How can we expand the world of girls' hockey? 

This episode of Our Girls Play Hockey explores this question with Kristen Bowness, who shares her journey of growing girls' hockey programs in Nashville and now in Utah. She highlights the importance of girls-only hockey, emphasizing how these programs and tournaments foster camaraderie and provide unique opportunities for those who prefer not to play co-ed. 

The discussion also touches on how events like the Preds Girls Classic can drive the sport's growth by offering both playing opportunities and social experiences. 

Kristen also sheds light on the success of women's learn-to-play programs for adults, helping parents connect with their children's hockey experiences.

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0:00 Intro

5:20 Tournaments and Their Importance

10:18 Role of Tournaments in Girls' Hockey

15:15 Challenges in Girls' Hockey

20:13 Starting New Programs in Utah

25:26 Potential Rivalries and Branding

30:33 Passion and Career in Hockey

35:12 Creativity in Hockey Development

36:31 Closing Remarks

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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 kids missing out by specializing in just one sport at a young age?

Is specializing in one sport too soon hindering our kids' development? Discover how Kevin Shire and Top Sports are transforming youth athletics with a multi-sport approach that encourages playing hockey, soccer, and lacrosse within a single organization. 

Top Sports is a multi-sport model that lets young athletes explore hockey, soccer, and lacrosse within the same organization. This approach not only delays specialization but also supports long-term athletic growth. The focus is on fun and skill development, using creative techniques that draw from various sports. By offering seasonal sports, the program aims to prevent burnout, allowing kids to anticipate and enjoy each sport rather than sticking to one year-round. With high retention rates and a commitment to affordability.

Learn how this innovative model fosters long-term athletic growth and keeps the fun in sports.

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0:00 Intro

1:12 Introduction of Kevin Shier

3:01 Program Growth and Structure

5:12 Age Groups and Competitive Streams

8:27 Philosophy on Athlete Development

11:54 Balancing Fun and Competition

15:35 Parental Reception and Challenges

19:40 Seasonal Structure and Scheduling

23:19 Managing Multi-Sport Participation

26:31 Transitioning Between Sports

31:12 Development Across Multiple Sports

36:02 Seasonal Excitement and Anticipation

40:37 Success Stories and Retention

44:50 Advice for U.S. Organizations

51:07 Future Plans for Top Sports

56:31 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

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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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How do you handle the pressure of negative comments from the stands? 

This episode of "The Ride To The Rink" tackles this pressing issue, offering practical advice for young hockey players facing critical remarks from parents during games. 

Christie, Lee, and Mike explore the impact of such behavior on performance and focus, encouraging open communication between players and their parents. They highlight the significance of self-esteem, emphasizing that a player's worth isn't defined by others' opinions. 

The hosts also share strategies for tuning out distractions and turning negativity into a powerful motivator, illustrated by a compelling story of a player who transformed criticism into a drive for success.

Key Discussion Points

- Handling Negative Yelling from Parents

- Communicating with Parents

- Developing Self-Esteem

- Strategies for Blocking Out Noise

- Turning Negativity into Motivation

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 week’s episode of the Wraparound Roundtable, host Lee MJ Elias welcomes Andrej Dula, the founder of Rezztek.

Rezztek has revolutionized the hockey stick tape market with its durable and easy-to-apply product, offering a significant improvement over traditional tape, and now they’ve moved the needle even further with the newest edition to their catalog - the “Learn To Play Rezztek!”

Andrej also updates us on his newly expanded distribution on Amazon and  highlights the small, dedicated team behind Rezztek and their commitment to customer satisfaction. 

We’re giving away five of Rezztek’s Learn to Play 3-Packs, so if you have a young player who’s blade is the right size, be sure to enter before it’s too late.

Head over to https://hockeywraparound.com/blogs/the-wraparound-roundtable/rezztek_ltp now to enter!

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Is your mental game on point? 

This week on The Ride To The Rink, Olympian and Professional Hockey Player Hayley Scamurra as she shares invaluable insights on the importance of mental fitness, reflecting on lessons she wishes she had learned earlier in her career. 

Discover how positive self-talk can significantly boost confidence and performance on the ice. This episode also explores effective strategies for young players to manage their emotions, recognizing the fleeting nature of both highs and lows. 

Haley offers her unique perspective on embracing gratitude in sports, drawing from her experiences, including winning an Olympic silver medal.

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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Have you ever witnessed a youth hockey game where the parents seemed more intense than the players? 

This episode of Our Kids Play Hockey tackles the pressing issue of inappropriate parent behavior at games, where cursing at referees and yelling at children can become all too common. 

This episode explores the ripple effects of such negativity, from driving referees away and causing shortages to impacting the overall experience for young players. The hosts highlight the crucial role of organizational culture in setting the tone for positive behavior, emphasizing the need for education and clear communication among coaches, parents, and players. They also remind listeners of practical strategies, like the "24-hour rule" for parent-coach interactions, to curb problematic conduct. 

By focusing on positive reinforcement and respect, the discussion aims to shift the narrative towards celebrating the majority of uplifting experiences in youth hockey.

