Our Girls Play Hockey: The Hockey IQ Habits Every Young Player Can Build

🧠 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 itWhy watching complete plays is more valuable than only watching highlightsHow timing can be more important than speed around the netWhy disrupting a play can be just as valuable as scoringHow playing other sports can improve spacing, awareness, and decision-makingWhy young players should learn to embrace different rolesHow coaches can build hockey IQ by asking better questionsWhat “go hunting” and “go smart” can teach developing playersWhy communication is one of the most valuable—and overlooked—hockey skillsHayley 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 [email protected].#OurGirlsPlayHockey #HockeyIQ #GirlsHockey #WomensHockey #YouthHockey #HayleyScamurra #TeamUSA #PWHL #HockeyDevelopment #HockeyParents #HockeyCoaching #GameSenseClick To Text The Our Kids Play Hockey Team!Hockey IQ: Scanning the ice, recognizing pressure, anticipating what happens next, making the right decision faster. Research shows these perceptual and decision-making skills can actually be trained. With NHL Sense Arena, kids can get extra game-like reps at home, working on hockey IQ, reactions, real stick-handling for skaters, while goalies can train reads and tracking. Save $25 on an annual plan with code OKPH at http://hockey.sensearena.com/okphHave A Topic You Want Us To Cover? Let us know!Please Be Sure To Subscribe & Leave A Review For Us On Apple Podcasts, doing so helps our show grow!Follow Us On Social Media:Facebook GroupXInstagramLinkedInYouTube