Our Kids Play Hockey | Hockey Stories & Teamwork Tips

Ever wondered why some sports teams perform far better than others, despite having similar levels of talent? One answer lies within the realm of communication, and in our latest conversation with the insightful retired NCAA coach, Pete Whitney, we shine a light on this often overlooked, yet critical aspect of team sports. Together, we explore the communication dynamic in hockey, tracing its influence from youth leagues up to the NCAA level, and discussing how it can often be the determining factor between a winning and losing team.

Retired NCAA Coach Pete Whitney shines a spotlight on the multifaceted nature of communication on a hockey team. From 21-year-old freshman athletes to high school teams and younger, the necessity of creating a comfortable environment for meaningful exchanges is stressed upon. With a perfect blend of old-school values and new-age technology, we talk about how tools like group texts can foster team unity, while also emphasizing the human-driven elements of active engagement and trust-building. We also put forth some valuable perspective on coaching high school level teams - a feat that requires a deft balancing act of clear communication, expectation setting, and understanding the trials of growing athletes.

Wrapping up our conversation, we cast our gaze on the younger rungs of the sports ladder, discussing strategies on how to develop effective communication skills in young athletes, all the way from U6 to U14 levels. Equating young players to molten lava, we underscore the need for adult guidance, patience, and the teaching of social etiquette to mould them into mature, respectful individuals. Before we sign off, we focus on the complexities of coaching, setting realistic expectations, and the importance of fostering a positive environment for emerging talent. 

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Ever wondered why a bad call seems to ruin your game? Or how your interaction with officials can influence the outcome of a hockey match? This week's Ride To The Rink explores how players can effectively manage their interactions with officials for a successful game. We spotlight the necessity of emotional control and the impact of gestures like picking up the puck after an icing, and how these can impact the officials' perception of you. As a player, the game isn't merely about scoring goals; it's also about the respect and sportsmanship you exhibit on the rink.

Mike kicks off with a deep discussion about understanding the role of officials and how to navigate both good and bad officiating. He then delves into the importance of emotional control and how it reflects on the officials' view of you. He highlights the long-term benefits of helpful gestures, like picking up pucks or leaving them in easy-to-reach places for officials. Furthermore, Mike hammers home the importance of playing by the rules and being respectful, especially towards adult officials. This episode is not just about playing a good game of hockey, it's about understanding the human dynamics in sports and learning to play the long game. 

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This week we are giving away a small NHL wall-art piece of your choosing from Ultimate Hockey Fans. Join us as we sit down with Paul Cohen, former professional hockey goaltender and the founder of the business, who has taken his passion for the game and built a way to share it with others.

Innovating and upgrading your fan space is an ongoing journey. Paul Cohen, owner of Ultimate Hockey Fans explains how his love and passion for the game led him to create some very unique pieces that are the perfect compliment for any NHL or sports fan.

In our short episode, Paul will walk you through his range of products, including the customizable puck lights, NHL ceiling fans, goalie mask illumination, and NHL and personalized LED backlit wall art, which are perfect for any hockey enthusiast.

Listen for the secret code in this episode and enter the giveaway on https://hockeywraparound.com/blogs/the-wraparound-roundtable/ultimatehockeyfans for a chance to win a piece of officially licensed NHL wall art.

Don't miss our extended interview with Paul Cohen, where we delve deeper into the world of Ultimate Hockey Fans, Paul’s experience as a hockey player, why he chose this line of work, and how you can use your own images to create a completely exclusive piece for your home. 

Make sure to visit www.ultimatehockeyfans.com to explore their full range of hockey-themed home decor.

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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.

Who says parents can't play a crucial role in youth sports? With the right tools and mindset, you can navigate the complicated role of being a "Monday morning coach," thereby nurturing your young hockey player's skills and craft in the process. This episode is brimming with insights, anecdotes, and practical advice on how to balance parental input and trust in the coaching staff; we promise to equip you with valuable tools to make this journey smoother.

Being a parent of a young athlete comes with its own set of difficulties, but it all boils down to effective communication and managing expectations. We delve into the importance of understanding your child's team's mission statement and the coach's tactics, discussing how these factors can impact your perception and expectations. It's crucial to remember that while it can be tempting to offer advice, we must trust our coaches' judgement and allow them to lead the team, limiting our input to safeguard the team's harmony.

