BY RANDY SCHULTZ –Dear Reader:
Hayley Scamurra is a forward for the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women’s Hockey League. She is the daughter of former National Hockey League defenseman Peter Scamurra.
Peter was a pioneer of sorts in hockey. Not only was he one of the early American-born players to play in the NHL, he was the first to come out of Western New York.
He played in parts of four seasons with the Washington Capitals (1975-80). Hayley knew about her dad’s career and wanted to play hockey just like her dad.
Unfortunately, unlike boys playing hockey who could dream of someday playing pro hockey, Hayley knew that her playing days would be limited. Haley thought her hockey career would end with Northeastern University, where she got her college degree as well as played Division I college hockey.
But along came the NWHL, beginning in 2015-16. The Williamsville, NY native was drafted No. 10 overall in the 2016 NWHL Draft by the Beauts.
The thought of being a pro hockey player like her father was now a reality. The NWHL not only gave Haley a chance to play pro hockey and get paid for it, but a chance to play in her hometown.
Last season was a “Dream Come True” for Haley. She got to play a role in helping the Beauts win the Isobel Cup.
What thrilled her even more is that she is playing pro hockey just like her dad did four decades ago. Not bad for a girl who grew up playing hockey with boys.
“I think that was a positive for me,” recalled Hayley, who played most of her youth hockey for the Wheatfield Blades and Buffalo Bisons organizations. “I think it helped me develop good skills, work ethic and grit that you have to have to play hockey
“It got me used to the hard hitting and physical part of the game. But once I got to play girls hockey, I had to learn how to handle the puck more and play a less physical game.
“There was an adjustment period, but I think it was worth it.”
And getting the chance to play pro hockey with the Beauts has topped it all off for Hayley.
“When I began playing college hockey, pro hockey hadn’t even been thought of,” said Hayley, 23. “But then the NWHL came along a couple of years ago and here I am.
“To win the Isobel Cup in my first season, that was amazing.”Does Haley consider herself a pioneer or sorts for girls and women’s hockey like her dad was back in the day for the NHL?
“Yes, I think so,” remarked Hayley. “You now see girl’s leagues popping up all over, which wasn’t around when I was playing youth hockey.
“There are a lot more opportunities for girls to play hockey today that when I was younger. And I think that’s great.”
Does her dad offer her any advice?
“We talk a lot about hockey, especially after a game I’ve played in,” answered Hayley. “I ask him questions and he offers advice.”
Hayley plans to go back to college next year to get her Master’s Degree in Speech and Language Pathology. But she’s not quite ready to give up hockey.
“I would like to continue playing the game for as long as I can,” concluded Hayley. “I’m not sure what I will be doing outside the game.
“I just know I’m not ready to hang up my skates.”
