Angela Ruggiero: Official Website :: Olympics Ice Hockey, Event Speaker, Hockey Camp Coach, Apprentice Candidate

Way to go! The loss the other day certainly was sad, but I think that it was a win for women's hockey in the long run. Sometimes it hurts to grow, but each an every one of the women in this tournament are champions in my book.
Thank you all for spreading hockey to more and more people every day, and thank you for the sacrifices that you have made for the sport that we all love so much.

-Russ

Posted by: Russell Shady at February 20, 2006 11:48 AM

How do you spell BRONZE?????
SCOOOOOOOOOOOORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Daddio at February 20, 2006 11:54 AM

I'm soooo glad that the team is ending the tournament on a good note! I grew up skating on the pond with my brothers, stuck in goal, because no one else wanted to have a frozen puck shot at them. I love hockey and I think the US Women's team is doing such a great job getting more girls involved in the sport! Congrats on a great season!!!!

Lindsey Fortney

Posted by: Lindsey Fortney at February 20, 2006 12:00 PM

Angela--

The true test of an athlete's character is what they do after a defeat-------------

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND ALL YOUR TEAMMATES----

A GREAT WIN OVER FINLAND--------you all rose to the occasion today---that's why you were all selected for that team-----we are all very proud of you and your teammates------you should all be proud of how you were able to come bake after friday's game----

HOLD YOUR HEADS HIGH!!!!!! enjoy the rest of the olympic experience.............

Betsy Barker

Posted by: Betsy Barker at February 20, 2006 12:54 PM

Angela--

The true test of an athlete's character is what they do after a defeat-------------

CONGRATULATIONS TO YOU AND ALL YOUR TEAMMATES----

A GREAT WIN OVER FINLAND--------you all rose to the occasion today---that's why you were all selected for that team-----we are all very proud of you and your teammates------you should all be proud of how you were able to come bake after friday's game----

HOLD YOUR HEADS HIGH!!!!!! enjoy the rest of the olympic experience.............

Betsy Barker

Posted by: Betsy Barker at February 20, 2006 12:55 PM

wow good game that hit u took in the second must have hurt.you almost got one in but it missed by like 2 inches. were so proud of you guys.

Posted by: Ashley Albindia at February 20, 2006 12:56 PM

WHY TO GO! YA'll looked great! Congrats!

Posted by: mike at February 20, 2006 12:58 PM

I knew you could.......i knew you could......I knew you WOULD !!!!!!
Congratulations from North Eastern Pennsylvania (home of the Wilkes Barre/Scranton Penguins) on a fantastic tournament and superb final game today !!!!
You did Yourselves and Your Country Proud !!

Really, Love you gals.....
All The Best !!
Rik

Posted by: Rik Havoc at February 20, 2006 01:07 PM

WOOOOOOOHOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Great game girls!!!!!!! CONGRATS ON THE BRONZE!!!!!!!

Posted by: Crissa at February 20, 2006 01:09 PM

Just finished watching the game and I want to say CONGRATS!!!! Watched every game. Even one had to be watched as I flew to Vegas and made sure nothing was on my schedule to watch on friday. But wanted you and you're team to know we are all proud of you.... You all played with dignity and class.....

Posted by: Carole at February 20, 2006 01:20 PM

Nice game.

Posted by: April Silbar at February 20, 2006 01:24 PM

Bronze!!! WAY to go today, what an awesome game to end the Games with! The entire team played so well today - Congratulations!! You girls deserve a standing ovation! You've made your country so proud of you. We love you, and congratulations once again on the fantastic game today! :-)

Posted by: Chelsey Masterson at February 20, 2006 01:35 PM

Congrats on the Bronze!

Posted by: Daniel at February 20, 2006 01:41 PM

ATTAGAL BIG #4!!!! The Shirley Temples are on me ;)

Congrats to all of you. Remember, you're Olympic Champions--PERIOD!

Hockeytown's saluting our hometown hero!

Posted by: George Malik at February 20, 2006 02:32 PM

Angela -

You said the other day that "We still have a chance to win a medal and make our country proud" - it's probably been said, but it bears repeating that the class, poise, and heart that this team has shown makes myself and my family proud - the medal is secondary. Sometimes it's hard to be a graceful winner, and I think it's always difficult to be a graceful loser. Team USA has done both - the other day in that difficult loss against Sweden and today in a victory over Finland.

You've provided inspiration for my son, and for another generation of boys and girls. We're waiting for the Canada/Sweden game to finish so we can see you get your medal now!

Thanks for taking the time to write and bring your fans along for the ride.

