Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

How do you help young hockey players step out of their comfort zones and grow both on and off the ice?

This week's conversation centers on practical advice for parents, coaches, and mentors, focusing on building resilience, creativity, and courage in young athletes.

We dive into the importance of creating a supportive environment where mistakes are part of the learning process. Our discussion sheds light on the balance between consistent practice and the introduction of new, innovative skills in hockey training. We also touch on the influence of hockey icons like Alex Ovechkin and the impact of social media on youth sports.

Additionally, we explore the concept of failure as a stepping stone to success, offering strategies for coaches to effectively nurture each player's unique talents while also working on their areas of improvement. This episode is packed with insights and tips for guiding young athletes through their sporting journey, emphasizing the development of resilient and well-rounded individuals. 

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Ever wondered how the line between confidence and arrogance can make or break a young hockey player's career?Join Mike as he helps us navigate the delicate dance of cultivating a healthy ego in youth hockey. We're not just talking about puffing chests and swagger—there's an art to balancing self-assurance with humility, and it's crucial for players who want to shine individually without dimming their team's collective spirit. From leading by example in drills to handling the highs and lows on the ice, we delve into the strategies that help players boost their confidence without veering into cockiness. It's all about that psychological edge that can elevate a player's game and, ultimately, their path to hockey greatness.

In this episode, we also discuss body language. A missed shot or a penalty shouldn't slump shoulders; instead, we highlight the power of bouncing back with an attitude that inspires your teammates. We share insights on how to be the player everyone looks up to, the one who celebrates a teammate's success as loudly as their own. Whether you're crushing it on the penalty kill or just offering an encouraging fist bump, it's these moments that forge stronger athletes and tighter-knit teams. So, lace up for an episode that's all about striking that perfect emotional tone on the ice—one that says "I've got this," without ever needing to shout it.

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This week on the Roundtable, We are giving away FOUR Howies Hockey bundles, which include a loaded tape tin, water bottle, stick wax, accessory bag, hat, and beanie.

There’s a good reason when we say “Howies Hockey” you know exactly who we are talking about. But to get the level of household recognition wasn’t an overnight journey. For this episode, we sat down with Howie’s Hockey Marketing Director, Josh VanderWel, to walk through the 20-year journey of how Howie’s started with an idea to make better tape and has evolved into the brand that we all know today.

In our extended interview (which you can watch here), we explore with Josh how the community Howie’s has grown over the years has led to them becoming a lifestyle brand. 

Again, to enter in to win one of the four prize packs: 

1. Retrieve the code word from this podcast

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

BONUS: Follow/Subscribe to @HockeyWrapAround & @howieshockeytape 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!

As the festive lights twinkle and the ice glistens Lee, Christie, and Mike are wrapping up the year with a heartfelt thank you to our hockey family. We're toasting to the incredible milestones we've reached together. In this special holiday episode, we're sharing our gratitude and reflecting on the connections made, the stories shared, and the shared passion for the puck that bonds us all. From emails to in-person chats, your engagement has been the driving force behind our exciting journey, and we're humbled to be the voice resonating in your headphones.

Take a moment with us to embrace the holiday spirit and unwind from the excitement of the rink. Mike advocates for the importance of recharging, and even gives the okay to trade a practice session for some festive fun. 

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from our whole team!!

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Join us this week as we celebrate the year's end with heartfelt gratitude. The final episode of 2023 draws the curtain on a year of conversations that have been listened to around the world from Toronto to Nepal, uniting our hockey family across the globe. 

We revisit the standout moments that shaped our year, from Tim Cook's ethical quandaries in youth sports coaching to Dr. Alicia Naser's wisdom on emotional endurance. We highlight our top 10 episodes, each a testament to the diverse tapestry of hockey culture. These stories and interviews, interspersed with personal anecdotes, underscore our commitment to nurturing young athletes' growth, both on and off the rink.

As we hit the 200-episode milestone, our enthusiasm is sky-high, and it's all thanks to your unwavering support. We're thrilled to continue this journey, bringing new segments and celebrating the timelessness of our past discussions. Stay tuned for more insights and heartfelt stories as we skate into the future together. 

Remember, every download, every share, and every review you give us helps us foster the hockey family we cherish so deeply. 

Here's to another year of Our Kids Play Hockey, where every episode is a new opportunity to connect and grow with the sport we love.

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Have a very happy holiday and make sure to enjoy yourself to the fullest! Take the time to spend with those you care about, and recharge as we head into the new year.

From the entire Our Kids Play Hockey Network family, we're wishing you peace, joy, and a festive season that scores more memories than a championship game!

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

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We’re giving away a Sparx machine. You read that right. WE’RE GIVING AWAY A SPARX SKATE SHARPENER 2.

This week on the Wraparound Roundtable we sat down with Russ Layton, CEO and Founder of Sparx, to discuss how they have completely changed the skate sharpening game with their skate sharpeners.

In our short episode we learn about the humble beginnings of the company, the team that brought it to fruition, and the secret code word to enter into the giveaway, which you can find at 4:06 of the episode. Once you have it, fill out the form linked below and you’re in!
 
https://hockeywraparound.com/blogs/the-wraparound-roundtable/sparx

In our extended episode (which you can watch here: https://youtu.be/CKRkglAL-jI?si=HWxznhQpiKZbPEM-), we dive deep into how SPARX has completely disrupted the skate sharpening game and challenges that come along with that as an entrepreneur. We also discuss how the company continues to innovate their technology to stay relevant in a busy hockey world.

