Germany 5-0...
February 14, 2006
Yesterday, we beat Germany 5-0. It was another tight battle, despite the score. We did manage to outshoot them by a significant margin and dominate in the offensive zone, but penalties gave Germany a few chances to score. Overall, we were just a better hockey squad, but Germany played their hearts out and stayed with us for the first half of the game. I was a little upset at the amount of penalties called (I had two…oops!). Our game (women’s ice hockey) prides itself on the fluidity and fast pace that differentiates it from the men’s. Without checking, there is more passing and skating. However, when refs call too many penalties, it is more of a special situations (powerplay and penalty kill) than real fast hockey. I just want to roll all four lines and show the world what a great brand of hockey we have…
So, that leads me to today. We had a day off and were able to visit the Bank of America Center to see our friends and family. This center allows the parents to eat, drink and watch the other competitions from tv’s for free. It is a place to get away from the Village and hang out with our visitors (there are a few centers like this at every Olympics…it is amazing and the parents really seem to love them). My mom and sister are arriving tomorrow, so today my second families surrounded me…the Kennedy’s, the Wall’s, the Wendell’s, and the rest of my teammates families. Over the years, my family has not been able to make a lot of my games, so many of the families on the team have adopted me as their surrogate kid…so I get lots of hugs from them after our games.
After the Bank of America Center, I headed over the Nike house, where I hung out with a few other athletes and picked up some free gear. Nike is one of my sponsors, so there was a huge picture of me on the wall…it was cool to see.
I took a cab home just in time to get interviewed by Michael Farber of Sports Illustrated and then headed out to the bus for a late practice. We only skated an hour tonight…it was a light skate so that we are ready for tomorrow. The Finnish team, on the other hand, had to play a tight game against the Swiss (we were watching the game in our locker room before practice and Finland was winning 3-0). I was psyched to get off of the ice and get home for dinner…but we had a special guest come into the locker room. JoDee Messina, the rockin’ country singer, stopped by for a few minutes to wish us luck. She is friends with Tricia Dunn from our team and is over here working for a radio show. I had one of my sticks signed and gave it to her as a present. She then wanted a picture with us! Hopefully she will remember that pic when I am trying to score concert tickets in the spring.
I am off to watch the 10th episode of Lost with Courtney Kennedy (we call her CoCo on the team). I am hooked and it is a great way to pass the time without killing your legs…actually, I am taking the elevator now to our rooms on the third floor. My coach says to save your legs in whatever way you can, so I don’t feel lazy for the first time in my life for doing this.
Thanks again for all the comments and e-mails. All your support has been amazing!
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It was a very impressive win!! I know was a tough physical fight with Germany but in whole you controlled the game and obviously the hots on goal. I look forward to watching every game
Posted by: Larry at February 14, 2006 07:11 AM
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First time ever to watch women's ice hockey. You Rock! I will be watching the Finland-USA game. Go for it!!
Posted by: Suzy at February 14, 2006 09:23 AM
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I thought you gals had a great game and I am looking forward to another TEAM USA shut out. I saw you play with the Tulsa Oilers (that is one of my favorite teams because I live in Tulsa) and did you like playing in the men's league as opposed to the women's league?
GO USA
Posted by: Tyler at February 14, 2006 10:16 AM
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The refs in the Germany were making too much of a statement and calling everything in that game. Being a fellow hockey player I understand how difficult it is to play that type of game. The Penalty Killing line must be very tired.
However I'd rather see you guys getting work on all aspects of the game compared to Canada who has out scored their opponents 32-0 (now as of the 2nd period in the Sweden game, oh make that 33-0). Their defense and penalty killing have had little work, which will hopefully hinder them when you guys play (fingers crossed) and can attack their seemingly untested defense and penalty killing in Olympics play.
Good luck against Finland! GO USA!!!
Posted by: Matt at February 14, 2006 10:55 AM
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I wanted to say Happy Valentines day to you and the team. i dont have an email address, haha im at school right now, neglecting my work just to comment. i dont know if you remember me or not. im for the Tulsa Oilers. you and your brother bowled with me and a friend last year. i just wanted to say USA is doing great. and Happy Valentines Day!!!!
Posted by: Shay at February 14, 2006 11:15 AM
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Ang, The Old Devils (White team) like you better at forward, but if Ben says "D", be a wall. Looking forward to seeing another medal, Gold would be nice! Bon Chance!
