Our come from behind win against Finland!!

February 15, 2006

Wow, what a day. Today we played Finland, the last team in our bracket and the only other team with a perfect record. All of the press has been focusing on USA and Canada, but we have never overlooked the Finns or the Swedish teams. The first shift of the game Finland scored on us. Actually, Krissy and I did not connect for a pass in front of the net with led to their goal 13 seconds in. The rest of the period was pretty even, but Finland was dominating at times, especially because of the penalties called. We left the first period down 2-1. The game was plagued by penalty after penalty. I keep saying that I wish the refs would just let us play, but I guess we just have to get used to the fact that this is going to be a special situation tournament. There was really no flow for most of the game, but nonetheless, I think the level of play was very high and entertaining. At one point, a huge wave erupted in the stands and they started playing the beach boys…and for anyone who was in the stands, we could definitely see and feel the energy that the crowd was making. I had a smile on my face when I saw that.

The second period went much as the first one. There were a lot of penalties and a lot of skating for those players that were on the powerplay or the penalty kill. I was on both, along with my D partner Wall, so we had our work cut out for us. Luckily, with about a minute to go, Parsons, our youngest player of only 18 years, took a slapshot and scored. This cut the deficit to one, thus leaving the US trailing 3-2 after 2 periods. A lot of reporters wanted to know what was said in the locker room between periods and all I could respond was that we stayed composed. In a situation like we were faced with, it could have been easy to try to do too much individually and outside of the team. But, our team is different. We really had to pull together as a unit and not stray from out game plan. I guess it was a wake up call to find anything and everything within ourselves, but we were never nervous and we never lost our poise. I guess you can say we showed a lot of maturity last night, despite our team’s age. In all of my years on the USA team (I am working on 11!) this was one of my most proud moments. We came from behind and scored 5 unanswered goals in the third to beat Finland and advance as the first place team in our pool. (If we had lost we would have played Canada in the semis). I was happy to contribute with 2 goals and an assist in that third period, but it was a complete team effort. I said after the game that I was happy that happened because now we have that come from behind win under our belts in case we face another game like that in the semis or finals. We know that we can persevere as a team and find strength from each other. It was an amazing game to be a part of and I am sure that all the viewers back home (hi dad and Billy!!!) who were watching enjoyed it as well. Maybe even a few little girls may want to try this great sport out after seeing how much fun and how intense it can be.

So, we have the day off today from skating to rest up. I will get the chance to see my mom and sister tonight. I was a little worried that their plane did not arrive in time because I could not see them in warm-ups, but when my eye caught ahold of the HUGE Ruggiero #4 sign, I knew that they were in the stands. My mom had on my jersey and my sister and her friend Brianna had on gold wigs and angela t-shirts. I was so happy to have them in the stands, cheering me on. At the end of each game, our team salutes the crowd. I made sure that I was facing them, just to let them know I was so happy they were there. I seem to play my best when my family is around.

I want to extend a shout out to all the great responses and comments I have been getting! I am sorry I cannot reply to them all with my busy schedule, but I am passing them on to the team. Thank you sooooooooooooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jamie Fabos (jamief@usahockey.org)
Tuesday, February 14, 2006

U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team Downs Finland, 7-3
Team Advances to Semi-Final Against Sweden On Friday

TORINO, Italy -- Angela Ruggiero (Harper Woods, Mich.) scored two goals including the game-winner while Sarah Parsons (Dover, Mass.) had her second consecutive two-goal game as the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team defeated Finland 7-3 at the Palasport Olimpico tonight. Team USA rebounded from an early deficit to record the win which sends the team to the semi-final game against Sweden on Friday (11 a.m. EST).


“We caught a huge goal on Parsons’ second of the night,” said Ben Smith head coach of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Team. “I thought if we held our course and chipped away at the lead, we’d be able to come back. We did that and had a big third period.”

Finland got off to an early lead when Mari Pehkonen picked off a centering pass and fired it to the high far-side corner just 13 seconds into the game. At 8:08 with Team USA on its first power play, Parsons took a pass from Krissy Wendell (Brooklyn Park, Minn.) at the top of the crease and shot it under the crossbar to even the tilt. With Team USA in the penalty box at 11:26, Emma Laaksonen gave the Finns a 2-1 advantage with a high shot from the doorstep.


