Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

Are you navigating the college hockey recruitment maze? Boston University Women's Hockey Assistant Coach Megan Myers shares invaluable insights to help young players and their families through this challenging process. She emphasizes the importance of drive, patience, and enjoying the journey, while also highlighting the resources available, such as club coaches and team managers. Megan also discusses the significance of self-advocacy, encouraging players to take charge by writing professional emails, sharing schedules and videos, and communicating directly with coaches.

Megan acknowledges the anxiety that often accompanies recruitment and offers practical advice, including alternative communication methods like texting or FaceTime for those who find traditional methods daunting. The conversation also touches on the evolving nature of coach-player communication, noting the increased flexibility to accommodate different comfort levels. Importantly, Megan reminds us that recruitment is a two-way street, with coaches also feeling the pressure to win the trust of potential players.

Key Discussion Points

- Drive and Patience in the Recruitment Process

- Utilizing Resources like Club Coaches and Team Managers

- Importance of Self-Advocacy

- Professional Communication with Coaches

- Managing Anxiety in Recruitment

- Alternative Communication Methods

- Evolution of Coach-Player Communication

- Two-Way Nature of Recruitment

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Are you already feeling the pressure of the season? This episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" offers essential tips to help parents manage anxiety and enjoy the game. Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli discuss the common tendency of parents to hyper-focus on their own child, often leading to unnecessary stress. They emphasize the importance of viewing the game from a broader perspective, understanding that youth hockey is about development over the season, not just individual games. The conversation also touches on the balance between competitiveness and kindness, and how parents can create a supportive environment for their kids. Whether you're a seasoned hockey parent or new to the rink, this episode provides valuable insights to help you and your child thrive this hockey season.

Key Discussion Points

Tips to Manage Anxiety During the Hockey Season

- Awareness of Focus

- Understanding Parental Perspective 

- Macro View of Development

- Encouraging Fun and Enjoyment

- Handling Mistakes Constructively

- Role of Influential Parents

- Avoiding Over-Involvement

- Gratitude and Perspective

- Goalie Parents’ Unique Challenges

- Collective Experience

- Life Lessons Through Hockey

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How often do you communicate on the ice? This episode of "The Ride to the Rink" with Lee explores the critical role of communication in hockey, highlighting how it can make or break a game.

Key Points:

Importance of Communication on the Ice

- Emphasis on the necessity of verbal communication during games and practices.

- Comparison of past and present communication habits due to technology.

Situational Awareness and Tactical Communication

- Examples of essential verbal cues on the ice.

- The impact of communication on player performance and team dynamics.

Practice Strategies for Improving Communication

- Lee encourages players to vocalize during drills and games.

- Techniques for integrating communication into practice routines.

Challenges and Solutions

- Lee addresses the difficulties some players face with verbal communication.

- Strategies for overcoming shyness and improving communication skills.

0:00 Intro

0:08 Importance of Communication in Hockey

4:12 Encouraging Team Communication

6:13 Challenges for Introverted Players

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Dive into our essential guide to college hockey recruiting with hosts Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, Christie Casciano Burns, and Sheri Hudspeth in this episode of "Our Girls Play Hockey." Joined by Megan Myers, assistant coach for the Boston University women's ice hockey team, the discussion covers everything from the ideal age to start thinking about college hockey to crafting the perfect email to catch a coach's attention. Megan shares her expertise on navigating NCAA rules, the importance of balancing academics and athletics, and the value of both official and unofficial visits. This episode is a must-listen for players, parents, and coaches looking to understand the recruiting process and make informed decisions about their hockey futures.

Key Discussion Points

• Starting the College Hockey Recruiting Process
• Contacting Coaches
• Importance of Academics
• Emailing Coaches
• Video Content for Coaches
• Decision-Making Factors for Coaches
• Handling Social Pressure and Early Commitments
• Tournaments and Showcases
• Advisors and Recruiting Platforms
• Official vs. Unofficial Visits
• Balancing Academics and Athletics
• New Women's Hockey Programs

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Do you have team building built into your practice plans this season? Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli dive into the importance of team building in youth hockey. They share practical tips and fun exercises to help coaches and parents create a tight-knit team. From trust falls to tic-tac-toe with hockey sticks, they show how just 20 minutes a week can make a big difference. Whether your team is on a winning streak or facing challenges, these simple activities can help build trust, communication, and accountability. Perfect for any point in the season, this episode is packed with easy-to-implement ideas to keep your team connected and motivated.

