Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

This week on The Ride To The Rink, Christie recounts the laughter-filled corridors of hotels during travel tournaments. She shares how young athletes carry their team's reputation with every sprint down the hall and every prank gone sideways. Her tales of camaraderie and the occasional hotel mishap serve as a reminder that respect and sportsmanship create the most indelible impressions. 

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This week on the Wraparound Roundtable, we are giving away a HELIOS PRO annual membership, that includes the Core performance sensor which tracks your performance on the ice instantly.

Bill Near, who is the Founder and CEO of HELIOS, joins us this week on the roundtable to discuss how and why he started Helios, which is an advanced tracking system for players and coaches that also for next level statistics regarding performance. The system also syncs with all major game streaming services (I.e Livebarn, HockeyTV, etc) and will instantly cut your shifts together.

In our extended interview (which you can listen to here: https://link.chtbl.com/hwrt_helios) Bill and Lee discuss deeper how Helios is changing the game, how they recently hit the milestone of 100 million strides recorded, and what they find special about working in the hockey space.

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/helios)

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

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.

Practicing anytime, anywhere has never been more fun and it’s so important that players are able to improve the mental side of their game and NHL Sense Arena is such a perfect solution for that.

Use Code "HockeyNeverStops" at Hockey.SenseArena.com to score $50 off an annual plan!

This week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey covers a few topics sent into us asking about travel time and how you know its too much, and the correct way to solve some team-level discipline issues!

Tune in as Lee, Christie, and Mike share their expertise and experience with both questions. They truly are the "Dear Abby" of the youth hockey world!

We love to help answer your questions, so be sure to send them to [email protected] or submit them via the contact page on OurKidsPlayHockey.com to have them answered on a future episode of Our Kids Play Hockey!

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Not every hockey journey looks the same, but we should be able to celebrate them all. Lee shares his own journey on this episode of The Ride To The Rink and reminds us that we should believe in ourselves regardless of what our journey looks like!

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In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we're joined by Tom and Ellen Atkinson, the parents of NHL star Cam Atkinson and four brothers who all played youth hockey. Their journey is a compelling tale of love, sacrifice, and the pursuit of a family dream, offering a unique window into the life of a dedicated hockey family.

The Atkinson’s discuss the complexities of managing multiple hockey schedules and how they fostered a sense of unity that helped their sons transition from local ponds to the professional rinks. This episode highlights the importance of balancing a child’s passion for hockey with their overall growth and development. Key to this discussion is Cam's experience with burnout, emphasizing the need for young athletes to have diverse interests.

We also dive into the impact of mentors in young athletes' lives, with a particular focus on the positive influence of Mike Backman on Cam’s career. Additionally, the Atkinson’s speak on the crucial role of community support in the development of young players.

This conversation goes deep into the effects of instilling resilience, building character, and creating a love for the game that surpasses the competitive aspect. We wrap up with heartfelt stories that underscore the importance of making hockey fun and the evolution of coaching that equally values character development and skill training.

Tune in to hear the Atkinson family's inspiring story of raising an NHLer. It's an episode that not only sheds light on the finer aspects of hockey but also celebrates the extraordinary people who nurture this sport and make it a source of joy and lifelong memories.

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Mid-January marks a crucial turning point in the hockey season, and feelings of exhaustion may be creeping in. But with the right mindset, this time can also ignite a renewed passion for the game. Listen in for some strategies to help you stay connected to your love for hockey and make the most of the season's final stretch. We'll look at conducting a personal review, setting mental structures, and revisiting goals to ensure you end your season on a high, cherishing every moment on the ice.

In our discussion, we'll reflect on the lessons learned throughout the season and how they've shaped us, both on and off the rink. As a player, whether you're a skater or a goaltender, I invite you to join me in a mental audit that can pave the way for growth and fulfillment as the postseason approaches. Together, we'll explore the importance of maintaining a connection with the game we love and expressing gratitude for the opportunity to play it. No matter the outcome of your season, remember that your commitment to hockey is a triumph in itself.

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

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This week on the Wraparound Roundtable, we are giving away 2 pairs of gloves, two Just Hockey Jerseys Hoodies (with a special feature), and one custom jersey of the winner’s choosing, all from All Black Hockey Sticks. Thats five winners!