Finland upped its lead to 3-1 on a five-on-three at 12:01 of the second. Kati Kovalainen carried the puck to the low slot and scored just inside the right post unassisted. Parsons added her second goal of the game with 66 seconds left in the second period, blasting a slap shot through a screen.


Less than two minutes into the third period, Katie King (Salem, N.H.) fired a shot from the slot that beat Finnish goaltender Maija Hassinen through the five-hole. At 10:16, Ruggiero notched the go-ahead goal when she took the puck the length of the ice and fired high to the far corner. Just 45 seconds later with Team USA on the man-advantage, Natalie Darwitz (Eagan, Minn.) weaved through the defense and pushed the puck in near the right post. Wendell made it 6-3 for the USA when she took a feed from Parsons at center ice, deked to her right, cut to her left and tucked the puck just inside the near post. Ruggiero wrapped up the scoring at 15:36 in the third period.


Notes: Team USA will not practice tomorrow ... Canada will play Finland in the other semi-final ... Several members of the U.S. Olympic Women’s Team will tape an on-ice segment with Matt Lauer of NBC’s Today Show during an evening session tomorrow ... Multi-platinum country music artist Jo Dee Messina visited the team after practice on Monday...Friday’s semi-final contest against Sweden will be shown live on NBC at 11:00 a.m. EST.

GAME SUMMARY
Scoring By Period
USA 1-1-5 -- 7
FIN 2-1-0 -- 3

First Period – Scoring: 1, FIN, Pehkonen (Rantamaki), 0:13; 2, USA, Parsons (Wendell, Potter), 8:08 (pp); 3, FIN, Laaksonen (Tuominen), 11:26 (pp). Penalties: USA, Kennedy (body-checking), 3:14; USA, Dunn-Luoma (hooking), 4:45; FIN, Kuoppala (interference), 6:58; FIN, Laaksonen (hooking), 9:16; USA, Kr.King (interference), 10:58; FIN, Kuoppala (boarding), 12:25; USA, Kauth (holding the stick), 16:16.


Second Period – Scoring: 4, FIN, Kovalainen (unassisted), 12:01 (pp2); 5, USA, Parsons (Chu), 18:54. Penalties: USA, Engstrom (holding), 4:29; FIN, Sirvio (body-checking), 4:59; USA, Resor (body-checking),7:14; FIN, Rantamaki (hooking), 8:52; USA, Stephens (hooking), 10:51; USA, Dunn-Luoma (checking from behind), 11:29; USA, Insalaco (hooking), 19:03.


Third Period – Scoring:6, USA, Ka.King (unassisted), 1:28; 7, USA, Ruggiero (unassisted), 10:16; 8, USA, Darwitz (Wall), 11:01 (pp); 9, USA, Wendell (Parsons, Ruggiero), 12:18; 10, USA, Ruggiero (Darwitz, Stephens), 15:36. Penalties: USA, Potter (interference), 2:25; FIN, Pelttari (hooking), 2:25; FIN, Laaksonen (holding), 4:05; USA, Resor (interference), 7:03; USA, Gunn (delay of game), 8:46; FIN, Pelttari (body-checking), 9:13; USA, Stephens (hooking), 12:41; USA, Cahow (interference), 17:50; FIN, Laaksonen (tripping), 19:31.

Shots By Period 1 2 3 Total
USA 7 11 6 31

FIN 8 4 3 15


Goaltending (SH-SV) 1 2 3 Total
USA, Gunn (60:00) 8-6 4-3 3-3 15-12
FIN, Hassinen (60:00) 7-6 11-10 13-8 31-24

Power Plays: USA 2-10; FIN 2-13
Penalties: USA 15-38; FIN 11-22
Officials: Referee- Stephanie Normand Linsmen- Klara Qualgliato, Kim Robichaud
Attendance: 7,697

Comments

Way to go girls! I am so proud of the way you hung in there and came back for the win! Good Luck with Sweden!
John

Posted by: John Reiter at February 15, 2006 05:11 AM

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I agree, the referee called way too many penalties in the Finland game. Some of the calls were questionable and I kept saying, just let them play.

