What the PUCK Do We DO?! is a podcast for parents navigating youth hockey — especially those new to the rink or unsure where to start.<br><br><br>Why is it so cold in here? Why are they playing across the ice? How does all this gear actually go on — and why are there so many kinds of tape?!<br><br><br>If you’ve found yourself asking questions like these, you’re not alone. Youth hockey can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re new to it and everyone else seems to know what’s going on.<br><br><br>Hosted by Danielle and Mike McDonough, the show blends decades of hockey experience (playing, coaching, and now parenting) with real-life conversations about what families actually face — from getting started on the ice, to gear and logistics, to understanding the game and navigating hockey culture. We’re also parents ourselves, juggling real life, busy schedules, and kids, and we bring that perspective into every conversation.<br><br><br>This podcast isn’t about rushing development or creating elite athletes. It’s about helping parents support their kids in a way that keeps hockey fun, healthy, and sustainable — without unnecessary pressure or overwhelm.<br><br><br>Whether you’re brand new to hockey or just trying to figure out what comes next, this show is here to make the journey feel a little less confusing — and a lot more manageable.<br>
What the Puck Do We Do?
Claim This Podcastby Danielle and Mike McDonough
Podcast Overview
What the PUCK Do We DO?! is a podcast for parents navigating youth hockey — especially those new to the rink or unsure where to start.<br><br><br>Why is it so cold in here? Why are they playing across the ice? How does all this gear actually go on — and why are there so many kinds of tape?!<br><br><br>If you’ve found yourself asking questions like these, you’re not alone. Youth hockey can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re new to it and everyone else seems to know what’s going on.<br><br><br>Hosted by Danielle and Mike McDonough, the show blends decades of hockey experience (playing, coaching, and now parenting) with real-life conversations about what families actually face — from getting started on the ice, to gear and logistics, to understanding the game and navigating hockey culture. We’re also parents ourselves, juggling real life, busy schedules, and kids, and we bring that perspective into every conversation.<br><br><br>This podcast isn’t about rushing development or creating elite athletes. It’s about helping parents support their kids in a way that keeps hockey fun, healthy, and sustainable — without unnecessary pressure or overwhelm.<br><br><br>Whether you’re brand new to hockey or just trying to figure out what comes next, this show is here to make the journey feel a little less confusing — and a lot more manageable.<br>
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
2/17/2026
1 verified contact email on file for What the Puck Do We Do?
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Recent Episodes
April 22, 2026
What Actually Makes Kids Better at Hockey
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you've been wondering whether your kid needs more practices, more private lessons, or more teams to actually get better at hockey — this episode might surprise you. Danielle and Mike get real about what actually drives development in young players, and the answer has a lot more to do with fun, passion, and unstructured play than it does with a packed schedule. From shooting pucks in the garage to setting up cones in the backyard without being asked, they share stories from their own childhoods that paint a pretty clear picture of how kids genuinely improve.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">They also talk about the science behind it — including age-appropriate practice guidelines that most parents have never heard of — and why kids under 10 probably shouldn't be doing more than one structured practice a week. There's also a powerful story about a player who didn't pick up a hockey stick until age 13 and went on to earn a college scholarship, proof that early specialization isn't the only path forward.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">This one's a good gut check for any parent who's starting to feel the pressure to do more, sign up for more, or push harder. Sometimes the best thing you can do is get out of the way, hand them a stick, and let them have fun.</span></p><p><br></p><h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Covered in This Episode:</strong></h2><p><br></p><ul><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Fun is the foundation</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;"> — when kids are genuinely enjoying the game, self-motivation follows naturally; you'll notice them practicing on their own without being asked</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Unstructured play matters more than you think</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;"> — street hockey, rollerblading, knee hockey, and backyard games all build real skills without a coach or a drill sheet in sight</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Age-appropriate practice guidelines</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;"> — research suggests kids under 10 should have no more than 60 minutes of structured practice per week; overloading young players leads to burnout fast</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Skating is the one thing parents say they wish they'd prioritized sooner</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;"> — survey responses from real hockey families pointed to skating as the most overlooked piece of early development</span></li><li><strong style="background-color: transparent;">Playing multiple sports builds better athletes</strong><span style="background-color: transparent;"> — cross-training develops coordination, different muscle groups, and mental resilience, and keeps the passion for any one sport alive longer</span></li></ul><p><br></p><h3><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We’d Love to Hear From You</strong></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have a question you’d like answered on the show?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Email us at: </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com</strong></p><p><br></p><h3><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Free Resource </strong></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you’re looking for a simple place to start, download our free </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> here:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">👉 https://www.ocppt.com/starter-guide</span></p><p><br></p><h3><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Connect With Danielle</strong></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Instagram: </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/danielle__mcdonough/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">@Danielle__McDonough</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Website: </span><a href="https://www.ocppt.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.ocppt.com</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Book: </span><a href="https://a.co/d/03XDDKPj" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">The Empowered Athlete</a></p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
April 15, 2026
The Culture of Youth Hockey (And the Stuff No One Tells You)
