Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

In this episode of The Ride to The Rink Mike and Lee dive into the joys and opportunities of summer and spring league hockey. With the summer heat in full swing, it’s time to embrace the fun and freedom these leagues offer, while still focusing on personal growth and development.

In this episode, we discuss:

•The unique, relaxed atmosphere of summer and spring league hockey, with no practices and just one game a week.
•Encouraging kids to try different positions and roles on the ice to develop new skills and perspectives.
•The importance of maintaining good habits and sportsmanship, even in a less formal league setting.
•The value of playing multiple sports during the off-season to give the mind and body a break from hockey.
•How to balance having fun with staying competitive and focused on personal improvement.
•Engaging with new teammates and experiencing different playing styles to become a more well-rounded player.

Mike and Lee also stress the importance of making the most out of these less structured leagues. They remind players to keep their behavior in check and always be mindful of their conduct on and off the ice.

Tune in to discover how to make the most of your summer and spring league hockey experience, and remember, it’s all about having fun and growing as a player and person. 

Catch all the episodes of The Ride to The Rink and the full Our Kids Play Hockey episodes at ourkidsplayhockey.com. 

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On this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns are joined by Bob Apter, President of the Northern Illinois Hockey League (NIHL), the largest youth hockey league in the United States.

 Bob shares his journey from a passionate young player to the leader of a league with over 50 organizations and 300 teams. Discover how NIHL’s innovative approach to competitive balance, community involvement, and partnerships with major teams like the Chicago Blackhawks has fostered incredible growth and success.

Bob also provides valuable insights on how parents can make informed decisions about their child’s hockey journey, the importance of fair play, and the impact of meaningful game experiences. Plus, learn about the special initiatives NIHL supports, including their collaboration with the Wounded Warriors veterans team.

Key Points:

•Growth and Success of NIHL:

•How NIHL grew from six teams to over 300.

•The league’s commitment to fair play and competitive balance.

•Partnership with the Chicago Blackhawks:

•Promoting youth hockey growth through collaboration with the Blackhawks.

•Creating memorable championship experiences for young players.

•Ensuring Fair Play:

•NIHL’s unique seeding process and its benefits.

•Addressing challenges in maintaining competitive balance.

•Parental Involvement:

•Tips for parents on making informed decisions about league changes.

•Understanding and supporting your child’s hockey needs.

•Communication and Transparency:

•How NIHL maintains open lines of communication with families and clubs.

•The importance of listening to feedback and making adjustments.

•Special Initiatives:

•Involving the Wounded Warriors veterans team and fostering community connections.

•Success stories like Tage Thompson’s journey from NIHL to the NHL.

Quotes:

•“If you like the situation, the coach, the staff, and the rink, there’s no reason to leave ever.”

•“Competitiveness is key. Winning or losing by 10 goals doesn’t help anyone.”

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On this week's episode of The Ride to The Rink, Mike and Lee discuss the critical role of environment in a young hockey player’s development. Drawing from a recent interview with professional goaltending coach Brian Daccord and insights from numerous players, coaches, and parents, Mike and Lee emphasize the significance of a positive, supportive, and challenging environment over merely playing at a higher level.

They discuss:

•Brian Daccord’s perspective on why environment trumps level, especially for goaltenders.
•The importance of being happy and feeling valued in your team setting.
•How to determine if your current environment is conducive to your growth as a player.
•The impact of a supportive coaching staff and positive team dynamics on player development.
•Encouraging youth players to advocate for themselves and communicate their feelings to their parents.
•Balancing the aspiration to play at higher levels with the need for a nurturing environment.

Mike and Lee also stress the importance of finishing commitments to a team while fostering open conversations between players and parents about their happiness and development. 

This episode is a must-listen for young athletes, parents, and coaches alike, aiming to create the best possible experience in youth hockey.

Tune in to learn how the right environment can make all the difference in your hockey journey!

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In this week's episode of “Our Kids Play Goalie,” Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli sit down with Brian Daccord, goaltending coach for Boston University. Brian’s illustrious career includes coaching stints with the Boston Bruins, Arizona Coyotes, and Toronto Maple Leafs, as well as winning a German championship in 2015. He is also the founder of Stop It Goaltending and the Director of Goaltending Development at Sense Arena. Brian shares his wealth of knowledge and personal experiences, including insights from his books “Hockey Goaltending” and “How to Be a Goalie Parent,” and stories about his son Joey Daccord, a starting goaltender for the Seattle Kraken.

