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Our Kids Play HockeyAuthor: 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 AnchorMike Bonelli - USA Hockey Coach and Organizational ConsultantLee M.J. Elias - Hockey Entrepreneur, Author, and Team StrategistIn 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. Language: en-us Genres: Hockey, Kids & Family, Sports Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Mailbag: Youth Hockey Stats, Goalie Blame, and Smarter Coaching Conversations
Episode 481
Wednesday, 11 February, 2026
📬 It’s time to open the mailbag — and these questions go way deeper than you might expect.In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Mike, and Christie tackle two listener questions that hit at the heart of youth hockey development — accountability, stats, and how parents can support learning without getting in the way.First up, a coach asks a question we hear all the time: 👉 Is there a stat that shows how many mistakes lead to goals — and how do we help kids understand that goals aren’t just on the goalie?From blue line turnovers and unforced mistakes to age-appropriate stat tracking and accountability, this conversation goes far beyond analytics. It’s about teaching the game, not blaming the game — and knowing when to coach skills, when to coach decisions, and when to let players take ownership.Then, we shift gears to a brand-new hockey family with a 5-year-old who’s obsessed with skating. 🥹 🏒 When should kids stop using rental skates? 🏒 Do sticks matter at this age? 🏒 How much should parents really invest early on?This episode is packed with real-world advice, honest perspective, and reminders of what youth hockey is actually about — development, patience, and love for the game.🎧 Episode Highlights:Why every goal is a team mistake, not just a goalie mistakeThe one stat coaches can track at any level (and how to use it properly)How turnovers at the blue line shape wins, losses, and learningThe fine line between reducing mistakes and killing creativityWhat parents of young players should (and shouldn’t) spend money onWhy rentals hold kids back — and how to upgrade without breaking the bank💬 Have a question you want answered on a future mailbag episode? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com or use the link in the episode description.🏒 Enjoy the ride, enjoy the rink, and thanks for being part of the Our Kids Play Hockey community.📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: What Stats Really Matter in Youth Hockey — And When to Buy Your Kid Their First Skates#OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena! 🏒🥽Trusted by our kids! Trust it with yours! Trusted at the NHL level through youth hockey, Sense Arena uses VR and mixed reality to build hockey IQ, confidence, and decision-making for skaters and goalies at their own pace. 🎯 Visit NHL.SenseArena.com/OKPH for their lowest price of the season and use code OKPH to get $25 off an annual plan or headset bundle.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
