In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, we’re joined by none other than Cherie Piper—a three-time Olympic gold medalist and the Senior Manager of Scouting and Player Development for Hockey Canada. Fresh off another gold medal win at the U18 Women’s World Championship, Cherie shares her journey to becoming one of hockey’s most accomplished athletes.

Together with hosts Lee MJ Elias, Sheri Hudspeth, and Mike Bonelli, Cherie dives deep into what it takes to succeed in high-performance hockey, both on and off the ice. Highlights include:

•The Pathway to Playing for Team Canada: Cherie breaks down how young players can get noticed, starting with provincial programs and the importance of staying consistent.

•The Role of Parents and Coaches: Insightful advice on fostering a supportive, high-performance mindset from a young age.

•Hockey IQ and Leadership: Why being skilled isn’t enough—Cherie shares what separates great players from good ones, including hockey sense, work ethic, and positive body language.

•Behind the Scenes at U18 Worlds: Cherie gives an inside look at the challenges and triumphs of coaching at the international level and preparing athletes for the pressures of competition.

•Her Love for the Game: Cherie reflects on her career, the mentors who shaped her, and her passion for helping the next generation of players thrive.

Cherie also discusses why “pressure is a privilege” and how her team helps athletes navigate social media, mental performance, and the emotional rollercoaster of competitive hockey. This episode is packed with actionable insights for players, parents, and coaches alike.

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🎧 Loved this episode? Subscribe and leave a review to help us reach more hockey families.

#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyCanada #CheriePiper #U18Worlds #HockeyPodcast #YouthHockey #GirlsHockey

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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

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In this thought-provoking episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns dive into the controversial world of youth hockey rankings with special guests Ken Ruoff and Jean Linscott, authors of What Is the Goal? The Truth About the Youth Sports Industry. Together, they tackle the tough questions surrounding the impact of rankings, the emphasis on winning over development, and the broader effects of the “youth sports industry” on families and players.

💡 Key Topics Covered:

•The Problem with Rankings: How rankings prioritize “win-now” over long-term development and why this system needs a shift.

•Burnout & Injuries: The alarming statistics on overuse injuries and why 70% of youth athletes quit sports by age 13.

•The Role of Parents & Coaches: Red flags to watch for in youth organizations and how to make choices that prioritize development and fun over prestige.

•Reimagining Success: Why redefining winning as growth, learning, and team bonding can create better experiences for players and families.

Ken and Jean also discuss how their experiences as parents and their research into the billion-dollar youth sports industry inspired their no-nonsense guide for families navigating the chaotic world of youth hockey.

🎧 Tune in to gain actionable insights on creating a healthier, more enjoyable youth sports environment for players and families alike.

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#YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #YouthSports #OurKidsPlayHockey #WhatIsTheGoal

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0:00 Intro

1:07 Rankings in youth sports: Stress vs trajectory

6:56 Migrating college practices to youth sports

15:26 Astonishing youth sports statistics revealed

22:54 Redefining winning in youth sports

31:05 Non-nonsense book on youth sports

37:15 Pro-youth sports stance with critical lens

44:12 Red flags in youth sports organizations

50:03 Closing thoughts and contact information

--

Click To 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!

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How do you bounce back from massive adversity in your life?

On today’s episode of Ride to the Rink, NHL veteran Chris Therien joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to inspire young players with wisdom drawn from his 12-year professional career. As kids and families head to the rink, Chris shares advice on the importance of having fun, competing with effort, and being a great teammate.

💡 Key Highlights:

•The Core of Hockey: Why fun and friendship should be your foundation in the game.

•Overcoming Adversity: Chris’s personal story of being cut from a team at 14 and how it fueled his NHL career.

•Effort and Motivation: How putting in 110% on and off the ice can help you achieve your dreams.

•Life Lessons: The value of being a good teammate and responding to challenges with resilience.

Chris reminds players that hockey is about more than just wins and losses—it’s about the friendships you form, the lessons you learn, and the effort you put into every moment.

🎧 Tune in now and get inspired as you head to your next game or practice!

#YouthHockey #ChrisTherien #RideToTheRink #HockeyLife #OurKidsPlayHockey

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Key Discussion Points

- Enjoying the Sport of Hockey

- Balancing Fun with Competitiveness

- Overcoming Setbacks and Team Cuts

- Rewards of Determination in Hockey

- Importance of Being a Good Teammate

--

Click To 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!

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🏒 What does it take to create a positive experience in youth hockey?

In this insightful episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, former NHL defenseman and mental health advocate Chris Therien joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to dive deep into the challenges and opportunities in youth hockey today. Drawing from his 12-year NHL career and personal experiences as a coach and parent, Chris shares hard-earned wisdom on how parents, coaches, and players can navigate the sport’s evolving landscape.

🔥 Topics Include:

•The power of adversity: How being cut from a team at 14 shaped Chris’s career and life.

•Youth hockey’s commercialization: Why the shift from community to business is impacting development.

•Parenting in sports: Are we focusing on the right goals for our kids?

•The role of coaches: How great coaches can inspire love for the game while developing life skills.

•Lessons from the pros: Chris shares the secrets of team-building and mental resilience learned in his NHL career.

Whether you’re a parent, player, or coach, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about creating better experiences in youth sports.

🎧 Tune in now to learn how we can all help our kids thrive on and off the ice!

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📖 Learn more about Chris in his book The Road to Redemption.