Jason & Alex

Posted by: Jason at February 20, 2006 02:35 PM

Great game today guys. Way to bounce back. I hope to see you again in Vancouver to take the Gold on the Canucks soil.

Remember, a Bronze is better than no medal at all. You all have so much to be proud of, and as A.J. said on the air today, even making it to the Olympics is a feat. And sometimes us winning crazed fans get in the way of what the Olympics really are, a time to make friends and have fun doing what you're doing. Congratulations on a job well done. You made you country proud, and hopefully yourselves. Even though it's not truly what you wanted.

-Sam-

Posted by: Sam at February 20, 2006 02:44 PM

Congratulation to the U.S. Womens Hockey Team for winning the bronze medal. You make us all so very proud of you. Keep up the good work and keep the faith.
Eddie

Posted by: Eddie Raven at February 20, 2006 02:55 PM

Congratulations to you and your team! We're so proud of you. You guys are an awesome team and we're so glad you are coming home with a medal because you deserve it! My girls loved cheering you on in all your games. Every time they heard your name they got so excited. We're sad that was the last game we get to watch. You'll have the memories from this olympics, as well as the other two, forever. Enjoy the rest of the time you have in Italy.
Love Cherice (your very proud cousin)

Posted by: Cherice Spicer at February 20, 2006 03:03 PM

Congrats to all of you! We're so proud to have you representing the good old U S of A! Thank you for being our inspiration, motivation, and entertainment!

From all of us on the Chicago X-Factor

Posted by: Kristi Lundgren at February 20, 2006 03:43 PM

Congratulations, Angela, to you and the rest of team USA. You all played with good old USA spirit and heart, and the Bronze medal is nothing to be ashamed about. Hold your heads up high; congratulations again.........

Posted by: Pete at February 20, 2006 04:01 PM

No matter what they say about you and the rest of team USA Angela y'all are still golden to me atleast.

Congrats on Bronze to bad its not Gold :(

Andrew Johnson

Posted by: Andrew Johnson at February 20, 2006 04:10 PM

What a great game for the Bronze Medal! I am glad that Team USA choose you ladies to represent our wonderful country in Women's Hockey. It is heart breaking when you have hopes for the gold taken out of your reach this Olympics, but there is always hope for the next Team USA in Vancouver. Each team member this Olympics showed their Olympic Spirit and will always have a medal to show for their efforts and to be a part of helping Women's Hockey competition grow world wide.

Enjoy the rest of the Olympic atmosphere and take all of your Torino moments and memories with you.
Sincerely, Lisa Christiansen & family

Posted by: Lisa Christiansen at February 20, 2006 04:20 PM

Congrats on the Bronze. You went and made a grown man cry out of happiness. Thank Gordie crying's okay in hockey.

Posted by: George Malik at February 20, 2006 04:51 PM

That was an awesome game, not gold but you girls are an inspiration to me and bronze is great!!!!!

Posted by: Emily Russell at February 20, 2006 04:56 PM

To Angela and the entire American team:
Excellent game today! My congrats to one and all for a job well done. America can not be anything but proud of you guys. The team members have faced many trials in their road to the Olympics and we Americans are very fortunate to have so many diplomats that represent our country in such a positive way.
A special note to Ms. Kauth(if, Im' wrong about the name please correct me.) Saw the special NBC did on her tragic lost on 911. Since a member of our family's northern branch had a member in the plane that hit the north tower, we understand her lost and the spirit that she continues to show.
A final thought, consider converting your site into a national women's hockey information site. It would be helpful to us newcomers to women's hockey. Tried to local college games but that info is few and far between. As I end this note, I am watching you get your medal(screen in screen)Take, God Bless and best of luck to the team

Posted by: Charles Gay at February 20, 2006 06:04 PM

Angela- you and team USA are such an inspiration to me. I am 18 and have not been playing hockey for very long. So to be able to watch the Olympics and be able to watch the games, and learn from how you guys play, is amazing to me. I’ve grown up in the Detroit area, so naturally hockey was part of my life, but I didn’t realize how amazing womens hockey is until I started playing, and started watching and reading about team usa, and now, more then ever; all I want to do is practice and become better. I cant say how much your book, this site and even just watching the Olympics have inspired me to work hard and be the best hockey player that I can be. Thank you for your dedication to the sport!!!

Liz

Posted by: Liz M at February 20, 2006 06:36 PM

Angela, many congrats to you and Team USA on your bronze medal!! As a CRH '79 alumna I am especially proud of you, Julie and Kim! My kids (8 and 5) have really enjoyed watching the games and are really inspired to get out and skate now. It's been a pleasure to watch such a talented and dedicated group of young women--thanks to you and all of your teammates!

