✨ Do young girls take coaching more literally than boys? That’s the big question we dig into on this week’s episode of Our Girls Play Hockey!

Lee, Mike, and Team USA’s Hayley Scamurra share their coaching insights and personal experiences on how language, confidence, and context impact the way girls receive and process feedback compared to boys.

From locker room dynamics to building trust, the panel gets real about what works (and what doesn’t) when helping young female players thrive — and why it’s not about coaching them differently, but coaching them better.

🔥 Highlights from this episode:

• Why young girls often follow instructions to the letter — and how to encourage creativity without causing confusion
• The pressures girls feel in co-ed teams and how that shapes their approach to mistakes
• Specific language swaps coaches can use to make instructions clearer and more effective
• The importance of trust, body language, and context when coaching young female athletes
• Why positive feedback must be earned — and how to balance encouragement with accountability

Whether you’re a coach, parent, or player, this conversation will spark new ideas on how to support the next generation of girls in hockey. 🏒💪

👉 What do you think? Email us at [email protected]
or text us using the link in the description. We’d love to feature your thoughts in a future episode!

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Do Girls Take Hockey Coaching More Literally Than Boys?

#GirlsHockey #YouthHockey #CoachingTips #HockeyParents #PWHL #WomensHockey #OurKidsPlayHockey

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💭 Feeling the weight of being a hockey parent? You’re not alone. In this heartfelt and honest episode, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli open up about the mental and emotional load that comes with youth hockey — the long weekends, the money, the pressure, and the expectations we quietly carry.

🔥 In this conversation:

• Why so many parents tie their own worth to their kids’ performance 🧠
• The guilt, stress, and second-guessing that come after every game
• How money, time, and competition fuel anxiety for hockey families
• Why behavior—not outcomes—should be your real “win” metric
• What emotional resilience really looks like at home and at the rink
• Why “family first” isn’t just a saying — it’s a sanity saver ❤️

✨ Key moments include:

• Christie’s powerful reminder that “youth hockey is the good old days.”
• Lee’s story of skipping practice to prioritize family — and why it mattered more.
• Mike’s candid reflections on managing expectations as both coach and parent.

At the end of the day, this episode is a deep breath for every parent who’s ever thought, “Am I doing enough?” Spoiler: You are.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Mental Load of Being a Hockey Parent: Managing Pressure, Guilt & Joy

🎧 Listen, laugh, and remember — you’re not crazy, the hockey world is.

#OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyParenting #YouthHockey #SportsParenting #MentalHealthInSports #ParentPerspective #ChristieCascianoBurns #LeeElias #MikeBonelli #HockeyLife #FamilyFirst #YouthSportsBalance

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🎙️ “Okay.” “K.” “👍.”
Sound familiar? In this week’s episode of The Ride To The Rink, Mike and Lee tackle one of the sneakiest challenges facing young hockey players today — texting instead of talking.

From locker room group chats to misread messages, they break down why communication has become so complicated — and how simple face-to-face conversations can make you not only a better teammate, but a better person.

🔥 Highlights include:

• The hidden dangers of texting tone (and why emojis don’t fix it 😅)
• How miscommunication can fracture team dynamics
• Why coaches notice players who communicate confidently
• The difference between “I’m busy” and “I don’t care” in a text
• Tips to build verbal confidence — on and off the ice
• Real examples from Mike and Lee’s coaching experiences
• Why learning to talk to adults can actually get you more of what you want

Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this episode reminds us that while texting is convenient, real communication is a skill worth practicing. Because, as Lee puts it — “You can’t text that you’re open during a game.”

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: You Can’t Text “I’m Open!” — Why Hockey Players Need Real Conversations

🏒 Tune in, talk more, and keep skating forward.

#Teamwork #YouthHockey #CommunicationSkills #Leadership #LifeLessons #OurKidsPlayHockey #RideToTheRink #HockeyParents #HockeyLife #Sportsmanship

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On this episode of The Wraparound Roundtable, we roll into an incredible conversation with Hintsyy, a roller hockey creator who’s grown a community from the blacktop to the controller — and has become one of the funniest, most creative voices in hockey content today.

🎮 Known for breaking Chel (EA Sports NHL) in the most hilarious ways and building up the roller hockey scene online, Hintsyy shares how he transitioned from ice to inline during the COVID lockdown — and how it turned into a passion-fueled mission to showcase the game in a whole new light.

🏒 What you’ll hear in this episode:

• How a pandemic pivot turned into a passion for roller hockey
• The culture of roller vs. ice hockey — and why both are vital to the sport’s growth
• His creative process for making content (and why you shouldn’t chase views)
• The best and worst of breaking NHL on a console 😅
• Real talk on the creator grind, community, and what success really looks like
• Behind the scenes with creators like Nasher, Kazxi, and Mr. Heffey — and why they’re not just good at content, but great people

💬 “If you are truly obsessed with something and do it the right way… there are enough people in the world that will love it. It just takes time.”

