In this episode of Pucked Up Parents, Michael and Angela sit down with Chris Holmes—a hockey dad, goalie dad, youth hockey coach, and the founder of Buffalo's Queen City Hockey Expo. Chris shares his journey into the hockey world, how his child unexpectedly became a goalie, and what inspired him to step behind the bench as a youth coach.

The conversation then shifts to a large hockey community off-ice event y as Chris tells the story behind the creation of the Queen City Hockey Expo. He explains how the idea came together, the challenges of building the event from the ground up, and what families, players, coaches, and hockey fans can expect when they attend this year's Expo on August 9, 2026. Whether you're looking for the latest gear, training resources, hockey connections, or just another excuse to spend a day surrounded by the game, this episode gives listeners an inside look at one of youth hockey's most exciting community events.

This episode of Pucked Up Parents, Michael and Angela kick things off with a recap of the latest hockey happenings, including their 12Us experience at summer hockey camp, the was it worth it story of how Angela managed to crack her phone screen because of hockey, and a listener's story that reminds us why maybe... just maybe... we should cut referees a little slack.

Then it's on to the main event: how youth hockey completely infiltrates every aspect of a parent's daily life. Before you know it, hockey isn't just a sport—it's become your measuring stick for everything. Hockey tape replaces duct tape, a hockey stick becomes the perfect tool for hiding and retrieving things from under the bed, and a spare helmet suddenly seems like appropriate protective equipment for unsafe household chores.

Michael and Angela dive into the unmistakable aroma of that permeates hockey away from the rink including garages that smell like a locker room to vehicles that need a pine tree gas station scented air freshner. They discuss how hockey influences major life decisions—like buying a vehicle based on equipment storage instead of gas mileage, skipping non-hockey events—and why years of stay-to-play hotels have necessitated VIP 5-star vacation hotels.

They also talk about how their closets and gift lists have been completely hijacked by hoodies, wool socks, team apparel, and hockey merchandise, proving that once hockey enters your life, there's no escaping it.

Throw in an excessive number of comments about the current scorching Cincinnati heat, far too many Clark Griswold references, and plenty of stories that every hockey parent will recognize, and you've got another episode that proves hockey isn't just something your kids play—it's a lifestyle that quietly takes over everything.

Hosts Michael and Angela venture into dangerous territory by inviting a real-life youth hockey referee, Jeremy, onto the show. That's right—the guy everyone yells at from the stands finally gets a chance to share his side of the story.

Jeremy shares his hockey journey, from player to official, and explains what led him to being a referee. He breaks down the different levels of officiating and what it takes to move up the referee ranks.

Of course, Michael and Angela don't let him off easy. They ask the hard-hitting questions every hockey parent secretly wants answered:

• Are referees secretly biased toward the home team?
• How embarrassing is it when you wipe out in front of a packed rink?
• Can refs actually hear everything parents yell from the stands?

• How do officials deal with rowdy parents, emotional coaches, and players who think every penalty is a conspiracy?

Jeremy gives an honest look behind the curtain at one of the toughest and most misunderstood jobs in youth sports. The conversation is funny, insightful, and may even convince a few listeners to think twice before screaming "ARE YOU KIDDING ME?" after every offside call.

Whether you've been tossed from a rink, sat next to that parent, or spent years blaming the refs for your team's losses, this episode shines a spotlight on the truly thankless, unsung heroes of youth hockey—the referee