💸 Ever felt like youth hockey tournaments are taking you for a ride? You’re not alone. This week, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli go full “60 Minutes” mode to uncover the real cost of tournaments — from mandatory hotel stays and inflated fees to the emotional tug-of-war parents face when trying to give their kids unforgettable hockey experiences.

🏒 In This Eye-Opening Episode:

• The “stay-to-play” trap that forces families to book overpriced hotels
• Why some tournaments have lost their purpose — and what good ones still get right
• How fundraising and affordability are dividing teams
• When to say “no” to a tournament — and how to push back as a community
• Innovative ideas to rethink tournaments entirely, from skill weekends to balanced, developmental events

💬 Whether you’re a seasoned hockey parent or just entering the travel circuit, this is a must-listen conversation that pulls no punches — but offers plenty of hope (and humor) for a better path forward.

👉 Got thoughts on this? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com
— we might feature your perspective in a future episode.

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Tournament Turmoil: The Hidden Costs of Youth Hockey and How Families Can Take Back Control

#YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyLife #TournamentTravel #StayToPlay #HockeyCommunity #OurKidsPlayHockey

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🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training.

Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒

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What separates good players from great ones? It’s not talent — it’s work ethic. In this inspiring episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee and Mike sit down with Riley Armstrong, NHL Director of Player Development, to talk about what it really takes to level up your game — on and off the ice.

From the long days at the rink to the unseen sacrifices parents make, Riley shares how NHL pros push through pain, fatigue, and setbacks — and how young players can learn to bring that same 100% effort every day.

🎯 Highlights:

• The truth about hard work — and why your parents’ effort deserves yours in return
• How to avoid the “class clown trap” and surround yourself with teammates who lift you up
• What NHL players do when they don’t feel 100% — and why they still show up
• Why loving the game is the #1 ingredient for long-term success
• The power of car rides, family time, and the memories that make the hockey journey special

Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this episode will remind you that showing up with heart matters more than any stat on the scoresheet.

👉 Tune in, take notes, and remember — the game gives back to those who love it.

#TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey #RileyArmstrong #NHLDevelopment #YouthHockey #WorkEthic #HockeyParents #HockeyMotivation #HockeyMindset #SkateHard

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Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training.

Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒

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🏒 Feeling overwhelmed on the ice?

PWHL stars Hayley Scamurra and Gabbie Hughes join "The Ride to the Rink" to share game-changing strategies for managing those big hockey emotions. From breathing techniques to teammate support, this episode is packed with practical advice to help young players stay cool under pressure.

We dive into the mental game, offering insights that'll transform how you approach those tough moments. Whether you're battling negative self-talk or struggling to stay present during intense games, these pro tips will elevate your mental game and boost your on-ice performance.

Key Takeaways:

• Breathe deep and tap a teammate — instant calm in the storm

• Shift focus from personal mistakes to teammates' wins

• Master the art of being an awesome teammate (no talent required!)

• Ground yourself with simple finger-counting and breathing exercises

• Develop emotional awareness for success on and off the ice

Remember, hockey's about more than just scoring goals — it's about growth, teamwork, and finding joy in every shift. So next time you're heading to the rink, ask yourself: "Why do I love this game?" That passion is your secret weapon against any challenge the ice throws your way.

Ready to level up your mental game? 🎧 Tune in now and transform those big feelings into your biggest strengths!

📖 Want a written version of this episode you can reference anytime?
Check out our companion blog: Handling Big Feelings on the Ice: Advice for Young Hockey Players

#TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #MentalGame #PWHLStars #HockeyMotivation

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training.

Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒

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!

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🎙️ Ever wonder what “player development” really means — beyond the buzzword?

This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we sit down with Riley Armstrong, the Director of Player Development for the Philadelphia Flyers, to talk about how great players are truly made — from youth hockey to the pros.

Riley’s journey is one few can replicate: from figure skating lessons taught by his mom in Saskatchewan to an NHL coaching role recommended personally by Flyers GM Danny Brière. His story is a masterclass in patience, precision, and purpose.

💡 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why figure skating (yes, figure skating!) builds elite skaters and confident players
• The biggest time and money mistakes parents make — and what to do instead
• The truth about tournaments, burnout, and how pros use their summers to really improve
• The importance of coaching quality over chasing “top-10” teams
• Why the best development happens when kids are having fun — and how music can help
• How NHL players like Tyson Foerster and Bobby Brink used skating to change their careers

Whether you’re a hockey parent, a coach, or a young player with big dreams, this episode breaks down what separates “busy” development from meaningful development — and how to focus on what truly matters.

🎧 Listen now — and start seeing development the way the NHL does.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How NHL Pros Develop (And What That Means for Youth Players) with Flyers' Director of Player Development Riley Armstrong

#OurKidsPlayHockey #HockeyDevelopment #RileyArmstrong #PhiladelphiaFlyers #YouthHockey #PowerSkating #HockeyParents #PlayerDevelopment #SkatingSkills #YouthSports

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training.

Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒

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🎧 Ready to make your hockey game stronger — on and off the ice?

