Debunking Youth Hockey Myths with Boston Bruins' Performance Coach Kevin Neeld

03/15/25 • 64 min

What truly defines a successful young athlete in today's competitive world?

In this compelling episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, performance coach Kevin Neeld joins Lee and Christie to share insights from his work with the Boston Bruins and beyond. From the traits of successful NHL players to the critical role of sleep and nutrition, Neeld offers a treasure trove of advice for parents and coaches aiming to nurture young talent.

🔥 Highlights Include:

The key characteristics that set NHL players apart 🏆
Practical tips for optimizing sleep and nutrition for young athletes 💤🥦
Navigating mental health and pressure in youth sports 🧠
Effective training methods that balance strength and speed 💪
Understanding individual differences in athlete development 🌟

Whether you're a parent, coach, or young player, this episode is packed with actionable strategies, expert advice, and inspiring stories that extend far beyond the ice.

🎧 Listen now to discover how to support the next generation of hockey stars!

📖 Explore more at Kevin Neeld's website: kevinneeld.com

💬 Got questions? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

YouthHockey #KevinNeeld #OurKidsPlayHockey #AthleteDevelopment #ParentingTips

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What truly defines a successful young athlete in today's competitive world?

🔥 Highlights Include:

The key characteristics that set NHL players apart 🏆
Practical tips for optimizing sleep and nutrition for young athletes 💤🥦
Navigating mental health and pressure in youth sports 🧠
Effective training methods that balance strength and speed 💪
Understanding individual differences in athlete development 🌟

Whether you're a parent, coach, or young player, this episode is packed with actionable strategies, expert advice, and inspiring stories that extend far beyond the ice.

🎧 Listen now to discover how to support the next generation of hockey stars!

📖 Explore more at Kevin Neeld's website: kevinneeld.com

💬 Got questions? Share your thoughts with us at [email protected].

YouthHockey #KevinNeeld #OurKidsPlayHockey #AthleteDevelopment #ParentingTips

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Order now at HockeyWraparound.com!

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:

Previous Episode

The Ride to The Rink - How to Prepare and Perform Your Best for Tryouts and Evaluations

Tryout season is here, and whether you’re heading to the rink feeling confident or battling nerves, we’re here to help you approach it with the right mindset. In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee, Mike, and Sherry break down what you can control, what really matters in an evaluation, and how to set yourself up for success—both on and off the ice.

We’ll talk about:

✅ How to manage nerves and set a strong mental outlook

✅ Why most teams already have a roster in mind—and what that means for you

✅ The importance of preparation, from gear checks to pre-tryout routines

✅ What coaches really look for during tryouts

✅ How being a great teammate can make a difference

Plus, we’ve got advice for parents—because your role in this process is just as important! Whether this is your first eval or your tenth, this episode is packed with insights to help you skate onto the ice with confidence.

🎧 Listen now and get ready to bring your best to tryouts!

#Hockey #YouthHockey #HockeyTryouts #HockeyEvals #HockeyMindset #TryoutTips #HockeyTraining #HockeyParents #HockeyLife #HockeyDevelopment #SkateHard #GameReady #HockeyMotivation #Teamwork #BeAGoodTeammate #TheRideToTheRink #OurKidsPlayHockey

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

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Next Episode

The Ride to the Rink - Winning Strategies for Youth Hockey Players with the Bruins' Kevin Neeld

Are you fueling your game with the right habits?

🏒 Discover how sleep and nutrition can transform your performance on the ice! Hosts Lee MJ Elias and Christie Casciano team up with NHL performance coach Kevin Neeld to share essential advice for young athletes. From the importance of a good night's sleep to making healthy foods more appealing, this episode of "Ride to the Rink" is packed with insights to help you excel.

Key Points:

Sleep's Role in Performance: Learn why a consistent sleep schedule is crucial for energy and skill retention.
Nutrition Essentials: Understand how your body is built from what you eat and the impact of sugar on your game.
Taking Initiative: Tips for young athletes to proactively manage their sleep and diet.
Making Healthy Foods Fun: Creative ways to enjoy vegetables and boost your nutrition.
Empowerment Message: Encouragement to believe in yourself and your journey.

Got questions or need advice? Reach out at [email protected].

#TheRideToTheRink #YouthHockey #SleepAndNutrition #HockeyPerformance

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Order now at HockeyWraparound.com!

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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Our Kids Play Hockey - Debunking Youth Hockey Myths with Boston Bruins' Performance Coach Kevin Neeld

Transcript

Lee MJ Elias [0:07 - 1:04]: Hello, hockey friends and families around the world, and welcome to another episode of Our Kids Play Hockey. I'm Lee Elias, joined by Christy Casciano Burns. Mike Benelli is on assignment today, coaching, of all things, if you can believe that. A rare thing on the show. Our guest today is one of the most respected performance coaches in the NHL. As the current performance coach for the Boston Bruins, Kevin Neild has been instrumental in optimizing athletic developme