Key Topics Covered:

•Goaltending Journey: Brian’s inspiring journey from outdoor rinks in Montreal to coaching at the highest levels of hockey.

•Importance of Self-Advocacy: Encouraging young goaltenders to advocate for themselves and communicate effectively with coaches.

•Innovative Training Techniques: Insights into the development and benefits of Sensorena VR training for goaltenders.

•Goaltending Philosophy: The value of environment over level and the importance of passion and resilience in a goaltender’s career.

•Practical Advice for Parents: Guidance on supporting young goaltenders, including tips on decision-making and communication.

Memorable Quotes:

•“Every shot is a chance to get better. There’s a big difference between reading a release in practice and reading a play in a game with real consequences.” - Brian Daccord

•“We have to practice at a higher level. You can’t practice at the pace of the level you’re playing at. You want to play at a high level, let’s play at a higher pace.” - Brian Daccord

Brian’s expert advice on goaltending offers a comprehensive guide for young athletes and their parents. His emphasis on environment, passion, and innovative training methods like Sense Arena provides valuable insights for goaltenders at all levels. This episode is packed with practical tips and inspiring stories that will resonate with anyone involved in youth hockey.

Don’t miss this insightful conversation with Brian Daccord. Subscribe to “Our Kids Play Hockey” on your favorite podcast platform and visit ourkidsplayhockey.com for more episodes and updates.

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In this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," hosts Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli are joined by Jenna Trubiano, head coach of the University of Michigan Women’s ACHA Division I hockey team. Jenna shares invaluable advice for young hockey players and their parents about the importance of advocating for yourself and communicating effectively with coaches.

Key Topics Covered:

• Self-Advocacy: Jenna emphasizes the significance of young athletes learning to advocate for themselves and how it impacts their development.
• Communication Skills: Practical tips on how to approach coaches with questions and concerns, including the importance of timing and preparation.
• Handling Emotions: Advice on managing emotions before having important conversations, ensuring discussions are productive and constructive.
• Parental Support: The role parents can play in helping their children communicate effectively with coaches, including being present during discussions.

Memorable Quotes:

• "It's a huge skill, something that I see with our college athletes. There's definitely a difference between those who have advocated for themselves before versus those who have not." - Jenna Trubiano
• "Conversations go both ways. If you're going to have a conversation with a coach, you have to be in a position mentally to receive feedback." - Lee Elias
  
  

Jenna Trubiano’s guidance on self-advocacy and effective communication offers young hockey players and their parents valuable lessons that extend beyond the rink. Her insights into handling emotions, preparing for conversations, and the role of parents in supporting their children highlight essential skills for personal and athletic growth. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to enhance their communication skills and foster positive relationships with coaches.

Tune in to this insightful episode with Jenna Trubiano to learn more about the critical skill of self-advocacy in hockey and beyond. Subscribe to "Our Kids Play Hockey" on your favorite podcast platform and visit ourkidsplayhockey.com for more episodes.

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In this week's episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," hosts Lee Elias, Christy Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli welcome Jenna Trubiano, head coach of the University of Michigan Women’s ACHA Division I hockey team. Jenna shares her inspiring journey from a late-start youth player to leading one of the most promising women's club hockey programs in the country.

Key Topics Covered:

• Jenna's Hockey Journey: Discover how Jenna went from learning to skate at age nine to becoming the head coach at her alma mater, the University of Michigan.
• Challenges and Triumphs: Jenna discusses the unique challenges of leading a club hockey program and the incredible accomplishments of her team, both on and off the ice.
• Academic Excellence: Learn about the balance and importance of academics within the Michigan program and how Jenna emphasizes education alongside hockey.
• Building a Culture: Insight into the culture of commitment, community outreach, and collaboration that Jenna has instilled in her team.
• The Future of Women's Hockey: Jenna's thoughts on the growing opportunities in women's hockey, the impact of the PWHL, and the demand for a Division I NCAA women’s program in Michigan.
• Advice for Aspiring Players: Practical tips for young athletes on how to stand out in the recruitment process and the importance of taking ownership of their journey.

This episode with Jenna Trubiano highlights the dedication, passion, and hard work required to build a successful women's club hockey program. Jenna's story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of creating opportunities for female athletes. Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, Jenna's insights offer valuable lessons on leadership, community involvement, and the future of women's hockey. 

