Vegas Rinkside Rundown
”Welcome to *Vegas Rinkside Rundown*, your go-to podcast for all things youth hockey—starting here in Las Vegas and going beyond the rink to cities across the country! We’re all about highlighting the rising stars, coaches, and organizations that are shaping the future of the game.” ”Hosted by Jim and Ron, each episode brings you in-depth interviews with players, coaches, and key figures in the youth hockey world. Whether we’re covering the latest action in Vegas or hitting the road to bring you stories from rinks nationwide, you’ll get an insider’s look at the talent and passion driving youth hockey today.” ”Let’s lace up and hit the ice—this is Vegas Rinkside Rundown!
Episodes

Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Thursday Apr 10, 2025
Join hosts Ron on the latest episode of Vegas Ringside Rundown as he delve into the intense and emotional world of youth hockey tryouts in Las Vegas. Accompanied by Ron's better half, Julie, they discuss the emotional roller-coaster faced by parents and kids alike during this nerve-wracking period. With firsthand experiences and anecdotes, the hosts explore the dynamics of selecting teams, the significance of finding the right coach, and the process of maintaining a positive outlook amidst uncertainty.
This episode focuses on the upcoming tryouts for various hockey organizations, including the Vegas Junior Golden Knights, Las Vegas Storm, and North Las Vegas Ice Warriors, along with high school teams like Bishop Gorman and Faith Lutheran. The hosts provide insights into the different team divisions, coaching figures, and schedules to help listeners navigate this challenging time.
Whether you're a seasoned hockey parent or new to the rink, Ron and Julie, offer valuable advice on managing expectations, supporting your child, and understanding that there are always opportunities beyond any single tryout. Tune in to gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication and community spirit that define Vegas youth hockey.
Hit us up at info@vegasrinkside.com
check out our website www.vegasrinkside.com

Friday Apr 04, 2025
Friday Apr 04, 2025
Join host Ron in an engaging episode of Vegas Ringside Rundown as they sit down with Gina Usufzy, the dynamic force behind the North Las Vegas Ice Warriors program. Discover Gina's remarkable journey from her role as the organization director to a passionate author of five children's books inspired by her son Maverick, a young hockey enthusiast.
Explore Gina's creative journey into literature with titles like 'Maverick Learns to Tie His Skates' and 'Alex the Goalie', each carrying heartfelt stories and valuable lessons for young readers. Learn how her books are resonating with both local and national audiences, and about her aspirations to develop animated stories to further engage children in hockey tales.
Gina also shares insights into her non-profit organization, Jake Kielb's Hockey Foundation, dedicated to supporting young athletes with scholarships and gear. Discover the profound impact Gina is making in the Vegas community, offering opportunities to aspiring hockey players and promoting the growth of the sport. Gina shares about her North Las Vegas Ice Warriors program as well!
Whether you're involved in the Las Vegas hockey scene, interested in children's literature, or passionate about community service, this episode offers compelling insights and inspiration through Gina's journey and vision for youth hockey and storytelling.
If you are interested in any of Gina's childerns books check it out here at www.maverickshockeyadventures.com
interested in donating or helping out her non profit Jake Kielb's Hockey Foundation go to Hockey for Kids
Also, want to check out our website go to www.vegasrinkside.com
want to get on the podcast go to info@vegasrinkside.com

Saturday Mar 22, 2025
Saturday Mar 22, 2025
Join Nate and Ron on the latest episode of Vegas Rinkside Rundown as they dive into the exhilarating world of youth hockey in Las Vegas. This episode celebrates the University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Rebels as ACHA National Champions, marking a historic moment for the team. With detailed insights into their triumphant journey and remarkable victory over Adrian College, listeners will get an inside look at the achievements of hometown heroes like Heath Mench.
In an exclusive interview, Nick Bressler, the captain of the Las Vegas Pirates, shares his journey in hockey, his inspirations, and what it means to lead a successful young team. From discussing his favorite players and personal growth to achievements in national tournaments, Nick offers a heartfelt glimpse into the passion driving the next generation of hockey stars.
The episode also covers upcoming tryouts, summer programs, and a wealth of opportunities for youth engagement on and off the ice, making it a must-listen for parents and aspiring players eager to navigate the vibrant Las Vegas hockey community.
Any questions email us info@vegasrinkside.com
Check out our website www.vegasrinkside.com

Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Sunday Mar 09, 2025
Join hosts Jim and Ron as they return for a lively episode of the Vegas Ringside Rundown, joined by former host Nathan Scully. Despite a short hiatus, the hosts dive into the vibrant world of youth hockey, exploring the latest developments over the last few weeks. With the season wrapping up, the playoffs for both local and travel teams are heating up, including the spotlight on the 10U teams battling for supremacy.
Celebrate the triumph of Bishop Gorman D1 in the state championships, set for nationals, alongside coverage of the 14U AA Vegas Junior Golden Knights, coached by Wally Lacroix, and their impressive recent matches.
Providing an overview of the competitive landscape, the conversation touches on the vital off-season strategies parents and young players should consider, emphasizing the importance of balancing technical training and diverse athletic endeavors. Tune in for key pointers on navigating summer opportunities and avoiding common pitfalls in youth hockey recruitment.
A comprehensive recap of local and national games, scores, and standout performances wraps up the episode, offering a deep dive into the ongoing action across various hockey leagues and the upbeat achievements of Vegas teams. Whether you're a player, parent, or hockey enthusiast, this episode is packed with essential insights just for you.
If you want to get on a podcast reach out to us at info@vegasrinkside.com
Check out our website www.vegasrinkside.com
Thank you for listening...

Monday Feb 24, 2025
Monday Feb 24, 2025
Join hosts Jim and Ron on this episode of Vegas Ringside Rundown as they sit down with the Larrison brothers, William and Cole, who are skating their way to Nationals. William, a defenseman for Bishop Gorman's 16 AA team, shares his experiences and strategies for returning to the national stage after a previous championship win with the Vegas Junior Golden Knights. Meanwhile, Cole, a first-time national contender and goalie for the 14 AA team, talks about his rigorous preparation and mindset that keeps him ready for action.
The episode dives into the brothers' individual strengths and challenges, their preparations and adjustments throughout the season, and how they handle high-pressure situations on the ice. With insights into team dynamics, personal growth, and the competitive spirit driving them forward, listeners get an inside view of what it takes to compete at a national level.
Whether you're a fellow athlete, a fan of the sport, or someone curious about the journey of talented young hockey players, this episode offers an engaging and informative glimpse into the passion and dedication fueling the Larrison brothers. Don't miss out on the tips and stories as these young athletes gear up for one of the biggest tournaments of their careers.
You want to be the next guest on the podcast email us info@vegasrinkside.com
Check out our website www.vegasrinkside.com
Check out the latest about Vegas High school hockey at https://www.nhl.com/goldenknights/news/vegas-golden-knights-unveil-vgk-high-school-hockey-league

Saturday Feb 15, 2025
Saturday Feb 15, 2025
Join hosts Ron and Nate as they take over this week's episode of Vegas Ringside Rundown, delving into the thrilling world of youth and high school hockey. With Jim away in Detroit, the spotlight shines on the 15U AAA kids battling for their championship at NAPL, showcasing an exciting overtime victory and the challenge ahead against the Philadelphia Hockey Club.
Highlights include an engaging discussion about the Vegas Golden Knights high school hockey league and the promising new format aimed at fostering local talent. With insights from Nathan Scully, listeners will explore the dynamics of organizing a league that encourages friendly city rivalries and offers young players a platform to develop their skills without extensive travel.
The podcast also unpacks results from recent tournaments, including the impressive performances at the Fargo Freeze Squirt International Tournament, where both Las Vegas Storm and Vegas Junior Golden Knights showcased their prowess, finishing strong in their respective brackets. Don't miss out on the discussions about upcoming high school matchups and the anticipated introduction of a sports psychologist on the show. Questions from listeners are welcome!
You can email us info@vegasrinkside.com
Check out our website www.vegasrinkside.com

