In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee shares a step-by-step guide for skaters and goalies to get the most out of any skills clinic—whether you’re focused on skating, shooting, passing, or defense. His practical tips will help players, parents, and coaches turn every clinic into a lasting opportunity for growth.

👀 Inside the Episode:
📝 Why identifying your clinic’s focus is key to success
🤔 How asking the right questions can unlock new skills
📖 The simple post-clinic habit that will fast-track improvement
🎯 Why mindset matters: stay open, stay curious
🎉 The importance of having fun—because hockey should always bring joy

Whether you’re heading to your first clinic or your fiftieth, this episode will help you level up your game and make every session count.

💬 Got a takeaway from this episode? Email us anytime at [email protected]

#TheRideToTheRink #HockeySkills #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #SkillsClinic #OffIceTraining #PlayerMindset #YouthSports

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Hockey IQ: Scanning the ice, recognizing pressure, anticipating what happens next, making the right decision faster. Research shows these perceptual and decision-making skills can actually be trained. With NHL Sense Arena, kids can get extra game-like reps at home, working on hockey IQ, reactions, real stick-handling for skaters, while goalies can train reads and tracking. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at http://hockey.sensearena.com/okph

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Are hockey skills clinics worth your time and money? 🏒💰

In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike tackle the hot topic of youth hockey skills clinics. From defining what makes a great clinic to navigating the sea of options, our expert panel shares insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the best choices for your young player's development.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• What separates a true skills clinic from a glorified workout 🏋️‍♂️
• The secret to getting maximum value from your clinic investment 💡
• How to choose the right clinic for your child's needs and goals 🎯
• Strategies for helping your player get the most out of every session 📈
• Why failure might be the most valuable takeaway from a clinic 🚀

Whether you're a seasoned hockey parent or new to the game, this episode is packed with actionable advice, real-world examples, and candid insights that will change the way you approach skills development.

🎧 Tune in now and unlock the secrets to maximizing your child's hockey potential!

#YouthHockey #SkillsClinics #HockeyParenting #PlayerDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Hockey IQ: Scanning the ice, recognizing pressure, anticipating what happens next, making the right decision faster. Research shows these perceptual and decision-making skills can actually be trained. With NHL Sense Arena, kids can get extra game-like reps at home, working on hockey IQ, reactions, real stick-handling for skaters, while goalies can train reads and tracking. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at http://hockey.sensearena.com/okph

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Private lessons can be a great way to grow your game—but only if you approach them the right way.

In this Ride to the Rink, Lee shares advice directly with young players on how to make private coaching sessions truly valuable. From asking the right questions to tracking your progress off the ice, this episode is all about helping players take ownership of their development and turn every lesson into lasting improvement.

🏒 Key Takeaways:

✔️ Don’t just show up—show up with a goal

✔️ Ask smart, specific questions to guide your growth

✔️ Keep a journal of what you’re learning

✔️ Great coaches give you tools—but it’s up to you to use them

✔️ Why the work you do after the lesson matters most

Whether you’re already taking lessons or thinking about starting, this episode will help you get more from every minute of ice time—and from yourself.

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Hockey IQ: Scanning the ice, recognizing pressure, anticipating what happens next, making the right decision faster. Research shows these perceptual and decision-making skills can actually be trained. With NHL Sense Arena, kids can get extra game-like reps at home, working on hockey IQ, reactions, real stick-handling for skaters, while goalies can train reads and tracking. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at http://hockey.sensearena.com/okph

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On this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee shares a simple story that left a big impression—and reminds every young player (and parent) why the way you act off the ice matters just as much as the way you play on it. After a young player was complimented by a stranger for his manners and kindness, Lee and Mike break down what it means to represent your team and your sport in everyday life, and why those little things—like saying “please” and “thank you”—can make a huge difference.

A short but meaningful message about respect, accountability, and the kind of character that makes great teammates—and great people.

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Hockey IQ: Scanning the ice, recognizing pressure, anticipating what happens next, making the right decision faster. Research shows these perceptual and decision-making skills can actually be trained. With NHL Sense Arena, kids can get extra game-like reps at home, working on hockey IQ, reactions, real stick-handling for skaters, while goalies can train reads and tracking. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at http://hockey.sensearena.com/okph

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

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Heads up, hockey families! We recently found out that our email—[email protected]—was down for a while, and we may have missed your messages. The good news? It’s back up and running!

If you’ve sent in questions, feedback, show ideas, or just wanted to say hi, please re-send them—we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for your patience and for being such an awesome part of our community.

Keep the messages coming—we’re always listening!

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

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Are private hockey lessons worth the investment for your young player? 🏒💰

In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike tackle the hot topic of private hockey lessons for youth players. From finding the right coach to balancing extra training with team practices, our expert panel dives into the world of personalized hockey instruction, offering invaluable insights for parents navigating this crucial decision.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• The surprising benefits of one-on-one hockey training 🎯
• How to spot a great private coach (hint: it's not just about their playing history!) 
• Why communication between private and team coaches is a game-changer 
• The perfect age to start private lessons (it might not be when you think!) 🧒
• Avoiding the burnout trap: Balancing extra training with fun and recovery ⚖️

Whether you're considering private lessons for the first time or looking to optimize your child's current training regimen, this episode is packed with actionable advice and real-world examples from our experienced hosts.

