🔥 You asked. We delivered. The Mailbag Episode is BACK — and this one is packed with real answers from a real pro.

In this special Q&A episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Hayley Scamurra sits down with Lee and Mike to answer YOUR biggest questions about what it actually takes to play hockey at the highest level.

From game day meals to mental prep, training habits to scoring goals — nothing is off limits. And the best part? These are the exact questions coming from young players just like you.

Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this episode is loaded with insight you can use right away.

🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• 🥗 What a pro hockey player REALLY eats on game day
• 🧘‍♀️ How to prepare mentally before stepping on the ice
• ⚡ The secret to getting faster (on and off the ice)
• 🥅 Where most goals actually come from (this might surprise you)
• 🔥 Why “small area games” are a pro favorite
• 🛑 The truth about burnout — and why taking breaks matters
• 🤝 Boys vs. girls hockey: how to make the right choice
• 💡 What it’s REALLY like to be a professional hockey player

💬 A Powerful Takeaway:

Sometimes the most valuable player isn’t the one scoring goals… it’s the one creating them.

🎯 Whether you're chasing goals, building confidence, or just trying to fall in love with the game again — this episode is for you.

📩 Got a question for the next mailbag? Send it in — you might be featured!

 #OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyTraining #YouthHockey #GirlsHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyMindset #TrainLikeAPro #HockeyLife #FemaleAthletes

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. 

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50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.

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🏒 Ever walk off the ice feeling like you were either the best player out there… or the worst?

This week on The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by former NHL star Bobby Ryan (800+ NHL games, 2nd overall draft pick) to talk about one of the most important skills young players can develop: how to reflect, reset, and get better—without being too hard on yourself.

Bobby shares a simple but powerful mindset that every hockey player (and parent) needs to hear.

🔑 In This Episode:

• Why you’re never as good—or as bad—as you think
• The “1 positive, 1 negative” reflection method
• How just 3–5 minutes of quiet time can transform your game
• Why accountability is the key to improvement
• How the rink can become your personal sanctuary

💡 Whether you had a great game or a tough one, this episode gives you a clear, simple way to reset and move forward with confidence.

🎧 Parents, this is a great one to listen to with your player on the way to the rink.

And players—next time you step on the ice, remember:
 You get to be there. Make it count.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Simple 5-Minute Hockey Mindset Shift Every Player Needs (Bobby Ryan’s Advice)

#️⃣ #HockeyMindset #YouthHockey #BobbyRyan #HockeyDevelopment #MentalGame #RideToTheRink #HockeyParents #ConfidenceInSports #HockeyLife

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. 

And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.

Or go all in with

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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🏒 What if the rink isn’t just where kids play… but where they feel safest?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, former NHL star Bobby Ryan joins us to share a perspective every hockey parent and coach needs to hear. From a difficult childhood to a 14-year NHL career—and now life as a hockey dad—Bobby opens up about how the game shaped him, saved him, and continues to guide how he raises his own child today. 

This conversation goes far beyond goals and assists. It’s about identity, pressure, mental health, and the responsibility we all share in creating the right environment for young players.

🔑 In This Episode, We Cover:

• 🧠 Why the rink should be a sanctuary for kids
• 📊 The danger of tying identity to stats and performance
• 👨‍👦 What Bobby Ryan does differently as a hockey parent
• 💬 How to talk to kids about mental health and comparison
• 🏒 Why effort > talent in youth development
• 🚫 The hidden harm of social media in youth sports
• 🎯 How coaches can create confidence, not pressure

💡 Key Takeaway

Success in hockey isn’t about who scores the most—it’s about who grows the most.

🎧 Plus:

Bobby shares behind-the-scenes NHL stories, his upcoming international experience representing Team USA again, and why giving back to the game is now his mission.

If you're a parent, coach, or young player navigating today’s hockey world—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

👉 Listen now, share it with your hockey community, and start building better environments for our kids.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Bobby Ryan on Youth Hockey, Parenting, and Mental Health

🔗 Have a topic you want us to cover?

Reach out anytime—we’d love to hear from you.