Key Discussion Points:

Importance of Team Building in Youth Hockey

- Emphasis on the necessity of team building at the start of the season.

- Establishing trust, communication, and accountability within the team.

- Common misconceptions about team building activities (e.g., pizza parties).

Challenges Faced by Coaches

- Limited budget and time constraints for team building activities.

- Lack of parental involvement and support.

- Balancing team building with other coaching responsibilities like power play and penalty kill.

Effective Team Building Strategies

- Simple, low-cost activities that require minimal resources.

- Examples of team building exercises:

- Trust falls

- Paper plate navigation

- Hula hoop rock-paper-scissors

- Tic-tac-toe with hockey sticks and sandbags

- Importance of defining trust and setting team priorities (team, teammates, self).

Implementation Tips

- Scheduling team building sessions after practice.

- Engaging parents and involving them in activities.

- Adapting activities based on the age group and team dynamics.

- Using team building to address specific team issues (e.g., communication problems).

Frequency and Timing of Team Building

- Recommended frequency: once a month, with more frequent sessions at the start of the season.

- Key periods for team building: beginning of the season, post-holidays, and pre-playoffs.

Benefits of Team Building

- Enhances team cohesion and performance.

- Helps teams overcome challenges and improve overall experience.

- Encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and mutual support among players.

Parental Involvement

- Strategies to involve parents in team building without overwhelming them.

- Examples of parent-child activities and collaborative exercises.

- Importance of creating a supportive environment for both players and parents.

Long-term Impact

- Building a culture of team building within the organization.

- Benefits of consistent team building over multiple seasons.

- Developing leadership and mentorship among older players for younger teammates.

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What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your hockey dreams? In this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," Lee challenges young hockey players to reflect on their daily habits and consider what they might need to give up to reach their goals.

Key Points:

Sacrifice for Goals

- As young hockey players, it's crucial to look at your daily routines and spot any time wasters.

Screen Time and Practice

- Try cutting back on screen time to spend more time practicing your hockey skills.

Incremental Improvements

- Even small, consistent efforts can make a big difference - Just 15 minutes a day spent on practice can really add up over the season.

Curiosity and Sacrifice

- Be curious about your habits and routines.

- Think about making some dietary changes for better performance.

Broader Application

- This idea of sacrifice applies to other interests too, like music or writing.

Don't forget to check out the full episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" this week for more tips and questions to help you get better at the game. Stay curious, look at your habits, and make small sacrifices to reach your goals. Keep skating hard and believe in yourself!

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In this episode of The Ride To The Rink, host Sheri Hudspeth and guest Hannah Beckman dive into the unique challenges female hockey players face. They chat about the need for strong quads and glutes, and how societal pressures can clash with the physical demands of the sport. Hannah shares her personal experiences with body image and stresses the importance of mental health and proper nutrition. They also offer advice for young athletes and their parents on staying healthy and strong. Tune in for an honest conversation about what it really takes to succeed in women's hockey.

Key Points:

Body Image and Athletic Performance

- Discussion on the physical demands of hockey and the resulting body types.

- Comparison of societal expectations versus athletic requirements.

Personal Experiences and Challenges

- Hannah shares her personal struggles with body image and weight gain.

- The impact of societal comments on female athletes' self-perception.

Mental Health and Physical Health

- The connection between mental health and physical health in athletes.

- The emotional toll of competitive sports on young athletes.

Nutritional Needs and Training

- Importance of proper nutrition for female athletes.

- The role of off-ice training in athletic development.

Age-Appropriate Training

- Mike emphasizes the need for age-appropriate training environments.

- Consideration of biological differences in young athletes.

Diversity in Body Types

- Acknowledgment of the diversity in body types among successful athletes.

- Encouragement to avoid generalizing training and development approaches.

We hope you enjoyed this episode of The Ride To The Rink and found it insightful. If you did, please share it with your friends, family, and fellow athletes. Don't forget to subscribe to Our Kids Play Hockey for more discussions on important topics in youth hockey.