Saturday Feb 08, 2025
Saturday Feb 08, 2025
In this exciting edition of Vegas Ringside Rundown, hosts Jim and Ron dive into thrilling updates from the local hockey scene. The episode kicks off with a heartfelt congratulations to the 14UAA Vegas Junior Golden Knights for their compelling state championship victory, which secured their spot in the national tournament. A small correction segment follows, maintaining transparency and accuracy for loyal listeners.
The highlight of this episode is the introduction of a brand new spring high school hockey league, an innovative venture formulated by a dedicated committee that includes Wally Lacroix, Nate Putek, and Tim Gooch. These influential figures join the discussion, providing in-depth insights into the planning and execution of this league, addressing ice availability challenges, and highlighting the envisioned progression of this league over the next decade. The format, rules, potential player base, and community involvement are thoroughly explored.
Geared towards both boys and girls in the local high school age bracket, this league promises to be a haven for young talent looking to hon their skills in a non-checking, skill-focused environment. With impressive jerseys and a robust game plan, the league aims to foster local sportsmanship and community spirit.
Any questions please send us an email: info@vegasrinkside.com
Check out our website www.vegasrinkside.com
Check out https://www.americafirstcenter.com/page/show/8881316-spring-vgk-hs-hl-24-hs-hl-

Monday Feb 03, 2025
Monday Feb 03, 2025
Join Jim and Ron in this action-packed episode of Vegas Ringside Rundown as they dive deep into the intense state championship clash between the Vegas Junior Golden Knights and the Storm. They provide a thorough play-by-play recount of the thrilling match, highlighting key plays and standout performances from both sides.
The hosts discuss the strategic decisions made by the coaching staff, player performances, and the intense atmosphere on the ice. Special attention is given to coaching dynamics, player substitutions, and the excitement surrounding the power plays and penalty kills.
In addition to the championship game, Jim and Ron share updates from other hockey events, including results from the Vegas youth teams competing in national tournaments and the impact of player development initiatives in the region. They also delve into the community's response to the recent charity efforts to support a local player, showcasing the powerful bond within the Vegas hockey scene.
Tune in for expert analysis, behind-the-scenes stories, and all the rinkside drama you won't want to miss!
If you have any questions or want to join the podcast hit us up at info@vegasrinkside.com
Check us out on FB, IG, and X at Vegasrinksiderundown

Saturday Jan 18, 2025
Saturday Jan 18, 2025
In this episode of Vegas Ringside Rundown, hosts Jim and Ron, along with guest Nate Scully, engage in an in-depth discussion about the current state and intricacies of youth hockey in Vegas and beyond. They revisit the ongoing conversation from the previous week, focusing on the importance of making the right team choices and the factors influencing them.
The episode offers insights into the latter half of the hockey season, discussing upcoming tournaments, including the Dixon Cup in Troy, Michigan, and the challenges teams face in gearing up for playoffs. Through an engaging dialogue, the hosts explore critical aspects such as the significance of ice time for young players, the necessity of a good relationship with coaches, and how early tryouts in Vegas could impact player development.
Listeners will also hear about the benefits and drawbacks of playing different sports during the off-season, advice from a Division I head of scouting on the importance of ice time over the level of competition, and reflections on past personal experiences from the hosts and their families.
In the latter part of the episode, the team touches on heartwarming stories of success and community support within the hockey community, including how parents and coaches can contribute to a better environment for youth players. The episode wraps with a heartfelt message about a young player’s fight against leukemia and how the local hockey community can support him and his family. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the youth hockey landscape in Las Vegas and learn how coaches, parents, and players can work together to foster growth and success in sports.
Any questions hit us up at info@vegasrinkside.com

Saturday Jan 11, 2025
Saturday Jan 11, 2025
In this exciting episode of Vegas Ringside Rundown, hosts Jim and Ron kick off the new year with vibrant discussions and special guest Nathan Scully. The episode dives into Vegas hockey's old-school charm, discussions about local youth teams, and the ongoing challenges they face.
Listeners will learn about UNLV's monumental victory over Denver University, which is hailed as one of the biggest upsets in college hockey history. The episode explores what this means for the UNLV program and the potential ripple effects on future recruits and the move towards establishing a Division 1 team.
Jim, Ron, and Nathan also discuss the dynamics between Vegas youth hockey teams like VGK and the Storm, emphasizing the importance of inter-team matchups and the potential hurdles of organizational pride. They encourage more cross-town games and practices to benefit player development and community spirit.
As always, the episode includes 'Across the Ice,' where they cover scores and highlights from recent games including youth teams, Reno Ice performances, and Faith's journey in the California League. Dive into this episode for a comprehensive overview of Vegas hockey at all levels, from grassroots to college stardom.
You want to get on the podcast or talk with us? Email info@vegasrinkside.com
Check out our website www.vegasrinkside.com
Hit us up on X, Facebook Group page, Instagram @Vegasrinksiderundown