Hello, hockey friends and families! 🎙️ This week’s episode of Our Kids Play Hockey is a short but special one. We’re thrilled to announce that our podcast has been nominated for the 2025 Hockey Podcast of the Year by the Sports Podcast Awards! 🏆 After winning in 2023 and 2024, we’re going for the hat trick—and we need your help to make it happen.

🗳️ Vote for Our Kids Play Hockey!

It’s simple:

• Click Here To Vote: https://www.sportspodcastgroup.com/sports_category/best-hockey-podcast/ (or visit ourkidsplayhockey.com and click the banner at the top.)
• Scroll to find Our Kids Play Hockey & click VOTE
• Fill out the super quick form with your name and email (we promise they won't spam you!)

Your vote not only helps us win but also elevates the conversations we’re having within the hockey community. Let’s make this a victory we can all share!

Thank you for being part of our journey, and let’s win this one together! 🏒

➡️ Vote now and share this episode to spread the word!

Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Looking to get your coach a great gift this season?

Lee has recently re-released his team building philosophy - How to Win: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Championship Culture for Your Team!

This new edition expands on Lee's acclaimed 2017 release with fresh insights, updated strategies, and practical tools.

Grab a copy now on Amazon - https://a.co/d/9tDlwnC

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

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Are you ready to transform your mindset and elevate your game? 

This episode of "The Ride to the Rink" brings you an insightful conversation with former pro hockey player Jason Podollan, who shares the powerful "Three R's" technique: Rewind, Replay, Reset. 

This episode is packed with strategies to help players recover from mistakes and build mental resilience on the ice. Discover how to shift from negative to positive mental states and enhance your performance with practical tips and success stories.

Key Discussion Points

- The Three R's Technique: Rewind, Replay, Reset

- Success Stories and Mental Agility

- Practicing Mental Techniques

- Post-Shift Routine Bonus Tip

- Importance of Self-Belief

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Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Looking to get your coach a great gift this season?

Lee has recently re-released his team building philosophy - How to Win: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Championship Culture for Your Team!

This new edition expands on Lee's acclaimed 2017 release with fresh insights, updated strategies, and practical tools.

Grab a copy now on Amazon - https://a.co/d/9tDlwnC

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
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We’re Giving Away Five Pairs of Custom Summer Skates!

In this episode of the Wraparound Roundtable, host Lee MJ Elias welcomes Kevin Hennessy, President of Summer Skates, to discuss the fan-favorite footwear and their exciting customization options. Summer Skates are built for hockey players and fans alike, featuring durable construction, real hockey laces, and unmatched comfort.

Kevin shares the story of Summer Skates, from their humble beginnings to becoming a staple in the hockey community. With customization options that include your favorite NHL player’s number, team logos, or your own number, these slides let you “walk the talk” every day. Plus, they’re affordable, washable, and available in sizes for everyone—from kids to adults.

We’re giving away five pairs of Summer Skates with your favorite player’s number and a koozie included! The giveaway runs for one week only, so don’t miss your chance.

👉 Enter to win at: https://hockeywraparound.com/blogs/the-wraparound-roundtable/summerskates. Use the secret code word given in the episode to enter!

Kevin also offers inspiration for the hockey community: “If you believe, you will receive. If you don’t, you won’t.” Don’t miss this episode packed with stories, motivation, and a chance to snag some of the most comfortable slides in hockey.

Ready to skate on? Enter now!

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Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

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Ever wondered how successful individuals handle criticism and stay grounded? 

Cassie Campbell-Pascall shares her insights on managing criticism, emphasizing that it often accompanies success and the challenge of breaking norms. She advises considering the source of criticism and using it as motivation to prove naysayers wrong. Cassie also discusses her method of maintaining perspective by surrounding herself with reminders of life's challenges and accomplishments, helping her stay grounded when facing criticism. 

The conversation highlights the importance of resilience and a growth mindset, encouraging listeners to view criticism as motivation to improve and achieve their goals. Cassie emphasizes the value of having a strong support system of family and friends who keep her grounded and help her navigate criticism. 

The team also discusses the importance of understanding that emotions, both positive and negative, are temporary, encouraging young listeners to develop resilience in facing challenges.

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Key Discussion Points

- Handling Criticism with Success

- Maintaining Perspective

- Embracing a Growth Mindset

- Building a Strong Support System

- Understanding Emotions and Resilience

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Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Looking to get your coach a great gift this season?