Posted by: John Reiter at February 15, 2006 05:17 AM

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GREAT GAME and great games all week. I ve watched all the games. I'am retired U.S. Air Force, and proud to an american. Watching the womens hockey team has made me even prouder. keep up the sprit, and play tough, but win or lose all the americans are behind everyone of you. Until this week I had never seen womens hockey. Watching this week has made a fan out of me!!! I plan to watch more in the future. thanks to you the United States Woemns Hockey team. God bless you all and GO U.S. Hockey. thanks for the web site Good luck the rest of the way I'll be watching. John

Posted by: john mcmillian at February 15, 2006 05:26 AM

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Way to go, Team USA!! You really know how to make us sit on the edge of our chairs! What an impressive and decisive way to come from behind! I'll be watching when you go for the gold!

Posted by: Jim Hanushek at February 15, 2006 07:31 AM

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AWESOME come from behind win Team USA ! Good Luck vs Sweden ! Can you let Kristin King know that all of OHIO is very proud of her !! You ladies are amazing and inspiring !

Posted by: Erica at February 15, 2006 08:25 AM

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Awesome comeback! Great job to the entire team. My daughter sat and watched the whole thing! Keep up the great work we will be watching Friday!

Posted by: Joe Pomaville at February 15, 2006 08:30 AM

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Good Luck to All of you. You are all doing a great job keep up the great work. And Bring us Home that Gold We here at Home are all Rooting for you. Go USA WOMENS HOCKEY you are the best.

Posted by: Eric Wainwright at February 15, 2006 08:37 AM

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Great job to you and all of your team! I love watching your team! I am a girl that plays hockey too. I am 7 and plan to break the record of the youngest on team USA. My dream is to play in the 2014 Olympics. I hope that you have a hockey camp in Michigan this summer so I can meet you and learn from you. Good luck to you and your team. Tell them hi and good luck for me.
Logan

Posted by: Logan at February 15, 2006 09:01 AM

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Team USA,

The Finland game was amazing. I couldn't leave my seat, and when you started the scoringpalooza in the 3rd period I got all my residents in the hall and started a USA cheer. Keep it up, USA for the gold!

Devin
Providence College, RI

Posted by: Devin Driscoll at February 15, 2006 09:07 AM

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Great effort against a very tough Finn team in the first two periods, then the come back in the third was outstanding. We are all enjoying your playing and are all proud of you. Good luck on Friday against the Swedes.
Pewaukee Wisconsin

Posted by: Dave Wallace at February 15, 2006 09:53 AM

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You girls need the rest from that come from behind win over Finland.

Now you can focus on playing Sweden advancing to the gold medal against either Canada or Finland.

But who you face I'll be praying for you ladies that you come out with a medal no matter what.

As for now the swedes won't be an easy task but I believe in you and the entire Team USA Squad!

Go 4 Gold!

Andrew Johnson

Posted by: Andrew Johnson at February 15, 2006 09:57 AM

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You girls are AWESOME and so much fun to watch!! I just wanted to let you know that you are not just inspiring young girls to play. You inspired me in 1998 and in 2002 and so at age 35 I decided to take up the sport and have now been playing for almost 2 years. It is the best sport I have ever played and I absolutely LOVE it!! Thank you for inspiring people of all ages!! Keep up the good work and good luck against Sweden on Friday.

Posted by: Pam Piekeny at February 15, 2006 10:10 AM

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Great come from behind win yesterday! Were you girls trying to give us a heart attack in the first two periods? Keep up that winning, we can't wait to see USA vs. Canada on Monday!!! PLEASE TELL MOLLY HI FROM MARIA AND CHERIE!!!!!! WE'RE PROUD OF YOU!!!

Posted by: Maria at February 15, 2006 10:41 AM

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Nice Comeback against Sweden. But we all know it will be Canada/USA in the final. Try to keep it close, but we also know that Canada is going to whip you guys 5-0 in the Gold medal game.


Hockey Is Our Game.


Posted by: AlanCanada at February 15, 2006 10:41 AM

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I had any number of things to do, but I could not leave the game with Finland. It was a gutsy performance and a beautiful brand of hockey. After watching men's "sluggo" hockey and being turned off, I am back to appreciating the crisp passing, fantastic skating, and athleticism of the team. Keep it up!

Posted by: Tom Yankus at February 15, 2006 10:52 AM

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Awesome game against Finland!
Lots of luck to Team USA against Sweden!! Keep up the good work!!

