Welcome back to "Our Kids Play Hockey"! In this enlightening episode, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Christie Casciano Burns dive deep into the essential skill of passing in youth hockey. Inspired by a letter from a coach in Norway, our hosts engage in a lively discussion, shedding light on the significance of passing, teamwork, and the development of hockey IQ at the youth level.Key Highlights:The Importance of Passing: Explore the critical role passing plays in developing young athletes' hockey sense and skills. Understand why fostering a culture of teamwork and selflessness is crucial for the game's growth.Disagreements and Learning: Witness a dynamic debate among the hosts, offering diverse perspectives on coaching strategies, the balance between individual talent and teamwork, and the best approaches to cultivate passing skills in young players.Practical Coaching Tips: Gain valuable insights into effective coaching techniques for encouraging passing, including creative drills and the importance of explaining the 'why' behind each skill taught.Parental Support: Discover the vital role parents play in reinforcing the values of teamwork and passing, ensuring their children understand the importance of being well-rounded players.Expert Opinions: Benefit from the hosts' years of experience in coaching and sports education, as they share personal anecdotes and professional advice on nurturing youth hockey talent.Episode Insights:Passing Over Scoring: Learn why focusing on passing can lead to more significant success on the ice than emphasizing individual scoring.Cultivating Awareness: Understand the need for teaching young players to be aware of their surroundings, making them better at both giving and receiving passes.The Role of Games in Learning: Discuss the effectiveness of games and structured environments in teaching passing and teamwork compared to traditional drills.The Big Picture: Embrace the concept that developing passing skills and hockey IQ at a young age sets the foundation for future success in hockey and team sports in general.Final Thoughts:This episode of "Our Kids Play Hockey" is a must-listen for coaches, parents, and anyone involved in youth sports. By focusing on the art of passing, we're reminded of the beauty of hockey as a team sport and the importance of cultivating skills that elevate not just individual players but the entire team.Our Kids Play Hockey is powered by NHL Sense Arena!NHL Sense Arena, is a virtual reality training game designed specifically to improve hockey sense and IQ for both players and goalies. Experience the next generation of off-ice training in VR with over 100+ drills and training plans curated from top coaches and players.Use Code "HockeyNeverStops" at Hockey.SenseArena.com to score $50 off an annual plan!