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Hello, hockey skaters and goalies around the world! Welcome back to another edition of The Ride to the Rink. This is Lee Elias with you today, and we have a special guest from the Vegas Golden Knights, Sheri Hudspeth. Sheri is the Director of Development for Youth Hockey and Fan Engagement, and she joins us to discuss the importance and benefits of ball hockey.

Sheri emphasizes that ball hockey is a fantastic way for ice hockey players to improve their skills at home. It’s also a great social activity, perfect for making friends and building community. For kids who enjoy hockey but aren’t great skaters, ball hockey provides a wonderful alternative to still enjoy the game. Plus, it’s excellent exercise!

Quotes:

•“Ball hockey is a great way to work on your skills at home. You can work on stick handling, shooting, and passing, which will all translate to the ice.” - Sheri Hudspeth

•“It’s a very low cost to get into the game. All you need are some shoes, a stick, a ball, and maybe a net. Just some gym clothes, and you can start playing right away.” - Sheri Hudspeth

•“Ball hockey is a great way to make friends, especially if you live in a neighborhood with a lot of kids. You can get a game going in the street, park, or gym.” - Sheri Hudspeth

We want to give a huge thanks to Sheri for taking part in this week’s Ride to the Rink. Remember, you can listen to all of the Ride to the Rink episodes at Our Kids Play Hockey. For longer episodes of Our Kids Play Hockey, The Ride to the Rink, Our Kids Play Goalie, and more, visit our website.

Have a question for us? We love hearing from our young listeners! Email us at [email protected], send us a note, or reach out on our social media pages. We might answer your question in the next episode of The Ride to the Rink. Enjoy the game, and remember to always skate on.

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This week on the Wraparound Roundtable, we are giving away a sleeve of 10 rolls of clear tape, two sets of black cloth tape, two sets of white cloth tape, two cans of wax, and a hat.

Our hockey friend this week is Logan Cuvo, the founder and CEO of the Best Dam Tape Company. Logan is the first of several young entrepreneurs joining us in the coming weeks as we promote and populate their stores with some action. In this episode, you’ll hear Logan’s inspiring story and learn about the innovative products his company offers.

We will pick a winner one week after this episode is posted - so jump in now!

To enter in to win this week’s prizes:

1. Retrieve the code word from the episode

2. Enter that word and the requested into the form on our site https://hockeywraparound.com/blogs/the-wraparound-roundtable/BDT

3. BONUS: Follow/Subscribe to @HockeyWrapAround & @BestDamTape on social

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In this week’s episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," Lee, Mike, and Christie are joined by Sheri Hudspeth, Director of Youth Hockey Programs and Fan Development for the Vegas Golden Knights. With an extensive background as both a player and coach, Sheri discusses her journey through the world of hockey and her pivotal role with an NHL team that's swiftly become a community pillar in Las Vegas.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

• Sheri Hudspeth’s Hockey Roots: Discover how growing up in a hockey-loving Canadian family influenced Sheri's lifelong passion for the sport and paved her path to a career in the NHL.
• The Vegas Hockey Phenomenon: Sheri takes us behind the scenes of how the Vegas Golden Knights have transcended the typical expansion team trajectory to become a beacon of hockey culture in the desert.
• Community and Fan Development: Learn about the unique strategies the Golden Knights employ to engage with local fans and foster a deep connection between the team and the residents of Las Vegas.
• Youth Programs and Impact: Sheri shares insights into the development and success of youth hockey programs under the Golden Knights’ umbrella, highlighting how these initiatives are shaping the future of the sport in Nevada.
• The Role of Hockey in Las Vegas: From pre-game shows that rival the best on the Strip to fostering a local fanbase, find out how the Golden Knights are making hockey an integral part of Las Vegas culture.

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In this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink, hockey mom Christie Casciano Burns opens up about the emotional and physical toll of hockey injuries. Sharing her personal experience with her 12U son's wrist fracture during a Niagara Falls tournament, Christie highlights the challenges of dealing with injuries far from home. The episode emphasizes the importance of not playing through pain, especially when dealing with head injuries, and encourages young athletes to prioritize their health for a quicker return to the game they love.

Key Takeaways:

• The emotional impact of sports injuries on young athletes and their families.
• The importance of not playing through pain and seeking proper medical attention.
• Support from teammates can make a significant difference in recovery.
• Education on injury prevention and recovery is crucial for young players.

Tune in for valuable insights and advice on navigating even the toughest sides of youth hockey.

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