Posted by: Liz at February 15, 2006 11:50 AM

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Thank you for sharing. This is great stuff! Keep up the great work and remember thousands at home are cheering for all of you !!!

Posted by: JOhn Frisella at February 15, 2006 11:56 AM

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Hey Angela! Much love from all the DeMarco family-- we're so proud of you and Julie and Kim! Keep up the amazing work and we can't wait to see your next medal!

Lots of love,
Alicia D.

Posted by: Alicia DeMarco at February 15, 2006 12:12 PM

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Great mental comeback. It is amazing how strong captains can motivate and redirect a group of talented players to come out in the 3rd period and play as a team. I was forced to pray that you all could play your best, and you did. Way to go.

Posted by: Mary Gregory at February 15, 2006 12:24 PM

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Unfortunately Im at work today and did not get to catch the game but Im hoping it will be replayed tonight. As a big hockey fan it sounds like it was a great game and the previous 2 games have been exciting to watch. Keep up the good work!

Great websites, I wish more players would blog. I love getting the ice level perspective of the games. It helps those of us that can't be there enjoy it on an extra level.

Posted by: David Kiersh at February 15, 2006 01:06 PM

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Way to go Team USA!
Rugger, you have shown young female athletes that class, teamwork, and determination will take you far in life, no matter how many points you have in a season.
Good luck- we're all rooting for you!

Posted by: Jess Knight at February 15, 2006 02:18 PM

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Way to go, You guys rock!!! The best I have ever seen. Keep it up and make us proud. You guys have made the last few days fun, exciting and great. This is the most exciting hockey team I have seen. I have been a hcokey fan all my life and follow the NHL, but this run circle around it. You guys play with heart and spirit. Not to mention you make this great nation proud at a time it really needs it. Thanks you.

Posted by: Pete at February 15, 2006 02:23 PM

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Go USA!

Bring home the GOLD!

Charlee Major, Columbus, Ohio

Posted by: Charlee at February 15, 2006 02:37 PM

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You guys are awesome! I'm sorry I missed the game, but I was so excited to hear that you won. I love hockey and just started to watch women's hockey this year. I'm a little old to start playing at 16, but boy do I wish I could! Good luck in all future games. I'll be cheering you on from 4891 miles away!

Posted by: Kate Boman at February 15, 2006 03:17 PM

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Great job ladies! Keep up the good work.
Settle for nothing less than your best!

I never understood why they dont let the womens teams check at this level? From what I watched, its pretty close to full contact anyway?

Art


Marine City, MI

Posted by: Art at February 15, 2006 03:42 PM

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Another great win over Finland! Bring home the Gold, you're making everyone proud back home in the USA!

Lisa
Pittsburgh, PA

Posted by: Lisa at February 15, 2006 03:52 PM

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Go Angela and Team USA! Just want to let you know there are Choaties supporting you in Chicago!!

Posted by: Mike at February 15, 2006 03:57 PM

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Wow!!
What an amazing game!!!
You guys are all my inspiration

Posted by: Kaly at February 15, 2006 04:03 PM

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I'd just like to say that I think it's great that there's a womens olympic team. I say this because the only other level of play besides youth is college! Anyways...great job!

Posted by: Becca at February 15, 2006 04:44 PM

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Angela,

I extend my gratitude to you all as a team, you all are so...Forget it. YOU GO GIRLS! BRING HOME THE GOLD!

Tell the team we're all rooting for you!

-Sam-

Posted by: Sam at February 15, 2006 04:56 PM

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Great game. i have played hockey since i was 4 years old (26 now), i have had girls play on my teams before but yesterday was the first time i actually watched you guys play. I have to admit, the pace was furious and the skills were awesome!! Good luck the rest of the way!
P.S. My hometown girl Kim Insalaco is HOOOOOOT!! is she single?

Posted by: Rusty Brisson (Roch, NY) at February 15, 2006 04:58 PM

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That was one heck of a great game against the Fins!! You gals ruled the ice and played very very well.

Bring home that gold!!!

Posted by: John Floy at February 15, 2006 05:14 PM

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Great game! you girls are amazing, i love to watch you all play its unbelievable. I'm a goalie for the roseville high school hockey team and i just hope one day i would get the chance to play on the usa team. Keep up the great work and good luck against Sweden!!!!

