What the Puck Do We Do?

If hockey gear has you overwhelmed, you’re not alone. In this episode of What the PUCK… Do We DO?!, Danielle and Mike break down what beginner hockey players actually need to get started — without overspending, overthinking, or feeling like you’re doing it wrong.

You’ll learn what matters most (safety + comfort), where used gear is a great option, and a super practical walk-through of what each piece of equipment is and the order to get your kid dressed so the locker room feels less chaotic.

This episode is perfect for parents brand new to youth hockey — and anyone new to the sport who wants a simple, confident way to approach gear.

• Why hockey gear feels overwhelming (and why you’re not behind)
• The “duct tape shin pad” locker room story (and why asking for help is normal)
• Used gear, hand-me-downs, and where to shop (including stores like Play It Again Sports)
• Helmet basics: fit, cage vs clear shield, chin straps, and why snug matters
• Neck guards: what’s required now and how to think about it without spiraling
• Shoulder pads, elbow pads, gloves, pants, and shin guards — what they are and where they go
• How to size key pieces (especially gloves, pants, shin guards, and skates)
• Skate tips: sizing, how to test fit, and how tight to tie skates (especially around the ankle)
• Stick basics: straight blade vs curved, wood sticks are fine, and how to figure out righty vs lefty
• Tape 101: clear tape for shin pads + simple sock solutions
• Step-by-step “getting dressed” order (bottom half → top half) to make it easier at the rink

Confused about gear or equipment?

Send your questions to: [email protected]

Download our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes here.

For more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:

Instagram: @Danielle__McDonough

Website: www.ocppt.com

Book: The Empowered Athlete

Once skating feels comfortable, what comes next?

In this episode of What the PUCK… Do We DO?!, Danielle and Mike break down beginner hockey programs and explain the difference between in-house (rec) hockey and travel hockey. If you’re confused about league levels, intro programs, or what “tryouts” actually mean for younger players, this episode simplifies the process.

Youth hockey pathways can feel overwhelming at the beginning. This conversation helps you understand your options so you can choose what fits your child — and your family — best.

• What intro to hockey programs typically look like
• The difference between in-house (rec) and travel hockey
• How team placement works at younger ages
• Why development timelines vary
• How to avoid rushing the process

Have a question about choosing the right hockey program?

Email us at: [email protected]

Download our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes to feel more confident navigating youth sports here.

For more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:

Instagram: @Danielle__McDonough

Website: www.ocppt.com

Book: The Empowered Athlete

Thinking about getting started in hockey but not sure where to begin?

In this episode of What the PUCK… Do We DO?!, Danielle and Mike break down what actually matters before hockey “becomes hockey.” From public skating sessions to early skating lessons, this conversation focuses on building comfort and confidence on the ice — without rushing into structure, pressure, or expensive commitments too quickly.

If you’re a parent new to youth hockey — or an adult discovering the sport and wanting to try — this episode will help you feel more grounded in those very first steps.

• Why public skating is the best first step
• What to wear to your first skating session
• Why skating development matters more than puck skills early on
• Figure skates vs hockey skates at the beginning
• How to think about “starting” without overcommitting

Have a question about getting started in hockey? Something you’re unsure about at the rink?

Email us at: [email protected]

We may feature your question in a future episode.

If you’re looking for a simple place to start, download our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes here.

For more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:

Instagram: @Danielle__McDonough

Website: www.ocppt.com

Book: The Empowered Athlete

Hockey can feel overwhelming when you’re new to it — whether you’re a parent navigating the rink for the first time, or an adult discovering the sport and wanting to try it for yourself, or simply someone trying to make sense of a game that seems to have its own language, rules, and culture.

In this short teaser episode of What the PUCK… Do We DO?!, hosts Danielle and Mike McDonough introduce the podcast, share why they created it, and explain who the show is for.

This podcast is designed to help anyone new to hockey feel more confident and grounded — from understanding the basics of skating and equipment, to making sense of leagues, practices, and gameplay — without unnecessary pressure or overwhelm.

• Parents navigating youth hockey (particularly in the early stages)
• Adults discovering hockey for the first time and wanting to learn more
• Families or individuals who feel like they missed the orientation
• Anyone who wants hockey to feel more understandable and enjoyable

• Clear, beginner-friendly explanations of how hockey works
• Practical guidance on gear, logistics, and rink life
• Help understanding the game — even if you never played
• Honest conversations about hockey culture, pressure, and perspective

If you’re looking for a simple place to start, we’ve linked our free Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes in the show notes. It’s designed to help you feel more confident and supported as you navigate sports — especially if hockey is new to you or your family.

👉 Download the free guide here: https://www.ocppt.com/starter-guide

New episodes are coming soon, starting with what to know before hockey becomes hockey — and what actually matters at the beginning.

Be sure to follow or subscribe so you don’t miss it.

Email us at [email protected] with any questions!