Finally, we take the conversation a step further by discussing the potential negative impact of overbearing parental involvement.  It's time we realized the fine line between being supportive and overbearing—yes, your involvement matters, but it's your child's game at the end of the day. 

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Ever dreamt of making it to the NHL? This week on The Ride To The Rink, Sumeet Wareh delivers indispensable advice and practical tips that he wishes he'd known as a young player. He passionately talks about understanding your own skills and the type of player you are, emphasizing the necessity of dream-chasing and never losing sight of the NHL goal. He firmly believes in the 1% chance, and he's committed to being part of that chance for tomorrow's NHL stars.

Sumeet's insightful guidance doesn’t stop there. He shares an actionable tactic for young players - tracking puck touches. By doing this, you can identify patterns, strengths, areas for improvement, and work on those specific situations during practice. This conversation is certainly a game-changer for any young aspiring hockey player. 

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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Hockey sticks are expensive! This week we are privileged to have well known influencer/creator/coach Jeremy Rupke of How To Hockey joining Lee to share Mode Hockey - a company that specializes in pro-quality sticks made specifically for kids.

Mode separates themselves from the rest of the hockey market by creating full one piece composite sticks (most youth sticks are not) with an appropriate level of flex for youth athletes. This allows them to have some consistency with stick options as they grow instead of the drastic changes that happen when using sticks not specializes to their height and weight. For more info on how that works, click here.

Enjoy this quick episode with Jeremy and be sure to listen for the secret code word so you can enter to win one of  SIX free sticks of your choosing.

If you are interested in hearing more about Mode Hockey and How To Hockey, check out our extended interview with Coach Jeremy here.

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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.

In this week's episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we dive into the intricacies of developing youth hockey skills with NHL developmental skill coach Sumeet Wareh. 

Sumeet is a renowned NHL Development Skills Coach known for his innovative approach to youth hockey training. With a unique background that spans from finance to professional hockey coaching, Sumeet brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to the sport. His expertise in utilizing video analysis and technology to enhance player skills has made him a sought-after figure in the hockey community. Sumeet is dedicated to nurturing young talent, emphasizing the importance of skill diversity, strategic game play, and the crucial balance between individual performance and teamwork. His passion for the game and commitment to player development continues to inspire and shape the future of youth hockey.

Our discussion focuses on the importance of diverse skill sets for young players, the role of effective communication in achieving a player's goals, and the balance between individual skills and teamwork. We also explore the impact of video analysis and technology on coaching techniques.

We cover various aspects of hockey, including the benefits of engaging in multiple sports and detailed game strategies like stick positioning and route planning. The episode emphasizes the importance of video analysis as a tool for improving player skills. Additionally, we highlight Sumeet Wareh's career transition, demonstrating the dedication needed to pursue a passion in sports.

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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In this special Thanksgiving edition of The Ride To The Rink, we explore a topic that transcends the holiday season: gratitude. As we celebrate the game we love, let's remember the countless moments that make hockey special, from that incredible assist to the crucial save.

Join us as we emphasize the power of recognizing and thanking our teammates, coaches, and everyone who contributes to our journey on and off the ice. Hockey is a team sport, and it's the little things that count.

So, as you head to the rink, take a moment to appreciate the micro moments that shape your experience. It's a lesson you can carry with you throughout your hockey career and beyond.

Thank you for being a part of our hockey community. Happy Thanksgiving, and here's to a fantastic season ahead!

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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For the first episode of "The Wraparound Roundtable," we had the privilege of hosting Andrej Dula, the founder and CEO of Rezztek, a company that's redefining how we look at "taping" our sticks.

With at least one player on half the teams in the NHL using Rezztek, their impact is already being felt. They were recently in the news after one of their players, Filip Hronek of the Vancouver Canucks, clocked the hardest shot ever recorded in an NHL game with a speed of 107.9 MPH while using a Rezztek.

Enjoy this quick episode with Andrej and be sure to listen for the secret code word so you can enter to win one of FIVE CUSTOM REZZTEK PACKS by filling out the form at HockeyWraparound.com!

If you are interested in hearing more about Rezztek, check out our extended interview with Andrej here.

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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.

We've been working on something with Hockey Wrap Around  specifically for this audience and we really can't wait to share the first episode with you tomorrow!

Stay tuned for the release of the first episode of The Wraparound Roundtable!

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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.