Posted by: alicia dudero at February 15, 2006 05:46 PM

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Angela,
The goal against Finland where you faked the slapshot and put in that wrister was a thing of beauty. It seemed to throw the momentum completely in USA's favor. You are such a rock star!
I've seen you guys play in Lake Placid several times - love the team. Will be pulling for you Friday.
Bob

Posted by: bob at February 15, 2006 06:36 PM

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Great game ange! You and the team are in my thoughts constantly. Keep working hard. When you get home there will be a VERY LARGE cornedbeef waiting for you haha. Good luck!
Love,
Rushie's mom

Posted by: Debby Z at February 15, 2006 06:54 PM

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WAY TO GET TWO IN!

Posted by: Ashley at February 15, 2006 08:08 PM

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You all are amazing to watch, keep up the great work, you are doing great.

Posted by: T Kelley at February 15, 2006 08:29 PM

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Watched you guys yesterday made me a bit nervous for the first two periods, but you definately looked awesome in the third. Probably had something to do with the refs not calling so many penalties. Shout out to the Rochester girls. Representin. Good Luck I'll be watching the rest of the way.

Dave

Posted by: Dave Gotham at February 15, 2006 08:53 PM

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I just wanted to say- you all are awesome...I just love the intensity and heart that you all play with. I am loving watching-just keep up the great work!!!

Stacy

Posted by: Stacy at February 15, 2006 09:23 PM

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wow that was an amazing game, at first i was scared but i did not give up on you all. that was nice how you all kept your poise. i wish i would have started playing when i was younger but being a fan is just as good. well good luck in your future games and do your best and remember that we believe in you. GO USA WOMENS ICE HOCKEY.

p.s. my mom got some more gray hair from watching your game, dont worry though i give her alot too from my sport. :) keep up the good work. :)

Posted by: sheri rockefeller at February 15, 2006 10:29 PM

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Ms. Ruggiero,

I'm one of those odd Michiganders who roots for Canada--mostly--but I'm rooting for the US Women's team because you're on it. You gals are doing an amazing job out there, and you'll have no problem beating the Finns--or the Canadians. Your team's like you--lots of grit and heart--and we're all very proud of you back here in Michigan...even us half-Canadians.

George

Posted by: George Malik at February 15, 2006 11:00 PM

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I was watching the game with my wife and I told her there's my girl Angela Ruggiero #4... as I said that you scored the go ahead goal!!! Way to go!!! We will be pulling for you gals on Friday.
Go kick some butt!!!!

Posted by: Tony at February 15, 2006 11:19 PM

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I was watching the game with my wife and I told her there's my girl Angela Ruggiero #4... as I said that you scored the go ahead goal!!! Way to go!!! We will be pulling for you gals on Friday.
Go kick some butt!!!!

Posted by: Tony Pineiro, (LI NY) at February 15, 2006 11:22 PM

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BRAVA! YOU LADIES REALLY PUT YOUR HEART & SOUL INTO THE FINLAND GAME. WATCHING YOU GURLS PLAY HAS TURNED ME ON TO HOCKEY B/C I'VE NEVER SEEN WOMEN PLAY. I LUV IT! YA'LL KILLED OUT THERE,BIG UP TO MY GURLS,CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU BRING HOME THE GOLD!!!

Posted by: CeCe at February 15, 2006 11:26 PM

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I'm sure you've heard a ton of compliments about your one goal that was all you, but I have to give you one more. The way you protected the puck in your end then just blew past everyone, even your own teammates, up the ice, faked the hard slapper and then just wristed it past the Finnish goalie was awesome. That is the biggest highlight, for me, in the Olympics so far.

Only way to beat that would to beat the Canucks for the gold!

How did you feel about having Mark Parrish and Scott Gomez cheering you on from ice level?

Posted by: Bernie Edelen at February 15, 2006 11:29 PM

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WAY TO GO GIRLS!!!! Although I didn't get to watch the game on TV I am reading about it in the newspaper and watching the updates on NBC. Angela, you should be so proud because here in Tulsa our Oilers team barely gets a mention in the sports section but today, there you were, front page in an article talking about your USA team and when you played for the Oilers. We are cheering you on here in Tulsa. And like you said, the win must have been extra special coming from behind. Keep up the good work Team USA. You make us proud.
Kalen.