#YouthHockey #HockeyParenting #BobbyRyan #MentalHealthInSports #HockeyDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey #PositiveCoaching #HockeyLife #SportsParenting #HockeyCommunity

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. 

And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.

Or go all in with

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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🔥 What were YOU doing at 14 years old? Because Estela Vazquez was winning GOLD on the international stage.

In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Goalie, we sit down with Estela Vazquez — a rising star goaltender for the Connecticut Junior Rangers, Greenwich Country Day School, and the Puerto Rico Women’s National Team 🇵🇷.

At just 13 years old, Estela stepped onto the international stage in Buenos Aires and walked away as Goaltender of the Tournament, helping Puerto Rico capture gold. But her story goes far beyond the medal…

This conversation dives into the mindset, discipline, and maturity it takes to balance elite hockey, school, and life — all while staying grounded and driven.

🧠 In this episode, we cover:

• What it really takes to succeed as a young goalie
• How Estela manages school, travel, and multiple teams
• The mental side of goaltending (and how to stay calm under pressure)
• Why positive self-talk (“lock in”) can change your game
• The role of parents, coaches, and teammates in development
• Why facing adversity (and NOT getting pulled) matters for growth
• The importance of dreaming big — and working for it every day

💬 One of the most powerful takeaways:

🎯 Whether you're a goalie, parent, or coach, this episode is packed with real, actionable insight — straight from a player living it right now.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How a 14-Year-Old Goalie Is Redefining Youth Hockey Success | Estela Vazquez Story

👉 Loved this episode?
Text us, share it with a goalie family, and help grow the next generation of players!

#YouthHockey #GoalieLife #HockeyParents #GirlsHockey #MentalToughness #Goaltending #HockeyDevelopment #EliteAthlete #OurKidsPlayHockey #GoalieMindset

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. 

And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.

Or go all in with

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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🏒 What’s the one thing every young hockey player can control every single day?

On this Ride to the Rink, the hosts are joined by 17-year NHL veteran Scott Hartnell, who shares the mindset that helped him build a long, successful NHL career.

Growing up as the youngest of three hockey-playing brothers, Hartnell learned early what it meant to compete, battle, and push himself just to keep up. Those backyard games, bumps and bruises, and sibling rivalries helped shape the hardworking style that defined his career.

His advice for young players is simple—but incredibly powerful:

👉 Be the hardest working player on the ice.

Not just during games… but especially during practice.

Scott explains why the habits you build in practice become the instincts you rely on in games, and why coaches, teammates, and scouts always notice the players who compete the hardest.

Whether you're battling in the corner, backchecking, or making the right play on a two-on-one, the effort you put in every day matters.

🚗 So as you head to the rink today, ask yourself:

Are you ready to be the hardest worker out there?

🏒 In This Episode Kids Will Learn:

• Why effort can be more important than talent
• How growing up with older siblings builds toughness
• Why practice habits shape game performance
• What NHL coaches really notice about players
• How small moments in practice can lead to big plays in games

🎥 Scott also suggests something fun:
 Look up Scott Hartnell highlight videos to see the mix of skill, grit, personality, and hard work that defined his career.

💬 And remember, wherever you are in your hockey journey…

We believe in you. And you should too.

#RideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyMindset #HockeyWorkEthic #ScottHartnell #HockeyPractice #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyKids #FutureHockeyStars

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. 

And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.

Or go all in with

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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🏒 What does it really take to make it to the NHL—and what lessons can young players and parents learn from the journey?

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christy Casciano-Burns are joined by 17-year NHL veteran Scott Hartnell. Known for his grit, personality, and relentless work ethic, Hartnell shares stories from growing up as a rink rat in small-town Saskatchewan to becoming a 300-goal scorer with over 1,200 NHL games played.

But this conversation goes far beyond NHL highlights.

Scott dives deep into the lessons he learned throughout his career — from understanding team roles, handling pressure as a teenager in the NHL, dealing with slumps, and why doing the little things (like going to the front of the net) can make all the difference.

Now a broadcaster and youth hockey parent himself, Hartnell also shares invaluable insights for parents navigating youth hockey development today.

Whether your child is chasing the NHL dream or simply learning to love the game, this episode is packed with wisdom you won't want to miss.