<p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">If you've spent any time around youth hockey, you've probably noticed that navigating the system can feel more complicated than the sport itself. In this episode, Danielle and Mike McDonough pull back the curtain on youth hockey culture — the good, the frustrating, and everything in between. From pre-tryout skates that function as unofficial tryouts, to coaches who favor the kids they privately train, they break it all down in a way that's honest, warm, and genuinely helpful for parents who are still finding their footing.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">One of the biggest themes this episode? Playing time — and why every kid deserves to be on the ice. Danielle and Mike share real stories about coaches shortening the bench, families spending thousands of dollars only to watch their child sit out entire games, and the very real toll that has on young players' confidence and love of the sport. Their message is clear: development and fun have to come first, no matter the level.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">But it's not all frustration — they also remind us why the hockey community can be so special, and share some encouraging signs that the culture may be starting to shift. Whether you're brand new to hockey or a few seasons in and feeling overwhelmed, this episode will help you feel more grounded, more informed, and a lot less alone.</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"><span class="ql-cursor"></span></span></p><h3><strong style="color: rgb(67, 67, 67); background-color: transparent;">What We Covered: </strong></h3><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">How tryout season works in youth hockey, including the rise of "pre-tryout skates" that often function as extended, unofficial evaluations — and why that can put newer families at a disadvantage</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">The growing business side of youth sports and how private coaching relationships can influence which kids get playing time, sometimes regardless of skill level</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Why every child deserves ice time — and the real developmental and emotional consequences when coaches don't play everyone, especially at younger ages</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">How to research coaches the same way you'd research a teacher or pediatrician, and what red flags to watch for when choosing a team or program</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">A reminder that less than 1% of youth athletes earn a college scholarship, and why keeping things fun and pressure-free is the approach most likely to serve your child long-term</span></li><li><br></li></ul><p><br></p><h3><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">We’d Love to Hear From You</strong></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Have a question you’d like answered on the show?</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Email us at: </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com</strong></p><p><br></p><h3><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Free Resource Section</strong></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">If you’re looking for a simple place to start, download our free </span><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes</strong><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;"> here:</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">👉 https://www.ocppt.com/starter-guide</span></p><p><br></p><h3><strong style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Connect With Danielle</strong></h3><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">For more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:</span></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Instagram: </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/danielle__mcdonough/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">@Danielle__McDonough</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Website: </span><a href="https://www.ocppt.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">www.ocppt.com</a></p><p><span style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0); background-color: transparent;">Book: </span><a href="https://a.co/d/03XDDKPj" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="color: rgb(17, 85, 204); background-color: transparent;">The Empowered Athlete</a></p>
April 8, 2026
The Hockey Parent Survival Guide
<p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">There are a few things every hockey parent learns quickly: your schedule revolves around ice time, your car starts to smell like gear, and you spend a lot more time at the rink than you ever expected. In this episode, we talk through the real-life side of youth hockey — the everyday experiences no one really warns you about, but every parent ends up navigating.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">From early morning practices to late-night ice slots, from freezing rinks to packing (and unpacking) gear, we walk through what this lifestyle actually looks like. We also share personal stories from our own playing and parenting experiences to help you feel more prepared for what’s ahead.</span></p><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">More importantly, we talk about how parents can support their athlete beyond logistics — especially when it comes to building independence, confidence, and self-reflection. Because while youth hockey can feel overwhelming at times, it also creates meaningful moments, lasting memories, and opportunities for growth for both athletes and families.</span></p><p><br></p><h2><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">What We Covered</strong></h2><p><br></p><ul><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">What to expect as a hockey parent (cold rinks, busy schedules, “rink life” realities)</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Managing unpredictable practice times, travel, and family routines</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">The importance of airing out and organizing hockey equipment</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Locker room dynamics, safety, and the role of parent supervision</span></li><li><span style="background-color: transparent;">Helping athletes build self-reflection skills instead of relying on constant external feedback</span></li></ul><p><br></p><h3><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">We’d Love to Hear From You</strong></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Have a question you’d like answered on the show?</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Email us at: </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">whatthepuckdowedo@gmail.com</strong></p><p><br></p><h3><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Free Resource</strong></h3><p><br></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">If you’re looking for a simple place to start, download our free </span><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Starter Guide for Parents of Young Athletes</strong><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"> </span><a href="https://www.ocppt.com/starter-guide" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">here</a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">👉 https://www.ocppt.com/starter-guide</span></p><p><br></p><h3><strong style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Connect With Danielle</strong></h3><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">For more mindset support for athletes and parents, you can connect with Danielle here:</span></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Instagram: </span><a href="https://www.instagram.com/danielle__mcdonough/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">@Danielle__McDonough</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Website: </span><a href="https://www.ocppt.com/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">www.ocppt.com</a></p><p><span style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);">Book: </span><a href="https://a.co/d/03XDDKPj" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank" style="background-color: transparent; color: rgb(17, 85, 204);">The Empowered Athlete</a></p><p><br></p>
13 total episodes available
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