Episode Details
Back to EpisodesTournament Turmoil: The Real Cost of Youth Hockey Tournaments
Description
💸 Ever felt like youth hockey tournaments are taking you for a ride? You’re not alone. This week, Lee Elias, Christie Casciano-Burns, and Mike Bonelli go full “60 Minutes” mode to uncover the real cost of tournaments — from mandatory hotel stays and inflated fees to the emotional tug-of-war parents face when trying to give their kids unforgettable hockey experiences.
🏒 In This Eye-Opening Episode:
- The “stay-to-play” trap that forces families to book overpriced hotels
- Why some tournaments have lost their purpose — and what good ones still get right
- How fundraising and affordability are dividing teams
- When to say “no” to a tournament — and how to push back as a community
- Innovative ideas to rethink tournaments entirely, from skill weekends to balanced, developmental events
💬 Whether you’re a seasoned hockey parent or just entering the travel circuit, this is a must-listen conversation that pulls no punches — but offers plenty of hope (and humor) for a better path forward.
👉 Got thoughts on this? Email us at team@ourkidsplayhockey.com
— we might feature your perspective in a future episode.
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!
đź“– Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Tournament Turmoil: The Hidden Costs of Youth Hockey and How Families Can Take Back Control
#YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyLife #TournamentTravel #StayToPlay #HockeyCommunity #OurKidsPlayHockey
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