What the Puck Do We Do? artwork

Hockey · Danielle and Mike McDonough

What the Puck Do We Do?

by Danielle and Mike McDonough

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.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?!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.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.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.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.

Latest episodes

Showing 13 · updated from the feed

What Actually Makes Kids Better at Hockey

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. Da

Apr 22
28 min

The Culture of Youth Hockey (And the Stuff No One Tells You)

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, Daniell

Apr 15
33 min

The Hockey Parent Survival Guide

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 th

Apr 8
26 min

House Versus Travel Hockey: Understanding the Youth Hockey Pathway

If you've ever heard someone throw around terms like "house hockey," "travel team," or "club" and had absolutely no idea what they meant — this episode is for you.  Dani

Apr 1
25 min

Skates & Sharpening: Why Your Kid Suddenly Looks Worse

In this episode, Danielle and Mike tackle one of the most confusing parts of getting started in youth hockey: skates and sharpening. If your child looked great on the ice

Mar 25
39 min

When Adults Lose Control at Youth Sports Games

In this episode, Danielle shares a powerful story from her son’s recent 8U soccer game that quickly spiraled out of control when adults on the sidelines began arguing and

Mar 18
10 min

Understanding the Game: Positions, Faceoffs, and What’s Actually Happening Out There

Ever find yourself sitting in the stands wondering what’s actually happening on the ice? In this episode, we break down the basics of hockey positions, how shifts work,

Mar 11
32 min

BONUS: Historic USA Gold — Olympic Hockey Overtime, Power Plays & Key Moments Explained

The U.S. just made hockey history. For the first time in Olympic history, both the U.S. men’s and women’s teams won gold at the same Games. And for the men, this is the

Feb 27
50 min

Locker Rooms, Safety, and Early Practices: What No One Explains About Youth Hockey

The first few hockey practices can feel chaotic — cold rinks, complicated gear, locker rooms, and safety concerns all at once. In this episode, we talk about the practic

Feb 27
30 min

Hockey Gear for Beginners: What You Need, What You Don’t, and How to Get Them Dressed

If hockey gear has you overwhelmed, you’re not alone. In this episode of What the PUCK… Do We DO?!, Danielle and Mike break down what beginner hockey players actually nee

Feb 27
50 min

Intro to Hockey Programs: In-House, Rec, or Travel — Where Do You Start?

Once skating feels comfortable, what comes next? In this episode of What the PUCK… Do We DO?!, Danielle and Mike break down beginner hockey programs and explain the diff

Feb 27
40 min

So You Wanna Play Hockey, Eh? What to Know Before Hockey Becomes Hockey

Thinking about getting started in hockey but not sure where to begin? In this episode of What the PUCK… Do We DO?!, Danielle and Mike break down what actually matters be

Feb 27
44 min

What the PUCK… Do We DO?!

Hockey can feel overwhelming when you’re new to it — whether you’re a parent navigating the rink for the first time, or an adult discovering the sport and wanting to try

Feb 17
1 min

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