Posted by: Kalen - Tulsa, OK at February 15, 2006 11:47 PM

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I just want to say that you and the rest of the USA team are such fabulous role models. I've been playing 4 years and I'm trying to get a women's hockey team started up at my college in Texas - I think ya'll will inspire a lot of ladies to start playing and hopefully women's hockey here can get back on track. Good luck on Friday! Ya'll are great!

Posted by: Jackie C. at February 16, 2006 12:03 AM

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Wow!! Great to here that the team beat Finland!! Unfortunately, I did not get to see the game. But, what a comeback!! Keep it up, go get Sweden next. Stay focused and you will do well. Good luck to all of you!! We are again so proud of you all back here in the States!

Posted by: Steve Sutton at February 16, 2006 12:11 AM

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WOOOOOO!!!! Great playing, USA!! Can't wait for Friday's game. And it's a blast trying to keep up with you on this site, Rugger -- Thanks for all the excitement!
Em

Posted by: Em Harrison at February 16, 2006 01:13 AM

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WHOA !!! THIS TEAM IS INSPIRING TO SAY THE LEAST. THE WAY ALL OF YOU ARE REPRESENTING THE GOOD OLE US of A IS TRULY AWESOME AND I THINK NO MATTER THE OUTCOME, THE TEAM HAS ALLOWED ALL AMERICANS EVERYWHERE TO PUFF OUT OUR CHESTS AND SAY "THAT'S MY TEAM!!!"...UH HUH....I ALSO BELIEVE THAT YOU AND YOUR TEAMMATES ARE DOING A WONDERFUL JOB OF PROMOTING WOMEN'S HOCKEY TO POTENTIAL PLAYERS THROUGHOUT THE USA. I WISH SOME OF YA'LL COULD SKI. MAYBE SOMEDAY.....
ANYWAY, KEEP UP THE EFFORT BUT DON'T FORGET TO HAVE SOME FUN TOO! THANKS FOR THE MEMORIES! I WILL CHERISH THEM ALWAYS!

Posted by: CHRIS at February 16, 2006 02:39 AM

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Think you are a total babe...the hottest thing on ice or land....you make me melt....

Posted by: Jeffrey at February 16, 2006 10:55 AM

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I've been watching hockey since the days of Bobby Orr (no, I'm only 53 :) And I LOVE the Women's Game!!! When I was a kid, I dreamed of playing for the New York Rangers when I grew up (I was kind've a weird little girl (lol) Alas, there was no girls hockey at all. It means so much to women of my generation to see how far women's sports have come. And you guys are AMAZING!!! Just a blast to watch you flying up the ice. Thanks for living the dream...

Posted by: Barb Wolfe at February 16, 2006 12:53 PM

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Angela

Great finish on the Finns. My daughter Katherine got the following from friends in Finland:

"Yeah, the US defenders were not playing their best game which opened the way for some Finnish goals. BUT, to tell the truth, the difference in personal skills was huge, it looked like a car race with a Ferrari against a Lada. In the beginning the Ferrari had a flat tyre and some engine problems which allowed the Lada to momentarily take the lead, but eventually Ferrari just rocketed and smashed the Lada...

But still, IF USA had not made their 2nd goal in the end of the 2nd period, Finland would have started the 3rd period in 3-1 lead instead of 3-2. This could have been crucial... The Finns sure fighted!:

Olli

p.s. "Couldn't quite figure out the referee, she seemed to whistle a penalty from each and every contact..."

I sent back:

Great summary of the game.

The story on the referee is that she is an experiment and was implanted with an electronic egg timer for the Olympics. So every three minutes she is programmed to blow a soft boiled penalty.

Your go ahead goal was a great Bobby Orr style rush. Like you, Katherine idolized Bobby Orr as a child, played D and always wanted to wear number four.

You go, ladies. America is proud of you!

Lou Issel

Posted by: Lou Issel at February 16, 2006 01:37 PM

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As a founding member of the Dartmouth Women's Hockey team, who started on dainty white figure skates and borrowed boys' equipment, all I can be is awed by where women's hockey is today, and the talent and poise you all showed against Finland.

And as the mother of three Choaties, who cheered you on at Remsen rink a couple weeks ago, I'm a big fan of the three of you. You have made Choate very very proud.

Posted by: Amy Cholnoky at February 16, 2006 01:40 PM

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Best Wishes for continued success. You are on track to become the Queens of all the USA Teams in the Winter Olympics. Get the Gold!

