🏒 What does it really mean to “grow the game” of hockey?
Is it getting more kids to pick up a stick? Building more elite teams? Selling out professional arenas? Or is the real work making sure that once a young player discovers hockey, they feel like they belong enough to stay?
On this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee Elias, Mike Bonelli, and Olympic gold medalist and PWHL Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra dig into what growing hockey actually looks like—from grassroots programs and community outreach to the small choices coaches, parents, organizations, and players can make every day.
Inspired by Lee’s recent experience helping introduce hockey to young players in Puerto Rico, the conversation explores why simply putting a stick in a kid’s hands isn’t enough. There needs to be a pathway forward.
🏒 In this episode, we discuss:
🌎 Why hockey can belong anywhere—from traditional rinks to Puerto Rico and beyond
🏒 The difference between expanding elite hockey and truly growing the grassroots game
📈 Why retention matters just as much as recruitment
💰 How cost, equipment, ice access, and early specialization can shrink the game
👧 How coaches can make girls feel like hockey players—not outsiders—on co-ed teams
🤝 Why welcoming a new family at the rink can have a bigger impact than you realize
⭐ How PWHL players and professional athletes inspire new players simply by being visible and accessible
🧒 Why older players helping younger teams can build stronger athletes, better people, and deeper organizational identity
❤️ How fun, belonging, community, and connection keep kids coming back
Hayley also shares what she sees when young girls encounter professional women’s hockey up close—including the story of a young player who started hockey after watching the Minnesota Frost play the Ottawa Charge in Raleigh.
And the message is simple: you do not need a national platform, professional title, or massive event to grow hockey.
A coach can invite younger players onto the ice.
An older team can help at a learn-to-play session.
A parent can introduce themselves to the new family standing alone at the rink.
A player can make sure the new kid gets the pass that leads to their first goal.
Those moments matter.
🎯 The challenge: Find one thing you, your team, or your organization can do this season to make hockey more welcoming, accessible, and fun for someone else.
And if you can, go watch a PWHL game—live or from home. Let the next generation see what is possible.
If this episode gets you thinking, share it with a coach, parent, player, or hockey leader who can help grow the game in their community.
📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Growing Girls Hockey Starts With Something Bigger Than Recruitment
Have a story about how you’re growing hockey where you live? Send it to team@ourkidsplayhockey.com and keep the conversation going.
#OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #WomensHockey #GrowTheGame #YouthHockey #PWHL #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaches #GirlsInSports #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyCommunity #WomenInSports
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