Our Kids Play Hockey
Our Kids Play Hockey is a podcast that focuses on youth hockey, offering insights, stories, and interviews from the hockey community. It provides valuable advice for parents, coaches, and players, covering various aspects of the game, including skill development, sportsmanship, teamwork, and creating a positive experience for young athletes. The show frequently features guests who share their expertise and personal experiences in youth hockey, both on and off the ice.
The show features three hockey parents, who all work in the game at high levels:
- Christie Casciano-Burns - USA Hockey Columnist, Author, and WSYR Anchor
- Mike Bonelli - USA Hockey Coach and Organizational Consultant
- Lee M.J. Elias - Hockey Entrepreneur, Author, and Team Strategist
In addition to the main podcast, there are several spin-off series that dive into specific aspects of youth hockey:
1.Our Girls Play Hockey – This series highlights the growing presence of girls in hockey, addressing the unique challenges they face while celebrating their accomplishments and contributions to the sport.
2.The Ride to The Rink – A shorter, motivational series designed to be listened to on the way to the rink, offering quick, inspirational tips and advice to help players and parents get into the right mindset before a game or practice.
3.Our Kids Play Goalie – This series is dedicated to young goalies and the unique challenges they face. It provides advice for players, parents, and coaches on how to support and develop young goaltenders, focusing on the mental and physical demands of the position.
Together, these shows provide a comprehensive platform for parents, players, and coaches involved in youth hockey, offering insights for all aspects of the sport, from parenting, playing, or coaching to specialized positions like goaltending.
Episodes
The Ride to the Rink: Pavel Barber on Slowing Down, Dreaming Bigger, and Trusting Your Own Path
Pavel Barber (Part 2): Why Slowing Down Is the Fastest Way to Get Better at Hockey
Be a Part of the Miracle: Supporting the 1980 U.S. Olympic Hockey Legacy
Our Girls Play Hockey: The PWHL Takeover Tour Takes Over Washington, D.C.
The Ride to the Rink: Pavel Barber on Skill, Failure, and Loving the Process
Pavel Barber on Creativity vs. Application: Are We Teaching Hockey Skills Wrong? (Part 1)
Our Girls Play Hockey: Strong Looks Different on Everyone: A Conversation on Body Image
The Ride to the Rink: Finish Strong — What the End of the Season Reveals About You
2025 Year in Review: Top Episodes, Global Reach, and What’s Next
Our Girls Play Hockey: From 9-Year-Old Dreamer to Olympian: A Mailbag with Hayley Scamurra
The Ride to the Rink: What Elite Players Do Before They Step on the Ice With Sandy Cohan
Mental Edge Hockey Founder Sandy Cohan on Confidence, Belief, and Youth Sports
How the NIHL Built One of the Largest Girls Hockey Leagues in America with Bob Apter
The Ride to The Rink: Why Being “Picked” Early Doesn’t Define Your Hockey Future With Matt Dumouchelle
Are We Developing Stars or Teams? With Matt Dumouchelle
Our Girls Play Hockey: The Guilt of Missing Hockey: What Players and Parents Need to Hear
The Ride to The Rink: Mental Strength for Every Shift with PlayWellMinds
Happy New Year & What’s Next for Our Kids Play Hockey in 2026
Reset, Refocus, Rekindle: How to Save the Second Half of Your Youth Hockey Season
The Ride to The Rink: Hockey Holidays: Balancing Family, Rest, and the Rink
Holidays, Hockey, and Heart: A Special Our Girls Play Hockey Episode
Inside PlayWellMinds: How Henrik Cronebäck and Johan Fallby Are Changing Mental Training for Teens
The Ride to The Rink: How Young Players Can Turn Their Passions Into Hockey Careers with Working in Hockey's Nick Bowins
Our Girls Play Hockey: Breaking Barriers & Winning Gold: The Rise of Puerto Rico Women’s Hockey
Working in Hockey with Nick Bowins: A Mission to Help People Find Jobs in the Game