Larry O, the founder of All Black Hockey Sticks and Just Hockey Jerseys, joins us this week on the roundtable to discuss how he started his very successful affordably prices stick company ten years ago as the result of a dare! He also goes into how his family owned business has grown over the years from “no frills” sticks, to additional offerings like equipment, jerseys and more.

In our extended interview (which you can watch here), Larry and Lee discuss their long term friendship and how the hockey world has impacted their lives on multiple fronts.
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
BONUS: Follow/Subscribe to @HockeyWrapAround & @AllBlackHockeySticks on social

Our Kids Play Hockey has been honored with a nomination for the 2024 Hockey Podcast of the Year at the Sports Podcast Awards!

To support us in winning this prestigious award again, we're asking for your vote. It's a simple process – just head over to https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-hockey-podcast/ (you can also find the link on the Our Kids Play Hockey homepage).

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.

Practicing anytime, anywhere has never been more fun and it’s so important that players are able to improve the mental side of their game and NHL Sense Arena is such a perfect solution for that.

Use Code "HockeyNeverStops" at Hockey.SenseArena.com to score $50 off an annual plan!

Our Kids Play Hockey has been honored with a nomination for the 2024 Hockey Podcast of the Year at the Sports Podcast Awards. That's right - we're in the running to win for the second consecutive year! BUT to make this happen, we need your help!

It really is thanks to your loyalty and engagement that our community has grown significantly, both in downloads and on social media. This phenomenal growth is a testament to the trust you place in our conversations about the dynamic world of hockey.

To support us in winning this prestigious award again, we're asking for your vote. It's a simple process – just head over to https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-hockey-podcast/. 

Voting is very straightforward, won't take much of your time - you just need to sign up for their mailing list (which we promise is not spammy at all) and be sure that you've voted for Our Kids Play Hockey.

Again, whether you choose to vote or not, thank you for being such an integral part of the Our Kids Play Hockey family. Your support means the world to us, and it's you that could help us achieve this incredible milestone for the second year in a row. 

Stay tuned for our regular episodes, where we'll continue to explore and celebrate the world of youth hockey. Thank you for taking the time to support us, and see you next time on Our Kids Play Hockey!

Our Kids Play Hockey has been honored with a nomination for the 2024 Hockey Podcast of the Year at the Sports Podcast Awards!

To support us in winning this prestigious award again, we're asking for your vote. It's a simple process – just head over to https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-hockey-podcast/ (you can also find the link on the Our Kids Play Hockey homepage).

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.

Practicing anytime, anywhere has never been more fun and it’s so important that players are able to improve the mental side of their game and NHL Sense Arena is such a perfect solution for that.

Use Code "HockeyNeverStops" at Hockey.SenseArena.com to score $50 off an annual plan!

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli delve into the emotional aspects of youth hockey coaching. They discuss the important role coaches play in not only teaching the game but also in shaping young lives. The episode extends beyond game tactics and drills, offering a deeper look into the emotional investment and patience required in coaching youth sports.

Lee and Mike share practical tips on how to engage young players, maintain their interest, and utilize educational techniques to make practices more effective and enjoyable. The discussion highlights the significance of building emotional connections with players, the impact of positive reinforcement, and the advantages of a station-based coaching approach.

The episode emphasizes the importance of setting realistic goals, teaching fundamental skills, and appreciating each young athlete's unique journey. Lee and Mike provide insights on finding the right balance between discipline and development, stressing the importance of fostering a love for the game in young players. This episode is a valuable resource for coaches and parents, filled with stories and strategies to enhance the youth hockey experience and celebrate success on and off the ice.

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

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On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee dives into the critical role of goal setting in both hockey and life. Lee shares insights from his own experiences, demonstrating how setting specific, written goals has led to real achievements.

We discuss the importance of having a clear vision and the ability to adapt your goals as you grow. This episode is a straightforward guide on how to effectively set and pursue goals, providing practical tips whether you're a player, coach, or anyone looking to succeed in their endeavors. Tune in now for a clinic on turning aspirations into achievable targets.

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!

Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!

Follow Us On Social Media:

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