Our Kids Play Hockey

What does it take to build a hockey franchise from the ground up—and keep it thriving for 30+ years? In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re joined by Howard “Howie” Dolgon, the founder, owner, and president of the Syracuse Crunch, AHL affiliate of the Tampa Bay Lightning.

From growing up on the streets of Brooklyn to hosting the first outdoor AHL game in history, Howie shares his incredible journey and the lessons ...

Team USA gold medalist and NCAA champion Caroline Harvey joins us for a special The Ride to the Rink edition—and she’s talking directly to young players chasing big goals.

Whether you dream of playing high school, college, or even Olympic hockey, this quick conversation is packed with the kind of advice that helps you take the next step in your game.

🏒 In this episode:

• ✅ Why small, daily habits matter more than highlight-reel mom...

Fresh off a national championship with Wisconsin and a gold medal at the 2025 Women’s World Championship, Caroline Harvey joins Lee, Sherry, and Mike for a powerful conversation about her rise through the hockey world—and what it really takes to make it.

From playing boys’ hockey in New Hampshire to becoming the best defenseman on the planet, Caroline (aka “KK”) shares the real behind-the-scenes work that led to her success. She ope...

We get asked for advice all the time… but what happens when that advice goes in one ear and out the other?

In this episode, Lee and Mike dive into three common pieces of guidance that youth hockey parents frequently seek out—then completely disregard. From multi-sport overload, to the myth of showcases, to chasing teams hours away for more letters, we tackle the realities of what kids really need to develop and thrive in this sport.

...

🏒 Ever wondered what it takes to create a winning goalie partnership in youth hockey? Discover the secrets behind successful team dynamics with insights from Olympian Sami Small on "Ride to the Rink." This episode is packed with valuable advice for young players and coaches, emphasizing the power of teamwork and mutual support.

Key Discussion Points:

- Multiple Goalies on a Team: Understanding the dynamics and choices invo...

In this week's episode of Our Kids Play Goalie, Lee Elias, Christy Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli welcome a true icon in women’s hockey—Sami Jo Small, three-time Olympian, two-time gold medalist, and a lifelong advocate for inclusion, purpose, and team unity.

From being the only girl on the street in Winnipeg playing road hockey with her brother’s friends, to starting in net for Team Canada, Sami’s path wasn’t just unconventi...

What’s your role on the ice—and how can you lean into it, even if it’s not the one you wanted? In this Ride to the Rink, NHL veteran and current youth coach Zac Rinaldo shares real-world advice for players navigating team dynamics, finding their identity, and expanding their skillset.

From his own evolution through junior, pro, and now coaching, Zac breaks down how players can:

• 🔑 Understand and embrace their role
• 🧰 Build a versa...

Getting cut from a team hurts—but it doesn’t define your future. Olympic gold medalist and broadcaster Tessa Bonhomme joins The Ride to the Rink to deliver an inspiring message to every young player who didn’t make the team this season.

In just 10 minutes, Tessa shares:

• Why being cut can actually be a gift
• How to turn disappointment into fuel for growth
• The truth about building a winning team (hint: it’s not all top scorers)
• Her per...

How do young players find their identity, toughness, and purpose—on and off the ice? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re joined by former NHL forward and current junior hockey coach Zac Rinaldo, whose career was defined by grit, heart, and relentless work ethic.

Zac shares his journey from leaving home at 14 to attend Notre Dame in Saskatchewan, to becoming a fan favorite in Philadelphia and playing 11 years in the NHL. Now coa...

The birds are chirping, the season’s winding down—and that means it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to build a better hockey player this off-season.

In this episode of Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike dive into how players (and parents) can start planning a development calendar that fits real life and drives real growth. From simple 20-minute habits like daily push-ups or shooting pucks, to blocking out time in a shared...

From the outdoor rinks of Sudbury to the heights of Olympic glory, Tessa Bonhomme has lived nearly every chapter of a hockey dream—and she’s still writing new ones. 

In this powerful episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Tessa joins Lee, Sherri, and Mike for a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about the journey from “just wanting to play” to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in hockey.

Tessa opens up abo...

This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Christie takes over the host seat to ask the big question: what does it really take to be a great coach in youth hockey?

With Mike and Lee in the hot seat, we dive deep into the reality of coaching—far beyond X’s and O’s. From balancing passion and pressure to dealing with criticism, managing parents, and constantly learning, they break down the challenges and rewards that come with the title of “C...

“Why You Should Never Let Anyone Tell You ‘You Won’t Make It’”

On this ride, Lee, Christie, and Mike get real about one of the most common — and harmful — things kids in hockey (and beyond) hear: “You’ll never make it.” Whether it’s a coach, a parent, or even your own doubts, this episode is a rallying cry for young athletes to chase their dreams and embrace the journey — with eyes wide open and skates on the ice.

We talk about why d...

Whether your kid is just starting out in youth hockey or already eyeing their college path, this episode is a must-listen. Lee, Christie, and Mike dive into the big questions every hockey parent faces—when should we start thinking about the future, how much should school and social life weigh in, and what really matters in the long run?

From navigating early travel tournaments to the intense pressure of high school and junior hockey...

As the hockey season wraps up, it’s time to hit pause—and look back.

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee MJ Elias and Mike Bonelli team up to help young players reflect on their season the right way. Whether you hoisted a championship trophy or just gave it your all every day, there are key lessons waiting to be uncovered—if you take the time to look.

Lee and Mike break down a coach-approved reflection process, including:

• ✅...

How should coaches, parents, and players truly evaluate a hockey season—especially when it didn’t end with a trophy? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee and Mike (with Christie on assignment) take a deep dive into what it really means to have a successful season—and it’s not just about the scoreboard.

From fostering a positive team culture to navigating tough losses, they share strategies for reflecting on the year with purpose. ...

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by mental performance coach and former professional hockey player Danielle McDonough to help young athletes develop a winning mindset before they even step onto the ice.

Feeling nervous about a big game? Stressed about a mistake from last time? Danielle shares simple but powerful tools—like breathing techniques, visualization, and superpower statements—to help you stay calm, conf...

🔥 It sold out in 24 hours.

🧪 It took 7 prototypes to perfect.

👕 And now… five of you are getting a free “Puck Around and Find Out” t-shirt.

Welcome to a special edition of the Wraparound Roundtable where host Lee Elias is joined by longtime friend and Hockey Wraparound’s Head of Operations, Matt Eastman, to puckaround and find out exactly how the Puckaround™ Off-Ice Training Puck came to life.

In this episode, we dive into:

• 🛠️ The...

How do young athletes build confidence, resilience, and a strong mindset both on and off the ice? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we welcome Danielle McDonough, former professional hockey player, mindset coach, and author of The Empowered Athlete.

Danielle shares her incredible journey from playing boys’ hockey in Southern California to earning a full scholarship at Providence College, playing professionally in the NWHL and Switz...