Handling Big Feelings on the Ice: Advice for Young Hockey Players

Big Feelings Are Part of the Game

Every hockey player, from the youngest skater to the biggest pro, experiences big feelings. Maybe your team goes down 2–0 early. Maybe you miss a pass. Maybe you just don’t feel like yourself on the ice that day. The truth is, these moments happen to everyone. What matters most is how you handle them.

On this Ride to the Rink episode, PWHL stars Haley Scamurra and Gabbie Hughes joined Lee Elias to talk about strategies for managing emotions, staying grounded, and remembering why you play the game in the first place.

Tip #1: Take a Breath and Lean on Your Teammates

Haley reminded young players that emotions can settle quickly with a simple deep breath. Sometimes tapping a teammate and saying, “We’ve got this” can help reset the energy. Sharing nerves or worries with a teammate can also bring reassurance: you’re never alone out there.

Tip #2: Hype Others Up

Gabbie admitted that her big feelings often came from being too hard on herself about small mistakes. What helped? Watching teammates succeed and cheering them on. Encouraging others lifted her own energy and reminded her she wasn’t the only one making mistakes. As Haley added, Gabbie is the “ultimate hype girl” on the bench—and that positivity makes the whole team better.

Key reminder: It takes no skill to be a great teammate. Supporting others not only helps them, it often helps you reset too.

Tip #3: Ground Yourself in the Present

Big emotions can feel overwhelming, almost like a wave crashing over you. Gabbie shared her favorite grounding tricks:

• Count your fingers to reconnect with your body.

• Breathe deeply to calm down.

• Name what you’re feeling so you can handle it, rather than letting it build.

Lee pointed out that just noticing “Wow, I’m really angry right now” is already huge progress. Awareness is the first step.

Tip #4: Focus on One Small Goal

Haley offered a practical strategy for those days when nothing seems to click: pick one small thing you’re good at and focus on that. For her, it’s winning board battles. Once you succeed in one area, confidence builds and the rest of your game can follow.

Tip #5: Remember Why You Play

Perhaps the most powerful reminder came from Gabbie: “Never lose sight of why you’re going to the rink.” Whether it’s for friends, competition, or the pure joy of skating, hockey should always be fun. When emotions feel heavy, think about the bigger reason you love the game.

Key Takeaways for Players (and Parents)

• Big feelings are normal—every player has them.

• Breathe, ground yourself, and talk it out to reset in tough moments.

• Be a great teammate—cheering others lifts everyone up.

• Set small goals when you’re not at your best.

• Never forget the fun—hockey is a game, and joy is the reason we play.

Final Thoughts

Hockey will challenge you, frustrate you, and inspire you—sometimes all in the same shift. Learning how to manage emotions isn’t just about improving your game, it’s about building resilience for life. As Lee reminded kids, “Be where your skates are. Be present.”

So the next time you lace up for practice or a game, take a breath, support your teammates, and remind yourself: you’re here because you love it.

Want more? Subscribe to the Our Kids Play Hockey podcast and listen on your way to the rink for more quick lessons and motivation from hockey pros.