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What are the key questions every young hockey player should ask to elevate their game and personal growth? Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli explore eleven essential questions designed to help players, coaches, and parents foster development throughout the season. From turning problems into opportunities to understanding the importance of being a thoughtful listener, this episode offers valuable insights for anyone involved in youth hockey. Whether you're a player looking to enhance your skills or a parent aiming to support your child's journey, these questions will guide you in making meaningful progress. Join the conversation and discover how great questions can lead to great answers.

Key Points:

Turning Problems into Opportunities

- View problems as growth opportunities.

- Use setbacks to become a leader or improve skills.

Identifying Knowledge Gaps

- Recognize what you don't know but need to know.

- Utilize online resources and ensure information is age-appropriate.

Making Life Better for Others

- Positively impact teammates, coaches, and others.

- Be a good person and supportive teammate.

Becoming a Person of Value

- Strive to be versatile and adaptable to the team's needs.

- Create value that does not go unnoticed.

Sharing Your Value

- Share skills and knowledge with teammates.

- Foster a collaborative team environment.

Daily Self-Improvement

- Reflect daily on personal and athletic growth.

- Use journaling to track progress and set goals.

Identifying What Matters Most

- Understand what truly matters to you beyond hockey.

- Emphasize the importance of family and overall well-being.

Eliminating Time Wasters

- Identify and address the biggest time wasters in your life.

- Manage screen time and other distractions effectively.

Willingness to Sacrifice

- Make sacrifices to achieve your goals.

- Balance short-term sacrifices with long-term gains.

Improving Quality of Life

- Reflect on actions to enhance overall well-being.

- Take steps to improve mental fitness and self-care.

Being a Thoughtful Listener

- Be a careful and thoughtful listener.

- Listen to others, be curious, and ask great questions.

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Ever feel like "be patient" is the worst advice? Host Lee MJ Elias shares his unique take on patience, transforming it from passive waiting into active progress. Drawing from his experiences in hockey and life, Lee explains how focusing on present actions can make the waiting game more bearable and productive. He breaks down the concept of patience, emphasizing the importance of what you do right now to achieve future goals. Whether it's practicing hockey skills or tackling everyday tasks, Lee's insights offer a fresh perspective on making the most of the present moment. Tune in for practical wisdom on turning patience into proactive progress.

Key Points

Understanding Patience

- Lee discusses the common frustration with being told to be patient, both as a child and as an adult.

- He aims to provide a new perspective on patience, focusing on actionable steps rather than passive waiting.

Present Moment Focus

- Emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment and taking actionable steps towards goals.

- Explains that while the past is unchangeable and the future is uncertain, the present moment is where control lies.

Action Over Waiting

- Lee shares personal anecdotes about how taking action, even small steps, can make the process of being patient more bearable.

- Highlights the importance of staying active and engaged in the present to work towards future goals.

Practical Tips for Practicing Patience

- Encourages listeners to ask themselves what they can do right now to move closer to their goals.

- Suggests that even mundane tasks, like washing dishes, can be a form of practicing patience by staying productive.

Lee invites listeners to reflect on their own goals and consider what actions they can take in the present moment to achieve them. He encourages audience engagement and feedback for future episodes, emphasizing the importance of staying active and productive in the present to work towards future goals.

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In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, we dive deep into five common myths about women’s hockey with our expert guest, Hannah Beckman. Hannah, a skater for the Puerto Rican National Ice Hockey Team and recent graduate from Utica University, where she served as Director of Operations for their NCAA women’s program, brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the conversation.

Together, we discuss and debunk the myths that have long surrounded women’s hockey, shedding light on the realities of the game and how it’s evolving. From the false notion that women’s hockey isn’t competitive, to misconceptions about body types needed to play the sport, this episode is packed with insights that will not only challenge outdated beliefs but also inspire those involved in the game to push for a better environment and experience for everyone.

Whether you’re a player, parent, coach, or fan, this episode is sure to provide valuable perspectives on the current state and future of women’s hockey. Don’t miss this engaging discussion with Hannah Beckman as we break down these myths and explore what it takes to thrive in the world of women’s hockey.

Myths Busted:

1.Myth 1: Women’s hockey isn’t competitive.

2.Myth 2: You have to play boys’ hockey to get noticed.

3.Myth 3: There’s no future in women’s hockey.

4.Myth 4: Girls need a certain body type to succeed in hockey.

5.Myth 5: Coaching girls is harder than coaching boys.

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