Lee has recently re-released his team building philosophy - How to Win: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Championship Culture for Your Team!

This new edition expands on Lee's acclaimed 2017 release with fresh insights, updated strategies, and practical tools.

Grab a copy now on Amazon - https://a.co/d/9tDlwnC

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

What role does mindset play in the journey from youth hockey to the professional leagues? 

In this episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey," hosts Lee MJ Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli sit down with former NHL player Jason Podollan to explore this crucial question. 

Jason shares his personal experiences, from watching the Vancouver Canucks as a child to winning a provincial championship at 13, and how these moments shaped his path. 

The conversation highlights the significance of mental fitness as a competitive edge, distinguishing it from mental health, and how adopting a growth mindset can transform an athlete's potential. 

Parents will find valuable insights on supporting their children's hockey dreams without overstepping, while Jason's stories of navigating professional hockey offer a candid look at the resilience required to succeed. 

With practical advice like the "Three R's" for handling mistakes, this episode is a treasure trove of wisdom for anyone involved in the world of hockey.

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3:16 Reflecting on early hockey experiences

7:40 Early career challenges

11:00 Adversity in hockey career

14:34 Pivotal hockey decision

17:43 Challenges in youth hockey

19:58 Parent Empowerment

24:05 Coaching and Child Development

27:37 Challenges in youth sports

30:56 Managing Relationships in Hockey

34:23 Family dynamics and personal development

38:39 Solution-Based Mentality

42:01 NHL Debut and Early Career

45:36 Mindset and career transitions

49:36 Mindset and Competitive Advantage

52:37 Growth Mindset vs. Fixed Mindset

55:02 Growth Mindset in Hockey

58:37 Fostering passion in sports

1:01:47 Athlete mindset and growth

1:05:15 Personal Development in Hockey

1:09:14 Lesson from Mistakes

1:12:51 Mental Health in Sports

1:16:03 Powerful People and Upbringing

1:19:13 Hockey's impact on personal growth and empowerment

Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Looking to get your coach a great gift this season?

Lee has recently re-released his team building philosophy - How to Win: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Championship Culture for Your Team!

This new edition expands on Lee's acclaimed 2017 release with fresh insights, updated strategies, and practical tools.

Grab a copy now on Amazon - https://a.co/d/9tDlwnC

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

Are you maximizing your practice sessions to their full potential? 

Discover how adopting a "Practice Like You Play" philosophy can transform your performance on the ice. This episode of The Ride To The Rink explores the critical importance of approaching practice with the same intensity and mindset as a game. 

Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli emphasize the need for proper warm-ups, highlighting that preparation for practice is just as vital as for games due to its continuous nature. They also discuss the benefits of maintaining a competitive mindset during practice, encouraging players to compete hard against teammates and play to the whistle. 

The conversation covers deliberate practice techniques, focusing on specific skills like shooting, backchecking, and puck handling with game-like intensity. 

Additionally, they warn against the consequences of poor practice habits and how they can negatively impact game performance. Whether you're a player or a coach, this episode offers valuable insights to elevate your practice sessions.

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Key Discussion Points

- Practice Like You Play Philosophy

- Importance of Proper Warm-up

- Competitive Mindset in Practice

- Deliberate Practice Techniques

- Consequences of Poor Practice Habits

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Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Looking to get your coach a great gift this season?

Lee has recently re-released his team building philosophy - How to Win: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Championship Culture for Your Team!

This new edition expands on Lee's acclaimed 2017 release with fresh insights, updated strategies, and practical tools.

Grab a copy now on Amazon - https://a.co/d/9tDlwnC

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

We’re Giving Away NHL Gear and Chatting with Bench Clearers Founder Joe Carson!

In this episode of the Wraparound Roundtable, host Lee MJ Elias sits down with Joe Carson, the founder of Bench Clearers, to talk all things NHL apparel and entrepreneurship. Joe shares how a childhood dream of making summer-friendly hockey jerseys turned into a thriving business featuring NHL and AHL-licensed tank tops, shorts, joggers, and more.