🎧 Tune in now and unlock the secrets to maximizing your young player's potential on and off the ice!

📚 Recommended Reading: "Relentless" and "Winning" by Tim Grover

#YouthHockey #PrivateLessons #HockeyParenting #SkillDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Hockey IQ: Scanning the ice, recognizing pressure, anticipating what happens next, making the right decision faster. Research shows these perceptual and decision-making skills can actually be trained. With NHL Sense Arena, kids can get extra game-like reps at home, working on hockey IQ, reactions, real stick-handling for skaters, while goalies can train reads and tracking. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at http://hockey.sensearena.com/okph

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In this special mailbag episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike dive into some powerful listener-submitted questions that hit at the heart of today’s youth hockey experience—from the overwhelming costs of AAA, to what really matters when choosing a team, to how concussions can change the way young players approach the game.

Whether you’re a hockey parent struggling with financial decisions, a coach wondering how to build true team culture, or just trying to figure out how to support your child’s passion for the game, this episode is packed with insight, honest advice, and real stories from decades in the rink.

We also talk about:

• What to do when your child’s motivation changes
• Why there’s no “one path” in hockey development
• The real role of team building (spoiler: it’s not just pizza parties)
• And why sometimes the best thing to do… is step back

📩 Got your own question for the show? Email us at [email protected] or text us through the link in the show notes!

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Hockey IQ: Scanning the ice, recognizing pressure, anticipating what happens next, making the right decision faster. Research shows these perceptual and decision-making skills can actually be trained. With NHL Sense Arena, kids can get extra game-like reps at home, working on hockey IQ, reactions, real stick-handling for skaters, while goalies can train reads and tracking. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at http://hockey.sensearena.com/okph

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On this episode of Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by a true hockey visionary—Howard Dolgon, founder and longtime owner of the Syracuse Crunch, who turned a dream into a franchise and a franchise into a legacy.

Howard reflects on his journey from a tough Brooklyn neighborhood to the New York State and Syracuse Hockey Halls of Fame—a path paved not by luck, but by passion, perseverance, and relentless belief. He opens up about the power of effort over excuses, the importance of chasing your potential, and why he’s still dreaming big after 30+ years in the game.

This is an episode for the kids with big dreams, the parents who believe in them, and the coaches who help them grow. If you’ve ever wondered how far love for the game can really take you—this ride is for you.

🛑 Don’t miss this heartfelt and hard-earned wisdom from a man who’s still got plenty of game left.

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Hockey IQ: Scanning the ice, recognizing pressure, anticipating what happens next, making the right decision faster. Research shows these perceptual and decision-making skills can actually be trained. With NHL Sense Arena, kids can get extra game-like reps at home, working on hockey IQ, reactions, real stick-handling for skaters, while goalies can train reads and tracking. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at http://hockey.sensearena.com/okph

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What does it take to build a hockey franchise from the ground up—and keep it thriving for 30+ years? In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re joined by Howard “Howie” Dolgon, the founder, owner, and president of the Syracuse Crunch, AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

From growing up on the streets of Brooklyn to hosting the first outdoor AHL game in history, Howie shares his incredible journey and the lessons he’s learned about perseverance, community, and building something bigger than yourself. We cover:

• ✅ How he brought pro hockey to Syracuse after four teams had failed
• ✅ Why the Crunch became a model of success—and a family for so many players
• ✅ What makes an impactful coach at every level of the game
• ✅ The powerful community culture surrounding the Crunch—and how it all starts with giving back
• ✅ Stories of NHL stars like Yanni Gourde and Jon Cooper that began in Syracuse

Whether you’re a parent, coach, or just love the game, this episode is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at how one team—and one leader—can change an entire community.

🎧 Listen now and share with the hockey people in your life!

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Hockey IQ: Scanning the ice, recognizing pressure, anticipating what happens next, making the right decision faster. Research shows these perceptual and decision-making skills can actually be trained. With NHL Sense Arena, kids can get extra game-like reps at home, working on hockey IQ, reactions, real stick-handling for skaters, while goalies can train reads and tracking. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at http://hockey.sensearena.com/okph

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Team USA gold medalist and NCAA champion Caroline Harvey joins us for a special The Ride to the Rink edition—and she’s talking directly to young players chasing big goals.

Whether you dream of playing high school, college, or even Olympic hockey, this quick conversation is packed with the kind of advice that helps you take the next step in your game.

🏒 In this episode:

• ✅ Why small, daily habits matter more than highlight-reel moments
• ✅ What Caroline still does every day to improve her game
• ✅ The balance between having fun and putting in the work
• ✅ How muscle memory helps you stay confident on the ice
• ✅ Why practice is just as important as game day

This one’s short, powerful, and meant to be played on the way to your next skate.

💬 “Whatever your goals are, you can achieve them—if you’re consistent, focused, and having fun along the way.”

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Hockey IQ: Scanning the ice, recognizing pressure, anticipating what happens next, making the right decision faster. Research shows these perceptual and decision-making skills can actually be trained. With NHL Sense Arena, kids can get extra game-like reps at home, working on hockey IQ, reactions, real stick-handling for skaters, while goalies can train reads and tracking. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at http://hockey.sensearena.com/okph

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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