🧠 What separates a talented hockey player from one a coach trusts in every situation?
Skills may create highlight-reel moments, but hockey IQ influences nearly every second of the game—with or without the puck.
In this episode of Our Girls Play Hockey, Team USA gold medalist and PWHL Walter Cup champion Hayley Scamurra joins Lee Elias for an important conversation about hockey IQ, skill development, anticipation, timing, and learning to see the game before the play unfolds.
Hayley explains why she would choose a player with elite hockey IQ and average skills over one with elite skills and average hockey IQ. She also shares how her understanding of the game helped her adapt to different positions, play with different linemates, thrive on the penalty kill, and become the kind of versatile player coaches can use in almost any situation.
🏒 In this episode, you’ll learn:
- Why hockey IQ is more than simply “knowing the game”
- The difference between reacting to a play and anticipating it
- Why watching complete plays is more valuable than only watching highlights
- How timing can be more important than speed around the net
- Why disrupting a play can be just as valuable as scoring
- How playing other sports can improve spacing, awareness, and decision-making
- Why young players should learn to embrace different roles
- How coaches can build hockey IQ by asking better questions
- What “go hunting” and “go smart” can teach developing players
- Why communication is one of the most valuable—and overlooked—hockey skills
Hayley also reflects on her development from a young penalty killer and forechecker to a top-line player, center, Olympian, and dependable utility player. Her story is a reminder that a player’s value is not defined only by goals, assists, or flashy puck skills.
For players: Stay curious, ask questions, watch the entire play, and learn what happens away from the puck.
For coaches and parents: Instead of immediately telling a player what went wrong, ask, “What did you see?” or “What other options were available?”
Those conversations may be where hockey IQ truly begins.
📖 Want a written version you can reference anytime? Check out our companion blog: Why Hockey IQ May Be a Young Player’s Most Important Skill
🎧 Listen now and share this episode with a player, parent, or coach who wants to understand the game at a deeper level.
This episode is powered by NHL Sense Arena.
Have a question for Hayley or the Our Girls Play Hockey team?
Email team@ourkidsplayhockey.com.
#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyIQ #GirlsHockey #WomensHockey #YouthHockey #HayleyScamurra #TeamUSA #PWHL #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #GameSense
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