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🧠 Concussions can be one of the most misunderstood injuries in youth hockey — and one of the most important for families to understand. In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Mike, and Christie are joined by Dr. Robert Baric, founder of MyConcussionDoctor.com, for a practical, eye-opening conversation about concussion awareness, brain health, and what hockey parents really need to know. This isn’t about fear. It’s about being informed. Dr. Baric breaks down what a concussion actually is, why symptoms can be subtle, how head injuries can happen both on and off the ice, and why parents need to trust their instincts when something feels off. The crew also dives into return-to-play decisions, protective equipment, the role of neck strength, and why no game is worth risking a child’s future. In this episode: 🏒 What a concussion really is — and why it’s not always obvious👀 Signs and symptoms parents should watch for after a hit or fall🧩 Why multitasking, balance, and behavior changes can reveal a problem⏳ How concussion symptoms can show up later, not just immediately🛑 Why “shake it off” is the wrong mindset in youth sports🧠 What parents and coaches should know about return-to-play protocol💪 How neck strengthening and overall brain health may help reduce risk⭐ Why Sidney Crosby helped change the concussion conversation in hockeyThis is one of those episodes every hockey family should hear — because the information you learn today could help protect a player tomorrow. Have fun, skate hard, stay safe, and keep learning. #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #ConcussionAwareness #BrainHealth #SportsSafety #YouthSports #HockeySafety #ConcussionProtocol #ReturnToPlay #ParentingAthletes #DrRobertBaric 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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

🏒 Should your 9-year-old play up… or just play? This week on Our Girls Play Hockey, we tackle a question every hockey parent faces sooner or later—and it’s not as simple as it seems. A parent writes in with a tough decision:  ➡️ Stay at 10U close to home  ➡️ Play co-ed locally  ➡️ Or accept a 12U opportunity that comes with a 2-hour commute multiple nights a week Sounds like a great opportunity… but is it really? Olympian Haley Scamurra joins Lee and Mike to break down what actually matters at this age—and why chasing “better competition” might not be the answer. 🔑 What We Cover: Why fun and love of the game should come first at 9U/10UThe real impact of long travel on kids (and families)When (and if) playing up actually makes senseWhy more ice time doesn’t always mean better developmentThe truth about “elite” teams at young agesHow different coaches shape players (even the bad ones 👀)What Haley’s journey really looked like—and when travel actually mattered💡 Key Takeaway: You’re not choosing your child’s future—you’re choosing their experience. 📣 If you’ve ever felt pressure to “do more,” “go further,” or “keep up”… this episode is your reset. 🎯 Have a question for the show? Send us a message—we might feature it in a future episode! 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Should Your Child Play Up in Hockey? A Real Guide for Parents of 9–10 Year Olds #OurGirlsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #GirlsHockey #HockeyDevelopment #PlayHockey #YouthSports #ParentingInSports #HockeyLife 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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 if the most important thing you do for your team today…has nothing to do with hockey skills? In this powerful Ride to the Rink episode, Lee, Mike, and Christie are joined by Rob to talk about a simple idea that’s making a BIG impact across hockey: the “Shoulder Check.” It’s not about looking over your shoulder on the ice—it’s about checking in on the people around you. Because the truth is, you never know what a teammate might be going through. 💬 Inspired and supported by NHL players like Chris Kreider and Trevor Zegras, this movement is changing how teams connect, communicate, and care for each other. 🔥 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why small actions can make the biggest differenceHow checking in builds stronger teams (and better people)Real stories of youth players leading the movementHow YOU can bring the “Shoulder Check” to your team💡 The best part? You don’t need to be a captain to lead. You just need to care. 👉 Take action today:  Talk to your teammates. Talk to your coach. Visit shouldercheck.org and bring this to your team. Because we all have a hand to give. 🎧 Listen now—and don’t forget to check in. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The “Shoulder Check” That Could Change Your Hockey Team Forever #HockeyLife #TeamCulture #MentalHealthInSports #YouthHockey #BeATeammate #Leadership #ShoulderCheck #RideToTheRink #HockeyFamily #StrongerTogether 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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 if the most important thing in youth hockey isn’t winning… but noticing when someone isn’t okay? In this powerful and deeply moving episode, we sit down with Rob Thorsen, founder of the Shoulder Check Foundation and HT40 Foundation, to talk about how one simple idea — checking in on each other — can change lives. After the heartbreaking loss of his son Hayden, Rob turned pain into purpose, creating a movement that’s transforming locker rooms, teams, and communities across hockey and beyond. From youth teams to NHL players, the message is spreading: you are not alone — because I’m right here beside you. This conversation goes far beyond hockey. It’s about parenting, coaching, mental health, team culture, and the small actions that make a massive difference. 