Ever wondered what it's like to be drafted into a professional hockey league?
Hayley Scamurra shares her thrilling experience of being selected by Ottawa in the inaugural PWHL draft, capturing the excitement and uncertainty of not knowing where she would land.
She also opens up about the transition from college to pro hockey, highlighting the increased physicality and the challenges of adapting to a higher level of play. Hayley stresses the significance of mental preparation, reflecting on how focusing on mental toughness earlier could have impacted her career. She contrasts the PWHL with previous women's hockey leagues, noting the enhanced professional resources and amenities now available.
For aspiring pro players, Hayley offers heartfelt advice: enjoy the game, avoid comparisons, and trust your unique journey in the sport.
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00:00:00 Intro

00:06:23 Evolution of Women's Professional Hockey

00:10:21 The Off-Season Routine of a Pro Athlete

00:12:14 Transition from Youth to Pro Hockey

00:14:23 Standards and Expectations in Professional Practice

00:16:33 Growth and Competition in Women's Hockey

00:18:19 Transition from College to Professional Hockey

00:20:28 NCAA Women's Hockey as a Professional Pipeline

00:22:47 Team USA's Role in Player Development

00:28:40 The Reality of Playing Pro Hockey

00:30:34 Inspiring the Next Generation of Female Athletes

00:31:40 The Pro Athlete Experience App

00:34:20 Advice for Young Athletes

00:38:54 Building Team Cohesiveness in Girls Hockey

00:40:35 Parental Guidance in Youth Sports
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In this episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Mike Bonelli tackle the intense pressures young athletes face. Inspired by a letter from a concerned parent, they explore how pressures from coaches, parents, and scouts impact youth hockey players.
Lee and Mike begin by discussing what pressure means for kids and adults in the sport. They share real-world examples that highlight the emotional toll these pressures can have on young players. The discussion focuses on recognizing when pressure becomes harmful and how to manage it.
Key takeaways include the importance of building trust and understanding each player’s unique motivations. Effective communication is essential for alleviating pressure and fostering a supportive environment. Lee and Mike offer actionable advice for coaches and parents, emphasizing the importance of choosing organizations and coaches who prioritize player development.
The episode also explores the roles of those involved in player development, stressing that coaches shape young minds, and parents must balance pushing their kids while understanding their limits. Misconceptions about scouts are challenged, revealing that character and consistent effort often outweigh raw talent.
This episode underscores the invaluable life lessons learned in youth hockey—lessons that prepare players for challenges beyond the rink. Whether you’re a coach, parent, or scout, you’ll find practical tips to help create a positive environment for young athletes.

Key Takeaways:

1. Understanding Pressure: Recognize when pressure becomes harmful to support both development and enjoyment of the game.
2. Building Trust: Establish trust with players from day one. Coaches should understand each player’s motivations to foster a supportive environment.
3. Parental Guidance: Frame challenges as growth opportunities rather than sources of stress.
4. Scouting Realities: Scouts value character and work ethic as much as on-ice performance.
5. Lifelong Lessons: Youth hockey’s ultimate goal is to develop well-rounded individuals who handle life’s pressures with resilience.

Join the conversation! Share your thoughts or stories by emailing us at [email protected] or connecting with us on our Facebook group, Our Kids Play Hockey. If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe and share it with others who might benefit.

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🚨 The PuckaroundTM Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.

🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.

Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒

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In this episode of “The Ride to the Rink,” hosts Lee Elias and Christie Casciano Burns provide invaluable advice for kids who are either joining a new hockey team for the first time or welcoming new teammates. The hosts discuss common anxieties, how to make a positive first impression, and the importance of teamwork both on and off the ice. This episode is packed with practical tips to help young players navigate new team dynamics with confidence and ease.

Key Topics:

1. Joining a New Team:

• Addressing common anxieties about being the new kid.
• Tips for making a positive first impression.
• Importance of introducing yourself and finding common interests.

1. On the Ice:

• Watching and learning drills and systems.
• Balancing between showing skills and being a team player.
• Importance of communication and asking questions.