Posted by: Michaele at February 20, 2006 06:50 PM

Congrats to the entire team! Good luck to all of you in the future no matter where it takes you. There was nothing in the world I'd rather do than watch you, the hottest team playing the coolest game!

Posted by: Adam Stone at February 20, 2006 07:05 PM

Why is it called a "natural" Hat Trick?
I'm still learning.

Susan
--
"L'essentiel est invisible pour les yeux."

Posted by: Susan at February 20, 2006 07:08 PM

Angela & Team USA-
Congratulations on the bronze! It was a great game and you and the team did a wonderful job. You and the team have made everyone at home very proud. Women's hockey is growing so much, and you are all an inspiration, and incredible ambassadors for the sport. Also, I loved seeing Jenny Potter's little girl with her mom on the ice after the game today, it was very heartwarming moment.

GOOD JOB!

Susan Rector

Posted by: Susan Rector at February 20, 2006 07:56 PM

Congratulations, Angela! You and the team played great today. All of you are truly great olympians, competitors, champions, and just all around wonderful people. I have absolutely loved every minute of every game this year, and am proud to be a part of the country that you all have represented with such greatness. Thanks for some great memories and a truly wonderful experience for all of us here back home. Congratulations, once again, Angela! Way to bring home a medal!

Posted by: Dave Drainer at February 20, 2006 08:19 PM

Angela,

Bronze is something to be so proud of. Every American woman out there has such pride for what you ladies have accomplished. Watching that hat-trick and the extra goal to put it away was just.. let's just say, I had goosebumps. When you started to celebrate, I cried. Not tears of sadness, but tears of happiness, of pain, of struggle, of talent, of success. You have showed every little girl, every young lady, every grown woman what hard work looks like. We .. I .. am so proud. And most importantly, I'm proud to share the same first name as you. You've become a hero for me and I look forward to you bringing that spirit back to the good ol' US of A.

Sincerely,
Angela M
Norristown, PA

Posted by: Angela at February 20, 2006 08:37 PM

Congratulations to the entire Women's team! You all played with heart, sportsmanship and dignity. You won't all know the impact you've made on women's hockey until you see the number of female hockey players in the U.S. increase by the next Olympics... perhaps due to little girls across America watching you these weeks and saying to themselves "I can do that!"
You are in inspiration to all and make America proud.

Posted by: Sammi D at February 20, 2006 11:19 PM

Once again, congratulations on the amazing game today and the bronze medal! I just watched the medals ceremony online, and I must say that the bronze medals were most definitely prettier than the gold and silver. So you girls got the prettier medals! haha :-)

Did you take any pictures during the medals ceremony? If you did, I'm sure we'd all love to see them! Have a great rest of the week in Torino!

Posted by: Chelsey Masterson at February 21, 2006 01:29 AM

Susan it's Andrew here I can explain it for you.

It's called a Natural hat trick because she scored three all in a row. If for example Angela scored 3 but one of her teammates scored before she got her 3rd goal then it would just be called a hat trick not a Natural hat trick.

I hope I didn't confuse you there Susan. If I did sorry. Hockey players are sometimes like that lol!

Andrew Johnson

Posted by: Andrew Johnson at February 21, 2006 05:14 AM

Way to go Team USA! You girls are the best! I hope to meet you some day. I would love to be able to watch your team play in person. In 8 or 12 years I hope to be where you are. Please e-mail me Angela, I would love to hear from you.
Logan
age 7

Posted by: Logan at February 21, 2006 09:28 AM

Thank you, Andrew. That was the only guess I could make sense of last night, but didn't know.
You explained it perfectly.

Susan

Posted by: Susan at February 21, 2006 11:11 AM

Angela and the rest of Team USA,
Congradulations on a well played game! All of you played very well and showed a lot of character by rebounding the way you did! Great job! We are proud of you! All of you are an inspiration to many people!
Michael

Posted by: Michael Branham at February 21, 2006 01:04 PM

whoot!!! bronze!! still placed go team!

amazing shut out, and amazing plays....

Posted by: Kelly at February 21, 2006 02:50 PM

Hey, msnbc.msn.com has the video from this mornings airing of the interview with the entire hockey team. Several players have "speaking roles". Also a couple really nice articles on the team, the olympic spirit and women's hockey in the future.

