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 he’s learned about perseverance, community, and building something bigger than yourself. We cover:✅ How he brought pro hockey to Syracuse after four teams had failed✅ Why the Crunch became a model of success—and a family for so many players✅ What makes an impactful coach at every level of the game✅ The powerful community culture surrounding the Crunch—and how it all starts with giving back✅ Stories of NHL stars like Yanni Gourde and Jon Cooper that began in SyracuseWhether you’re a parent, coach, or just love the game, this episode is a masterclass in turning passion into purpose. Don’t miss this behind-the-scenes look at how one team—and one leader—can change an entire community.🎧 Listen now and share with the hockey people in your life!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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

Team USA gold medalist and NCAA champion Caroline Harvey joins us for a special Ride to the Rink episode—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 moments✅ What Caroline still does every day to improve her game✅ The balance between having fun and putting in the work✅ How muscle memory helps you stay confident on the ice✅ Why practice is just as important as game dayThis one’s short, powerful, and meant to be played on the way to your next skate.💬 “Whatever your goals are, you can achieve them—if you’re consistent, focused, and having fun along the way.”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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

Fresh off a national championship with Wisconsin and a gold medal at the 2025 Women’s World Championship, Caroline Harvey joins Lee, Sheri, 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 opens up about what helped her stay driven, how to handle nerves before the biggest games of your life, and why the daily grind is the most important part of any athlete’s journey.🏒 Topics include:✅ How Caroline knew she wanted to play D1 hockey—at age 12✅ The importance of choosing hockey for yourself—not your parents✅ The transition from boys to girls hockey—and why both mattered✅ Team USA vs. Canada: inside the gold medal rivalry✅ What today’s youth players need to know about commitment, failure, and goals✅ Why representation, mentorship, and giving back matter now more than everWhether you’re a young player with big dreams or a parent navigating the development path, this episode is filled with honesty, inspiration, and elite-level wisdom from one of the best in the world.💬 “If you have goals in mind and you set your mind to it… you can achieve it if you put in the work—consistently, every day.” —Caroline HarveyClick 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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.🏒 Topics include:✅ Why playing multiple sports at the same time can backfire✅ The truth about “showcases” and being “seen”✅ Travel time vs. development time—what matters more?✅ How burnout often starts way before it shows up✅ Choosing development over “the best” team✅ Why off-ice habits and creativity are just as important as ice timeWhether you’re new to the game or a seasoned hockey parent, this one is packed with real talk, proven experience, and thoughtful questions to help guide your hockey family’s journey.💬 As always, we’re not here to judge—just to share what we’ve seen and learned along the way.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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