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00:00:08: Introduction

00:01:18: Lee's Story: Inappropriate Parent Behavior at Youth Hockey

00:03:35: Discussion on Parental Behavior and Challenges

00:05:07: Education and Culture in Youth Sports

00:08:20: Importance of Culture and Education in Teams

00:11:56: Addressing Inappropriate Behavior and Teaching Moments

00:14:58: Impact of Parental Behavior on Kids

00:20:20: Referee Shortage and Parental Impact

00:24:36: Role of Coaches and Referees in Youth Hockey

00:28:44: Addressing Parental Behavior and Culture

00:32:32: Establishing Team Culture and Rules

00:37:17: Personal Responsibility and Addressing Inappropriate Behavior

00:44:42: Challenges in Addressing Inappropriate Behavior

00:49:55: Positive Influence and Culture in Youth Hockey

00:54:31: Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

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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Are your screens sabotaging your game? 

This episode of The Ride To The Rink features expert Larissa Mills and explores how simple habits like avoiding your phone for 30 minutes after waking and shutting it off an hour before bed can boost your performance. 

Discover how excessive screen time can impact your focus and intensity on the ice, and learn strategies to enhance your athletic prowess by reducing screen exposure before games. 

We also discuss the art of designing a positive social media feed, curating content that uplifts and inspires while eliminating negativity. Uncover the truth behind social media's highlight reels and the importance of showcasing authenticity, as scouts and advisors often review online profiles when considering athletes.

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0:00:00 Intro

0:00:08 Creating a Healthy Screen Routine

0:01:14 Morning Routine Adjustments for Improved Well-being

0:03:51 The Dopamine Dilemma

0:07:47 The Importance of Thoughtful Online Presence

0:11:39 Managing Screen Time for Kids

0:12:59 Pediatric Societies' Screen Time Recommendations

--

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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We're Giving Away 5 Packs Of X-Stink'd Bombs To Help You Keep Your Gear From Stinking!

In this episode of the Wraparound Roundtable, host Lee MJ Elias introduces James McCall, a 17-year-old entrepreneur and founder of X-Stink'd Bombs, a unique deodorizer product designed for athletes.

James shares his journey from concept to creation, inspired by his own experiences with sports gear odors. He discusses the innovative use of baking soda and fine fragrances in his product, aiming to eliminate rather than mask odors.

The episode highlights James's participation in the Young Entrepreneurs Academy, where he honed his business skills and took his idea to a national level.

Listeners are encouraged to support James by entering a to win some X-Stink'd Bombs and visiting his website.

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

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0:00 Innovative Product Launch and Giveaway

1:34 Building a Brand with Emotional Connection

2:38 Reinventing the Deodorizer Ball

5:29 Young Entrepreneurs Academy Journey

11:38 The Real Win: Building Connections Over Awards

13:53 Expanding a Fragrance Line

--

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Ever wondered what it's like to be drafted into a professional hockey league? 

Hayley Scamurra shares her thrilling experience of being selected by Ottawa in the inaugural PWHL draft, capturing the excitement and uncertainty of not knowing where she would land. 

She also opens up about the transition from college to pro hockey, highlighting the increased physicality and the challenges of adapting to a higher level of play. Hayley stresses the significance of mental preparation, reflecting on how focusing on mental toughness earlier could have impacted her career. She contrasts the PWHL with previous women's hockey leagues, noting the enhanced professional resources and amenities now available. 

For aspiring pro players, Hayley offers heartfelt advice: enjoy the game, avoid comparisons, and trust your unique journey in the sport.

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00:00:00 Intro

00:06:23 Evolution of Women's Professional Hockey

00:10:21 The Off-Season Routine of a Pro Athlete

00:12:14 Transition from Youth to Pro Hockey

00:14:23 Standards and Expectations in Professional Practice

00:16:33 Growth and Competition in Women's Hockey

00:18:19 Transition from College to Professional Hockey

00:20:28 NCAA Women's Hockey as a Professional Pipeline

00:22:47 Team USA's Role in Player Development

00:28:40 The Reality of Playing Pro Hockey

00:30:34 Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Athletes

00:31:40 The Pro Athlete Experience App

00:34:20 Advice for Young Athletes

00:38:54 Building Team Cohesiveness in Girls Hockey

00:40:35 Parental Guidance in Youth Sports

--

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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Are smartphones stealing the spotlight from youth athletes? 

This episode of Our Kids Play Hockey explores the impact of excessive phone use on mental health, performance, and development. 

Our guest expert, Larissa Mills, gives some surprising suggestions in advocating for limited screen use until a certain age. 

Discover how to create healthy phone routines, establish boundaries, and balance parental monitoring with trust. 

Also, learn to audit your social media feeds for positivity and embrace unplugged family activities. 

This episode also tackles the challenges parents face in setting phone limits, offering practical advice to navigate this digital dilemma.

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00:00:00 Intro

00:00:08 The Impact of Parental Behavior on Child Athletes

00:06:19 The Debate on Banning Cell Phones in Schools

00:08:00 The Impact of Screen Time on Youth Sports Performance

00:09:51 Parental Challenges with Phone Use

00:16:33 The Science Behind Phone Addiction

00:19:58 The Power of Family Connection in a Digital Age

00:25:30 The Dangers of Betting and Social Media for Athletes

00:40:04 The Right Age for Kids to Have Phones

00:48:20 A Mother's Discovery of Her Son's Vape Business

00:53:37 Curating a Positive Social Media Feed

01:01:07 Transforming Family Travel into Bonding Experiences

01:05:29 Addressing the Decline in Youth Sports Participation

--

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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