🏒 Not getting enough ice time? Before blaming the coach, it may be time to ask a better question: What can I do to earn more trust?
In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Lee Elias and Olympic gold medalist and Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra tackle one of the most emotional—and often misunderstood—topics in youth hockey: ICE TIME.
Players naturally want to be on the ice. Parents want to see their children get opportunities. Coaches want to put their teams in the best position to succeed. But when frustration takes over, players can begin focusing on what they cannot control instead of recognizing the actions that may help them earn their next shift.
Hayley explains why effort, attitude, awareness, and being a supportive teammate can influence a coach’s trust far more than sulking on the bench or obsessing over points. She also shares how shifting her own focus away from scoring helped her enjoy the game again, contribute more consistently, and ultimately reach new heights in her professional and international career.
🔥 In this episode, Lee and Hayley discuss:
Why players sometimes receive more ice time than they realize
The difference between asking for ice time and asking how to improve
How body language and attitude affect a coach’s decisions
Why players must stay engaged even while sitting on the bench
How simple, dependable plays build trust
Why risky moves at the blue line can quickly reduce opportunities
The danger of measuring a player’s value only through goals and points
How coaches can communicate roles honestly and constructively
Why younger players should receive meaningful development opportunities
How parents can help players advocate for themselves
The importance of controlling effort, attitude, preparation, and response
One of the biggest lessons from the conversation is that earning ice time is not always about making the flashiest play. It may mean blocking a shot, clearing the defensive zone, supporting a teammate, protecting the front of the net, making the safe play at the blue line, or bringing energy to the bench.
For parents, this episode is also an important reminder to pause before immediately blaming the coach. Encourage your player to approach the situation with curiosity, accountability, and a willingness to hear constructive feedback.
For coaches, the message is equally clear: communicate honestly, recognize more than offensive production, and follow through when players make the improvements you asked them to make.
📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Not Getting Enough Ice Time? Focus on What You Can Control
🎧 Listen now for a thoughtful, honest conversation that can help players, parents, and coaches navigate ice-time frustrations while keeping development—and the team—at the center of the game.
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