How do we get more women behind the bench in hockey? Lindsay Pennal, the Executive Director of the NHL Coaches Association, joins Our Girls Play Hockey to share her journey in leading the NHLCA, the impact of the Female Coaches Development Program, and the steps being taken to create more opportunities for women in coaching.

Lindsay opens up about her unconventional path into the hockey world, the importance of networking, and how the NHLCA is helping shape the next generation of coaches—both male and female. She also discusses Jessica Campbell’s historic milestone as the first full-time female coach in the NHL and other rising stars to watch.

🔥 Episode Highlights Include:

• The vision behind the NHLCA's Female Coaches Development Program 🌟

• Success stories of women breaking into professional hockey coaching 🏆

• Applying NHL coaching practices to youth hockey for better development 🏒

• Essential resources and initiatives for aspiring coaches 📚

• Lindsay's personal journey and leadership insights in the hockey world 🌍

Whether you're an aspiring coach, a player, or a fan, this episode is packed with inspiring stories, practical advice, and a vision for a more inclusive future in hockey.

🎧 Listen now to discover how Lindsay Pennal and the NHLCA are shaping the future of hockey coaching!

Want to attend the 2025 NHLCA Global Coaches’ Clinic? Click here to learn more: https://www.nhlcaclinic.com/event/NHLCA2025/home

💬 Got questions? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected]

#HockeyCoaching #GrowTheGame #OurGirlsPlayHockey #WomenInHockey #CoachingDevelopment

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What do the latest USA Hockey rule changes mean for your young athlete's game?

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike break down the latest USA Hockey rule updates for the 2025 season. From team composition to equipment regulations, these changes are set to impact youth, girls, high school, and adult hockey leagues. Discover how these modifications aim to enhance safety, respect, and skill development on the ice.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• New team composition rules expanding rosters from 21 to 22 players 🏒
• Mandatory HECC or BNQ certified neck protectors for all youth players 🛡️
• Ban on electronic devices during games to maintain focus and integrity 📵
• Stricter penalties for abuse of officials to foster respect and sportsmanship ⚖️
• Reintroduction of icing while shorthanded for players 15 and older ❄️

Whether you're a parent, coach, or player, this episode is packed with essential insights and practical advice to navigate the evolving landscape of youth hockey.

🎧 Listen now to stay informed and ensure your young athlete is prepared for the upcoming seasons!

💬 Got questions? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

#USAHockey #YouthHockey #HockeySafety #OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaches

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Spring is here! As the temperatures rise and the ice starts to melt, you might be wondering: Should I keep playing hockey in the spring, or is it okay to take a break?

In this episode, Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Sherry Hudspeth tackle one of the biggest questions young hockey players face: Do I need to play year-round to get better? Spoiler alert: You don’t.

✅ Why taking a break from hockey can actually make you a better player

✅ The benefits of playing other sports (or even picking up an instrument!)

✅ How to avoid the pressure of year-round hockey and focus on overall development

✅ Why your parents (and their wallets) need a break too!

Whether you’re lacing up for lacrosse, swinging a baseball bat, hitting the golf course, or just enjoying some downtime, remember—be an athlete, stay active, and most importantly, have fun.

🔗 Got questions about your spring hockey plans? Reach out to us! Click the link in the episode description or email [email protected].

#Hockey #SpringHockey #MultiSportAthletes #HockeyDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey

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Give your player the edge before the season starts with NHL Sense Arena—VR hockey training for players and goalies on Meta Quest. Used by NHL pros and college athletes, it builds IQ, decision-making, and positioning at home.

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🚨 Feeling the pressure before a big game? You’re not alone. But what if we told you that pressure is actually a privilege? In this episode, mental performance coach Vinny Malts—who works with NHL players and teams—joins us to break down how young athletes can turn stress into strength.

Together, we explore why pressure exists, where it comes from, and how you can take control of it instead of letting it control you. Coach Vinny shares a simple but powerful exercise to help players recognize their emotions, manage nerves, and perform at their best when it matters most.

🔹 Key Takeaways:

✔️ Why feeling pressure is a good thing—and how to embrace it

✔️ The “Angry Alex” exercise—an easy mental trick to manage emotions in the moment

✔️ How to recognize whether pressure comes from you or outside influences

✔️ The two voices in your head: the saboteur and the sage—and how to listen to the right one

✔️ Why learning to manage pressure now will help you on and off the ice

🏒 Whether it’s pre-game jitters, dealing with lineup decisions, or handling expectations, this episode is your mental reset before stepping on the ice.

🎧 Listen now, apply these tools, and take control of the pressure!

#TheRideToTheRink #MentalPerformance #HockeyMindset #PressureIsAPrivilege #YouthHockey

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Give your player the edge before the season starts with NHL Sense Arena—VR hockey training for players and goalies on Meta Quest. Used by NHL pros and college athletes, it builds IQ, decision-making, and positioning at home.

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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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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

Give your player the edge before the season starts with NHL Sense Arena—VR hockey training for players and goalies on Meta Quest. Used by NHL pros and college athletes, it builds IQ, decision-making, and positioning at home.

🏒 Learn more at SenseArena.com/OKPH

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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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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

Give your player the edge before the season starts with NHL Sense Arena—VR hockey training for players and goalies on Meta Quest. Used by NHL pros and college athletes, it builds IQ, decision-making, and positioning at home.

🏒 Learn more at SenseArena.com/OKPH

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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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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

Give your player the edge before the season starts with NHL Sense Arena—VR hockey training for players and goalies on Meta Quest. Used by NHL pros and college athletes, it builds IQ, decision-making, and positioning at home.

🏒 Learn more at SenseArena.com/OKPH

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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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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

Give your player the edge before the season starts with NHL Sense Arena—VR hockey training for players and goalies on Meta Quest. Used by NHL pros and college athletes, it builds IQ, decision-making, and positioning at home.

🏒 Learn more at SenseArena.com/OKPH

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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.

--

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.

--

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.

--

#PositiveBodyLanguage #RideToTheRink #HockeyLeadership #Teamwork

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

Give your player the edge before the season starts with NHL Sense Arena—VR hockey training for players and goalies on Meta Quest. Used by NHL pros and college athletes, it builds IQ, decision-making, and positioning at home.

🏒 Learn more at SenseArena.com/OKPH

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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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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

Give your player the edge before the season starts with NHL Sense Arena—VR hockey training for players and goalies on Meta Quest. Used by NHL pros and college athletes, it builds IQ, decision-making, and positioning at home.

🏒 Learn more at SenseArena.com/OKPH

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