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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.

All Episodes

Our Kids Play Hockey

The Truth About Tryouts And Evaluations

March 08, 2025 • Our Kids Play Hockey • Season 1 • Episode 355

In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee MJ Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Sheri Hudspeth, tackle the often daunting world of youth hockey tryouts. They share personal stories and professional insights to guide parents and players through the pressures and misconceptions of the tryout process, emphasizing the importance of long-term development over immediate team placements.

🔥 Highlights Include:

The reality behind youth hockey tryouts and evaluations 🏒
Essential preparation tips for players and parents 📋
How coaches evaluate players and select teams 🎯
The critical role of parental support during tryouts 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦
Balancing competitive spirit with fun in youth hockey practices ⚖️

Whether you're a parent, player, or coach, this episode is packed with practical advice, heartfelt stories, and valuable lessons that extend beyond the rink.

🎧 Listen now to gain insights into creating a positive hockey culture and fostering long-term player development!

💬 Got questions? Share your thoughts with us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.

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