💸 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

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:

• Facebook Group
• X
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• YouTube