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#OurKidsPlayHockey #ChrisTherien #YouthSports #MentalHealth #HockeyLife

Click To 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:

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Are you ready to elevate your hockey game and finish this season strong? 

On this episode of "The Ride to the Rink" hosts Lee and Mike share motivational strategies to help young players enhance their skills and performance in the second half of the season. They offer practical advice on setting achievable goals, managing time effectively, and honing specific skills both during team practice and personal time. With a focus on continuous learning and self-belief, this episode is packed with insights to inspire and guide players on their journey to improvement.

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Key Discussion Points

- Setting Goals for the Rest of the Season

- Time Management and Creating Opportunities

- Working on Skills Outside of Team Practice

- Continuous Learning and Improvement

- Motivation and Self-Belief

--

Click To 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!

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We're Giving Away 5 20x44 Pickleball Paddles and Hockey Wraparounds!

In this episode of the Wraparound Roundtable, host Lee MJ Elias welcomes Brandon Contratto, a pro pickleball player and semi-pro hockey player, to discuss the intersection of these two sports.

Brandon shares his journey into pickleball, highlighting its rapid growth and the founding of 20x44 Pickleball, a venture aimed at supporting the community with affordable, high-quality equipment and coaching.

The conversation dives into the similarities between hockey and pickleball, emphasizing the physical and mental skills that transition between the sports.

Brandon offers an inspiring message about resilience and the "next ball" mentality, encouraging athletes to focus on the next opportunity.

Head to https://hockeywraparound.com/blogs/the-wraparound-roundtable/20x44 to enter to win!

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0:00 Innovative Sports Giveaways

1:42 Transition from Hockey to Pickleball Coaching

3:04 Hearts and Paddles Charity Event

6:13 The Mental Game of Pickleball

9:31 Next Ball Mentality in Sports

--

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

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Are you skating into 2025 with a fresh perspective?

On this episode of "The Ride to the Rink," host Lee Elias offers a motivational boost for players looking to reset and refocus as the new year unfolds. Lee encourages listeners to pause, reflect on their journey, and set new goals to enhance their skills and performance. By emphasizing the power of present actions, he guides players to take immediate steps toward improvement, ensuring that future success is built on today's efforts.

Key Discussion Points

- Resetting and Reflecting on the Hockey Season

- Setting New Goals and Focusing on Improvement

- Taking Action in the Present Moment

- Encouragement and Support for Listeners

--

Click To 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!

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Are you ready to finish the hockey season on a high note? 

Join hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike as they explore strategies to keep the momentum going, no matter your team's current standing. 

Discover how to maintain positivity and motivation with engaging drills like the "candy drill," and tackle burnout by setting fresh goals and injecting fun into practices. Learn how to manage parent expectations and foster a supportive environment, all while embracing gratitude and a love for the game. 

With practical advice and personal anecdotes, this episode offers a roadmap to a rewarding hockey experience for coaches, parents, and players alike.

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0:00 Intro

2:01 Staying motivated after winter break

5:24 Maintaining positivity throughout the season

10:47 Redefining yourself mid-season

14:48 Gratitude in hockey

19:26 Parental behavior at youth games

25:32 Importance of team building

30:04 Celebrating progress and development

34:34 Closing arguments

Click To 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:

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Are you ready to jump back into the swing of things after a long winter break?

In this episode of "Ride to the Rink," hosts Christie Casciano-Burns, Lee MJ Elias, and Mike Bonelli provide essential guidance for young hockey players and their parents as they transition back into their routines after a long winter break. The discussion centers on the importance of re-establishing daily habits that can help young athletes manage their time effectively and reduce stress. By focusing on creating structured schedules, the hosts offer practical advice on how to balance school, practice, and personal time, ensuring that young players can thrive both on and off the ice.

The episode also highlights the role of technology in staying organized. The hosts discuss various tools and apps that can assist in managing schedules and commitments, making it easier for families to keep track of practices, games, and other activities. Additionally, they touch on the significance of mental well-being, encouraging young athletes to reflect on the past year and set realistic goals for the future. By fostering a mindset that values enjoyment and personal growth, the podcast underscores the idea that young athletes are more than just hockey players, promoting a well-rounded identity that extends beyond the rink.

--

0:00 Intro

2:00 Resetting After Winter Break

3:45 Importance of Routine

6:12 Gratitude and Mental Audit

8:46 Fun in Hockey

Click To 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:

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Join Lee Elias, Christie Casciano, and Mike Bonelli to celebrate all things "Our Kids Play Hockey" from 2024.

Reflecting on the past year, we share insights into the podcast's impressive growth, and how we've ranked in the top 10% on Buzzsprout, and reached listeners in 77 countries. This episode also highlights the top episodes that have captivated the audience, from youth hockey journeys to inspiring interviews with NHL personalities. The hosts share their personal favorites, offering a glimpse into the stories and conversations that we believe resonated most with our listeners.

Looking ahead to 2025, we also tease exciting new content, including interviews with high-profile guests and plans for merchandise.

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0:00 Intro

0:08 Welcome and Year in Review

1:33 Podcast Ranking Achievement

2:33 Global Reach and Listener Locations

5:30 Top Cities for Listeners

8:55 Top Episodes of 2024

13:26 Favorite Episodes and Highlights

20:20 Christie's Top Picks

23:06 Mike's Top Picks

28:40 Lee's Top Picks

34:37 Looking Forward to 2025

39:55 Closing Remarks

--

Click To 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
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