Be the Teammate Everyone Remembers: Lessons from Taylor Heise & Hayley Scamurra

The Secret to Being a Great Teammate: Lessons from Taylor Heise

When we think about great hockey players, we often picture highlight-reel goals, big saves, or championship wins. But as USA Hockey’s Taylor Heise reminds us, the real measure of greatness isn’t just about what happens on the ice—it’s about the kind of teammate and person you choose to be.

In a recent episode of Ride to the Rink, Taylor joined Lee MJ Elias and Haley Scamurra to share her perspective on what it means to truly support your teammates and why surrounding yourself with the right people makes all the difference in hockey and in life.

Why Being a Good Person Matters More Than Stats

Taylor began by reflecting on a moment from her youth when she met a “star” athlete she had looked up to—only to walk away disappointed by their attitude. That experience shaped how she approaches her own career:

“I want to be someone that you’re excited to meet, but also someone you want to talk to again.” – Taylor Heise

For Taylor, success and character go hand in hand. Whether she’s performing at her best or struggling on the ice, her goal is to always show up as a good teammate. If she’s not scoring, she wants to be the first to cheer for someone else who does.

The Two Teammates Every Kid Remembers

Taylor used a simple but powerful comparison from her youth hockey days:

•One linemate had incredible skill but was difficult to be around and resistant to feedback.

•Another linemate wasn’t the most talented but worked hard, showed up with positivity, and believed in her teammates.

Guess which one left the lasting impact?

The lesson for young players is clear: people won’t always remember how many goals you scored, but they will remember how you made them feel.

The Balance of Support and Challenge

Both Taylor and Lee emphasized that growth comes from having people in your life who not only lift you up but also challenge you to be better.

•Encouragement matters. A simple “Great move!” or “That goal was awesome!” can boost a teammate’s confidence instantly.

•Honest feedback matters too. Sometimes the best teammates are the ones who aren’t afraid to call you out when you’re not giving your best effort.

As Lee pointed out:

“If you’re just surrounded by people who tell you how great you are, it doesn’t leave too much room for growth.”

Parents play a role here as well. Taylor shared how her mom offered unconditional support, while her dad provided tough, hockey-focused feedback. That balance—the “yin and yang”—helped her develop both confidence and resilience.

A Challenge for Players (and Parents)

Taylor left kids with a powerful reminder: you become like the people you spend the most time with. Surround yourself with teammates, friends, and mentors who care about you, challenge you, and want to see you grow.

And parents—don’t underestimate the impact of a simple, genuine message like:

“I love watching you play.”

Even if it wasn’t their best game, that encouragement matters more than you might think.

Key Takeaways

•Being a great teammate is more important than being the most skilled player.

•Surround yourself with people who both encourage you and challenge you.

•Confidence grows when teammates lift each other up.

•Parents can provide balance by being both supportive and honest.

•The way you treat others will always outlast the stats on the scoresheet.

Final Word

Hockey teaches us far more than just how to skate, pass, or shoot. It teaches us how to be part of a team, how to handle both success and failure, and—most importantly—how to treat others. As Taylor Heise put it, when the game is taken away, what really matters is being a good human.

So whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, remember this: you don’t need any hockey skills to be a great teammate. That’s something every one of us can bring to the rink.