Should Girls Play Hockey With Boys? Insights from Team USA

When parents and coaches consider whether girls should play hockey with boys, opinions often vary. A study led by Jocelyne Lamoureux—member of the U.S. Women’s Olympic Hockey Team—sheds light on this important question. By surveying 15 elite American women’s players, the research explored how competing on boys’ teams shaped their development.

Key Findings

• Early Years Matter: All of the players began their hockey journeys on boys’ teams. Most transitioned to girls’ teams in their teens, mainly due to safety concerns once checking and size differences became more pronounced.

• Skill Development: Players overwhelmingly credited boys’ hockey with sharpening their skating, shooting, stickhandling, passing, and positional awareness. Competing against faster, stronger opponents pushed them to elevate their game.

• Mental Growth: Beyond the ice, participants reported gains in confidence, competitiveness, leadership, and resilience. They described being “taken out of their comfort zone” and learning how to battle without taking it personally—skills that carried into women’s hockey and beyond.

• Social Challenges: Not everything was positive. Several athletes noted difficulties fitting in socially, being the only girl in the locker room, or facing disrespect from opponents. By the Bantam level (ages 13–14), many felt the boys’ environment was less welcoming both socially and psychologically.

• Transition Timing: The most common reason for switching to girls’ teams was safety—differences in size, strength, and the introduction of checking. Some also moved to girls’ hockey to gain exposure for college or national team selection.

Recommendations

• Play with Boys Before Puberty: Prior to puberty, there are minimal physiological differences between boys and girls. The study supports mixed-gender play during these years to maximize skill development and competitiveness.

• Individual Choice Matters: The “right” path depends on the athlete’s comfort level, goals, and local opportunities. Some thrive longer in boys’ hockey, while others benefit from transitioning earlier to strong girls’ programs.

• Environment is Key: Girls should seek the most competitive and supportive environment available—whether that’s on a boys’ team, a girls’ team, or both at different stages of development.

Final Takeaway

The research is clear: playing with boys during developmental years can give girls an edge in skill and confidence. But as players grow, safety, social dynamics, and long-term goals become important factors in deciding when to make the switch. Ultimately, the best choice is the one that helps each girl reach her full potential—on and off the ice.