Inside a Day in the Life of a Pro Hockey Player and Olympian: Hayley Scamurra’s Journey

The Grind Behind the Glamour

When you picture a professional hockey player and Olympian, you might imagine big games, big moments, and the thrill of competition. But what’s life really like at the highest level?
In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee Elias sits down with Team USA forward and PWHL Montreal star Hayley Scamurra to walk us through a year that’s equal parts demanding, unpredictable, and inspiring.

Spoiler: youth hockey parents, your kids’ schedules might not be that crazy in comparison.

A Season Like No Other

This year marks uncharted territory in women’s hockey—a fully established professional league (PWHL) running side-by-side with Olympic preparations. For Hayley, that means:

• Monthly Team USA Camps & Games: August through January is filled with evaluation camps and the USA–Canada Rivalry Series.

• PWHL Training Camp & Season: Montreal’s pro season begins right after November’s Rivalry Series.

• The Olympic Push: February means the ultimate goal—competing for gold.

It’s a six-month sprint with no real breaks, and each month comes with travel, high-stakes competition, and the constant challenge of performing at your best.

A Typical Day at Team USA Camp

While the actual schedules are private, Hayley paints the picture:

1. Morning: Video session breaking down systems, skills, or NHL clips.

2. On-Ice Practice: With warm-ups, high-intensity drills, and constant evaluation.

3. Treatment & Recovery: Massage therapy, chiropractic care, athletic training.

4. Meals & Nutrition: A dining hall setup—think clean proteins, veggies, and yes, an omelette station.

5. Evening Meetings: Sports psychology, nutrition education, and drug-testing protocols.

It’s structured, it’s repetitive, and it’s designed to prepare athletes for Olympic-level intensity.

The Mental Game

With so many talented players competing for only 23 roster spots, separating yourself isn’t about being the flashiest—it’s about:

• Knowing your role and excelling at it.

• Staying present and focusing on what you bring to the team.

• Managing energy—this is a marathon, not a sprint.

• Giving 100% of what you have on any given day, even if you’re not at your peak.

Navigating the New Landscape

For the first time, pro league and Olympic schedules have to coexist. Players might face teammates in PWHL games one night and line up beside them in a USA jersey the next. That requires mental compartmentalization—a pro’s ability to “flip the switch” and compete no matter the sweater they’re wearing.

The Personal Side: Trades, Free Agency, and Transitions

Hayley shares the emotional rollercoaster of being traded mid-season—shock, sadness, and then the adjustment to a new team within 48 hours.
She also describes the excitement of free agency, where multiple teams pursued her, validating her skills and leadership despite a tough prior season.

Staying Fresh & Finding Joy

Even in a dream career, there are days you don’t feel like lacing up. Hayley’s strategies for longevity include:

• Listening to her body and resting when needed.

• Mixing up training with tools like VR reaction drills.

• Enjoying small joys—like ice cream in Lake Placid.

• Taking time outside the rink to recharge.

Lessons for Young Players and Parents

Hayley’s season may be unique, but her approach offers universal takeaways:

• Embrace Your Role: Coaches value reliability as much as highlight-reel plays.

• Build Mental Resilience: Focus on what you control, not what others do.

• Prioritize Recovery: Rest is part of training.

• Look for the Positives: Even tough changes, like trades, can bring new opportunities.

Looking Ahead

For Hayley, the dream is clear—an Olympic gold medal and a Walter Cup with Montreal in the same year. And while the schedule is grueling, she’s approaching it with determination, perspective, and joy.

Closing Note:
Whether you’re a youth player, a parent, or just a fan of the game, Hayley’s story is a masterclass in dedication, adaptability, and mental toughness. If you want to see what it really takes to succeed at the highest level, this season will be one to watch.