Attention shifts toward Milan and the Olympic Winter Games, it has been reported that Team USA is trailing Norway, yet pride continues to be expressed. A total of 26 medals will be coming back to the United States, including seven golds. Those numbers are expected to jump if the pros with the US women’s hockey team add another gold to their nets.
The puck is set to drop in what has been described as one huge rivalry, US versus Canada. In the build-up to the clash, Haley Scarupa, a member of the 2018 women’s hockey team that won gold, was spoken to live as anticipation built.
It was recalled that Scarupa was part of the squad that secured gold in 2018, and congratulations were extended to her. As she prepared to log on and watch the game, she was asked what Team USA must do specifically to beat Canada.
In her response, it was explained that preparation had not only been for the tournament but for the last four years. “You go into these games, the US players, they’ve been preparing, you know, it’s not just this whole tournament, but the last four years for this. That’s what, as Olympians always say, the Olympics aren’t every four years, they’re every single day,” she said.
It was further stated that the US players know what they have to do. Canada has been beaten in the last seven games, and earlier in the tournament Canada was defeated in the prelims 5- nothing. It was suggested that picking up where they left off would be crucial. However, the Canadian team was described as experienced and not one that can be taken lightly.
Confidence was expressed in the US speed and dominance that have been shown throughout the tournament. It was said that the team is expected to continue right where they left off and use their speed to their advantage.
When asked whether speed would be the deciding factor, it was acknowledged that many elements go into such a game. Systems in all three zones were mentioned, including defensive zone coverage, forecheck, and special teams. It was noted that the US power play has been strong and that the team is 100% on the penalty kill this tournament.
A distinction was made between the teams, as the US squad was described as younger with many college players, while Canada has no college players. It was explained that this youth allows the US to move up and down the ice and create separation and chances that have been created all tournament.
In a lighter moment, Scarupa was asked where her gold medal is kept and whether stress eating occurs during matches. It was revealed that the medal lives “in a sock” in her house, in her closet, though it is brought out often during clinics and camps to be shared. It was admitted that it is “pretty weathered at this point.”
As for game-time snacks, Ben and Jerry’s ice cream and Twizzlers were mentioned, with some stress eating expected. However, greater confidence was expressed going into this game compared to watching in 2022. It was even joked that 7,000 calories might not need to be consumed during the game.
With puck drop approaching, support was once again rallied behind Team USA, as another chapter in the US versus Canada rivalry is set to be written at the Olympic Winter Games.
