey Wraparound on hockeywraparound.com and get a competitors’ blade protector FREE (while supplies last). 🏒 

Confident in their product & team, Wraparound lets you save money and try both. 

Join the Wraparound community today—this deal is your invitation!

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How can we keep girls in girls' hockey? 

This episode of Our Girls Play Hockey explores this question with Lindsay Fry, Olympian, Harvard grad, and now chair of the NHL Female Advisory Hockey Committee. 

Lindsay shares her journey in expanding girls hockey in Arizona, highlighting the creation of a comprehensive pipeline from learn-to-play programs to all-girls teams. She discusses the importance of early development, emphasizing quality coaching for young players to instill both skills and passion. 

The episode also examines the business potential of girls hockey, presenting it as a smart investment for rinks. 

Lindsay addresses challenges like limited ice time and the perseverance needed to achieve long-term growth.

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0:00 Intro

5:27 NHL's Role in Growing Girls Hockey

10:42 Challenges in Girls Hockey Development

17:21 Building Sustainable Girls Hockey Programs

25:41 Importance of Structure in Youth Sports

34:00 Overcoming Challenges in Girls Hockey

42:16 Investing in Early Stage Development

49:50 Successful Girls Hockey Initiatives

57:50 Business Case for Supporting Girls Hockey

1:02:46 Encouraging Female Ambassadors in Hockey

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How can we revolutionize youth hockey development? 

This week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey explores the transformative impact of the American Development Model (ADM) on young players in the U.S. 

USA Hockey's Senior Director of Player & Coach Development, Ken Martel, joins the show to share insights on creating fun, game-like practices that emphasize puck touches, appropriate challenges, and decision-making. 

He highlights why encouraging kids to participate in multiple sports is crucial, with research revealing that most NHL stars were multi-sport athletes. 

Coaching education takes center stage in the discussion as Ken advocates for lifelong learning and utilizing USA Hockey's resources. 

The episode also tackles the topic of body contact in girls hockey, highlighting the importance of teaching competitive contact skills. 

Throughout, the focus remains on fostering engaging environments that nurture skills and a lifelong passion for the game.

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On this week’s episode of The Ride To The Rink, John O'Sullivan shares insights on how athletes can communicate effectively with their parents, emphasizing the importance of setting boundaries and choosing the right moments for these conversations. The episode highlights the significance of the car ride home, suggesting it should be a space for the athlete to decide if they want to talk about the game. Additionally, it explores how coaches can play a supportive role in facilitating these discussions, ensuring they are constructive and positive. Understanding that parents' motivations come from a place of love, the conversation provides strategies for young athletes to engage with their parents in a way that respects both parties' perspectives.

Key Discussion Points

- Communicating with Parents about Sports

- Importance of Car Ride Conversations

- Setting Boundaries with Parents

- Coach as an Advocate

- Understanding Parental Motivation

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We're Giving Away A Sport Screen Shooting Tarp and An Ultimate Off-Ice Kit!

In this episode of the Wraparound Roundtable, host Lee MJ Elias welcomes Russ Lennon, co-founder of The Sport Screen, to discuss their innovative hockey product. 

The Sport Screen was born from a love of hockey and a need to protect garage doors from puck damage. Russ shares how the retractable design allows for easy use and storage, making it a perfect fit for hockey families. 

The conversation highlights the product's unique features, including its ability to withstand real pucks and provide shade and privacy. 

Russ also shares insights into his dedicated team and offers motivational advice for aspiring hockey players and entrepreneurs.

Head to https://hockeywraparound.com/blogs/the-wraparound-roundtable/thesportscreen to enter to win!

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0:00 Intro

1:23 Sportscreen Product Overview

3:10 Benefits for Families

6:32 Company Mission and Team

8:08 Inspirational Message

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