🎁 This Week’s Giveaway Includes:

• Green Biscuit
• Puck Around
• + a Hockey Wraparound, handpicked by Hintsyy!
• 🔗 Enter now at hockeywraparound.com → Click the Wraparound Roundtable button.

💥 REMEMBER:

We drop TWO episodes every week — that’s TWO chances to win weekly and TEN total grand prize entries this season! Tune in next week for the next two episodes!

🏆 Grand Prize = A loaded hockey gear package including a Sparx Skate Sharpener, blade shades, Green Biscuit packs, deodorizers, Heads Up Hockey, Hockey Wraparound products, and more.

📲 Follow @hintsyy everywhere you scroll — for stunning inline clips and hilarious Chel chaos.

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NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.

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This week on The Wraparound Roundtable, we kick off the official 2025 season with content creator and rising hockey influencer Kazxi — and trust us, this episode is an inspiration for hockey dreamers of all ages.

🌟 Kazxi’s story is unlike any other:

From discovering hockey during the Tampa Bay Lightning’s back-to-back Stanley Cup runs to picking up a stick just before his 24th birthday, he’s proof that it’s never too late to fall in love with the game. Starting out by streaming video games and diving into short-form content creation, Kazxi’s passion has now evolved into a full-fledged hockey lifestyle — both online and on the ice.

🎬 In this episode, Lee Elias and Kazxi talk about:

• Starting hockey as an adult and documenting every step
• His evolution from Fortnite streamer to hockey storyteller
• Why storytelling is the real backbone of content creation
• Advice for kids (and adults!) who dream of becoming creators
• The real challenges behind learning hockey for the first time
• Why ANYONE can start playing — ball hockey, roller, or ice!

💬 Plus: Kazxi shares the never-before-told origin of his screen name, how he went viral after 45 days of near-zero views, and the heartfelt fan message that reminded him why he does what he does.

🎁 This Week’s Giveaway:

• Green Biscuit
• Puck Around
• + a Hockey Wraparound, selected by Kazxi himself!
• 🔗 Enter at hockeywraparound.com → Click the Wraparound Roundtable tab.

💥 REMEMBER:

There are TWO episodes each week, giving you TWO chances to win! Each entry also counts toward our grand prize, featuring a Sparx skate sharpener, team deodorizer sets, gear from Green Biscuit, Hockey Wraparound, and much more. Stay tuned for the next episode later today!

🎯 Total this season: 10 episodes, 10 chances to win.

📺 Follow @Kazxi on all platforms and check out his content, especially for his “Every Outdoor Rink” video series – it’s one of the most creative hockey projects out there today!

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NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.

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Ready to revolutionize your young hockey player's mindset? 🏒💪

"The Ride to the Rink" serves up a game-changing episode packed with insights from PWHL star Hayley Scamurra and Coach Nick Stoop. They tackle the tough questions: How do you keep the love for hockey alive? What's the secret to performing under pressure? And why is positioning more crucial than points?

🔑 Key Takeaways:

• Recognizing when it's time for a team change
• The power of self-awareness in youth sports
• Shifting focus from scoring to smart positioning
• Mindset tricks that lead to on-ice freedom
• Controlling the controllables: effort, mindset, and diet

From Hayley's personal journey of switching teams to Coach Stoop's revolutionary approach to performance, this episode is a must-listen for players and parents alike. It's not just about hockey—it's about building a mindset for success in sports and life.

Want to unlock your child's full potential on the ice? Tune in and discover how a simple shift in perspective can lead to incredible results. Remember, it's not about the points—it's about the position you put yourself in to succeed!

🎧 Got questions? Reach out at ourkidsplayhockey.com. And don't forget to check out "When Hockey Stops" at whenhockeystops.com!

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?

Check out our companion blog: Unlocking Your Potential Through Mindset Changes with Coach Nick Stoop

#RideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyMindset #SportsPsychology #BWHL

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NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.

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💬 “If your kid’s frustrated about ice time, this episode is your playbook for turning conflict into connection.”

Today, Lee and Mike sit down with Jen Fry — a sports educator, inclusion consultant, and communication strategist who’s worked with organizations like the NCAA, ESPN, and the NFL — to tackle one of the hardest parts of youth sports: communication.

From locker room dynamics to late-night parent frustrations, Jen shares how families, players, and coaches can build trust, transparency, and self-advocacy — even in tough moments. You’ll learn why letting kids use their own voice (even when it’s hard) leads to stronger athletes and stronger humans.

🔥 Episode highlights:

• Why “hard conversations” are essential for growth — not something to fear
• The right way for kids to ask coaches about playing time
• Why parents should journal before talking to coaches (yes, really!)
• How to teach advocacy skills as young as age 8
• The truth about locker room conflict and team culture
• The one thing coaches and parents must stop doing immediately

Whether your child is on the first line or the bench, this conversation will help your family handle emotions, expectations, and communication like pros — on and off the ice.