Posted by: jim at February 14, 2006 11:30 AM
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Greetings from Michigan! Great work so far, and we are rooting you on to a gold medal! I have a pic of you on my wallpaper and my hockey-playing son thinks you are "hot"!
Good luck, and play great!
Posted by: Carole at February 14, 2006 11:37 AM
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I'm very impressed with your team's talent! Great passing, good solid play in front of the net. We always here good things happen when you put the puck at the net - and there have been some sweet deflections and rebounds that have come out of nasty shots from the point. End to end, you all look inpressive! Keep up the awesome play and kick Canada's butt in the final!
Posted by: Mark at February 14, 2006 11:55 AM
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Angela,
You guys are doing great, keep hustling. I'm watching as much as I can over here.
Paul in Ohio
Posted by: Paul at February 14, 2006 12:29 PM
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Fantastic game! I SO enjoy the chance to watch the ladies playing my favorite sport! I am glad I caught the game againist Germany because that is where I heard about your website and blog!
GO USA!
Posted by: Pam at February 14, 2006 12:39 PM
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I'm looking forward to the game against Finland. USA is making hockey look easy against these other teams. Keep it up, USA all the way!
Posted by: Brittany at February 14, 2006 01:32 PM
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Angela,
Goooo UUUUSSSSAAA
You hockey girls are number one to all of us in the States.
God Bless You all!
Posted by: Steve at February 14, 2006 01:35 PM
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It's nice to see hockey played the way it's supposed to be played - lots of flow and puck movement. Nice passing and good stickwork. The NHL could learn a lot from observing a few of your games. We don't need clutching and grabbing (even though the NHL claims they were gonna get rid of it). And I love the wider rinks!!!
Posted by: Dude at February 14, 2006 01:49 PM
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Angela,
Happy Valentine's Day to you and all your teammates! You guys are making us proud to be Americans. I wish you all the best as the Games move on.
Sincerely,
Tom in NH
Posted by: Tom Richard at February 14, 2006 02:40 PM
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Keep up the hard and dedication you girls are showing to your country. You women are making the USA proud of you.. Good Luck and remember, we are thinking of you all..
Posted by: Ryan Smith USAF at February 14, 2006 03:35 PM
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You go USA Hockey, we here in rochester, NY are especially proud of our 2 young ladies on the team but we still love the whole team. good luck and god speed to the gold medal.
Posted by: mike at February 14, 2006 04:14 PM
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Hello Angela-
It is such a thrill for me to watch you and team USA on the ice! Great victories against Germany and the Swiss. I wish I could skip work and catch every single game, and I was so lucky to have met you between your Olympic Games. You've made me into a true Women's Hockey fan. Thanks for the inspiration. Your book was an excellent read also. We are so proud of you here, at Meredith & Grew! Keep up the good work! Oh, we are all voting for you to be on the Apprentice. Best of luck!
Susan Rector
Posted by: Susan Rector at February 14, 2006 04:22 PM
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Angela,
I met you in St. Cloud when I was about 14 and you have been my hero ever since! You taught me alot in the 30 mins that was talked. I love watching you play and hearing all about your experiences! You just scored a goal against Finland, Great shot! Take home the gold!
Posted by: katrina at February 14, 2006 04:34 PM
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Ohhhhhhhh, Angela with a clutch goal, USA up 4-3. What a game you're playing!
Again, you ladies are making us hockey fanatics proud out here in Iraq!
Posted by: Joe In Fallujah at February 14, 2006 04:34 PM
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Just watched USA Finland. Awesome Goal!! Great game---Keep it up. Go USA!!!!!
Posted by: Yvonne Michaels at February 14, 2006 04:53 PM
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Way to go Angela scoring Big goals at the right time. Thats my Girl lol! Happy Valentine's Day!
P.S. Ask team Finland if they want flowers after your your goal? Great Shot, Angela! Go USA!
Andrew Johnson
Posted by: Andrew Johnson at February 14, 2006 04:57 PM
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Angela you just had the sickest game today vs. Finland. The U.S. loves you!!! Good luck to everyone- bring home the gold!
Posted by: TC at February 14, 2006 05:01 PM
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Hey Angela,
I don't know if you remember me but we went to White Oak and Valley View together here in Simi Valley. We never knew each other too well but I've known you've been apart of the U.S. Womens team since you started. I watched you guys play today and you were amazing. All of you guys were! If you ever get some time drop me an e-mail, I'd love to catch up. Good luck the rest of the way!
