How do young players find their identity, toughness, and purpose—on and off the ice? This week on Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re joined by former NHL forward and current junior hockey coach Zac Rinaldo, whose career was defined by grit, heart, and relentless work ethic.

Zac shares his journey from leaving home at 14 to attend Notre Dame in Saskatchewan, to becoming a fan favorite in Philadelphia and playing 11 years in the NHL. Now coaching the Pelham Panthers, Zac is focused on developing the next generation of athletes—not just as hockey players, but as resilient, team-first individuals.

In this episode, we cover:

• 🛣️ Zac’s unconventional path from OHL longshot to NHL mainstay
• 🏒 The lost art of physicality and why roles matter more than ever
• 📚 What today’s youth development models are missing
• 🧠 The mindset coaches need to connect with players—and how to earn their trust
• 🧰 Why every young player needs a full “toolbox,” not just highlight-reel skills

Zac’s perspective is honest, refreshing, and full of valuable insight for players, parents, and coaches alike. Whether you’re chasing a dream or helping someone else chase theirs, this episode is packed with real talk and practical advice.

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The birds are chirping, the season’s winding down—and that means it’s the perfect time to start thinking about how to build a better hockey player this off-season.

In this episode of Ride to the Rink, Lee and Mike dive into how players (and parents) can start planning a development calendar that fits real life and drives real growth. From simple 20-minute habits like daily push-ups or shooting pucks, to blocking out time in a shared Google Calendar, it’s all about building consistency, not cramming in ice time.

You’ll also hear:

✅ Why structured planning beats “winging it” every time

✅ How daily effort—even 15 minutes—adds up in a big way

✅ Tips for integrating hockey into your lifestyle without burning out

✅ Why the off-ice work matters just as much (if not more) than spring tournaments

Whether your player wants to hit the next level or just stay sharp during the off-season, this short ride is packed with advice for setting goals, building habits, and staying balanced.

📌 Because greatness—on the ice or off—starts with what you do every day.

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🚨 The Puckaround™ 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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From the outdoor rinks of Sudbury to the heights of Olympic glory, Tessa Bonhomme has lived nearly every chapter of a hockey dream—and she’s still writing new ones.

In this powerful episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Tessa joins Lee, Sherri, and Mike for a heartfelt, hilarious, and deeply insightful conversation about the journey from “just wanting to play” to becoming one of the most recognizable voices in hockey.

Tessa opens up about:

• Her path from a neighborhood daycare game to captaining Team Canada
• The moment being cut sparked her fire to chase national team dreams
• The power of representation—and the female role model who changed everything
• Her transition into broadcasting and how it mirrors life in a locker room
• What today’s youth coaches and parents can do to actually grow the women’s game

Plus: stories of pranks, parents with guitars, being a “grocery stick,” and why just turning on the game might be the biggest step forward we can all take.

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, leadership, and love for the game. Whether you’re a parent, player, coach, or fan—don’t miss it.

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

🚨 The Puckaround™ 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!

Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!

Follow Us On Social Media:

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