💡 In This Episode, We Cover: The story behind the Shoulder Check movement ❤️Why peer-to-peer support is the most powerful tool we haveHow youth sports culture impacts mental healthWhat parents should (and shouldn’t) say after games 🚗Simple ways coaches can build empathy into team cultureWhy “checking in” can literally save livesHow teams across the country are bringing this to life🧠 Key Takeaway: You don’t need to be an expert to make a difference. You just need to show up, ask, and care. 🏒 Resources & How to Get Involved: Visit: shouldercheck.orgBring the program to your team, school, or communityStart with one simple action: reach out, check in, make contact💬 If this episode resonated with you, share it with a coach, parent, or teammate. These conversations matter. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How the Shoulder Check Movement Is Changing Youth Hockey Culture #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #MentalHealthInSports #ShoulderCheck #HockeyParents #TeamCulture #BeKind #CheckIn 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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 if the difference between good and great in hockey… wasn’t just talent—but data? This week on Our Girls Play Hockey, we’re joined by trailblazer Meghan Chayka, co-founder of Stathletes and one of the leading voices in hockey analytics. From working with NHL teams to breaking down the game on major broadcasts, Meghan is helping redefine how hockey is played, evaluated, and understood. In this episode, we dive into how analytics is shaping the future of hockey—from youth development all the way to the pros—and what players, parents, and coaches need to know to stay ahead. 💡 Whether you’re a player chasing your next level, a parent trying to understand the game better, or a coach looking for an edge… this conversation is packed with insight. 🔑 Episode Highlights: 📊 What “expected goals” really means—and why it matters🧠 How hockey IQ shows up in data (and how to improve it)🚀 The 5 key traits all elite players share📈 Why players can’t “hide” anymore in the era of analytics🏒 How youth players can use data to develop faster💬 Why failure, curiosity, and confidence are critical for success👩‍💼 Breaking barriers: building a career in hockey beyond the ice🎯 Key Takeaway: Analytics isn’t replacing the human side of hockey—it’s enhancing it. The players who understand both? They’re the ones who separate themselves. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How Hockey Analytics Is Changing Player Development (with Meghan Chayka) 📩 Got questions about stats, development, or your game? Email us—we’d love to hear from you! 🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and keep growing the game. #OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyAnalytics #PlayerDevelopment #WomenInSports #HockeyIQ #YouthHockey #SportsData #GirlsHockey #LeadershipInSports #HockeyTraining 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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 does it really take to show up every single day—no matter what? This week on The Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike are joined by former NHL defenseman Karl Alzner, who played an incredible 428 consecutive NHL games. 🤯 But this conversation isn’t about stats—it’s about mindset, toughness, and understanding your body. Karl shares what it takes to stay consistent at the highest level, how to handle bumps and bruises, and—most importantly—how young players can learn the difference between being hurt and being injured. 🚨 In this episode, we cover: 🧠 The mental toughness required to never miss a game💪 Why loving competition is the foundation of success⚖️ The critical difference between discomfort and injury🏒 How young players can safely push their limits🔥 Why resilience matters just as much in life as it does in hockeyKarl breaks it down in a way every young player can understand:  👉 Some things hurt… but you can still play  👉 Some things are injuries… and you need to stop Learning that difference? That’s a game-changer. 🎯 Take this ride as a challenge: How far can YOU push yourself—mentally and physically—while still being smart about your body? Because the best players don’t just work hard… they know when to push—and when to pause. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog:Hurt vs Injured in Hockey: Lessons from NHL Ironman Karl Alzner 💬 Share this episode with a teammate who needs a boost today—and don’t forget: We believe in you. You should too. #YouthHockey #HockeyMindset #MentalToughness #KarlAlzner #HockeyDevelopment #RideToTheRink #HockeyLife #Resilience #AthleteMindset #PlaySmart 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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 if the most important skill in hockey isn’t scoring… but being trusted? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re joined by former NHL defenseman Karl Alzner—a World Junior captain, Olympic-level competitor, and one of the most dependable players of his era—to unpack what really matters in player development. From a 428-game ironman streak to raising kids in today’s hockey culture, Karl shares powerful insights on leadership, consistency, and why doing the “little things” right is what separates good players from great ones. 🔑 In This Episode, We Cover: What real leadership looks like (hint: it’s not the “C” on your chest)Why being a “steady, dependable” player is elite—not boringThe truth about spring hockey, burnout, and multi-sport developmentHow to build hockey IQ in young players (and why it’s declining)Why coaches must start rewarding defense—not just goalsPractical ways to teach kids positioning, stick detail, and decision-makingThe mindset difference between NHL players and everyone else💡 A Must-Listen For: Parents navigating youth hockey pressureCoaches looking to develop smarter playersPlayers who want to stand out without being flashyKarl also shares stories from playing alongside stars like Alex Ovechkin, what leadership really looks like inside an NHL locker room, and why returning to represent Team Canada still means everything. 🎯 Bottom line: If your child wants to succeed in hockey, it’s not about doing more—it’s about doing the right things better. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Most Underrated Skill in Hockey: What Karl Alzner Teaches About Real Player Development 📩 Got a question for the show? Email us or use the link in the description! #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyIQ #DefenseWins #LeadershipInSports #KarlAlzner #HockeyCoaching #LongTermDevelopment 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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 happens after you win Olympic gold? For most athletes, it’s a moment frozen in time. For Haley Scamurra… it was just the beginning. In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Haley takes us inside the whirlwind after the gold medal—where life didn’t slow down… it sped up. From jet lag and packed schedules to jumping straight into high-stakes PWHL games, this is the reality of elite women’s hockey at its peak. And oh yeah… did we mention appearances on The Kelly Clarkson Show (hosted by Pink 😲), hometown honors with the Buffalo Sabres, and inspiring the next generation of players along the way? This episode is equal parts behind-the-scenes access, emotional reflection, and a powerful reminder of how fast the game—and the opportunity—keeps moving. 🔥 In This Episode, We Cover: The immediate transition from Olympic gold to pro hockey pressureWhat it’s like juggling media, interviews, and elite performanceBehind the scenes of national TV (and meeting Pink!)The emotional impact of inspiring young girls in hockeyThe explosion of growth in girls hockey (100,000+ players!)Life inside the PWHL playoff race and what’s at stake💬 Whether you're a player, parent, or fan—this episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand what the journey really looks like after the biggest moment of your life. 👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, share, and send us your questions—we love hearing from you! 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: What Happens After Olympic Gold? Inside Haley Scamurra’s Return to Pro Hockey #OurGirlsPlayHockey #WomensHockey #PWHL #HaleyScamurra #OlympicGold #GirlsHockey #HockeyLife #WomenInSports #HockeyPodcast #GrowTheGame 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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

🏒 Want to score more goals? It might be simpler—and tougher—than you think. On this episode of The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by former NHLer and Stanley Cup Champion Mike Knuble, a player who made a career out of doing the hard things: going to the net, battling in tough areas, and evolving his game year after year. Mike shares a powerful mindset shift that every young player needs to hear: if you want more goals, you have to go where the goals actually happen. 💥 In this episode, we cover:  Why standing on the perimeter is killing your scoring chances  The “shark mentality” that helps players find more goals  How to embrace different roles on a team  Why self-awareness is the key to long-term development  The importance of practicing what you’re NOT good at  What it really means to take ownership of your hockey journey 🔥 One of the biggest takeaways? Growth isn’t about doing what’s easy—it’s about attacking your weaknesses and leaning into discomfort. Whether you’re a player trying to score more, earn more ice time, or just become a more complete athlete, this episode delivers simple, actionable advice you can use today. 🎯 Take this mindset with you to the rink—and see what changes. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How to Score More Goals in Hockey: Mike Knuble’s Net-Front Mindset #OurKidsPlayHockey #RideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #MikeKnuble #HockeyMindset #HockeyTraining #ScoreMoreGoals #HockeyTips #PlayerDevelopment 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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 if everything you’ve been told about youth hockey development… is wrong? This week, we’re joined by 1,000+ game NHL veteran Mike Knuble—a Stanley Cup Champion who built his career the hard way: through patience, persistence, and learning how to truly play the game. From growing up in Michigan with no “elite path”… to earning his way through college, the minors, and eventually becoming a 30-goal scorer in the NHL, Mike shares what actually matters in development—and what families are getting completely backwards. 