Again, to enter in to win the SPARX SKATE SHARPENER 2:
1. Retrieve the code word from the episode
2. Enter that word and the requested into the form on HockeyWraparound.com
BONUS: Follow/Subscribe to @HockeyWrapAround & @SparxHockey on social

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Our Kids Play Hockey is proud to be sponsored by Game Seven Group and Hockey Wraparound.

At Game Seven Group our mission is to Transform Individuals Into Teams Capable Of The Extraordinary using Lee MJ Elias' proven team bonding strategy for sports teams, business teams, and anything & everything in between. If your team or organization is hungry to win a championship or take things to the next level, reach out to our team to see how we can help you reach your goal.

Click this link to learn more or reach out to [email protected] for more information.
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Over the last ten years Hockey Wraparound , the #1 Off-Ice Training Product of the Decade (via Hockey Tutorial), has afforded hockey players at every level the opportunity to train off-ice while maintaining the integrity of their hockey stick blades. Our stick blade protectors are made of a privately formulated material that is flexible to fit most stick blades & curves, while hardwearing and long lasting protection.

Order now to take your off-ice training to the next level.

With a combined experience of 30 years in the industry, Brian and Whitney Harrington join the show to give an insider's look into the world of organizing hockey tournaments, straight from the trenches. The Harringtons are experts in creating an unforgettable tournament experience that transcends beyond just winning games. They share tips on how to maximize your tournament travels and stays, and shed light on unique showdown hockey tournaments events like their Olympic skills competition and the iconic crab hat giveaway.

Peel back the layers of what makes a tournament unforgettable. Discover the importance of diverse matchups and competitive division, ensuring every team has a fair shot at victory. Learn how team bonding and camaraderie can be fostered not only through the games but through traditions like pen exchanges. Navigate through tournament management challenges, from effective communication to handling last minute changes. Hear how the Harringtons tackle these hurdles, demonstrating the importance of clear communication, commitment, and a hunger to overcome adversity.

Finally, delve into strategies to improve your youth hockey tournament experience. We discuss the shift in focus from solely winning to creating positive, memorable experiences for players. Explore the evolution of tournaments from AAA to tier two, the challenges of youth hockey, and the benefits of a fair, well-rounded tournament experience. We guarantee this episode will provide invaluable wisdom for anyone involved in hockey tournaments, from coaches to managers, to parents. With the Harringtons' insights, you'll be ready to take on your next hockey tournament with confidence.

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

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Today's episode is a game-changer as we navigate the landscape of mental performance with the assistance of Dr. Cassidy Preston. As a mental performance coach and the author of the Amazon bestseller "Mindset First," Cassidy illuminates the significance of shielding our minds from unnecessary distractions, particularly those stemming from social media. He equates harmful mental inputs to junk food, underlining the "input vs output" concept in a way that resonates and makes you rethink your mental diet.

Our conversation doesn't stop there; we probe into the crucial role a positive mindset plays in sports, especially for our young athletes. We share effective strategies to maintain focus, sideline distractions, and how to stay connected to the joy of the game - the 'why' you started playing. We delve into the profound influence parents can have in cultivating a healthy "mental game" in their children. Dr. Preston's insights from his book provide practical tools for athletes to boost their mental performance. Get your notepads ready as this episode is packed with rich insights that promise to enhance your mental game and help you enjoy the journey, be it sports or life.

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!

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This week we are giving away a set of Bladetech hockey mirror stainless blades with customized engraving in addition to a branded t-shirt and hat. We had a great conversation with Anthony Morra, the CEO of Blade Tech about his team and their journey to change the way we look at the blades on our skates.

It would be fair to say that Bladetech has innovated the steel space in recent years as the quality and technology of skate blades has evolved drastically. Their “Flex Force” technology was rigorously tested and has results to prove an average 5.5% increase in speed when used. Moreover, Bladetech introduced the customization of steel, both in engraving and colors, to fully allows players to express themselves in a way never thought possible before.

In our extended episode, which you can watch here, we dive deeper into the customization aspect of the steel and how Bladetech continues to grow as a company.

Take a listen, find the code word and fill out the entry on our site and you’ll be entered in to win this weeks prize. 

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Our Kids Play Hockey is proud to be sponsored by Game Seven Group and Hockey Wraparound.

At Game Seven Group our mission is to Transform Individuals Into Teams Capable Of The Extraordinary using Lee MJ Elias' proven team bonding strategy for sports teams, business teams, and anything & everything in between. If your team or organization is hungry to win a championship or take things to the next level, reach out to our team to see how we can help you reach your goal.

Click this link to learn more or reach out to [email protected] for more information.
--
Over the last ten years Hockey Wraparound , the #1 Off-Ice Training Product of the Decade (via Hockey Tutorial), has afforded hockey players at every level the opportunity to train off-ice while maintaining the integrity of their hockey stick blades. Our stick blade protectors are made of a privately formulated material that is flexible to fit most stick blades & curves, while hardwearing and long lasting protection.

Order now to take your off-ice training to the next level.