Four Nation's Cup- Silver Medal
November 29, 2006
Well, we brought home another Silver for the good 'ole USA. We started off a great week of training in Ann Arbor, where we were put to the test by our strength and conditioning Coach Teena Murray. She tested us in various strength and speed exercises, such as long jump, high jump, bench press, squat, one leg long jump, pull-ups, and various on-ice sprints. It was a great week to get to know some of the new players on the team and to get back onto the ice with Team USA. After shooting the Apprentice this summer, traveling for a bit, and starting my new position with the NY Islanders, it was great to be a full-time hockey player, if only for a few weeks.
We drove to Kitchener, Ontario for the tournament. I remember playing with the National Team in my first World Championships there in 1997. We lost in overtime, but I still have great memories of that tournament...especially since it was my first Worlds. Our current assistant coach, Erin Whitten, was in goal for us that year...she has really come full circle now.
The tourney started out great. We got a win on Finland and sweet revenge on Sweden, who beat us in the Olympics this past year. Unfortunately, we lost to Canada in both games. They are about 5 years, on average, older than us this year, but we have some great young guns on the team with lots of potential. The new staff was great and overall, for anyone who saw the game, I am sure they can see that we are moving in the right direction in this rebuilding year...lots of energy from the new players is great...
I spent the following week with the Hockey Hall of Fame Tour. We played in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, and Vancouver. It was great to play with Hall of Famers and Hockey greats such as Tiger Williams, Kevin Stevens, Joel Otto, Peter Statsny, Larry Robinson, Chris Nilan, Brian Trottier, Billy Smith, Steve Shutt, and Bob Bourne to name a few. I was on the bus with them all week...just like the pros for a week. This was the first time they had women on the tour. Haley Wickenheiser and Geraldine Heaney played opposite from me on the Canadian Team. (Canada vs. the World was the format). It was cool to get to know these two players after playing against them for over a decade. Hopefully I will be back next year!
Comments
Comments
Hey Angela!
Am real proud of you. Am also a Choate grad,...but much older. Graduated in 89'.
I live in Pittsburgh and am a huge hockey fan. We are fighting for a new arena to keep the Pens. Mario Lemieux is doing what he can but he can't do it all. I am lucky to have seen Mario and now Sidney and Malkin play. Am going tothe game tonight.
I picked up hockey 7 years ago and now play in a mens league. C division. I didn't play at Choate. Anyway, anytime you are in the "burgh" let me know and I can show you around. I am single so I can show you some good places for you and your girls.
Take Care
Rich
Posted by: Rich Tencza at December 29, 2006 04:52 PM
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Hi Angela...I play for the Ct Polar Bears. My team (and I) met you at the opening ceremonies for the Ct Polar Bears Holiday Tounament. I heard you are working for the NY Islanders! When people ask me who I look up to, I say Angela Ruggiero. You always play hard, and never give up. That's what I do every game. I watched the Apprentice. Donald Trump gave you a BIG hug! Good luck in all your games! Marissa #8 By the way...I love your BOOK!
Posted by: Marissa #8 at January 8, 2007 05:45 PM
Hey Angela! I am glad to here that you have been having a great time doing what you love! Hockey is the best! I went to the CHE "just for girls" program at Lake Placid this past summer and you were there! Camp was really fun and I plan on going back again next summer. I even got my first hat trick today in my game!
Keep playing hard!
"Rosie Beef"
Posted by: Rosie Beef at December 16, 2006 08:20 PM