🏒 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 involved in who plays.- Goalie Partnerships and Support: Why there's no "backup goalie"—just teammates supporting each other.- Skater-Goalie Interactions: Tips for skaters on effective communication and interaction with goalies.- Goalies Advocating for Themselves: Strategies for young goalies to enhance practice engagement.- Dealing with a Goalie's Bad Game: How teammates can constructively support a struggling goalie.Sami Small shares her wisdom on fostering a positive environment where every player thrives. Whether you're a goalie, skater, or coach, these insights will help you build a cohesive and supportive team. 🥅#YouthHockey #GoaliePartnerships #Teamwork #RideToTheRink #HockeyInsightsClick 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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 unconventional—it was groundbreaking.We explore:Her early days as “the girl goalie” and how inclusion, support, and street hockey shaped her identity.Why playing in boys’ leagues taught her resilience—and what we can all learn from being “different” on the team.What her parents got right about letting her play—and how small decisions from adults can shape a child’s future.Stanford, mechanical engineering, and club hockey on a men’s team—how she kept joy in the game without the pressure of being seen.How she made Team Canada almost by accident, thanks to a chance meeting, a bold leap of faith, and one coach who believed in her.How it felt to be told she wouldn’t start in the 2002 Olympic gold medal game—and how that moment shaped her understanding of roles, leadership, and humility.The myth of the “one goalie system” and how goalies can and should support each other.What it really means to be part of a championship team—and how we can teach this to our kids now, at every level of youth hockey.Why joy—not ambition—should drive a young athlete’s development.Her daughter’s decision to leave hockey and how Sami learned to support a completely different kind of journey.This episode is a masterclass in humility, perspective, and purpose. Whether you’re raising a goalie, coaching one, or are one, Sami’s story will change the way you see the game—and the people in it.📚 Also mentioned: The Role I Played by Sami Jo Small – a must-read memoir about elite sports, adversity, and identity.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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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 versatile “toolbox” of skills💬 Communicate effectively with coaches🧠 Develop the mindset to grow through challengesWhether you’re a first-liner or still figuring it out, this episode is packed with practical insights for becoming a more complete hockey player—and teammate.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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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 giftHow to turn disappointment into fuel for growthThe truth about building a winning team (hint: it’s not all top scorers)Her personal “Google Maps” analogy for navigating your unique hockey pathA powerful mindset shift: “Face Everything And Rise”Whether you’re on a new team or still searching for your next opportunity, this episode is a reminder that adversity is part of every great hockey story—including yours.🎙️ Press play, get motivated, and get to the rink ready to rise.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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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 coaching the Pelham Panthers, Zac is focused on developing the next generation of athletes—not just as hockey players, but as resilient, team-first individuals.In this episode, we cover:🛣️ Zac’s unconventional path from OHL longshot to NHL mainstay🏒 The lost art of physicality and why roles matter more than ever📚 What today’s youth development models are missing🧠 The mindset coaches need to connect with players—and how to earn their trust🧰 Why every young player needs a full “toolbox,” not just highlight-reel skillsZac’s perspective is honest, refreshing, and full of valuable insight for players, parents, and coaches alike. Whether you’re chasing a dream or helping someone else chase theirs, this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice.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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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 Google Calendar, it’s all about building consistency, not cramming in ice time.You’ll also hear:     ✅ Why structured planning beats “winging it” every time     ✅ How daily effort—even 15 minutes—adds up in a big way     ✅ Tips for integrating hockey into your lifestyle without burning out     ✅ Why the off-ice work matters just as much (if not more) than spring tournamentsWhether your player wants to hit the next level or just stay sharp during the off-season, this short ride is packed with advice for setting goals, building habits, and staying balanced.📌 Because greatness—on the ice or off—starts with what you do every day.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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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 about:Her path from a neighborhood daycare game to captaining Team CanadaThe moment being cut sparked her fire to chase national team dreamsThe power of representation—and the female role model who changed everythingHer transition into broadcasting and how it mirrors life in a locker roomWhat today’s youth coaches and parents can do to actually grow the women’s gamePlus: stories of pranks, parents with guitars, being a “grocery stick,” and why just turning on the game might be the biggest step forward we can all take.This episode is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and love for the game. Whether you’re a parent, player, coach, or fan—don’t miss it.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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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 “Coach.”Whether you’re thinking about coaching for the first time or have years behind the bench, this episode is full of candid stories, practical insights, and hard-earned wisdom about what makes a coach successful—not just in wins, but in shaping better athletes and people.In this episode, we cover:🏒 The unexpected ways coaches get started—and stay in the game📚 Why the best coaches never stop learning🧠 How emotional intelligence and communication are just as important as strategy💬 What coaching parents need to know before signing up💥 Why “passion” isn’t always enough—and what it really takes to commit📋 The role of certifications and what those coaching levels actually meanFrom locker room lessons to life skills, this conversation pulls back the curtain on coaching youth hockey in today’s world—and why it’s one of the most challenging, yet meaningful, roles in the sport.📬 Got questions or thinking about coaching yourself? Drop us a note at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or connect with us in the Our Kids Play Hockey Facebook group!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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

