The Zebras welcome longtime friend GREG SIMEONE to the show for a great discussion about his new book series that focuses on youth sports, including hockey. Greg grew up loving the game of hockey and had a long career including a New Jersey Devils NHL training camp and a three-year career in professional hockey. Greg also coached and mentored young athletes across multiple sports, including several who went on to play in the NCAA, ECHL, AHL, and NHL. He always had the same message: play for the love of it, and the rest takes care of itself.

As a father, coach, businessman, and lifelong sports enthusiast, Greg saw how much pressure can take away from the joy kids should experience while playing youth sports. That realization inspired him to write children's books focused on friendship, confidence, laughter, and simply loving the game.

I Just Want to Play is Greg's first children's book — and the start of a series built to help kids dream big, play hard, and never lose the magic of being a child. Greg has a great message and hopes all parents will stop and take a moment to remember sports should fun to play, not full of pressure to perform and win. Adults need to do better. Kids need to have fun.

Get more information about the books at https://simmerbooks.com/

A special thanks to the Lodge Bar and Grill in Randolph, MA for allowing us to tape in their awesome restaurant. A huge shout out to the owners Jimmy, Dave and Steve Rooney. Check them out at https://thelodgebarandgrill.com/

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