Our Top-5 Guests Championing Girls in Youth Hockey & How They’re Shaping the Game’s Future

As part of our 400th episode celebration at Our Kids Play Hockey, we’re shining a spotlight on the best of our Girls Play Hockey series—a show within our network that uplifts women in the game through powerful stories, candid advice, and motivational insight.

This special episode marks a new beginning, too, as we welcomed Team USA Olympian and PWHL star Hayley Scamurra as our new co-host. With firsthand experience on the ice and a passion for mentoring the next generation, Hayley’s voice adds a fresh, authentic perspective to our show.

Let’s dive into five standout episodes that not only made an impact on us, but continue to resonate with players, parents, and coaches alike.

1. Mental Toughness and Olympic Gold – Brianna Decker

Brianna Decker’s story is the gold standard—literally. A Team USA legend, Brianna shared her journey from Olympic disappointment in 2014 to triumph in 2018. Her episode goes beyond the medals, highlighting how mental training and consistency—not just flashy skills—build champions.

Key Takeaway: Effort and hockey IQ matter more than raw skill. Brianna looks for competitors who outwork others and think the game deeply. Talent evolves, but work ethic is non-negotiable.

2. When to Transition from Boys to Girls Hockey – Megan Bozek

Bozek’s honest account of switching from boys’ to girls’ hockey in eighth grade offers clarity for players and families navigating this common dilemma. Her advice? It’s different for everyone. Pay attention to how your child feels—physically, emotionally, and socially.

Key Takeaway: Open communication with parents and coaches is crucial. Transitions are personal, and Bozek encourages families to prioritize fit and development over comparison.

3. Breaking the Mental Health Stigma – Kendra Fisher

In one of our most raw and courageous conversations, former Team Canada goaltender Kendra Fisher opened up about walking away from the national team due to anxiety and panic disorder. Today, she’s a fierce advocate for emotional wellness in sport.

Key Takeaway: Mental fitness is as important as physical training. Great athletes are great people first, and recognizing this helps create more resilient, complete players.

4. Finding Joy in the Grind – Katie Million

As the GM of USA Hockey’s women’s program, Katie Million knows what it takes to build Olympians. Her message blends toughness with tenderness: success demands sacrifice, but joy and team bonding must remain central to the experience.

Key Takeaway: Sustainable growth comes from balancing discipline with fun. Creating a culture that celebrates hard work and camaraderie is key to long-term success.

5. From College to Pro – Hayley Scamurra’s Journey

Before officially joining the podcast team, Hayley Scamurra sat down to discuss her own path—from college standout to PWHL pro. She emphasized the importance of trusting your own timeline and embracing every stage, no matter how uncertain.

Key Takeaway: Don’t compare your journey to others. Whether you're a veteran or rookie, staying present and focusing on personal growth leads to greater fulfillment—and success.

A Celebration and a Call to Action

These five episodes are more than podcast content—they’re roadmaps for building better players, teammates, and humans. Whether your daughter is new to hockey or dreaming of Team USA, there’s wisdom here for every step of the journey.

Want to dive deeper? Revisit these episodes and subscribe to Our Kids Play Hockey to hear from more inspiring voices in the girls’ and women’s game. And stay tuned—Hayley Scamurra is just getting started as our new co-host!