The 'Qwest' to Vancouver
Aimee Morgan
Issue date: 1/27/10 Section: Features
| |
|
McLaughlin stopped an NCAA Division 1 record of 3,809 shots during her impressive Colonial career. Last year at this time she was studying nursing, and training for what would be the opportunity of a lifetime.
"If I made it I'd be living here in Blaine Minnesota to train, it was a lot of last minute planning to get prepared for this. I was so anxious I couldn't fall asleep," said McLaughlin.
The National Festival invited 40 kids to Blaine in August only to select 23 for the National Team.
"When they named it-it was bittersweet. A lot of older girls got cut. We felt bad for the ones that didn't make it. We all became very close. It was more relief than excitement when I found out because I was so tired and anxious. It was however a feeling of accomplishment. When I told my mom she couldn't even talk," added McLaughlin.
McLaughlin has been very busy lately trying to get prepared for Vancouver. They have practice Monday through Friday from 10am until noon. They have been doing an extra hour of yoga, and lifting and cardio are routine. As a goalie, they work closely with McLaughlin on hand-eye coordination. They play against boys' high school teams, something McLaughlin has been doing for years.
"Growing up, my brother and I had the common interest in hockey. I grew up playing hockey. He made me get in my goalie gear and he was always my number one critic. His senior year I played junior varsity and dressed varsity. He was always making fun, and trying to get me better," said McLaughlin.
Besides all the traveling and hard-work, McLaughlin "kind of feels like a celebrity." Women's hockey is growing. I have been doing appearances and autograph signing. Kids swarm the locker room with pens asking for autographs. They know about my statistics and where I have come from. It's incredible," said McLaughlin
"Bri" has always been on our radar," said Michele Amidon, the general manager of the Olympic Team and director of women's hockey for USA Hockey. McLaughlin is a "perfect fit," added Amidon.
"I didn't know a lot about the process to get on the [Olympic] Team. We got some big wins that were noticeable, like Wisconsin. It was a lot of work. I wanted to do well, I wanted to get noticed. In June I got the call to come to tryouts. Just recently has this become a reality," said McLaughlin.
In past years the National Team only allowed two goalies to make it. This year, three have been selected.
"It's an extensive process. We try to identify players at top-level. We create opportunities like the festivals. It's so selective. Bri is an outstanding goaltender. We focused on putting weight and muscle on her. The future is wide open for her," said Amidon.
Strength and conditioning coach Todd Hammer helped get her back in shape. RMU Women's Hockey Head Coach Nate Handrahan played a big part on helping McLaughlin make the team.
"He was my realization that I could make it this far. He got me noticed," said McLaughlin.
"I want to thank Hammer, the entire coaching staff, the whole nursing department, and athletic department," added McLaughlin.
McLaughlin and her teammates will be heading to Colorado to the Olympic training center at the end of January. They have to go to Vancouver on February 7 to get used to the ice and arena.
"It's very cool to have one of my teammates make it to the Olympics. It gives our program a really good name. When I watch the Olympics I can now say that she was one of my teammates," said RMU Women's hockey goaltender Daneca Butterfield.
There are preliminary rounds, and semi-final games. It will be a tight match-up between the US and Canada.
"It will most likely come down to US and Canada," added McLaughlin.
Does McLaughlin want the gold? "Of course."
Viewing Comments 1 - 1 of 1
pikatje1
posted 2/10/10 @ 11:00 AM EST
Good luck. You have done very well to get in the team.
Post a Comment