Posted by: Bill Tyler at February 16, 2006 02:26 PM

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I can't wait to see you guys head back to the ice tomorrow. Hope these past two days have been restful and fun and that you're all ready to go beat Sweden tomorrow!! Texas is supporting you ladies all the way! Good luck and keep winning!!!

Posted by: Chelsey Masterson at February 16, 2006 03:44 PM

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You girls are doing a great job. Nice two goals in the game too. Bring home the gold!
-Chrissie B.
U14 Lady Bandits
Bridgewater, MA

Posted by: Chrissie at February 16, 2006 04:33 PM

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hey-

i didnt get to see the game against finland but im glad that we came back like that. and could you give a shoutout to the starting goalie (i dont know her name)for me telling her that she has played awesome so far. thx! ttyl ..... maybe

Posted by: Tyler at February 16, 2006 04:37 PM

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My son, who is 9, and I have watched at least part of every game and also have been reading through your website. I was busy with work during the Finland game, but I was able to keep ducking out into the living room to catch the score. When you scored the go-ahead goal (a thing of beauty), Alex yelled at me to come watch and gave me a high five. He was really pumped up.

The dedication, perseverance, and heart of Team USA is fantastic - Alex and I are proud to have you and the rest of the team representing our country, and look forward to seeing you on the podium.

Jason & Alex

Posted by: Jason at February 16, 2006 06:30 PM

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Way to go Team USA and Angela!!!!

I watched the game with my grandfather at his assisted living facility. Ange, when you scored the tie-breaker goal, I think I woke up the whole place with my cheers!!

Y'all are awesome - keep it up!
Jos

Posted by: Joslyn O'Connor at February 16, 2006 07:17 PM

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The coach has got you in good shape
You are poised and well rehearsed
So here's a little diddy
That comes to you in verse

Keep your stick on the puck
Keep your eyes on the goal
Play well with your teammates
And you'll soon be wearing GOLD!


Posted by: Susan at February 16, 2006 10:58 PM

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Just wanted to say that ya'll are doing awesome. Some other sailors and I came to see the game against the Swiss. My friend actually reenlisted at that game and we had a blast watching ya'll. A few of them will be heading back up there for the gold game on Monday. So be on the look out for some crazy wigged American sailors and bring home the gold!

Posted by: Chelsea at February 16, 2006 11:06 PM

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Angela,
Just wanted to wish you and the fellow Choaties best of luck throughout the remainder of the Olympics. It is wonderful to be able to view fellow alumni competing at the highest level and representing Choate Rosemary Hall. Bring home the Gold and know we're all behind you!

Mark Osborne
CRH '02

Posted by: Mark Osborne at February 16, 2006 11:18 PM

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i did not catch the finland game but i have been watching the majority of the games im a huge hockey fan in philadelphia area and you girls have been awsome and cant wait for the medal rounds to start i think you team USA can get it done

Posted by: steve hill at February 16, 2006 11:19 PM

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Hey Angela, I just wanted to congratulate you on a great game against Finley. Please give my house a call so we can keep in touch (your mom has the #) Thank Brittney Dwyer

Posted by: Brittney at February 17, 2006 09:37 AM

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Awesome web page. Your stepmom was my favorite college professor. When she went to see you play at Harvard she'd bring back pictures for us. Saw the Finland game. She was right. You are an awesome player. Keep it up and go for the gold USA.
Terri

Posted by: Terri at February 17, 2006 09:56 AM

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Hello!
Wow the team as done an astounding job. By the way, the entire Choate Rosemary Hall is behind all three of our alumini! You go girls! Good luck with Sweeden, I know you will win! You are just too good!

Posted by: choate student at February 17, 2006 10:17 AM

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Angela
you guys are fantastic and I am so very proud of you all - I have seen each of your games and just saw the tip off against Sweden - I wish you all every success

Posted by: John R Everett at February 17, 2006 11:07 AM

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I'm really sorry about the way it ended with Sweden. I know it sucks with a tough loss like that, but you are all phenomonal players, and good role models for the rest of us American girl hockey players to look up to. I can not express how sorry I am that it turned out the way it did, but just know that we all still our proud to have such great athletes in our country.
Emily Sell

Posted by: Emily Sell at February 17, 2006 02:15 PM