🎯 Highlights from this episode

🏒 Growing up a rink rat in small-town Saskatchewan
🏒 How Scott Hartnell made the NHL at just 18 years old
🏒 Why understanding your role is critical for success in hockey
🏒 Advice for players moving up to higher levels of competition
🏒 The importance of confidence vs. development years in youth hockey
🏒 Why parents should think carefully about AAA vs. development opportunities
🏒 How NHL locker rooms build culture and accountability
🏒 Lessons Hartnell learned from his dad’s coaching advice
🏒 What it’s like transitioning from NHL player to broadcaster

You don’t need to be the flashiest player on the ice to succeed. The players who thrive—at any level—are the ones who understand their role, work relentlessly, and stay true to who they are.

📩 Have questions or topics you'd like us to cover?
 Email the team: [email protected]

#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #ScottHartnell #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyLeadership #NHLVeteran #YouthSports #HockeyPodcast #HockeyLife

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. 

And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.

Or go all in with

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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🏒 What does it actually feel like to win Olympic gold?

In this special Our Girls Play Hockey listener Q&A, Olympic gold medalist Hayley Scamurra pulls back the curtain on the Olympic experience — from the electric energy of playing in front of fans to the unforgettable moments inside the Olympic Village.

In Part 1 of this two-part series, Hayley joins Lee Elias to answer questions sent in by the audience, teammates, and young players around the hockey world. The result? A behind-the-scenes look at the Olympic journey that most fans never get to hear.

Hayley shares her “welcome to the Olympics” moment, what it was like preparing for the gold medal game, and how the rise of the PWHL has elevated the level of international competition. She also gives us a glimpse of life inside the Olympic Village — including unexpected celebrity encounters, unforgettable celebrations, and what it really means to represent your country on the biggest stage in sports.

You’ll also hear heartfelt moments about inspiring the next generation of girls in hockey and the advice Hayley gives young players chasing the same dream.

✨ Whether you're a player, parent, coach, or fan of the women’s game, this episode brings you inside the Olympic experience like never before.

🎧 In This Episode We Discuss:

🏅 Hayley’s “welcome to the Olympics” moment in front of fans
🏒 How the PWHL has raised the level of Olympic competition
🔥 Preparing mentally for the Olympic gold medal game
🏟 The atmosphere of playing in front of a global audience
🌍 What life is really like inside the Olympic Village
🎤 Meeting celebrities like Snoop Dogg and the Kelce family
👕 The wild amount of gear Olympic athletes receive
🥇 The emotional high of winning a gold medal
💬 Hayley’s advice for young girls dreaming of playing in the PWHL

🎙 Part 2 of this Olympic Q&A is coming soon, where Hayley answers even more listener questions about the tournament, the future of women’s hockey, and her journey through the sport.

If you love the growth of girls’ hockey and want a true insider perspective, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Inside the Olymp

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. 

And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.

Or go all in with

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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🚗 Heading to a hockey tryout or evaluation? Take a deep breath — this Ride to the Rink is exactly what you need to hear.

Evaluations can bring out a lot of emotions: excitement, nerves, pressure, and sometimes even fear. But the truth is, a great tryout isn’t about doing something flashy or trying to be someone you’re not. It’s about preparation, mindset, and showing coaches the best version of YOU.

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, the guys break down how young hockey players should approach tryouts — from the days leading up to the evaluation, to how you carry yourself on the ice, and even how you handle the results afterward.

The biggest lesson? Control what you can control: your effort, your attitude, your preparation, and your response to adversity. Coaches notice those things more than any fancy move.

And remember — one evaluation will never define your hockey journey.

🏒 In This Episode, We Talk About:

• How to prepare 24–48 hours before a tryout
• The simple preparation mistakes that can hurt players at evaluations
• The difference between motivation and anxiety
• Why trying to “stand out” the wrong way can backfire
• The importance of playing your own game
• Why versatility (not just one position) can impress coaches
• What coaches really notice when players make mistakes
• The powerful story of a player who earned a roster spot through pure effort
• How to respond if you don’t make the team you hoped for
• Why your reaction to results says more about you than the tryout itself

One of the biggest takeaways from this episode:
 A player who works hard, stays positive, and keeps growing will always stand out over time. Tryouts are just one moment — your attitude and effort over the long run are what truly define you.

