In today’s episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we dive into the critical role of mental performance in hockey with Coach Vinny Malts, a former pro player turned elite mental performance coach. Vinny has worked with athletes at every level, including as the first-ever mindset performance coach in the NHL, helping players strengthen their confidence, focus, and resilience.

Together, we explore why mental training is becoming as essential as physical training, how young players can develop their own mental game, and why youth hockey should not mirror the pro game. Vinny shares insights on how parents and coaches can cultivate confidence, reduce stress, and help young athletes find their unique path in the sport.

🔹 Key Takeaways:
✔️ Why mental performance training is now a priority for NHL teams
✔️ How overloading young players with information can hurt their development
✔️ The importance of social clarity and team communication in hockey
✔️ Why Mite AAA rankings may be doing more harm than good
✔️ How to encourage your child’s intrinsic motivation instead of forcing them to work harder

This episode is packed with actionable insights for parents, coaches, and players alike. If you’re serious about helping your child grow in hockey—and in life—this is a must-listen!

🎧 Listen now and don’t forget to share with your hockey community!

#OurKidsPlayHockey #MentalPerformance #HockeyMindset #YouthHockey #HockeyParents

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Calling all young hockey players and future broadcasters! In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, broadcaster Jamie Hersch joins Lee Elias to share how kids can turn their love for sports into an exciting career in broadcasting.

🚨 Inside This Episode:

✅ How to get started in broadcasting—even as a kid!

✅ Overcoming fear—why doing it scared is the first step to success.

✅ Reps, reps, reps!—why practice makes perfect in front of the camera.

✅ How broadcasting keeps you in the game—staying involved in hockey beyond playing.

✅ Jamie’s advice for young hockey players—why passion and persistence always win.

💡 Whether you dream of calling NHL or PWHL games, interviewing your teammates, or just love talking hockey, this episode is packed with motivation and practical steps to help you start your broadcasting journey.

🎧 Listen now and take the first step toward your future in sports!

 #RideToTheRink #HockeyBroadcasting #OurKidsPlayHockey #SportsMedia

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In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, we welcome Jamie Hersch, a trailblazing broadcaster and studio host for the NHL Network, MLB Network, PWHL, Minnesota Wild, and Vegas Golden Knights. From growing up as a passionate sports fan in Minnesota to becoming a respected voice in hockey broadcasting, Jamie shares her inspiring journey, the challenges she’s faced, and the evolving role of women in sports media.

🚨 Inside This Episode:

✅ How Jamie got her start in sports journalism—from high school sideline reporting to a national network career.

✅ The grind behind the glamour—what it really takes to make it in sports media.

✅ Breaking barriers in broadcasting—why representation matters and how young women can enter the industry.

✅ The PWHL’s impact on women’s hockey—what makes this league so special and why fans should be paying attention.

✅ The importance of preparation and perseverance—Jamie’s advice for young athletes and aspiring broadcasters.

💡 Whether you’re a player, coach, parent, or a fan of hockey, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and a behind-the-scenes look at the world of hockey broadcasting.

🎧 Listen now and be part of the movement shaping the future of women in hockey! 

#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyBroadcasting #PWHL #WomenInSports

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What makes a hockey parent truly legendary? 🏒

In this entertaining episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike explore the lighter side of hockey parenting with a series of humorous awards. From the "Always on Time" accolade to the "Rink Cyclopedia" honor, they celebrate the unsung heroes of the rink—parents who go above and beyond for their kids. With personal anecdotes and relatable stories, this episode is a delightful tribute to the dedication and quirks of hockey families everywhere.

🔥 Highlights Include:

- The inspiration behind creating unique parent awards 🏆

- Recognizing punctuality with the "Always on Time" award ⏰

- Celebrating calmness under pressure with the "Never Going Overboard" award 🌊

- Honoring the ultimate rink experts with the "Rink Cyclopedia" award 📚

- Encouraging equal playtime for all team members 🏒

Whether you're a hockey parent, coach, or fan, this episode offers a fun and insightful look at the community that supports young athletes.

🎧 Listen now to join the conversation and see if you recognize yourself—or someone you know—in these playful awards!

