Inside the Olympic Experience with Hayley Scamurra (Part 1)

For many hockey players growing up, the Olympic dream feels almost mythical.

The bright lights. The national pride. The gold medal game.

But what does that experience actually feel like for the athletes living it?

In this special listener Q&A episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Olympic gold medalist Hayley Scamurra joins Lee Elias to answer questions from fans, players, and families about life at the Olympics. From stepping onto the ice in the gold medal game to hanging out with fellow Olympians in the Village, Hayley offers a rare look behind the scenes of one of the biggest stages in sports.

And as she shares throughout the episode, the experience is just as meaningful off the ice as it is on it.

The Moment the Olympics Became Real

For many athletes, the opening ceremony is the moment when the Olympics truly sink in.

But for Hayley, this time around it happened somewhere else entirely.

The difference?

Fans.

Unlike the 2022 Olympics, where COVID restrictions meant empty arenas, the most recent Games brought the crowd energy back in full force.

When Hayley stepped onto the ice for the first game and saw fans filling the stands, the magnitude of the moment finally hit.

Suddenly, it wasn’t just another hockey game.

It was the Olympics.

And that energy helped fuel the entire tournament.

The Gold Medal Game Mindset

One of the most fascinating insights Hayley shares is how calm she felt leading up to the gold medal game.

After a lifetime of preparation, the moment didn’t feel overwhelming — it felt earned.

Instead of nerves, there was confidence.

Hayley explained that once the puck dropped, the focus shifted to the basics:

• Keep things simple

• Play your game

• Trust the preparation

That mentality allowed the team to settle in quickly and perform under the pressure of the biggest game in the sport.

As Lee points out during the episode, moments like these are the culmination of years — even decades — of work.

The PWHL Is Changing the Olympic Game

Another major topic in the episode is the impact of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).

According to Hayley, the difference in the level of international competition is undeniable.

Players from around the world are now competing against each other professionally throughout the season, which means:

• Faster games

• More physical play

• Higher skill levels

• Better overall competition

The Olympics are no longer just a showcase of talent — they’re the result of a year-round professional ecosystem that continues to elevate the women’s game.

And perhaps most importantly, the visibility of the league means fans can continue watching these players after the Olympics end.

Life Inside the Olympic Village

For fans watching from home, the Olympic Village often feels mysterious.

What’s it actually like?

Hayley describes it as something like college for elite athletes — a place where the best competitors in the world all live together during the Games.

Everywhere you look, there’s someone at the very top of their sport.

Beyond the competition, the Village also includes experiences designed to help athletes relax and enjoy the moment:

• Meditation and mindfulness centers

• Sponsor lounges and interactive spaces

• Pin trading with athletes from around the world

• Opportunities to meet other Olympians

It’s an environment unlike anything most athletes will ever experience again.

The Unexpected Olympic Moments

Some of the most memorable parts of the Olympics happen away from the rink.

For Hayley, that included meeting some unexpected guests.

During the Games she crossed paths with:

• Snoop Dogg

• Jason and Kylie Kelce

• Athletes from dozens of other sports

In one unforgettable moment, Hayley and her teammates even ended up at a celebration where Snoop Dogg performed live.

Not a bad way to celebrate an Olympic gold medal.

Inspiring the Next Generation

One of the most powerful moments in the episode comes when Hayley describes returning home after the Olympics.

At appearances and games, young girls approached her — many with tears in their eyes — sharing how much the team’s victory meant to them.

That’s when the impact of the moment truly hit.

The gold medal wasn’t just about winning.

It was about showing young girls that their dreams in hockey are possible.

And for many of those players watching, the path to the Olympics now feels clearer than ever.

Advice for Girls Who Dream of the PWHL

When asked what advice she would give a young goalie dreaming of playing professionally, Hayley’s answer was simple but powerful.

Keep it fun.

Every player’s path in hockey is different. What matters most is maintaining a love for the game and putting in the work along the way.

Because in the end, passion and dedication tend to find their way to opportunity.

The Story Continues in Part 2

This conversation is just the beginning.

In Part 2 of the Olympic Q&A, Hayley answers even more questions from the Our Girls Play Hockey community — diving deeper into the tournament, the future of the women’s game, and what comes next.

If you care about the growth of girls’ hockey, it’s a conversation you won’t want to miss.

🎧 Be sure to follow Our Girls Play Hockey so you don’t miss the next episode.

And as always — keep playing, keep dreaming, and keep growing the game. 🏒