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Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey

By: Our Kids Play Hockey
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About this listen

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. Each episode of Our Girls Play Hockey is also hosted by Sheri Hudspeth who is the Director, Youth Hockey Programs and Fan Development for the Vegas Golden Knights.


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.

© 2025 Our Kids Play Hockey Hockey
Episodes
  • The Ride to The Rink: Character Counts—On and Off the Ice

    The Ride to The Rink: Character Counts—On and Off the Ice
    Jun 5 2025

    On this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee shares a simple story that left a big impression—and reminds every young player (and parent) why the way you act off the ice matters just as much as the way you play on it. After a young player was complimented by a stranger for his manners and kindness, Lee and Mike break down what it means to represent your team and your sport in everyday life, and why those little things—like saying “please” and “thank you”—can make a huge difference.

    A short but meaningful message about respect, accountability, and the kind of character that makes great teammates—and great people.

    Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

    Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!

    Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!

    Follow Us On Social Media:

    • Facebook Group
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    14 mins
  • Mailbag: Navigating AAA Costs, Team Culture, and When to Step Back

    Mailbag: Navigating AAA Costs, Team Culture, and When to Step Back
    May 31 2025

    In this special mailbag episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike dive into some powerful listener-submitted questions that hit at the heart of today’s youth hockey experience—from the overwhelming costs of AAA, to what really matters when choosing a team, to how concussions can change the way young players approach the game.

    Whether you’re a hockey parent struggling with financial decisions, a coach wondering how to build true team culture, or just trying to figure out how to support your child’s passion for the game, this episode is packed with insight, honest advice, and real stories from decades in the rink.

    We also talk about:

    • What to do when your child’s motivation changes
    • Why there’s no “one path” in hockey development
    • The real role of team building (spoiler: it’s not just pizza parties)
    • And why sometimes the best thing to do… is step back

    📩 Got your own question for the show? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or text us through the link in the show notes!

    Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

    Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!

    Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!

    Follow Us On Social Media:

    • Facebook Group
    • X
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    Show more Show less
    54 mins
  • The Ride To The Rink: Build Something That Lasts With Syracuse Crunch Owner Howard Dolgan

    The Ride To The Rink: Build Something That Lasts With Syracuse Crunch Owner Howard Dolgan
    May 29 2025

    On this episode of Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by a true hockey visionary—Howard Dolgon, founder and longtime owner of the Syracuse Crunch, who turned a dream into a franchise and a franchise into a legacy.

    Howard reflects on his journey from a tough Brooklyn neighborhood to the New York State and Syracuse Hockey Halls of Fame—a path paved not by luck, but by passion, perseverance, and relentless belief. He opens up about the power of effort over excuses, the importance of chasing your potential, and why he’s still dreaming big after 30+ years in the game.

    This is an episode for the kids with big dreams, the parents who believe in them, and the coaches who help them grow. If you’ve ever wondered how far love for the game can really take you—this ride is for you.

    🛑 Don’t miss this heartfelt and hard-earned wisdom from a man who’s still got plenty of game left.

    Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

    Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!

    Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!

    Follow Us On Social Media:

    • Facebook Group
    • X
    • Instagram
    • LinkedIn
    • YouTube
    Show more Show less
    6 mins
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