Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

What does it take to make the Olympic team? 

This week's Our Girls Play Hockey brings you insights from US Women's National Team GM Katie Million on the rigorous selection process for the national hockey team. 

Hear the challenges of making tough roster decisions and the intense USA-Canada rivalry, celebrated as one of the greatest in sports. Learn how the 1998 Olympic gold medal ignited a surge in girls' and women's hockey participation across the U.S. Plus, get the scoop on the upcoming USA-Canada Rivalry Series games scheduled for November and February. 

Aspiring olympians can not afford to miss Katie's advice on balancing fun with developing grit to reach national team levels.

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- Lee, Mike, and Sheri discuss the importance of creating a positive environment for girls' youth hockey.

- Katie, the GM of the women's national team, shares insights into her role and the upcoming 2026 Olympic Games.

- Sheri inquires about the pathway for young players aspiring to join national teams, emphasizing the importance of fun and development.

- Katie outlines the process of district tryouts and player development camps for USA Hockey.

- The conversation touches on the qualities needed to represent the national team, including speed, physicality, and mental toughness.

- Lee and Katie discuss the significance of having fun in sports and the mindset required for high-level athletes.

- Katie highlights the importance of character and grit in players, which are crucial for representing the country.

- The panel discusses the challenges of selecting players for the Olympic team and the emotional impact of cuts.

- Katie shares the evolving landscape of women's hockey with the introduction of the PWHL and its impact on Olympic preparations.

- The rivalry between USA and Canada in women's hockey is explored, emphasizing its intensity and significance.

- Katie provides details about the upcoming rivalry series games in the US and Canada.

- The episode includes a story about Katie's nephew being inspired by women's hockey to start playing the sport.

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How can mindfulness transform the way young athletes experience hockey? In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, retired NHLer Riley Cote explores the profound impact of teaching mindfulness and mental fitness to young players. He highlights how these practices can enhance focus, emotional regulation, and overall enjoyment of the game. 

The discussion also emphasizes the importance of maintaining the joy and fun of hockey, rather than pushing for elite development too early. Riley shares his personal experiences, shedding light on the critical need to address mental health and emotional intelligence in a sport that often suppresses emotions. 

He introduces creative methods, like rhythmic drumming, to teach mindfulness and presence. 

The conversation also touches on the vital role parents play in supporting their children's emotional development, encouraging them to practice mindfulness themselves.

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- Riley Cote shares his journey from youth hockey to the NHL, highlighting parental support and joy in the game.

•Discussion on the pressure for young players to pursue elite paths, comparing it to gymnastics, and its impact on enjoying hockey.

•Emphasis on playing for fun and the negative effects of parental pressure.

•Lee shares a personal story about his son’s excitement, stressing the importance of joy in sports.

•Riley discusses his work at Philadelphia Hockey Academy, focusing on mindfulness and separating the human from the athlete.

•Mental fitness in hockey is explored, with Riley emphasizing mindfulness and self-regulation for players and parents.

•Mindfulness is explained as being present, with simple practices for kids.

•The role of parents in modeling mindfulness and its impact on children is highlighted.

•Mike questions the lack of mental fitness focus in hockey, and Riley shares challenges in integrating it into programs.

•Riley provides examples of improved focus and self-regulation in young players through mindfulness, including rhythmic drumming.

•The importance of teaching kids to manage emotions constructively is emphasized.

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How do you build a strong connection with your coach? In this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink, we explore the art of eye contact and active listening to show respect and eagerness to learn. 

Mike shares how player maturity plays a crucial role in understanding the time and effort coaches invest in your growth. Hear how the dynamics of coach-player interactions during games, practices, and locker room talks, emphasizing the importance of positive relationships.

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00:00:00 Intro

00:00:08 Engaging with Coaches

00:01:11 Receiving Feedback

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We're Giving Away 5 Coach Subscriptions To CoachThem!!

In this episode of the Wraparound Roundtable, host Lee MJ Elias welcomes retired NHL defenseman Mike Weaver, the creator of CoachThem, a tool designed to streamline coaching with custom drills and practice organization.

Mike shares his journey from NHL player to innovator, highlighting how CoachThem addresses the repetitive nature of drill creation and enhances coaching efficiency. With over 40,000 accounts and partnerships with major hockey organizations, CoachThem is revolutionizing how coaches prepare and execute practice plans.

