Lee Elias Recommends: Top 5 Non-NHL Guest Episodes of "Our Kids Play Hockey"

These experts bring unique insight to the rink from across the hockey world, proving that you don’t need a pro jersey to leave a lasting impact.

John Buccigross: Why Hockey Still Has the Best Stories in Sports

John Buccigross of ESPN delivers heart, humor, and perspective about what makes hockey the most human game on earth.

Sean Ellis: Developing Youth Coaches with Character and Accountability

Sean Ellis, VP of Hockey Operations for the NHL and head of the NHL Situation Room, gives a rare look inside NHL operations and how those leadership lessons can transform youth coaching.

Alica Naser: The Psychology of Playing (and Parenting) in Youth Hockey

Alica Naser, performance coach and hockey parent, shares how to manage pressure and support your child’s emotional well-being throughout the hockey journey.

Cassie Campbell-Pascall: Leading with Purpose in Today’s Game

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Cassie Campbell-Pascall shares what it takes to lead the game forward—on and off the ice.

Tom & Ellen Atkinson: What It Really Takes to Raise a Pro

Tom and Ellen Atkinson, parents of NHL goalie Drew Commesso, reflect on the journey from youth to the pros with honesty and grace.

About Our Kids Play Hockey

Our Kids Play Hockey is one of the most trusted youth sports podcasts in North America—named a Top Hockey Podcast three times by the Sports Podcast Awards. Hosted by Lee Elias, Christie Casciano Burns, and Mike Bonelli, the show offers a front-row seat to the challenges and triumphs of the youth hockey world through candid conversations with NHL players, coaches, Olympic athletes, mental performance experts, and hockey parents.

Each week, the hosts dig into the real-life questions families, coaches, and players face—from tryouts and team culture to mindset and motivation—with warmth, humor, and deep experience. With over 400 episodes and a rapidly growing audience, the podcast has become a go-to resource for hockey families looking to stay informed, inspired, and connected to the game.

Host Lee Elias is also a proud Youth.Inc ambassador and contributor, where he brings his experience as an award-winning author, team-building strategist, and longtime coach at the youth, collegiate, and professional levels to a wider network of families and leaders across youth sports.

To learn more, visit OurKidsPlayHockey.com or listen wherever you get your podcasts.