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Episode Description
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 emotionaland often misunderstoodtopics 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 coachs 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 realizeThe difference between asking for ice time and asking how to improveHow body language and attitude affect a coachs decisionsWhy players must stay engaged even while sitting on the benchHow simple, dependable plays build trustWhy risky moves at the blue line can quickly reduce opportunitiesThe danger of measuring a players value only through goals and pointsHow coaches can communicate roles honestly and constructivelyWhy younger players should receive meaningful development opportunitiesHow parents can help players advocate for themselvesThe importance of controlling effort, attitude, preparation, and responseOne 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 developmentand the teamat the center of the game.#OurGirlsPlayHockey #GirlsHockey #WomensHockey #YouthHockey #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #IceTime #PlayerDevelopment #HockeyMindset #HockeyLeadership #TeamFirst #HayleyScamurra