💬 Got questions or stories to share? Reach out to us at [email protected].

#HockeyParents #YouthHockey #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyAwards #ParentingTips

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In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike discuss the often-overlooked power of positive body language in hockey. While much attention is given to avoiding negative habits like sulking or smashing sticks, this episode flips the script to explore how positivity can elevate not just individual performance but the entire team.

From encouraging teammates after mistakes to staying engaged between periods, Lee and Mike share actionable tips and stories about how players can use their body language to stand out on the ice, in the locker room, and even with referees. Whether you’re a skater, goalie, or coach, this episode will leave you inspired to embrace the energy you bring to the game.

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Key Takeaways:

1.Positive Body Language Is Contagious: A simple pat on a teammate’s back or encouraging words can change the energy of the entire bench.

2.Engagement Matters: Coaches and recruiters notice players who stay focused and listen during team discussions, especially between periods.

3.Fake It Till You Make It: Even pretending to smile or show confidence can improve your mood and performance.

4.Referees Are People Too: Small gestures like handing a puck to the ref show respect and can positively influence how they perceive you.

5.Coaches Look for Leaders: Players who display confidence and readiness through body language often earn critical opportunities in big moments.

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Practical Tips for Players and Coaches:

•Players: Maintain eye contact with coaches, stay involved on the bench, and use encouraging gestures to lift your teammates.

•Goalies: Avoid visibly showing frustration after goals. Instead, refocus quickly and motivate your team.

•Coaches: Reward and call attention to players who exhibit positive body language to set the standard for the team.

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#PositiveBodyLanguage #RideToTheRink #HockeyLeadership #Teamwork

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Hockey is more than just a game—it’s a team, a family, and a place where players support one another both on and off the ice. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we welcome world-class hockey player and mental health advocate Kendra Fisher to talk about an important part of the game that doesn’t always get enough attention—the mental side.

Kendra shares her own journey with mental health, offering powerful advice for young players who may be struggling. From learning how to ask for help to being a great teammate for those who need support, she breaks down what it means to create a culture of trust, connection, and understanding in hockey.

🎧 Key Takeaways:
✅ You don’t have to go through struggles alone—asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness.
✅ Being a great teammate goes beyond passing the puck—it means checking in, being present, and showing kindness.
✅ Leadership isn’t just about skill—it’s about making those around you better, both on and off the ice.
✅ Adults play a role too—coaches, parents, and mentors can create a safe environment for kids to open up.

💡 Whether you’re 8 or 18, mental health is part of your journey, and knowing how to navigate it—both for yourself and your teammates—makes all the difference.

Listen now and take the first step in becoming a leader who lifts others up. 🎙️🏒 #RideToTheRink #MentalHealthMatters #HockeyFamily

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In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike shine a spotlight on one of hockey’s most vital yet underappreciated positions: the defenseman. They break down why strong defensive play is the key to offensive success and overall team stability. From understanding the “house” to the importance of skating, positioning, and transitions, this episode dives deep into the mindset and skills that make great defensemen so valuable.

Whether you’re a coach, player, or hockey parent, this episode will change how you view defensive hockey and give you practical tips for developing this essential role. It’s time to give defensemen the appreciation they deserve.

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Key Takeaways:

1.Defense Creates Offense: Strong defensive positioning and smart play drive successful offensive transitions.

2.The House Matters: The area in front of the net, known as “the house,” is where most goals are scored. Great defense keeps opponents out of this zone.

3.Positionless Hockey Starts With Understanding Roles: Players who know every position’s responsibilities are more valuable to their teams.

4.Patience Is a Virtue: Great defensemen dictate play by slowing it down when necessary and guiding opponents into low-percentage areas.

5.Stats Beyond Points: Celebrate and track defensive contributions like takeaways, blocked shots, and breakout passes—they’re critical for success.

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Practical Tips for Parents, Coaches, and Players:

•Parents: Encourage your young players to try all positions, including defense, to understand the game fully. Celebrate non-scoring stats like takeaways and blocked shots.