1. Off the Ice:

• Building friendships in the locker room.
• Helping out and being a positive presence.

1. Welcoming New Teammates:

• How to make new team members feel included.
• The role of current team members in creating a welcoming environment.

If you found value in this episode, please like, subscribe, and leave a review wherever you listen to podcasts. Visit OurKidsPlayHockey.com for more episodes and resources. Be sure to follow us on social media for updates and more helpful content.

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

🚨 The PuckaroundTM Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.

🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.

Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒

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On this week's episode of The Ride To The Rink with host Lee MJ Elias, we explore Wayne Gretzky's first NHL level encounter with championship grit and what it truly takes to win when it matters most. This episode is a treasure trove for athletes, coaches, and fans, packed with strategies, historical insights, and the mental toughness required for playoff success.

Key Highlights:

• Gretzky's Eye-Opening Experience: Discover the impactful moment when Wayne Gretzky learned a vital lesson from the New York Islanders after the 1983 Stanley Cup Finals. It's a deep dive into the sacrifices and dedication behind the Islanders' victory, setting the stage for the Oilers' future success.
• The Essence of Winning: Lee unravels the key components that contribute to a team's triumph in the playoffs, blending talent, relentless effort, and mental fortitude. Learn from the experiences of hockey legends and how their lessons apply to today's game.
• Building a Championship Mindset: This episode focuses on mental preparation and resilience, offering actionable advice for players to develop a winning mentality, handle playoff pressures, and maintain focus during critical moments.
• Strengthening Team Bonds: Emphasizing teamwork and unity, Lee discusses strategies for creating a positive team environment that fosters trust, collaboration, and mutual support, crucial for navigating the challenges of playoff hockey.
• Practical Advice for Peak Performance: Listeners will gain valuable insights into effective game preparation, performance optimization, and strategic planning, all aimed at achieving the ultimate goal—winning the championship.
• Learning from Legends: Inspired by Gretzky's revelation, this episode also touches on the importance of recognizing and appreciating the roles of support systems within the hockey community, including teammates, coaches, and family​​​​.

This episode not only celebrates the journey to championship success but also imparts timeless wisdom from hockey legends like Wayne Gretzky, making it essential listening for those aspiring to leave their mark on the ice.

Catch this episode of The Ride To The Rink with Lee MJ Elias to delve into the heart of championship culture, inspired by the greatest names in hockey. It's your guide to mastering the playoffs with the spirit of a champion.

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

🚨 The PuckaroundTM Pro Training Puck is being called the best off-ice puck ever — same weight, size, and feel as the real thing. Perfect for training in the driveway or on the outdoor rink.

🎁 Use code OKPH at hockeywraparound.com for a special discount on a 2-pack — just for our listeners.

Let’s puck-around and find out. 🏒

Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!
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For the first episode of "The Wraparound Roundtable," we had the privilege of hosting Andrej Dula, the founder and CEO of Rezztek, a company that's redefining how we look at "taping" our sticks.

With at least one player on half the teams in the NHL using Rezztek, their impact is already being felt. They were recently in the news after one of their players, Filip Hronek of the Vancouver Canucks, clocked the hardest shot ever recorded in an NHL game with a speed of 107.9 MPH while using a Rezztek.
Enjoy this quick episode with Andrej and be sure to listen for the secret code word so you can enter to win one of FIVE CUSTOM REZZTEK PACKS by filling out the form at HockeyWraparound.com!
If you are interested in hearing more about Rezztek, check out our extended interview with Andrej here.

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Our Kids Play Hockey is proud to be sponsored by Game Seven Group and Hockey Wraparound.
At Game Seven Group our mission is to Transform Individuals Into Teams Capable Of The Extraordinary using Lee MJ Elias' proven team bonding strategy for sports teams, business teams, and anything & everything in between. If your team or organization is hungry to win a championship or take things to the next level, reach out to our team to see how we can help you reach your goal.
Click this link to learn more or reach out to [email protected] for more information.
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