Meet Lee Elias: Five Questions with Youth Inc.'s Hockey Ambassador
Lee Elias wears many hats—coach, author, entrepreneur, podcaster, father and a champion for youth hockey development. As Youth's Inc.'s Hockey Ambassador, Elias brings a wealth of experience, energy and heart to everything he does.
We asked him five questions about the memories, mentors and mindsets that have shaped his journey.
1. What is your favorite youth sports memory?
One of my favorite memories comes from my early teens, when I was still finding my footing in hockey. After joining a spring league team, I suddenly found my confidence and truly felt like a key part of the team. We went on to win the championship and it was in that moment—feeling belief in myself for the first time—that I realized hockey was something I wanted to pursue for life.
Another powerful memory was overcoming a serious shoulder injury in high school that sidelined me during a pivotal recruitment year. Through determination and hard work, I came back stronger and ultimately earned a college hockey opportunity. That experience taught me just how resilient I could be and shaped my mindset going forward.
2. Who has been the most influential person or coach in your life?
My parents are my biggest influences—my father for teaching me presence, teamwork and the value of myself and others, and my mother for instilling strength and values that still guide me today. My older brother also played a huge role, paving the way as an example to follow.
Among my many impactful coaches, one name stands out: Fred Snickeris. At the time, I was a fast skater but had an underdeveloped hockey IQ. Snickeris showed up an hour early to every practice to teach me the game. His dedication and mentorship not only helped me develop as a player but also sparked my own interest in coaching.
3. What’s one lesson you’ve learned through hockey that’s shaped your life?
One powerful lesson came in my 20s when I lost both a coaching job and a high-level position within weeks—through no fault of my own. That difficult time forced me to reevaluate my identity. For years, I had tied my self-worth to being a hockey player or coach. During that time, I realized I wasn’t defined by my role in the sport. Instead, I found strength in understanding that my identity went beyond hockey—I am a son, a brother, and a father. I recognized that I didn’t have to play hockey, but that I