•Coaches: Emphasize skating, positioning, and decision-making in practices to develop smarter, more reliable defensemen.

•Players: Embrace roles and responsibilities on both sides of the ice, knowing that defensive skills make you more desirable to coaches.

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#OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyDefense #Teamwork #HockeyLife

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What does it take to become a great hockey player—and a great teammate? 

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink episode, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli are joined by Matt Dumouchelle, author of the Hockey Factories series. Matt has traveled the world studying elite hockey programs, and he shares invaluable lessons for youth players about the importance of having fun, being a good teammate, and embracing the journey of the game.

From celebrating the little moments on the ice to the lasting impact of team pride, Matt offers advice for players on focusing less on pressure and more on gratitude and enjoyment. Parents and young skaters alike will gain insights into how the best programs cultivate passion and community—and how individual players can build on those lessons at any level.

Plus, hear why a good attitude and team-first mentality often outweigh raw talent when coaches make their decisions, and learn how finding joy in hockey today will create lasting memories tomorrow.

📚 Check out Matt’s Hockey Factories series on The Coaches Site to explore more about the world’s top hockey programs.

🎧 Stream this episode now and share it with your hockey family for some inspiration on the ride to the rink!

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In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, goaltender-turned-advocate Kendra Fisher shares her journey from making Team Canada to battling severe anxiety and panic disorder. She reveals how hockey became both her escape and her lifeline, leading her to champion mental fitness in sports.

Hockey players are told to be tough, but what happens when the battle is internal? Kendra discusses the pressures of elite competition, the impact of social media on young athletes, and the critical role of parents, coaches, and teammates in fostering mental well-being.

Whether you’re a player struggling with pressure, a parent supporting your child, or a coach looking to build a healthier team culture, this episode delivers must-hear insights.

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Key Takeaways:

🧠 Mental Health Impacts Performance: Just like strength and conditioning, mental fitness is key to success.

🏒 Hockey Saved Her Life: Kendra found stability in the game despite her struggles.

📱 Social Media & Self-Worth: Learn strategies to manage online pressures.

🤝 The Power of Support Systems: No player succeeds alone—team culture matters.

📢 Coaches & Parents Must Lead the Way: Mental fitness should be treated like physical fitness.

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Practical Tips for Parents, Coaches, and Players:

👨‍👩‍👧 Parents: Normalize mental health conversations with your kids.

📢 Coaches: Build team culture around emotional well-being, not just skills.

🛑 Players: Asking for help isn’t weakness—it’s strength.

Mental health is part of the game. Let’s change the narrative together. 🎧 Listen now!

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#OurGirlsPlayHockey #MentalHealthInSports #HockeyMindset #Resilience

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In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike sit down with Matt Dumouchelle, the creator of the Hockey Factories series and podcast via The Coaches Site. Matt’s in-depth exploration into elite hockey development programs worldwide has uncovered the secret ingredients behind their success—not just in creating great players, but in cultivating outstanding people.

Matt shares insights from his research, including the importance of community among coaches, redefining success in youth hockey, and how the world’s top hockey programs prioritize development over immediate results. Whether you’re a parent, coach, or hockey enthusiast, this episode is packed with actionable advice and thought-provoking perspectives.

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Key Takeaways:

1. Coaching Community: Top programs succeed through constant coach collaboration across age groups.

2. Redefining Success: Success is more than wins—it’s about character, skills, and a love for hockey.

3. Culture Matters: Programs like Frolunda focus on pride and long-term development over short-term results.

4. Patience Wins: Gradual, long-term growth is more effective than instant success.

5. Free Improvements: Positive culture and coach collaboration are impactful and cost nothing.

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Practical Tips for Coaches and Organizations:

• Build Coaching Unity: Regular meetings ensure aligned goals and best practices.

• Broaden Winning: Measure success through growth, engagement, and teamwork.

• Highlight Off-Ice Success: Celebrate players’ academic and personal achievements.

• Promote Position Versatility: Let kids try multiple roles for well-rounded development.

• Supportive Parents: Guide parents to prioritize long-term growth over immediate results.

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#HockeyDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyFactories #YouthHockey

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