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.