Mike emphasizes the importance of development-driven coaching and the value of organized practice plans in fostering player growth. The conversation touches on the broader impact of sports on life skills, urging parents to allow their children to learn from their experiences on the ice.

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

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0:00 CoachThem's Impact on NHL Teams

2:14 Academic Pursuits Beyond Hockey

5:47 Cost Efficiency and Time-Saving Benefits for Coaches

9:06 Development Driven Coaching

12:13 The Necessity of Coaching Tools

14:35 CoachThem's Team Dynamics and Innovation

19:14 The Impact of Overbearing Sports Parents

21:45 Life Lessons from Hockey

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Are you ready to unlock the secrets to building confidence on the ice? Kim McCullough shares how setting and achieving small, daily goals can transform an athlete's mindset and performance. This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores the power of self-directed goal setting, where athletes focus on specific skills or actions they want to improve during practices and games. Learn how just 10 minutes a day dedicated to extra training can lead to significant advantages over time. The discussion also highlights the importance of focusing on strengths, encouraging athletes, especially girls, to elevate their skills from good to great. Plus, find out how effective communication with coaches can help players lacking confidence understand what is expected of them and identify areas for improvement.

Key Discussion Points

- Building Confidence Through Daily Goals

- Self-Directed Goal Setting for Athletes

- Consistency in Small Efforts

- Focusing on Strengths

- Communicating with Coaches for Improvement

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0:00 Intro

0:08 Setting and Achieving Small Goals

5:48 Seeking Feedback from Coaches

8:00 Building Confidence in Sports

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Ever wondered how to stay calm and enjoy your child's hockey games without the stress? Join Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns as they share invaluable insights on managing anxiety as a hockey parent. Through personal stories and practical advice, they explore the journey from being a nervous wreck to finding peace at the rink. Learn how to support your young athlete, understand the importance of letting kids learn from failure, and discover the power of unconditional love and praise. This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating the highs and lows of youth hockey.

Key Discussion Points

- Lee shares a story about feeling calm while watching his daughter play hockey, contrasting it with his earlier anxious experiences.

- Christie compares the experience of being a new hockey parent to having a first child, emphasizing how experience reduces anxiety.

- Lee and Christie discuss the importance of letting kids learn from their experiences and failures.

- Mike talks about the emotional reactions parents have during their kids' sports events and the importance of reflection.

- Lee highlights the significance of recognizing that parents have little control over the game and should focus on supporting their children.

- Christie stresses the importance of unconditional love and support, rather than critiquing, after games.

- Mike mentions the need for parents to allow their children to become independent, even if it means watching them struggle initially.

- Lee discusses the long-term development of skills in hockey and the importance of patience.

- Christie and Lee talk about the value of not discussing the game in the car unless the child initiates the conversation.

- Mike and Lee reflect on the impact of social media on parents and children, emphasizing the need to focus on personal growth rather than comparisons.

0:00 Intro

0:08 Overcoming Anxiety as a Hockey Parent

3:07 The Evolution of Parenting in Youth Hockey

12:35 Notes from a Hockey Elder

14:06 Parenting Lessons from Hockey

16:18 The Impact of Parental Behavior on Young Athletes

18:51 The Challenges of Parenting in Youth Sports

20:35 Changing Parental Involvement in Youth Sports

28:31 The Long Game in Youth Hockey

38:43 Realization of Over-Involvement

47:00 The Importance of Development Over Winning

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What are you supposed to do while you're waiting to go back out on the ice between shifts? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Lee shares the importance of staying hydrated and mental preparation. By observing the game from the bench, players can also gain valuable insights into both their own team and their opponents. The discussion emphasizes the power of positive team communication inspired by Sidney Crosby's leadership style, and underscores the need for emotional regulation to handle the game's ups and downs.

Key Discussion Points

- Hydration Between Shifts

- Mental Preparation Between Shifts

- Observing the Game

- Positive Team Communication

- Emotional Regulation

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0:00 Intro

1:32 Hydration During Hockey Games

2:33 Mental Focus Between Shifts

5:05 Positive Communication and Teamwork

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Ever wondered how girls hockey differs from boys hockey? Join us as Kim McCullough, director of Total Female Hockey, shares her insights on the social dynamics and skill development in youth hockey. Discover the unique challenges and opportunities in the girls' game and how they shape the future of female athletes.