This week, we’re taking the giveaways to a whole new level! Here’s what you can win:

• 1 NHL Tank Top

• 1 Pair of NHL Shorts

• 1 Pair of NHL Joggers

• 1 Pair of Blade Shades with each item

Discover how Joe’s creativity, perseverance, and love for hockey led to the creation of Bench Clearers, a company that’s redefining hockey-inspired fashion. From the design process to securing licenses, Joe and Lee dive into what it takes to bring innovative products to life—and why Bench Clearers has become a favorite among fans.

🎁 Enter to win at HockeyWraparound.com. Use the secret code revealed in this episode to join the giveaway and get your chance to snag this incredible haul!

Joe and Lee also reflect on the power of small businesses and the team effort it takes to build something truly special. Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or just love unique gear, this episode has something for everyone.

👉 Listen now, enter to win, and celebrate the game we all love—this giveaway is only available for one week!

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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What does it take to break barriers in the world of hockey? 

In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey featuring Cassie Campbell-Pascall we explore her remarkable journey as a trailblazer in women's hockey. 

Cassie reflects on her playing days with elite teams like the Toronto Aeros, sharing the ice with some of the best players of her time. She discusses the evolution of women's professional hockey, highlighting the strides made in facilities, resources, and professionalism leading to the current PWHL. 

As one of the first female hockey analysts on major networks, Cassie opens up about the challenges she faced in a male-dominated field and how she overcame criticism to pave the way for future female broadcasters. As a special advisor to the PWHL, she provides insights into the league's growth and development plans. 

Cassie also offers invaluable advice to young female players, emphasizing the importance of hard work, self-belief, and respect for teammates and the game.

Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Looking to get your coach a great gift this season?

Lee has recently re-released his team building philosophy - How to Win: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Championship Culture for Your Team!

This new edition expands on Lee's acclaimed 2017 release with fresh insights, updated strategies, and practical tools.

Grab a copy now on Amazon - https://a.co/d/9tDlwnC

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
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How do you mentally prepare to play hockey when the stakes seem sky-high? 

This episode of Our Kids Play Hockey brings you insights from Brianna Decker, who highlights the crucial role of mental preparation and confidence in elite hockey, where skill differences are razor-thin. 

She shares her unique approach to practice, treating it with the same intensity as a game, pushing herself and her teammates to elevate their performance. 

Brianna opens up about the tough lessons learned from losing the 2014 Olympic gold medal, leading to profound self-reflection and a revamped preparation strategy for 2018. 

The conversation also explores the art of long-term goal setting, maintaining focus and motivation over the four-year Olympic cycle. 

Finally, Brianna reflects on the exciting growth of women's professional hockey, discussing its expanding visibility and the inspiring impact it has on young players dreaming big.

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00:00:00 Intro

00:00:08 Brianna Decker's Olympic Journey

00:01:44 The Mental Grind of Olympic Preparation

00:08:11 Overcoming Career Challenges

00:09:42 The Long Journey from Loss to Motivation

00:12:04 Navigating Unstable Professional Leagues

00:14:03 Growth and Visibility in Women's Hockey

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Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Looking to get your coach a great gift this season?

Lee has recently re-released his team building philosophy - How to Win: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Championship Culture for Your Team!

This new edition expands on Lee's acclaimed 2017 release with fresh insights, updated strategies, and practical tools.

Grab a copy now on Amazon - https://a.co/d/9tDlwnC

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

Are you on the path to prep school? 

This episode of "The Ride To The Rink" explores the critical decisions and skills that shape a successful hockey career. From preparing for prep school hockey to mastering self-advocacy, our hosts provide valuable insights for both players and parents. 

Discover how surrounding yourself with better players can elevate your game, and gain wisdom from Olympic gold medalist Brianna Decker's unique coaching philosophy. 

Whether you're considering a hockey-focused prep school or one with diverse sports options, this episode offers guidance to help you make informed choices.

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Key Discussion Points

- Preparing for Prep School Hockey

- Balancing Academics and Athletics

- Self-Advocacy for Young Athletes

- Playing with More Skilled Teammates

- Brianna Decker's Coaching Philosophy

- Choosing the Right Prep School

Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Looking to get your coach a great gift this season?

Lee has recently re-released his team building philosophy - How to Win: A Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Championship Culture for Your Team!

This new edition expands on Lee's acclaimed 2017 release with fresh insights, updated strategies, and practical tools.

Grab a copy now on Amazon - https://a.co/d/9tDlwnC

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