Susan

Posted by: Susan at February 21, 2006 03:31 PM

Had really enjoyed watching your team go through the tournament. The dedication to the spirit of competition and team work that your team had shown throughout the tourney was an integral asset that showed even across a couple of big ponds. May the future Rock and Roll for you and your team mates. From the Wasatch Front, home of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Wanna play for our ECHL Grizzlies? We could use a great defenseman.
Monte

Posted by: Monte at February 21, 2006 05:14 PM

Don't worry, I'm not a stalker! I work for a hockey board, so this is my job.

Posted by: George Malik at February 21, 2006 08:03 PM

Nice job winning the Bronze. The team played great. Hope you win the contest to be on the Apprentice. Who is Todd Hays anyway? You’re 700 votes behind. I’ll try to drum up some votes for you.

Posted by: Greg Phillips at February 21, 2006 08:17 PM

YES! im finally getting your book!!!!

Posted by: Ashley Albindia at February 21, 2006 08:20 PM

Congradulations! I've added the recording of that game to my file for future viewing. I can't count how many times I've watched the last shootout championship game against the Canadians. Another I enjoy watching is the Harford 5-3 thriller with Finland from back in November. And yes I have been remembering to vote for you every day for the apprentice.
I love hockey and I especially love the U.S. Women's Hockey Team. I record your teams games so I can watch them whenever I want to. Thank you and your teammates for giving me hours of pleasure, and as an epileptic I offer special kudos to Chandra Gunn for her success.

Posted by: jim at February 21, 2006 10:56 PM

hey, this is your cousin laura, I just wanted to congradulate you on the bronze and also to tell you I've got my school voting for you for the apprentice

Posted by: laura at February 22, 2006 08:05 AM

C'mon you all, KEEP voting for Angela to be on "The Apprentice"!

Connect to the page via the link on the top right of this page.

Angela has cut into Bobsledder Todd Hays'lead. It was 50% to 43%. Now it's 49% to 44%

No one else is even close! Don't quit now!
The medals may be handed out, but the voting continues.

Susan

Posted by: Susan at February 22, 2006 01:10 PM

Vote!
The weight is shifting...45% to 49% with the bobsledder holding a just a 4% lead!

Posted by: Susan at February 22, 2006 07:54 PM

I am SO proud of you and the team, Angela! :) Bronze will have to do for now, but how sweet it will be to take gold in Vancouver in 2010.
Too bad there isn't a looks category--this team would NEVER lose. (WOW!!!)

Posted by: Mistah Dee at February 22, 2006 11:15 PM

Angela,

Watching you girls play reminded me of when I was a kid - forty years ago! - watching the great Montreal teams of Jean Beliveau (#4!) and Henri Richard and Jacques Laperriere. I worshipped those guys, and, well maybe I am a bit old for that now, but the feeling's the same. I tried to get my 13 y.o. bantam son, who thinks he's the second coming of Ovechkin, to pay close attention to your games. It really was hockey the way it's supposed to be played. Congratulations, and I can't wait to see what the future brings for the next generation of girls playing USA Hockey.

Posted by: Roger Cohen at February 23, 2006 05:55 PM

Nooo!!! your tyed now with the bobsledder, i hope you'll win and make it on The Apprentice.
Man i was sooo bummed out that i wasnt able to watch you girls play last friday, i really wanted too. when i watched yu girls play sweedan, that was a good game but at the end it was sad cuz i knew you girls had it in you. but hey you girls did a terrfic job playing out there, you girls never gave up and always had a smile. its better to get a bronze than not getting anything at all but i know you girls will it get that gold in 2010 in vancover.
Girls/women hockey is soo much fun.

Team U.S.A way to go, keep up the good work

-Brea

Posted by: Brea at February 23, 2006 05:58 PM

I just voted again and Angela and Bobsledder Todd Hayes are tied a 47%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Vote Ruggiero and vote often!

Get ready Amy, "the Donald" my be as difficult as going against Canada! (Well, maybe not.)

Posted by: Susan at February 23, 2006 06:34 PM

Dear Team, Hamilton College loves you. And by Hamilton College I mean my friend and I. We thought it was wicked sick when Katie King decked that girl at the end of the game. It was even better when they panned over to the bench and everyone was laughing and giving each other high fives. We wish we were as bad ass as you guys, but we're not. So congratulations on the bronze. It looks more like gold than silver anyway.

P.S.- Are you guys playing any more games this year?

Posted by: Hamilton College at February 23, 2006 09:33 PM

And the Apprentice lead changes hands!
Angela (49%) now has a lead against bobsledder
Todd Hayes (45%)!

Keep voting!

Susan

Posted by: Susan at February 24, 2006 11:23 AM