From Dreamer to Olympian: What Young Players Can Learn from Hayley Scamurra’s Hockey Journey

Every young hockey player starts somewhere — usually with skates that feel too big, a jersey that hangs a little too long, and a simple love for the game.

In this special Our Girls Play Hockey Mailbag episode, Olympic and professional hockey player Hayley Scamurra takes listeners inside her journey, answering questions submitted by kids as young as eight years old. The result is a powerful reminder that elite hockey paths aren’t built on perfection — they’re built on presence, resilience, and growth.

This episode isn’t just about making it to the top. It’s about how you travel the road to get there.

It Starts With Fun — Not Pressure

One of the first questions came from a 9-year-old: How did you go from being my age to becoming a pro?

Hayley’s answer was simple — and refreshing.

At nine years old, she wasn’t grinding every day with Olympic pressure on her shoulders. She was playing boys hockey, her dad was coaching, and she was having fun. Yes, she wrote down a dream of becoming an Olympian — but she didn’t let that dream steal her joy in the present moment.

Big takeaway for families:
Dreams are important. But the work for those dreams happens right now — in enjoying practices, being with teammates, and loving the game.

The Mental Game Is the Separator

When asked what separates good players from great ones, Hayley didn’t talk about scoring goals or skating speed.

She talked about:

• Resilience

• Adaptability

• Hockey IQ

• Relentless work ethic

At elite levels, everyone is skilled. What separates players is what happens between the ears.

This is especially important for young athletes who believe mistakes are failures. Hayley shared that one of the biggest habits she had to unlearn was trying to be perfect — playing safe instead of playing free.

“Hockey is a game of mistakes. That’s how chances are created.”

Learning to accept mistakes, recover quickly, and keep playing aggressively became a turning point in her development.

Be Present Where Your Skates Are

A powerful theme throughout the conversation was being present.

Hayley didn’t make Team USA overnight. There were nearly nine years between her first USA camp invitation and becoming a regular roster player. Instead of constantly chasing the next level, she learned to focus on being the best player she could be for the team she was on.

That shift removed pressure — and ironically, helped her reach her goals faster.

For young players:
You don’t need to rush the ladder. College hockey, youth hockey, high school hockey — all of it matters. Enjoy where you are.

Roles Matter More Than Recognition

Another key lesson from the mailbag: every team needs different roles.

Hayley’s success didn’t come from trying to be everything. She leaned into what made her valuable — physicality, intensity, energy, and passion. Coaches noticed because she consistently brought something others didn’t.

Great players don’t chase titles or letters. They earn trust by doing their job relentlessly.

You’re More Than a Hockey Player

Even at the pro level, identity matters.

Hayley shared how she stays grounded by investing in life outside the rink — spending time with family, exploring new cities, doing puzzles, and staying connected to who she is beyond hockey.

That balance allows her to show up more fully as a hockey player.

And when it’s time to compete? The switch flips. Equipment goes on. First contact gets made. The competitive alter ego shows up — all in service of the team.

What This Episode Really Teaches Us

This mailbag wasn’t just about hockey mechanics. It was about:

• Trusting the process

• Letting go of perfection

• Supporting teammates

• Staying curious

• Playing with freedom

• Growing as both a player and a person

For young girls chasing big dreams — and for parents guiding them — this episode offers reassurance that there is no single path, no perfect timeline, and no shortcut that replaces joy, effort, and resilience.

🎧 Mailbag Part 2, coming soon, dives into life as a professional player and the evolution of women’s hockey — including the impact of the PWHL.

Until then, keep asking questions, keep learning, and most importantly — keep loving the game.

See you at the rink. 🏒💙