-Matt
Posted by: Matt McCarthy at February 14, 2006 05:02 PM
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Great end to end race to score!
I admit I was concerned when it was 3-1, but you gals came back with 6 straight goals! Must be those strong legs you saved using the elevator yesterday! ;-) Keep it up. Prayers and support to the entire team!
Posted by: Susan at February 14, 2006 05:03 PM
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I thought you played a wonderful game. Your goal in the third period was awesome. I think you are a great ambassador for the sport, your team and America.
I hope you are having the time of your life.
BRING HOME THE GOLD.
Posted by: Rick at February 14, 2006 05:04 PM
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Hey Angela! Everyone had an awesome game today vs. Finland! Your goal was so sick. Good luck to the team- we hope you bring home the gold! I voted for you for the apprentice and you're almost in the lead. I hope you make it!
GO USA!!!!!!!!
Posted by: TC at February 14, 2006 05:06 PM
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Just wanted to say congrats on all the accomplishments so far and good luck for the rest of the tournament. Your game is amazing and it's a lot of fun to watch.
I remember watching the women win way back in Nagano and being so inspired to step up my game. It's great to see such a strong team taking the Olympics by storm again. I know that you and your teammates continue to inspire young hockey players everywhere!
Best Wishes!
Posted by: Gretchen at February 14, 2006 05:17 PM
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Hey Angela great win over the Germans and today against Finland that was an AMAZING game you guys came back so strong every goal scored i was jumping up and down in my living room lol also great goal i must say best of luck to all of you in your next game
GO USA !!
Posted by: Sean Scully at February 14, 2006 05:23 PM
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Hey Angela! You and your team played amazing today against Finland. I can definetly see how it is frustrating with so many penaltys though. Your two goals were awesome and I was really happy for you. My dad said that knew of you from Boston real esate so my brothers and I have been rooting you on. Keep up the good work, you girls are doing awesome. Patrick
P.S. You and Krissy Wendell are GEORGOUS
Posted by: Patrick at February 14, 2006 05:25 PM
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Great game against Finland. What fun to watch, going to the High school playoffs tonight, hope our guys watched the way you guys game out in the third. Good luck to Team USA
Steve St. Louis
Posted by: steve at February 14, 2006 05:25 PM
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Hey Angela
that was such an awesome game vs finland what a way to come back from a 1-3 to a win 7-3. you girls played such a great game, keep up the good work. your goal in the third was so sick that was such an exciting game to watch :)
GO U.S.A bring home the gold!!!
Posted by: Brea at February 14, 2006 05:32 PM
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I just finsihed watching your game against Finnland. WOW it was great So was the Germany game but we were on the edge of our seat the entire last period for tonights game. We're living here in Italy as a Navy family it's so great to hear about it all going on so close to us. Keep up the great work you're such a great role model! Cheering you on all the way to Gold!
Posted by: JH at February 14, 2006 05:40 PM
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You guys rock. My little sister plays hockey for the high school team here in Michigan. I have never really been into girls hockey until this week. You guys have been playing great. You, Parsons and Wendell are definitly my favorite players. Keep up the good work and bring some GOLD back home with ya!
Posted by: Cory at February 14, 2006 05:53 PM
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Happy Valentine's Day, Angela! I was in Astronomy lab during the beginning of your game today, so I rushed back to catch the third period. Your goals were amazing - really beautiful! It was really fun to see you girls matched up against a team that was more challenging. Good luck in the medal rounds; I'm looking forward to your game on Friday!
Posted by: Chelsey Masterson at February 14, 2006 05:59 PM
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P.S. I'm only 19 so you can tell Mrs. Parsons to give me a call. K Thanks.
Posted by: Cory at February 14, 2006 06:02 PM
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You girls have been playing great. I'm proud to have all of you representing us (U.S.A.) for these games. Keep up the good work and remember, no matter how it turns out in the end, you are all role models and heros to many future woman's ice hockey players in training.
Posted by: Neil at February 14, 2006 11:18 PM
WOW!!! You all played wonderful!!! I got to watch the whole game and just loved every minute of it. I was shocked by how fast it went compared to watching my other fav team the Detroit Red Wings. You are right, you ladies play with much more fluidity. I loved watching you all play. I look forward to the next game!!!
GOOD LUCK AND GO USA!!!!!!
Posted by: Crissa at February 14, 2006 05:24 AM