- Kim McCullough highlights the social aspect as a key difference between girls and boys hockey, emphasizing peer connections.

- Skill levels are similar at young ages, but checking introduces a physicality difference in boys hockey.

- Challenges in involving more women in coaching are discussed, with Kim sharing her experiences and the impact of life events like childbirth.

- Kim shares a story about going into labor while coaching, showcasing her dedication.

- Parents' expectations differ, with boys' parents often becoming intense earlier.

- Confidence is crucial in girls hockey, with Kim encouraging creativity and "skating to daylight."

- Female coaches bring unique empathy, having faced similar social pressures.

- Communication and understanding dynamics in girls hockey are vital, as players often avoid standing out.

- Coaching strategies for girls focus on collaborative competition and fostering creativity.

- Female representation on the bench is important for player connection and support.

00:00:00 Intro

00:01:49 Girls Hockey vs. Boys Hockey

00:05:17 Challenges for Women in Coaching

00:14:21 Navigating Girls Hockey Pathways to College

00:23:37 The Role of Female Coaches in Hockey

00:25:10 Encouraging Women to Pursue Coaching Careers

00:30:38 The Importance of Visibility and Mentorship in Women's Hockey

00:40:26 Coaching Girls in Hockey

00:43:28 Confidence and Physicality in Girls Hockey

00:57:22 Empathy in Coaching Girls' Hockey

01:02:59 Girls' Reluctance in High-Pressure Situations

01:04:30 Empowerment Through Leadership Roles in Sports

01:05:44 Collaborative Competition in Women's Sports

01:12:01 Kim McCullough's Global Coaching Experience

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What does it take to build a winning team in the NHL? In this special crossover edition of "Our Kids Play Hockey," host Lee MJ Elias joins the NHL Wraparound podcast, featuring Neil Smith, former GM of the 1994 New York Rangers Stanley Cup champions, and Vic Morren, award winning ESPN veteran. Together, they interview Keith Jones, President of the Philadelphia Flyers, discussing the intricacies of team building, the importance of character in professional hockey, and how these principles apply to youth hockey. This episode offers a unique glimpse into the minds of hockey executives and the strategies behind creating a successful team culture.

Key Points:

- Keith Jones delves into the critical aspects of team building and culture within professional hockey, drawing from his personal experiences and insights.

- Insights from Jonesy's book are discussed, with a focus on the chapter "I'm Minus Seven," which explores the balance between personal performance and team dynamics.

- The conversation emphasizes the importance of recognizing and enhancing individual players' strengths to build a cohesive team.

- Neil Smith and Keith Jones discuss the pivotal role of leadership in fostering a strong and positive team culture.

- Jonesy highlights the collaborative approach to decision-making within the Philadelphia Flyers, stressing the importance of teamwork at the executive level.

- The discussion touches on the significance of gathering input from all team members, including trainers and assistant coaches, to maintain a healthy team environment.

- Jonesy praises the involvement of CEO Dan Hilferty, noting his supportive leadership style and its positive impact on the organization.

- The challenges of maintaining a positive team culture amidst external pressures and noise are addressed, with strategies for staying focused on core values.

- Jonesy underscores the importance of developing well-rounded individuals in youth hockey, emphasizing character alongside athletic skills.

- The passionate and demanding nature of Philadelphia sports fans is acknowledged, with Jonesy discussing how this influences team operations and goals.

Listen to the full episode of NHL Wraparound with Keith Jones at https://nhl-wraparound-podcast.captivate.fm/episode/ep-24-building-it-back-up-with-keith-jones

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Ever wondered how to turn a long car ride into an unforgettable adventure? Hockey mom Christie Casciano shares her insights on making road trips to out-of-town tournaments a memorable experience for kids and parents alike. She emphasizes the importance of completing schoolwork before hitting the road, allowing for a stress-free journey. Christie suggests engaging in fun activities like I Spy and word games to keep the ride lively and interactive. She also highlights the value of bonding with teammates and friends during these trips, encouraging meaningful conversations and shared memories. With Christie's tips, road trips become more than just a journey—they're an opportunity for connection and fun.

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