In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, the crew welcomes Pete, CEO of TeamSnap, to talk about their exciting new partnership with Bauer Hockey and the launch of the Bauer Hub inside the TeamSnap app! 🚀

Pete breaks down how this new hub is helping players, parents, and coaches learn together — with on-ice drills, performance tips, coaching plans, and even interactive challenges that make learning fun. Whether you’re a kid who loves hockey, a coach looking for new drills, or a parent who wants to help your player grow, this one’s packed with takeaways.

💡 Highlights include:

• What the Bauer Hub is and how to find it in the TeamSnap app
• How the #SnapToIceChallenge lets players show off their skills and win scholarships 🏆
• Why showing up, working hard, and keeping a growth mindset matter in both hockey and life
• Tips for coaches and parents to make practice more organized and fun

It’s not just about training — it’s about becoming the best version of yourself, one skate stride at a time.

📲 Check out the Bauer Hub in your TeamSnap app and tag your videos with #SnapToIceChallenge for a chance to win!

🎧 Subscribe to The Ride to the Rink for more inspiring stories and hockey wisdom every week.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: How TeamSnap and Bauer Are Changing the Game for Hockey Families

#HockeyTraining #TeamSnap #BauerHub #YouthHockey #SnapToIceChallenge #HockeyParents #TheRideToTheRink

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training.

Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒

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!

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🚨 The App Every Hockey Parent Knows (and Needs!) — Inside TeamSnap with CEO Peter Frintzilas

Ever wonder what it’s like to run the app that runs youth sports? In this week’s episode, the OKPH crew sits down with Peter Frintzilas, CEO of TeamSnap — hockey dad, tech leader, and the man helping 25+ million families manage the chaos of youth sports.

From 4:30 a.m. coffee runs to 5 a.m. rink drop-offs, Peter gets it — because he’s living it. Hear how TeamSnap is evolving beyond scheduling into a one-stop hub for organization, coaching, and community, including an exciting new partnership with Bauer Hockey that’s changing how families engage with the sport.

💡 In This Episode:

• How TeamSnap keeps youth hockey organized (and parents sane 🧊)
• The Bauer Hockey partnership and new Snap to Ice challenge
• Privacy and security for families using sports tech
• How AI and innovation are shaping the future of youth sports
• Why tech should make sports more fun — not more stressful

Whether you’re a volunteer coach, a rink warrior parent, or just someone who wants fewer 6 a.m. “Where’s the game?” texts, this one’s for you.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: How TeamSnap Is Changing Youth Hockey with CEO Peter Frintzilas

👉 Share this episode in your TeamSnap chat!
#OurKidsPlayHockey #TeamSnap #YouthSportsTech #HockeyParents #BauerHockey #HockeyLife #SnapToIce

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training.

Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒

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!

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🎧 What’s the true return on investment in hockey? Spoiler alert: it’s about so much more than scholarships and pro contracts.

This week on The Ride To The Rink, we welcome back our friend Jack Han — former NHL development coach, AHL assistant, and author who’s worked with players and coaches all over the world. Jack dives into what “ROI” really means in youth hockey and why your investment in the game goes far beyond money.

🔥 Highlights from this episode:

• 💡 Why hockey’s ROI is measured in friendships, growth, and opportunities — not just scholarships.
• 🌍 Jack’s path from the Montreal Canadiens to the Toronto Maple Leafs, and how he “made the NHL” without ever playing there.
• 🧊 The overlooked careers and roles in hockey (yes, even Zamboni drivers and social media managers!).
• 👥 How learning from both older and younger players shapes your game and your character.
• 💪 Why playing “as long as you can” matters — but why education and balance matter too.

Jack’s wisdom is the perfect reminder for kids and parents alike: hockey gives you much more back than you might realize.

👉 If you love this conversation, share it with your hockey family and don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss a ride!

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?Check out our companion blog: The True ROI of Hockey with Jack Han

#YouthHockey #JackHan #HockeyParents #HockeyLife #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyJourney

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training.

Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒

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:

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🏒 Feeling unmotivated to hit the ice? You're not alone—even the pros struggle sometimes!

This episode of "The Ride to the Rink" tackles the tough days when hockey feels more like a chore than a passion. Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Hayley Scamurra team up with Jessie Thompson from the Washington Capitals to share game-changing strategies for young players facing motivation slumps.

Key Points:

• Turn your frown upside down: Find one thing to look forward to at the rink
• It's okay to not be okay: How to communicate with coaches when you're not at 100%
• Teamwork makes the dream work: Simple ways to lift up your fellow players
• Pro tips: How elite athletes push through the tough days
• Asking for help isn't weak—it's smart hockey!

Whether you're a budding star or a seasoned player, this episode is packed with practical advice to keep your head in the game, even when your heart's not feeling it. Ready to transform those "I don't wanna" moments into "Let's do this!" energy? Lace up your skates and tune in!

💬 Got questions or need a motivational boost? Hit us up at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?

Check out our companion blog: Jessie Thompson on Overcoming the "I Don't Wanna" Days

#RideToTheRink #HockeyMotivation #YouthHockey #TeamworkMakesTheDreamWork

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!

🚨 Big news—Dangle Pro is here, the world’s first mixed-reality stickhandling trainer. Using Meta Quest, players dangle through live 3D obstacles, earn points, and build faster hands with their head up. Officially licensed by the NHL and trusted by USA Hockey, it’s the future of training.

Sign up at SenseArena.com/OKPH with code OKPH for $25 off an annual subscription. 🏒

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:

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• X
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