💡 Inside this episode: Why there is NO single path in hockey (and why that’s a good thing)The truth about early success vs long-term developmentWhat NHL players REALLY learn from championship culturesWhy patience is the most important—and most ignored—skillHow youth players can instantly improve by doing one simple thing: go to the netWhat parents should focus on at ages 8–12 (hint: it’s not stats or rankings)🔥 Plus, Mike shares powerful insights as both: A former NHL playerA coachAnd a hockey parent raising two high-level playersThis is one of those episodes every hockey family needs to hear. 🎯 Key Takeaways: “Your path is never done… even in the NHL.”“If you’re good enough, you’ll be found.”“The goal is simple—the puck has to go to the net. So why aren’t players there?”“Don’t try to control the journey. Let your player grow into it.”👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Whether your child is just starting out or chasing higher levels, this episode will help you reset your mindset and focus on what really matters. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Truth About Youth Hockey Development (From NHL Veteran Mike Knuble) 🎧 Listen now and take a deep breath—development is a long game. #OurKidsPlayHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #MikeKnuble #HockeyCoaching #LongTermDevelopment #HockeyLife #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyJourney 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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

🔥 You asked. We delivered. The Mailbag Episode is BACK — and this one is packed with real answers from a real pro. In this special Q&A episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Hayley Scamurra sits down with Lee and Mike to answer YOUR biggest questions about what it actually takes to play hockey at the highest level. From game day meals to mental prep, training habits to scoring goals — nothing is off limits. And the best part? These are the exact questions coming from young players just like you. Whether you're a player, parent, or coach, this episode is loaded with insight you can use right away. 🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: 🥗 What a pro hockey player REALLY eats on game day🧘‍♀️ How to prepare mentally before stepping on the ice⚡ The secret to getting faster (on and off the ice)🥅 Where most goals actually come from (this might surprise you)🔥 Why “small area games” are a pro favorite🛑 The truth about burnout — and why taking breaks matters🤝 Boys vs. girls hockey: how to make the right choice💡 What it’s REALLY like to be a professional hockey player💬 A Powerful Takeaway: Sometimes the most valuable player isn’t the one scoring goals… it’s the one creating them. 🎯 Whether you're chasing goals, building confidence, or just trying to fall in love with the game again — this episode is for you. 📩 Got a question for the next mailbag? Send it in — you might be featured!  #OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyTraining #YouthHockey #GirlsHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyMindset #TrainLikeAPro #HockeyLife #FemaleAthletes 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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 walk off the ice feeling like you were either the best player out there… or the worst? This week on The Ride to the Rink, we’re joined by former NHL star Bobby Ryan (800+ NHL games, 2nd overall draft pick) to talk about one of the most important skills young players can develop: how to reflect, reset, and get better—without being too hard on yourself. Bobby shares a simple but powerful mindset that every hockey player (and parent) needs to hear. 🔑 In This Episode: Why you’re never as good—or as bad—as you thinkThe “1 positive, 1 negative” reflection methodHow just 3–5 minutes of quiet time can transform your gameWhy accountability is the key to improvementHow the rink can become your personal sanctuary💡 Whether you had a great game or a tough one, this episode gives you a clear, simple way to reset and move forward with confidence. 🎧 Parents, this is a great one to listen to with your player on the way to the rink. And players—next time you step on the ice, remember:  You get to be there. Make it count. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: The Simple 5-Minute Hockey Mindset Shift Every Player Needs (Bobby Ryan’s Advice) #️⃣ #HockeyMindset #YouthHockey #BobbyRyan #HockeyDevelopment #MentalGame #RideToTheRink #HockeyParents #ConfidenceInSports #HockeyLife 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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 if the rink isn’t just where kids play… but where they feel safest? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, former NHL star Bobby Ryan joins us to share a perspective every hockey parent and coach needs to hear. From a difficult childhood to a 14-year NHL career—and now life as a hockey dad—Bobby opens up about how the game shaped him, saved him, and continues to guide how he raises his own child today.  This conversation goes far beyond goals and assists. It’s about identity, pressure, mental health, and the responsibility we all share in creating the right environment for young players. 🔑 In This Episode, We Cover: 🧠 Why the rink should be a sanctuary for kids📊 The danger of tying identity to stats and performance👨‍👦 What Bobby Ryan does differently as a hockey parent💬 How to talk to kids about mental health and comparison🏒 Why effort > talent in youth development🚫 The hidden harm of social media in youth sports🎯 How coaches can create confidence, not pressure💡 Key Takeaway Success in hockey isn’t about who scores the most—it’s about who grows the most. 🎧 Plus: Bobby shares behind-the-scenes NHL stories, his upcoming international experience representing Team USA again, and why giving back to the game is now his mission. If you're a parent, coach, or young player navigating today’s hockey world—this is an episode you won’t want to miss. 👉 Listen now, share it with your hockey community, and start building better environments for our kids. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Bobby Ryan on Youth Hockey, Parenting, and Mental Health 🔗 Have a topic you want us to cover? Reach out anytime—we’d love to hear from you. #YouthHockey #HockeyParenting #BobbyRyan #MentalHealthInSports #HockeyDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey #PositiveCoaching #HockeyLife #SportsParenting #HockeyCommunity 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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 were YOU doing at 14 years old? Because Estela Vazquez was winning GOLD on the international stage. In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Goalie, we sit down with Estela Vazquez — a rising star goaltender for the Connecticut Junior Rangers, Greenwich Country Day School, and the Puerto Rico Women’s National Team 🇵🇷. At just 13 years old, Estela stepped onto the international stage in Buenos Aires and walked away as Goaltender of the Tournament, helping Puerto Rico capture gold. But her story goes far beyond the medal… This conversation dives into the mindset, discipline, and maturity it takes to balance elite hockey, school, and life — all while staying grounded and driven. 🧠 In this episode, we cover: What it really takes to succeed as a young goalieHow Estela manages school, travel, and multiple teamsThe mental side of goaltending (and how to stay calm under pressure)Why positive self-talk (“lock in”) can change your gameThe role of parents, coaches, and teammates in developmentWhy facing adversity (and NOT getting pulled) matters for growthThe importance of dreaming big — and working for it every day💬 One of the most powerful takeaways: “You always want to think positive… when you think negative, it goes bad.”🎯 Whether you're a goalie, parent, or coach, this episode is packed with real, actionable insight — straight from a player living it right now. 📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How a 14-Year-Old Goalie Is Redefining Youth Hockey Success | Estela Vazquez Story 👉 Loved this episode? Text us, share it with a goalie family, and help grow the next generation of players! #YouthHockey #GoalieLife #HockeyParents #GirlsHockey #MentalToughness #Goaltending #HockeyDevelopment #EliteAthlete #OurKidsPlayHockey #GoalieMindset 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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 the one thing every young hockey player can control every single day? On this Ride to the Rink, the hosts are joined by 17-year NHL veteran Scott Hartnell, who shares the mindset that helped him build a long, successful NHL career. Growing up as the youngest of three hockey-playing brothers, Hartnell learned early what it meant to compete, battle, and push himself just to keep up. Those backyard games, bumps and bruises, and sibling rivalries helped shape the hardworking style that defined his career. His advice for young players is simple—but incredibly powerful: 👉 Be the hardest working player on the ice. Not just during games… but especially during practice. Scott explains why the habits you build in practice become the instincts you rely on in games, and why coaches, teammates, and scouts always notice the players who compete the hardest. Whether you're battling in the corner, backchecking, or making the right play on a two-on-one, the effort you put in every day matters. 🚗 So as you head to the rink today, ask yourself: Are you ready to be the hardest worker out there? 🏒 In This Episode Kids Will Learn: Why effort can be more important than talentHow growing up with older siblings builds toughnessWhy practice habits shape game performanceWhat NHL coaches really notice about playersHow small moments in practice can lead to big plays in games🎥 Scott also suggests something fun:  Look up Scott Hartnell highlight videos to see the mix of skill, grit, personality, and hard work that defined his career. 💬 And remember, wherever you are in your hockey journey… We believe in you. And you should too. #RideToTheRink #YouthHockey #HockeyMindset #HockeyWorkEthic #ScottHartnell #HockeyPractice #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyKids #FutureHockeyStars 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.  And their March offer is huge: 50% off an annual plan compared to paying monthly, plus a free hockey training ball, free Green Biscuit, and free shipping. Or go all in with 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