“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 dreaming big matters, how to handle criticism, what it really takes to succeed, and why the path might change — and that’s okay. This episode is all about believing in yourself, putting in the work, and owning your journey, no matter where it leads.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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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, the trio reflects on what they wish they knew when their kids were 8, 9, and 10 years old. They also unpack the rising expectations in the sport, the realities of burnout, and why supporting your child as a person—not just an athlete—is the key to lasting success.Oh, and yes—Christie even shares a legendary story of calling in “sick” to work for a tournament… and getting caught at Wayne Gretzky’s restaurant. 🤦‍♀️🎧 Listen in for honest stories, practical advice, and plenty of laughs from the hockey trenches.👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 This episode is for every parent wondering how to balance ambition, reality, and the joy of the game.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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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 to assess your personal growth beyond stats• 🧠 Why timing and mindset matter when you reflect• 🏒 What to consider about your team, your coach, and even your parents• 💬 How honest conversations can help set the stage for future successThis isn’t just about looking back—it’s about building a stronger foundation for what’s next. Every season is a stepping stone. Let’s make sure you’re stepping forward.👉 Listen now and start your season reflection today!#YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyLife #TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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. They also discuss the importance of development, goal-setting, communication, and knowing when it’s time for a break from the rink.In this episode, we cover:🏆 Why your last game doesn’t define your whole season📈 How to set—and revisit—goals with your players🧰 Tools for coaches to reflect on their own impact and growth🧒 Why your child’s experience may be very different than yours🛑 The benefits of taking time off from hockeyThis episode is packed with honest insights and actionable takeaways for coaches, parents, and players alike—perfect for anyone looking to close out the season with clarity, intention, and a plan to move forward.📬 Have questions or reflections of your own? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or use the link in the episode notes. We’d love to hear from you!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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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, confident, and focused. She explains how practicing mental skills is just like practicing stickhandling or skating—the more you do it, the better you’ll be when it matters most!Plus, we tackle how to reset after a mistake, overcome peer pressure, and get back to having fun on the ice. This short but powerful episode is packed with real-life strategies that can help you in hockey, school, and beyond.So sit back, relax, and get ready to breathe in confidence and skate out stronger on your next Ride to the Rink!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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

🔥 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 18-month journey of development, failure, and finally success• 🧠 The innovation that make this puck glide, shoot, and handle like the real deal• 👕 The story behind the viral “Puck Around and Find Out” slogan and t-shirt• 🚨 Why you NEED to get yours before the price jumps — and how to win one of five exclusive t-shirts💥 Giveaway Alert: Buy a Puckaround between now and April 9th at hockeywraparound.com and you’ll be entered to win one of five limited-edition “Puck Around and Find Out” shirts. These are gone-gone… so this is your only shot to score one for free!If you’re part of the Our Kids Play Hockey community, a Wraparound loyalist, or just someone who wants to improve their off-ice game — this one’s for you.👉 Head to hockeywraparound.com🎯 Grab your Puckaround™ (ships in 2-packs!)📩 Questions? Hit up us up directly: team@hockeywraparound.com—🔁 Leave a review, share with your team, and tag us with your off-ice setups.Let’s keep building this game — one shot at a time.#PuckAround #OffIceHockey #HockeyTraining #HockeyWraparound #PuckAroundAndFindOut #WraparoundRoundtable #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

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 Switzerland, and ultimately transitioning into mental performance coaching. She discusses the mental challenges young athletes face, including anxiety, pressure, and self-doubt, and provides actionable strategies to help players, parents, and coaches develop mental toughness and confidence.In this episode, we cover:🏒 Danielle’s journey from youth hockey to professional play🧠 The importance of mindset training in sports and life💡 How visualization, self-awareness, and breathing techniques help athletes perform under pressure🚗 The “car ride home” conversation – what parents should (and shouldn’t) say🔑 Why mental skills training is just as important as physical trainingThis episode is packed with golden nuggets for players, parents, and coaches who want to support young athletes in their development—not just as hockey players, but as confident individuals.📖 Check out Danielle’s book, The Empowered Athlete, for even more tools on self-confidence, self-acceptance, and self-worth in sports.🔊 Listen now! 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube

On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by Jon Nelson, a hockey coach and mental health advocate, to talk about the highs and lows of a hockey season and what to do when you’re feeling down.🏒 How to recognize and talk about your feelings🤝 What makes a great teammate on and off the ice💡 Why engaging with teammates, coaches, and even rink staff can change your gameJon shares simple but powerful advice for young players on supporting each other, embracing the team-first mindset, and creating a positive hockey experience.🎧 Tune in for a quick but impactful ride to the rink! And don’t forget to check out our full conversation with Jon on Our Kids Play Hockey this week!#RideToTheRink #HockeyMindset #MentalHealthInSports #OurKidsPlayHockeyClick 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 GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube