Pucked Up Parents - Youth Hockey

In this special Mother’s Day episode of Pucked Up Parents, host Michael steps aside and hands the mic over to Angela and two fellow veteran hockey moms, Shawna and Leslie, for a hilarious and heartfelt conversation about life as hockey parents. As first-generation hockey moms, the trio (known as the HBI) reflects on how they were thrown headfirst into the wild world of youth hockey and somehow survived years of early mornings, freezing rinks, road trips, tournaments, emotional rollercoasters, and endless team group chats.The moms open up about the emotional side of hockey parenting — from handling their sons’ wins, losses, injuries, and disappointments, to learning when to cheer loudly and when to just stay quiet in the car ride home. They discuss how hockey became more than just a sport for their families and how the friendships and bonds they built with other rink parents helped carry them through the chaos.Of course, it wouldn’t be Pucked Up Parents without some laughs. Angela, Shawna, and Leslie swap funny stories from years on the road, tournament weekends gone wrong, hockey bag disasters, and the little things only hockey moms truly understand. The group even dives into questions like: What’s your hockey mom superpower? Whether it’s finding missing gear in seconds, surviving on no sleep, or somehow packing an entire weekend into one rink bag, every hockey mom has one.The episode wraps up with advice for newer hockey moms entering the hockey world for the first time: embrace the craziness, enjoy the moments while they last, and most importantly — find your people. Because the friendships built at the rink often become just as important as the game itself.

Christie Casciano; Author of the Puck Hog Series and My Kids Play Hockey. Available now!In this episode of Pucked Up Parents, Michael and Angela sit down with book author, USA Hockey Magazine colunist, news anchor and hockey mom Christie Casciano for a candid and relatable conversation about life as a hockey parent.Christie dives into the inspiration behind her youth hockey parent guide, My Kids Play Hockey, sharing practical advice, hard-earned wisdom, and plenty of “you can’t make this stuff up” moments from the rink. She also highlights her lighter side with her preschool book series, The Puck Hog, designed to introduce the game to the next generation in a fun, approachable way.The conversation goes beyond the ice, exploring how hockey has shaped their kids’ lives and the parent lives in unexpected ways—from building resilience through failure to influencing paths like law school and even poetry, to making life long friends at the rink. Christie also talks about writing for USA Hockey, sharing how her article came together and unpacking some of the key themes around parenting, pressure, and perspective in youth sports.Throughout the episode, Christie reads excerpts from her work, giving listeners a firsthand feel for her voice and message—equal parts heartfelt and humorous.In the “Hockey This Week” segment, Michael and Angela keep things real with a quick (and painful) story about a roller hockey mishap that led to an unexpected ER visit.It’s an episode packed with insight, laughs, and a reminder that no matter how wild the ride gets, hockey parenting is a shared experience.

In this episode of Pucked Up Parents, Michael and Angela dive into one of the most overlooked species in youth hockey culture: the siblings—aka the legendary “rink rats.” From toddlers wrapped like burritos in oversized blankets to pre-teens living off vending machine snacks and chaos, they break down what it really takes to keep the non-playing kids alive, warm, and relatively entertained during those long rink days.Angela shares practical survival tactics—snack bag strategy, layering like you’re prepping for Everest, and the delicate art of finding seating that’s within eyesight of your kid who just wandered off. Meanwhile, Michael takes a more… scientific approach, comparing rink rats to wildlife in a nature documentary. He narrates their movements like a National Geographic special—migrating between bleachers, clustering near power sources, and forming temporary alliances with other siblings.They also get into the long-term outlook: does today’s rink rat become tomorrow’s hockey player, or do they run as far from the sport as possible? Michael and Angela talk about that fork in the road, sharing stories of their son who caught the hockey bug because of his older hockey playing brother.Of course, it wouldn’t be Pucked Up Parents without the logistical nightmare discussion: divide-and-conquer parenting. Splitting schedules, managing overlapping games, and figuring out who’s driving where.They recap their week in hockey life—highlighted by scoring a clutch Chipotle discount thanks to a hockey jerseys, plus both kids heading into tryouts at the same time.Bottom line: raising hockey players is hard… but managing the rink rats? That’s a whole different league

In this episode of Pucked Up Parents, Michael and Angela take a brutally honest (and predictably sarcastic) look at the true cost of youth hockey—and spoiler alert: it’s not pretty.At a high level, they walk through the endless list of expenses that hit parents before the season even really starts. It begins with tryout fees—because apparently you have to pay just for the chance to pay more—followed quickly by those “non-refundable” commitment fees that lock you in before you’ve even found your kid’s other glove.From there, the costs pile up fast: league fees, ice time, tournament registrations, and of course, travel. Michael and Angela highlight how the “extras” are where things really spiral—team fees, coaching add-ons, skills sessions, fundraising expectations, and all the little surprise charges that somehow never make it into the original number.Then comes gear—constantly replaced, constantly upgraded, and somehow always urgent. Sticks break, skates don’t fit, and helmets expire like milk. And just when you think you’re set, there’s team apparel, spirit wear, and the mandatory “optional” purchases that every parent knows aren’t actually optional.Throughout the episode, they keep it light with humor and real-life anecdotes, but the message is clear: youth hockey isn’t just a sport, it’s a financial lifestyle. The bottom line? If you’re getting into hockey, you better love it—because your wallet definitely won’t.

In this episode of Pucked Up Parents, Michael and Angela take a fun detour off the ice and into pop culture, breaking down how hockey shows up on the big and small screen. They kick things off with a look at iconic hockey documentaries, including the legendary Miracle on Ice, sharing why stories like that still resonate with players and parents alike.From there, the conversation shifts to TV, where Michael dives into his love for the unapologetically crude and hilarious Shoresy. Angela balances things out with a lighter take on hockey-themed shows and the surprisingly small pool of hockey cartoons.They also touch on hockey in movies overall—what gets the culture right, what gets exaggerated, and why hockey storytelling always seems to lean into grit, humor, and chaos.As always, the episode has a recap of their hockey week. Highlights include a trip to see Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins take on the Tampa Bay Lightning, plus a big milestone as their oldest son laces up for his first-ever beer league team—a team named after Cheese.It’s a mix of laughs, nostalgia, and real hockey life—on screen and off.

In this episode of Pucked Up Parents, Michael and Angela trade in the frozen tundra for hot pavement as they dive into the world of off-ice hockey. From roller hockey leagues to driveway danglers, they break down summer training—where the only thing smoother than your kid’s hands is the melted asphalt under their wheels.They cover everything from rollerblade skate styles to the realities of outdoor rinks and indoor roller rinks. Plus, a look at off-ice training tools like VR systems, SuperDeker setups, and other gadgets.Speaking of financial pain, Angela shares the emotional journey of being $500 poorer after buying new skates for their teenager—because apparently destroying skates is a personality trait now. Meanwhile, Michael takes a trip down memory lane to his glory days at Whispering Wheels, rocking a mullet, prescription glasses, and a pair of He-Man roller skates that (in his mind) made him irresistible to the ladies. It’s everything you didn’t know you needed to survive the hockey offseason without completely losing your mind—or your bank account.

In this episode of Pucked Up Parents, Michael & Angela dig into the never-ending challenge of feeding a youth hockey player—aka trying to outpace a kids metabolism that somehow survives on one decent meal and a mountain of rink snacks.They break down how to piece together actual dinners during the week while juggling practice schedules, late ice times, and the classic “we’ll just grab something quick” lie that turns into a drive-thru tour. The conversation shifts to locker room culture—team coolers, snack duty, and the drink choice (little barrels of juice!). They also tackle what kids should be drinking… and what they absolutely shouldn’t—especially when it turns into a full-blown bottle-flipping competition instead of hydration.Tournament weekends get their own spotlight, with tips on timing meals between games so your kid isn’t skating on either a full stomach or pure fumes. Michael & Angela share their finest “hotel gourmet” strategies—crock pots, microwaves, and griddles turning basic hotel rooms into questionable kitchens—plus a few restaurant hacks to keep costs (somewhat) under control.And because nothing ever goes smoothly, they recap a huge weekend at USA High School Hockey Nationals, where their son’s varsity team exceeded expectations. leading to travel chaos.It’s a mix of food prep, fuel debates, and full-on hockey parent madness—served with a side of humor.

On this episode of Pucked Up Parents, Michael and Angela are joined by Patrick Michael of Hockey Gear For All, a foundation that donates gear to kids in need. He is truly a guest who brings both expertise and heart to the conversation.The episode covers all things hockey gear, from the importance of proper sizing (because nothing ruins a stride faster than ill-fitting equipment) to the less glamorous side of the sport—cleaning and maintaining gear that seems permanently infused with “rink smell.” Patrick shares practical advice on, brands, sizing, hockey player preferences. Michael and Angela, of course, keep things real with a story about their son’s hockey pants that looked like they had a full-on blowout mid-season.Beyond the laughs, Patrick dives into his personal hockey journey—how his passion for the game led him to start Top Hockey Gear, and ultimately inspired the creation of Hockey Gear For All. He explains how the organization collects donated equipment, refurbishes it when needed, and redistributes it to kids across the U.S. and even internationally. His mission is simple but powerful: remove the financial barrier so more kids can experience the game.

This episode of Pucked Up Parents, Michael and Angela dive headfirst into one of youth hockey’s most expensive and confusing pieces of equipment: the hockey stick. From flex to lie, blade curves to kick points, they break down the specs parents are told they need to understand… and the ones that probably don’t matter nearly as much as the pro shop guy says they do. Along the way, Michael tests Angela’s patience—and possibly the show’s subscriber count—by seeing just how many questionable innuendos he can squeeze out of words like shaft, curve, and stick handling.The hosts also recap a packed weekend of end of season youth hockey tournaments with their kids and the success they had. And the excitement continues as the 1/2 of the family gears up for a big trip to USA Hockey High School Nationals in Minnesota, where their State Champion Senior Varsity son will take the ice against top teams from around the country.Between gear talk, tournament tales, and more stick jokes than anyone asked for, it’s another episode proving that in youth hockey parenting, sometimes you just have to laugh… especially after buying another $300 stick. 🏒

This week on Pucked Up Parents, Michael and Angela dive headfirst into the wild world of youth hockey tournaments — where the games are early, the hotel hallways are loud, and somehow you leave with three new hoodies you absolutely did not budget for.They break down the mysterious forces behind tournaments — the event companies, third-party organizers, and sanctioning bodies like USA Hockey — and how all of them seem to have mastered the art of scheduling your first game at 6:10AM… across state lines. The duo unpacks how brackets are built, why tie-breakers feel like advanced calculus, and how you can go from first place in your pool to eliminated before lunch.Michael pitches his own “Pucked Up Parents Invitational” tournament concepts — which Angela immediately shuts them down based on how bad they are. The recap the weekend of MIchigan hockey and how they are gearing up for Kentucky State Hockey tournament next weekend. They discuss the tournament swag, gear, trophies, medals and banners that you get to take home along with a drawstring bag full of stuff that you will probably throw away.

Michael and Angela start off riding the high of recent Olympic hockey success — because nothing fuels delusion quite like watching elite athletes on TV make it look easy. Inspired by the big stage, they pivot into today’s topic: what actually happens after youth hockey?When your kid hits that 16–21 sweet spot, things get real. They break down the winding road beyond the local rink — from Juniors life (hello, billets)), to elite prep programs, to the dream (and price tag) of juniors & college hockey. They talk about how USA Hockey slices the country into districts and regions, and why geography suddenly matters way more than it did back in Mite house league.Michael and Angela unpack the rollercoaster of realizing your “hockey family” might soon be shipping your kid off to live with strangers in another state. It’s honest, slightly sarcastic, and just hopeful enough to keep everyone paying those hockey fees.Of course, it wouldn’t be Pucked Up Parents without a weekend recap. There were final home games, trips to Pittsburgh and a hotel stay that took a dark turn after Michael saw a TikTok about people washing underwear in coffee makers. Let’s just say… he’s officially sworn off in-room coffee forever. Angela has thoughts. From Olympic dreams to hotel hygiene nightmares, this episode is about chasing the next level — and surviving it as parents.

Michael and Angela lace up for the most stressful “non-season” season of all… youth hockey tryouts. Because nothing says spring flowers like roster anxiety for a season that doesn’t start until the leaves fall.They dive into the absurd timing of tryouts happening months before anyone’s sharpened a skate for real games. The rink rumor mill is already in playoff form: “I heard they already picked the top line.” “NHL Prospect from 2 towns over is gnna tryout.” If it’s whispered near a Zamboni, it must be true.Michael and Angela also tackle the ultimate parent torture device: tryouts that are completely off-limits to parents. No glass-banging. No pacing the bleachers. No lip-reading from the lobby. Just you, a stale coffee, and your imagination assuming your child forgot how to hockey.They take a playful jab at the “organization hoppers” — the families who treat youth hockey like free agency, switching rinks every year in search of greener ice and a coach who “really sees” their kid’s potential. Is it strategic? Is it chaotic? Is it just exhausting? Yes.And because humility builds character (apparently), Michael and Angela share their own war stories of when their kids absolutely tanked tryouts. The missed passes. The invisible shifts. Equal parts painful and priceless, those moments turned into lessons about resilience, perspective and being humble.It’s an episode about hope, hype, heartbreak, and the annual reminder that in youth hockey, everyone’s a scout, nobody’s calm, and somehow we all sign up to do it again next year

This week on Pucked Up Parents, Michael and Angela dive into the myth known as the “off-season.” Spoiler alert: there isn’t one.They break down the world of spring and summer hockey — from skill camps and power skating clinics to tournament teams that are “super laid back” but somehow still require a bit of travel. Is it development? Is it fun? Is it just one more ice slot? Yes.They also tackle the great multi-sport debate. Should hockey kids be playing other sports? (Yes.) Will they? Also yes — between ice times. The conversation covers gymnastics for balance, baseball for hand-eye coordination, golf for patience, and even laid-up fishing for mental recovery… because sometimes the best cross-training is sitting quietly on a creek bank.The duo recap a weekend of high-scoring games that had parents updating GameChanger like it’s the stock market. Michael is slightly under the weather but refuses to sit this one out — especially when it comes to his passionate rant against cowbells at youth hockey games.It’s a lighter, funnier look at spring and summer hockey — where the vibes are chill, the goals are plentiful, and the calendar is somehow still full.

This week, Michael and Angela dive headfirst into the slippery ice of making new hockey friends—because nothing screams bonding like awkward hotel lobbies and forced smiles at team dinners. They tackle how to pass the endless downtime between games, whether it’s surviving board games , watching other sports on a TV in a hotel lobby or quietly judging other parents. Along the way, they explore how youth hockey magically creates lifelong friendships—for kids and parents alike—and dissect the fascinating species of hockey parents: helicopter parents, the sports dad, mama bears, coaches, penalty box monitors , and the overcomplicated scoreboard operators. All this while recapping a weekend of pond hockey, a road trip to a miraculous rink with actual working heaters, and reconnecting with old teammates. Bring your skates, your sarcasm, and a flask—you’re going to need it!

In this episode, Michael and Angela try to decode the wild, confusing, heavy maze that is youth hockey levels. From Mites to Squirts, PeeWees to Bantams, and all the way up to U16s and U18s, they break down what each level actually means—plus all the mysterious sublevels that somehow make it even more complicated. Because apparently “just hockey” isn’t a thing.They also dive into the skill tiers—from house league chaos to AAA intensity—and explain what really changes between levels (hint: it’s not just skill… it’s stress, cost, and how far you get to travel on a weekend).And because karma is undefeated, they share a story from this past weekend where they completely ignored their own advice from Episode 8 about forgotten equipment—leading to a full-blown family meltdown and the ultimate sin: a forgotten jersey. Yes, the podcast hosts became the cautionary tale.It’s chaos. It’s parenting. It’s youth hockey.And it’s another perfectly on-brand episode of Pucked Up Parents 🏒😂

Angela and Michael are back—and they’re frozen solid. 🥶 In this episode, the Pucked Up Parents hosts tackle one of youth hockey’s greatest challenges: surviving the Arctic tundra known as the ice rink. From mastering the art of layering to debating heated vests, wool socks, mittens, and why nothing ever keeps your toes warm, they break down what actually works.They also call out the mysterious “rink heaters”—you know, the ones that exist in every building but are somehow never turned on—and share tips for braving outdoor rinks, where the cold doesn’t mess around and preparation is everything.Along the way, Angela introduces the legendary Walgreens Jockstrap of Shame, and Michael has a life-altering moment when he finally learns the difference between a beanie and a toboggan (spoiler: he’s been wrong for years).

On this episode of Pucked Up Parents, hosts Angela and Michael tackle one of the most inevitable parts of youth hockey life: forgotten, broken, or mysteriously missing gear. From skates left at home to sticks snapped in warmups, if it can go wrong on a hockey trip—it probably will.Angela shares a emergency goalie glove repair at an away tournament that proves lacrosse string, a needle, borrowed tools, and pure parental determination can save the day when panic is setting in. Together, Angela and Michael break down what to do when mishaps strike, offering practical tips like stay calm, assess the damage, make a plan, ask for help, and remember—YouTube is your best friend.Whether you’re a seasoned hockey parent or new to the chaos, this episode is a reminder that gear disasters happen to everyone, and surviving them is practically a rite of passage. Laugh, learn, and maybe double-check that bag before you leave the house. 🏒😅

Join Michael and Angela as they dive headfirst into the wonderfully sticky world of hockey tape! From the essentials—cloth tape and clear tape—to the art of taping your stick, your gear, and maybe even your sanity, they cover it all. They’ll break down hockey wax tricks, clever shortcuts (yes, even duct tape), and share tips and laughs that every youth hockey parent and player can relate to. Whether you’re a rookie parent trying to wrap a stick without it falling apart, or a seasoned veteran who thinks you’ve seen it all, this episode is packed with sticky stories, practical hacks, and a few laughs along the way. Get ready to tape it, wax it, and stick with it!

Angela and Michael lace up for one of the most relatable episodes yet as they dive headfirst into the wild world of youth hockey travel. From hotel hacks that save your sanity (and your sleep) to road-trip survival tips that keep the car from smelling like a locker room by mile 10, they cover it all. The duo breaks down what to pack (and what you’ll definitely forget), how to plan for those inevitable “oh no” emergency moments, and why preparation is the real MVP of any tournament weekend.They also tackle the ultimate boss level: flying with hockey gear. From oversized bags and airline surprises to protecting sticks, skates, and goalie gear, Angela and Michael share hard-earned lessons, practical advice, and a few laughs along the way. Whether you’re a seasoned travel team parent or gearing up for your first out-of-town tournament, this episode is packed with tips, stories, and reassurance that you’re not alone on the hockey highway—or in the hotel hallway at 6 a.m. 🏒✈️

Angela and Michael welcome fellow youth hockey parent Shawna to the show for a deep (and slightly stressful) dive into the world of goalie parenting. Shawna’s son, Chase, guards the crease as the goalie for his senior varsity team, and she shares what it’s really like raising the last line of defense.From Chase declaring himself a goalie at a very young age to the eye-watering cost of goalie gear, Shawna walks us through the unique journey that comes with the position no one else wants. The conversation hits on the familiar goalie-parent experiences: the phrases constantly yelled from the stands, the pressure of every single shot, and the emotional roller coaster that comes with knowing one mistake can change the entire game.If you’ve ever paced the rink during a breakaway, held your breath on a penalty shot, or wondered why your kid chose to get hit by pucks, this episode is for you. And while we cover a lot, we’ll be the first to admit—this conversation barely scratches the "ice" surface of what it truly means to be a goalie parent

Michael & Angela break down the mysterious world of youth hockey practice — where cones multiply, relay races feel oddly competitive, and kids skate endless circles while coaches shout things that sound important. They talk through how practices are actually run, from props and drills to full-tilt chaos, and what parents are supposed to be doing during all of it. Spoiler alert: Michael enjoys reading a book… and Angela perfects the art of sleeping in the car. Tips, laughs, and survival tactics for every hockey parent stuck at the rink on practice night.

Michael & Angela dive into the chaos of the weekend’s youth hockey adventures—starting with Michael’s epic misfire en route to the rink. Then it’s all things Mites as they unpack the wild world of 8U and 6U hockey: split rinks, pint-sized goals, goalie rotations, and the all-important post-game snack strategy. It’s unfiltered and straight from the trenches of youth hockey parenting.

Michael and Angela kick things off by breaking down the journey from Learn-to-Skate to full-blown hockey obsession. They recap a few highlights (and lowlights) from the weekend’s games, decode the mysterious phrases you constantly hear yelled around the rink, and introduce you to the wild, lovable cast of characters that will soon become your new Hockey Family. Lace up—this one’s a beauty!

Youth Hockey; why are we here? what are the rules? why the smell? how much is this costin' me?

Michael & Angela drop the puck on the very first episode of Pucked Up Parents—and immediately question every life choice that led them into youth hockey.They kick things off by attempting to decode the endless pieces of a hockey uniform. (Why does a child need more protective gear than a medieval knight? A cup for a girl is called a what? Why are the socks actually not socks?)From there, they take listeners on a tour of the rink spectrum—from the “crappiest of barns” with questionable smells and negative-12° locker rooms, to the rare, majestic “ice palaces” where the coffee is actually drinkable and the bathrooms don’t require hazmat suits.Finally, they dive into the eye-opening, wallet-opening, sleep-depriving world of youth hockey and how it’s completely transformed their lives. Spoiler: They wouldn’t have it any other way… probably.