🎧 Tune in and learn how to turn every conversation into a coaching moment.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: Teaching Kids to Communicate in Hockey — Lessons from Jen Fry

#YouthHockey #ParentingInSports #HockeyParents #JenFry #CommunicationSkills #OurKidsPlayHockey #SportsParenting #YouthSports #CoachingCulture

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NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.

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🎙️ Tournament season is here — are your kids really getting the most out of it?

This week on The Ride To The Rink, Lee, Christie, and Mike unpack one of youth hockey’s biggest opportunities (and challenges): tournament weekends. From nerves and hotel boredom to team bonding and leadership, this episode is your playbook for making every trip unforgettable — for players and parents alike.

💡 In This Episode:

•  🏒 Christie shares how to turn nerves into excitement and creativity on the ice.
•  📱 Mike explains why screens might be stealing your best memories.
•  👥 Lee challenges players to step up as leaders — and pull their teammates out of those hotel rooms!
•  🍳 Plus: The secret to building lifelong friendships at tournaments (hint: it’s not about winning).

Whether it’s your first big road trip or your tenth, this conversation reminds every player: tournaments aren’t just about hockey — they’re about memories.

📩 Listen now, and help your young player make this season’s tournaments the best ones yet.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Beyond the Ice — Making the Most of Hockey Tournaments

 #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyTournament #TeamBonding #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyLife #RideToTheRink #YouthSports #Leadership #HockeyFamily

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NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.

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Welcome back to The Wraparound Roundtable – our annual celebration of the hockey community through giveaways, gratitude, and a glimpse behind the scenes of the creators who shape your kids’ hockey universe.

🎉 This year, we’re kicking things up a notch. Instead of focusing on small-to-medium hockey businesses, we’re spotlighting the most influential hockey creators on the planet—the ones your kids already follow on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, and beyond. From game-changing tutorials to viral highlights, these voices are shaping the culture of hockey today.

In this intro episode, host Lee Elias is joined by longtime friend and legendary creator Chris Kibui of Hockey Tutorial, one of the sport’s most-followed online platforms. Together, they set the stage for a series that combines practical creator insights, authentic inspiration, and of course, incredible prizes.

🎧 NEW THIS YEAR:

Each week features two separate episodes, giving you two chances to win a weekly prize. That’s 10 total episodes, 10 total weekly prizes, and 10 total chances to rack up entries for the season’s grand prize!

🎁 Weekly Giveaways:

• Green Biscuit + Puck Around Pack
• Creator-contributed bonus prizes

🏆 Grand Prize Includes:

• A brand new Sparx Skate Sharpener
• Full team set of skate deodorizers
• Gear from Green Biscuit, Hockey Wraparound, and much more!

🚨 How to Enter:

Starting next week, head to hockeywraparound.com → Click the Wraparound Roundtable button → Enter each episode for more chances to win the grand prize!

💡 What You’ll Learn This Season:

• What it really takes to become a hockey content creator
• The passion and purpose behind today’s top influencers
• Why this new career path resonates with the next generation of players

🎤 With guests like Chris, and many more well-known names your kids already admire, this season blends fun, education, and family-friendly hockey content that brings value to players, parents, and future creators alike.

🔔 Don’t forget to subscribe and stay tuned—The Wraparound Roundtable starts next week!

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NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.

Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now at hockey.sensearena.com/OKPH

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🏒 Can a teammate be your greatest mentor in hockey?

In this game-changing episode of Girls Play Hockey, Olympian Hayley Scamurra and Coach Nick Stoop join host Lee MJ Elias to explore the powerful impact of mentorship in youth and girls' hockey. From locker room dynamics to on-ice performance, they share invaluable insights on creating supportive environments that nurture both athletic excellence and personal growth.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• Redefining mentorship: It's not just about age, but impact 🤝
• Balancing the pressure to perform with the joy of playing 🏆
• How coaches can foster a culture of peer-to-peer mentorship 👥
• Navigating the challenges of being the only girl on a boys' team 💪
• The unexpected long-term benefits of building connections in sports 🌟

Whether you're a player looking to level up, a coach aiming to inspire, or a parent supporting your young athlete, this episode is packed with actionable advice and heartfelt stories that extend far beyond the rink.

🎧 Listen now and discover how mentorship can transform your hockey journey!

📱 Explore the Pro Athlete Experience platform for more mentorship opportunities.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Ripple Effect of Hockey Mentorship with Coach Nick Stoop

#GirlsHockey #Mentorship #YouthSports #PWHL #TeamBuilding #HockeyFamily

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NHL Sense Arena annual memberships are 50% off for the holidays, starting at just $29 a month — plus you can save an extra $25 with code OKPH at checkout.

Gift you hockey family the ultimate hockey training experience with NHL Sense Arena ‘26 — available now at hockey.sensearena.com/OKPH

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