“Is my kid where they’re supposed to be?”

It’s one of the most common questions we hear—and this week on Our Kids Play Hockey, Lee, Christie, and Mike break it all down with a level-headed, age-by-age guide to youth hockey development.

Whether your player is just learning to stand on skates or preparing for juniors, this episode helps you understand what skills are appropriate right now, what’s coming next, and how to support your child’s journey without rushing the process.

🏒 In this episode, we explore:

✅ Benchmarks for each age group—from U6 to U18

✅ How hockey IQ and habits grow alongside physical skills

✅ What to really look for in your child’s development

✅ The role of parents in keeping the game fun and productive

If you’ve ever wondered, “Are we behind?” or “What should we focus on next?”—this episode is for you.

Because in youth hockey, the goal isn’t just skating faster or scoring more. It’s building skills, confidence, and love for the game—step by step.

Timestamps:

• 0:00 Intro
• 5:35 6U hockey: Organized chaos and fun
• 11:50 8U hockey: Skating with purpose
• 18:09 10U hockey: Golden age of learning
• 31:38 12U hockey: Hockey IQ starts here
• 36:37 14U hockey: Strength meets strategy
• 47:43 16U/18U hockey: It's a lifestyle
• 1:01:32 Closing thoughts on youth hockey development

📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime?

Check out our companion blog: A Parent’s Guide to Youth Hockey Development

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🏒 Ready to unlock your hockey potential without breaking the bank?

NHL veteran Matt Moulson joins "Ride to the Rink" to share game-changing tips for young players looking to level up their skills—no fancy equipment required! From DIY shooting ranges to water balloon target practice, this episode is packed with creative hacks to turn your backyard into a hockey development playground.

But it's not just about drills. Moulson dishes out hard-hitting advice on bouncing back from setbacks, taking charge of your own growth, and squeezing every ounce of wisdom from your coaches. Whether you're a rising star or just starting out, this episode is your playbook for hockey success.

Key Takeaways:

• Transform everyday items into powerful training tools
• Turn team cuts into motivation for improvement
• Embrace creativity in your off-ice training
• Take ownership of your hockey development
• Maximize learning from coaches at all levels

🎯 Highlights:

• Matt's ingenious backyard shooting range setup
• Why being resourceful trumps having resources
• The secret to bouncing back stronger after setbacks
• How to squeeze valuable insights from any coach

Ready to revolutionize your training? Tune in and discover how to become the ultimate self-made player!

💬 Got questions or your own DIY training tips? Share them with us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.

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What does it really take to beat the odds in hockey—and stay at the top?

In this inspiring episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, former NHL forward Matt Moulson joins Lee, Christie, and Mike to share the story behind his incredible 11-season career. From being a 9th round draft pick to wearing a letter in the NHL, Matt’s journey is filled with lessons for players, coaches, and parents alike.

👀 Inside the Episode:

• 🏒 Why work ethic and mindset matter more than early success
• 🧢 The surprising truth about leadership—and how letters can sometimes hold kids back
• 👨‍👧‍👦 What Matt’s learned from coaching his own kids
• 🏆 How to create a team culture that brings out the best in everyone
• 🏀 What hockey players can learn from Kobe Bryant’s mindset

Whether your child is chasing big dreams or just starting out, Matt’s wisdom and down-to-earth advice remind us that development is a marathon, not a sprint.

📚 Bonus: Hear about Matt’s children’s book, Matt Moe’s Grit Pile by Greg Presco—a great read for young athletes learning about character.

💬 Got a takeaway from this episode? Email us anytime at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com

#OurKidsPlayHockey #MattMoulson #HockeyDevelopment #YouthSports #ParentingInSports #Resilience #YouthHockey

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In this episode of The Ride to the Rink, Lee shares a step-by-step guide for skaters and goalies to get the most out of any skills clinic—whether you’re focused on skating, shooting, passing, or defense. His practical tips will help players, parents, and coaches turn every clinic into a lasting opportunity for growth.

👀 Inside the Episode:
📝 Why identifying your clinic’s focus is key to success
🤔 How asking the right questions can unlock new skills
📖 The simple post-clinic habit that will fast-track improvement
🎯 Why mindset matters: stay open, stay curious
🎉 The importance of having fun—because hockey should always bring joy

Whether you’re heading to your first clinic or your fiftieth, this episode will help you level up your game and make every session count.

💬 Got a takeaway from this episode? Email us anytime at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com

#TheRideToTheRink #HockeySkills #YouthHockey #HockeyDevelopment #SkillsClinic #OffIceTraining #PlayerMindset #YouthSports

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Are hockey skills clinics worth your time and money? 🏒💰

In this eye-opening episode of Our Kids Play Hockey, hosts Lee, Christie, and Mike tackle the hot topic of youth hockey skills clinics. From defining what makes a great clinic to navigating the sea of options, our expert panel shares insider tips and personal experiences to help you make the best choices for your young player's development.

🔥 Highlights Include:

• What separates a true skills clinic from a glorified workout 🏋️‍♂️
• The secret to getting maximum value from your clinic investment 💡
• How to choose the right clinic for your child's needs and goals 🎯
• Strategies for helping your player get the most out of every session 📈
• Why failure might be the most valuable takeaway from a clinic 🚀

Whether you're a seasoned hockey parent or new to the game, this episode is packed with actionable advice, real-world examples, and candid insights that will change the way you approach skills development.

🎧 Tune in now and unlock the secrets to maximizing your child's hockey potential!

#YouthHockey #SkillsClinics #HockeyParenting #PlayerDevelopment #OurKidsPlayHockey

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Private lessons can be a great way to grow your game—but only if you approach them the right way.

In this Ride to the Rink, Lee shares advice directly with young players on how to make private coaching sessions truly valuable. From asking the right questions to tracking your progress off the ice, this episode is all about helping players take ownership of their development and turn every lesson into lasting improvement.

🏒 Key Takeaways:

✔️ Don’t just show up—show up with a goal

✔️ Ask smart, specific questions to guide your growth

✔️ Keep a journal of what you’re learning

✔️ Great coaches give you tools—but it’s up to you to use them

✔️ Why the work you do after the lesson matters most

Whether you’re already taking lessons or thinking about starting, this episode will help you get more from every minute of ice time—and from yourself.

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On this episode of The Ride To The Rink, Lee shares a simple story that left a big impression—and reminds every young player (and parent) why the way you act off the ice matters just as much as the way you play on it. After a young player was complimented by a stranger for his manners and kindness, Lee and Mike break down what it means to represent your team and your sport in everyday life, and why those little things—like saying “please” and “thank you”—can make a huge difference.

A short but meaningful message about respect, accountability, and the kind of character that makes great teammates—and great people.

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Heads up, hockey families! We recently found out that our email—team@ourkidsplayhockey.com—was down for a while, and we may have missed your messages. The good news? It’s back up and running!

If you’ve sent in questions, feedback, show ideas, or just wanted to say hi, please re-send them—we’d love to hear from you. Thanks for your patience and for being such an awesome part of our community.

Keep the messages coming—we’re always listening!

Click To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!

Have A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!

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