So whether you're heading into a big evaluation today or just thinking about the next season ahead, remember why you started playing in the first place.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Right Mindset for Hockey Tryouts and Evaluations

Have fun. Skate hard. And believe in yourself.

#TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyTryouts #HockeyMindset #YouthSports #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #GrowthMindset #Hoc

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. 

And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.

Or go all in with

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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🏒 Hockey tryout season is here… and for many families, that means nerves, pressure, and a lot of unanswered questions.

What are coaches actually looking for?
How are teams really selected?
And what should parents and players focus on when the stakes feel high?

In this annual Our Kids Play Hockey Tryout Episode, hosts Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli break down the reality of youth hockey evaluations — from both the parent perspective and the coach’s perspective.

This episode takes you behind the scenes of team selection, giving families practical advice on how to navigate tryout season with the right mindset.

Spoiler alert: It’s not just about goals and assists.

The hosts dive into what coaches truly value at the youth level — including attitude, work ethic, teamwork, and development potential — and why the team your child makes should be based on where they’ll grow the most, not just the letters on the jersey.

They also tackle some of the biggest misconceptions around youth hockey tryouts, including why most coaches already have a good sense of players long before evaluations begin.

Most importantly, this conversation reminds parents and players that tryouts are just one moment in a long hockey journey.

🏒 In This Episode, We Cover:

• Why tryouts shouldn’t define your player’s hockey future
• The biggest mistakes parents make during evaluation season
• What coaches are actually evaluating at the 10U level
• Why development matters more than team labels
• How coaches think about building a balanced roster
• The importance of environment, attitude, and team culture
• What players should focus on to stand out for the right reasons
• How parents can support their kids without adding pressure

💡 The Message for Players

Be the hardest worker on the ice.

That’s advice shared by Olympian Hayley Scamurra and echoed throughout this episode. Effort, attitude, and love for the game are the things coaches notice most.

💬 The Message for Parents

Before your child walks into tryouts, remember the three things they really need to hear:

❤️ I love you no matter what happens out there.
🏒 I love watching you play.
💪 Work hard, have fun, and learn something.

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. 

And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.

Or go all in with

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:

• Facebook Group
• X
• Instagram
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🏒 You asked… and the mailbag is back!

In this special Our Girls Play Hockey Mailbag Episode, hosts Lee and Mike sit down with professional hockey player Hayley Scamurra to answer rapid-fire questions straight from young players, parents, and coaches around the hockey world.

From game-day meals and pregame routines to scoring goals, getting faster, and handling the fear of missing out during the offseason, Hayley shares real insight into what life looks like as a pro — and what young athletes can learn from it.

Along the way, the crew dives into topics like why most goals come from the “dirty areas” in front of the net, why taking breaks from hockey is essential for development, and how the little details — like creating time and space for teammates — make players truly valuable.

Whether you're a young player dreaming of the pros, a parent navigating development decisions, or a coach looking for insight from the highest levels of the game, this episode delivers practical advice straight from the source.

🏒 Highlights from This Episode

• 🍳 What Hayley Scamurra actually eats on game day
• 🧠 How pro players mentally prepare before hitting the ice
• 🏃 Why speed is the most important skill in hockey
• 🎯 Where most goals really come from (hint: it’s not highlight-reel shots)
• 👊 The underrated skill of creating time and space for teammates
• ⚽ Why playing multiple sports helps long-term development
• 🛑 Why even pro players believe kids need breaks from hockey
• 🚌 What life is like traveling internationally as a professional hockey player
• 🎉 Why team bonding and road trips matter more than you think

💬 Have a question for the next mailbag?
Email the team at [email protected]
or use the link in the show description to send your question.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Mailbag Episode Every Young Hockey Player Should Hear: Hayley Scamurra Answers Youth Hockey Questions

#OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #WomenInSports #HayleyScamurra #HockeyParents #HockeyTraining #GirlsInSports

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽

Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. 

And their March offer is huge:
50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping.

Or go all in with

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:

• Facebook Group
• X
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube