Women's Hockey - includes spoilers

[tommy]

Well the Canadian women's team got off to a good start...

http://tsn.ca/olympics/news_story/?ID=154499&hubname=

with a SIXTEEN TO ZERO win over the Italians! :crazy: :eek: :eek2:

[tommy]

Well the Canadian women's team got off to a good start...

http://tsn.ca/olympics/news_story/?ID=154499&hubname=

with a SIXTEEN TO ZERO win over the Italians! :crazy: :eek: :eek2:

[tommy]

Well the Canadian women's team got off to a good start...

http://tsn.ca/olympics/news_story/?ID=154499&hubname=

with a SIXTEEN TO ZERO win over the Italians! :crazy: :eek: :eek2:

[tommy]

Well the Canadian women's team got off to a good start...

http://tsn.ca/olympics/news_story/?ID=154499&hubname=

with a SIXTEEN TO ZERO win over the Italians! :crazy: :eek: :eek2:

[tommy]

Well the Canadian women's team got off to a good start...

http://tsn.ca/olympics/news_story/?ID=154499&hubname=

with a SIXTEEN TO ZERO win over the Italians! :crazy: :eek: :eek2:

[tommy]

Well the Canadian women's team got off to a good start...

http://tsn.ca/olympics/news_story/?ID=154499&hubname=

with a SIXTEEN TO ZERO win over the Italians! :crazy: :eek: :eek2:

[tommy]

Well the Canadian women's team got off to a good start...

http://tsn.ca/olympics/news_story/?ID=154499&hubname=

with a SIXTEEN TO ZERO win over the Italians! :crazy: :eek: :eek2:

[goalie33]

...and we thought Archie was small:

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/oly_full.56165389ps005_olympics_day_.jpg

[goalie33]

...and we thought Archie was small:

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/oly_full.56165389ps005_olympics_day_.jpg

[goalie33]

...and we thought Archie was small:

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/oly_full.56165389ps005_olympics_day_.jpg

[goalie33]

...and we thought Archie was small:

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/oly_full.56165389ps005_olympics_day_.jpg

[goalie33]

...and we thought Archie was small:

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/oly_full.56165389ps005_olympics_day_.jpg

[goalie33]

...and we thought Archie was small:

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/oly_full.56165389ps005_olympics_day_.jpg

[goalie33]

...and we thought Archie was small:

http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/p/sp/getty/oly_full.56165389ps005_olympics_day_.jpg

[puckin_A]

poor Italy goalies. They look like they just put on their first goalie equipment. Sad to see infront of a mainly Italian crowd.

[puckin_A]

poor Italy goalies. They look like they just put on their first goalie equipment. Sad to see infront of a mainly Italian crowd.

[puckin_A]

poor Italy goalies. They look like they just put on their first goalie equipment. Sad to see infront of a mainly Italian crowd.

[puckin_A]

poor Italy goalies. They look like they just put on their first goalie equipment. Sad to see infront of a mainly Italian crowd.

[puckin_A]

poor Italy goalies. They look like they just put on their first goalie equipment. Sad to see infront of a mainly Italian crowd.

[puckin_A]

poor Italy goalies. They look like they just put on their first goalie equipment. Sad to see infront of a mainly Italian crowd.

[puckin_A]

poor Italy goalies. They look like they just put on their first goalie equipment. Sad to see infront of a mainly Italian crowd.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

The Canadian women are off to another great start against Russia...3-0 already at 12:06 into the first.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

The Canadian women are off to another great start against Russia...3-0 already at 12:06 into the first.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

The Canadian women are off to another great start against Russia...3-0 already at 12:06 into the first.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

The Canadian women are off to another great start against Russia...3-0 already at 12:06 into the first.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

The Canadian women are off to another great start against Russia...3-0 already at 12:06 into the first.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

The Canadian women are off to another great start against Russia...3-0 already at 12:06 into the first.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

The Canadian women are off to another great start against Russia...3-0 already at 12:06 into the first.

[nccanes]

My son: "OMG - I just saw my first 'girl scrum'". He was impressed with the Canadian girl "decking" the Russian. :laugh:

[nccanes]

My son: "OMG - I just saw my first 'girl scrum'". He was impressed with the Canadian girl "decking" the Russian. :laugh:

[nccanes]

My son: "OMG - I just saw my first 'girl scrum'". He was impressed with the Canadian girl "decking" the Russian. :laugh:

[nccanes]

My son: "OMG - I just saw my first 'girl scrum'". He was impressed with the Canadian girl "decking" the Russian. :laugh:

[nccanes]

My son: "OMG - I just saw my first 'girl scrum'". He was impressed with the Canadian girl "decking" the Russian. :laugh:

[nccanes]

My son: "OMG - I just saw my first 'girl scrum'". He was impressed with the Canadian girl "decking" the Russian. :laugh:

[nccanes]

My son: "OMG - I just saw my first 'girl scrum'". He was impressed with the Canadian girl "decking" the Russian. :laugh:

[SoCalcaniac]

:laugh:

[SoCalcaniac]

:laugh:

[SoCalcaniac]

:laugh:

[SoCalcaniac]

:laugh:

[SoCalcaniac]

:laugh:

[SoCalcaniac]

:laugh:

[SoCalcaniac]

:laugh:

[apolinar]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

[apolinar]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

[apolinar]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

[apolinar]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

[apolinar]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

[apolinar]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

[apolinar]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

[tommy]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

I don't think you would have even needed the rest of your class, man.

[tommy]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

I don't think you would have even needed the rest of your class, man.

[tommy]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

I don't think you would have even needed the rest of your class, man.

[tommy]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

I don't think you would have even needed the rest of your class, man.

[tommy]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

I don't think you would have even needed the rest of your class, man.

[tommy]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

I don't think you would have even needed the rest of your class, man.

[tommy]

I think my learn to skate class coulda beat team russia Ladies today :eek2:

I don't think you would have even needed the rest of your class, man.

[goalie33]

Swiss goalie is really keeping her team in it against the Finns...and she's 16!

[goalie33]

Swiss goalie is really keeping her team in it against the Finns...and she's 16!

[goalie33]

Swiss goalie is really keeping her team in it against the Finns...and she's 16!

[goalie33]

Swiss goalie is really keeping her team in it against the Finns...and she's 16!

[goalie33]

Swiss goalie is really keeping her team in it against the Finns...and she's 16!

[goalie33]

Swiss goalie is really keeping her team in it against the Finns...and she's 16!

[goalie33]

Swiss goalie is really keeping her team in it against the Finns...and she's 16!

[tommy]

Yikes -- 4 seconds left in the Germany/Switzerland game, and a Swiss player two handed one of the Germans; blatant slash right in the ribs, and she went down. Gotta wonder if you'll see disciplinary action after that...

[tommy]

Yikes -- 4 seconds left in the Germany/Switzerland game, and a Swiss player two handed one of the Germans; blatant slash right in the ribs, and she went down. Gotta wonder if you'll see disciplinary action after that...

[tommy]

Yikes -- 4 seconds left in the Germany/Switzerland game, and a Swiss player two handed one of the Germans; blatant slash right in the ribs, and she went down. Gotta wonder if you'll see disciplinary action after that...

[tommy]

Yikes -- 4 seconds left in the Germany/Switzerland game, and a Swiss player two handed one of the Germans; blatant slash right in the ribs, and she went down. Gotta wonder if you'll see disciplinary action after that...

[tommy]

Yikes -- 4 seconds left in the Germany/Switzerland game, and a Swiss player two handed one of the Germans; blatant slash right in the ribs, and she went down. Gotta wonder if you'll see disciplinary action after that...

[tommy]

Yikes -- 4 seconds left in the Germany/Switzerland game, and a Swiss player two handed one of the Germans; blatant slash right in the ribs, and she went down. Gotta wonder if you'll see disciplinary action after that...

[tommy]

Yikes -- 4 seconds left in the Germany/Switzerland game, and a Swiss player two handed one of the Germans; blatant slash right in the ribs, and she went down. Gotta wonder if you'll see disciplinary action after that...

[goalie33]

Did they give her a major? If not, no way.

[goalie33]

Did they give her a major? If not, no way.

[goalie33]

Did they give her a major? If not, no way.

[goalie33]

Did they give her a major? If not, no way.

[goalie33]

Did they give her a major? If not, no way.

[goalie33]

Did they give her a major? If not, no way.

[goalie33]

Did they give her a major? If not, no way.

[tommy]

She got slashing and a game misconduct.

[tommy]

She got slashing and a game misconduct.

[tommy]

She got slashing and a game misconduct.

[tommy]

She got slashing and a game misconduct.

[tommy]

She got slashing and a game misconduct.

[tommy]

She got slashing and a game misconduct.

[tommy]

She got slashing and a game misconduct.

[tommy]

Anybody else have a bad feed for the women's game on the USA Network right now? No volume, choppy picture, etc...

[tommy]

Anybody else have a bad feed for the women's game on the USA Network right now? No volume, choppy picture, etc...

[tommy]

Anybody else have a bad feed for the women's game on the USA Network right now? No volume, choppy picture, etc...

[tommy]

Anybody else have a bad feed for the women's game on the USA Network right now? No volume, choppy picture, etc...

[tommy]

Anybody else have a bad feed for the women's game on the USA Network right now? No volume, choppy picture, etc...

[tommy]

Anybody else have a bad feed for the women's game on the USA Network right now? No volume, choppy picture, etc...

[tommy]

Anybody else have a bad feed for the women's game on the USA Network right now? No volume, choppy picture, etc...

[Wingman69]

Just started watching and it looks fine here.

[Wingman69]

Just started watching and it looks fine here.

[Wingman69]

Just started watching and it looks fine here.

[Wingman69]

Just started watching and it looks fine here.

[Wingman69]

Just started watching and it looks fine here.

[Wingman69]

Just started watching and it looks fine here.

[Wingman69]

Just started watching and it looks fine here.

[StormChaserBH]

Nope, it's coming in 5 by 5 for me... Time-Warner Cable Apex if it matters.

[StormChaserBH]

Nope, it's coming in 5 by 5 for me... Time-Warner Cable Apex if it matters.

[StormChaserBH]

Nope, it's coming in 5 by 5 for me... Time-Warner Cable Apex if it matters.

[StormChaserBH]

Nope, it's coming in 5 by 5 for me... Time-Warner Cable Apex if it matters.

[StormChaserBH]

Nope, it's coming in 5 by 5 for me... Time-Warner Cable Apex if it matters.

[StormChaserBH]

Nope, it's coming in 5 by 5 for me... Time-Warner Cable Apex if it matters.

[StormChaserBH]

Nope, it's coming in 5 by 5 for me... Time-Warner Cable Apex if it matters.

[goalie33]

Chanda just saved the game.

US shooters choked big time in the shootout, Sweden wins 3-2 (2-0).

Ruggiero missed the net, got an extra shot for the goalie leaving early, and then missed an open net.

[goalie33]

Chanda just saved the game.

US shooters choked big time in the shootout, Sweden wins 3-2 (2-0).

Ruggiero missed the net, got an extra shot for the goalie leaving early, and then missed an open net.

[goalie33]

Chanda just saved the game.

US shooters choked big time in the shootout, Sweden wins 3-2 (2-0).

Ruggiero missed the net, got an extra shot for the goalie leaving early, and then missed an open net.

[goalie33]

Chanda just saved the game.

US shooters choked big time in the shootout, Sweden wins 3-2 (2-0).

Ruggiero missed the net, got an extra shot for the goalie leaving early, and then missed an open net.

[goalie33]

Chanda just saved the game.

US shooters choked big time in the shootout, Sweden wins 3-2 (2-0).

Ruggiero missed the net, got an extra shot for the goalie leaving early, and then missed an open net.

[goalie33]

Chanda just saved the game.

US shooters choked big time in the shootout, Sweden wins 3-2 (2-0).

Ruggiero missed the net, got an extra shot for the goalie leaving early, and then missed an open net.

[goalie33]

Chanda just saved the game.

US shooters choked big time in the shootout, Sweden wins 3-2 (2-0).

Ruggiero missed the net, got an extra shot for the goalie leaving early, and then missed an open net.

[nccanes]

But I'm reading elsewhere that Sweden won is a SO - is that right.

How horrible for the Americans.

I guess that's put a stop to all the talk about a 2 team tournament.

[nccanes]

But I'm reading elsewhere that Sweden won is a SO - is that right.

How horrible for the Americans.

I guess that's put a stop to all the talk about a 2 team tournament.

[nccanes]

But I'm reading elsewhere that Sweden won is a SO - is that right.

How horrible for the Americans.

I guess that's put a stop to all the talk about a 2 team tournament.

[nccanes]

But I'm reading elsewhere that Sweden won is a SO - is that right.

How horrible for the Americans.

I guess that's put a stop to all the talk about a 2 team tournament.

[nccanes]

But I'm reading elsewhere that Sweden won is a SO - is that right.

How horrible for the Americans.

I guess that's put a stop to all the talk about a 2 team tournament.

[nccanes]

But I'm reading elsewhere that Sweden won is a SO - is that right.

How horrible for the Americans.

I guess that's put a stop to all the talk about a 2 team tournament.

[nccanes]

But I'm reading elsewhere that Sweden won is a SO - is that right.

How horrible for the Americans.

I guess that's put a stop to all the talk about a 2 team tournament.

[nccanes]

I have to admit not watching too much of the women's game (due to time), but what was the deal with this game?

Maybe the gals should have stopped worrying about the Canadians goal scoring and lopsided wins and focus on their own games.

Wonder if Cammie would have made a difference. :evil:

[nccanes]

I have to admit not watching too much of the women's game (due to time), but what was the deal with this game?

Maybe the gals should have stopped worrying about the Canadians goal scoring and lopsided wins and focus on their own games.

Wonder if Cammie would have made a difference. :evil:

[nccanes]

I have to admit not watching too much of the women's game (due to time), but what was the deal with this game?

Maybe the gals should have stopped worrying about the Canadians goal scoring and lopsided wins and focus on their own games.

Wonder if Cammie would have made a difference. :evil:

[nccanes]

I have to admit not watching too much of the women's game (due to time), but what was the deal with this game?

Maybe the gals should have stopped worrying about the Canadians goal scoring and lopsided wins and focus on their own games.

Wonder if Cammie would have made a difference. :evil:

[nccanes]

I have to admit not watching too much of the women's game (due to time), but what was the deal with this game?

Maybe the gals should have stopped worrying about the Canadians goal scoring and lopsided wins and focus on their own games.

Wonder if Cammie would have made a difference. :evil:

[nccanes]

I have to admit not watching too much of the women's game (due to time), but what was the deal with this game?

Maybe the gals should have stopped worrying about the Canadians goal scoring and lopsided wins and focus on their own games.

Wonder if Cammie would have made a difference. :evil:

[nccanes]

I have to admit not watching too much of the women's game (due to time), but what was the deal with this game?

Maybe the gals should have stopped worrying about the Canadians goal scoring and lopsided wins and focus on their own games.

Wonder if Cammie would have made a difference. :evil:

[goalie33]

I bet Cammi would've hit the net in the shootout.

Basically, the Swedish goalie, who is 19, SHUT THE DOOR. 37 saves plus four stops in the shootout, and the US goals were both on the power play.

It didn't help that the US had no quality shots in the shootout.

[goalie33]

I bet Cammi would've hit the net in the shootout.

Basically, the Swedish goalie, who is 19, SHUT THE DOOR. 37 saves plus four stops in the shootout, and the US goals were both on the power play.

It didn't help that the US had no quality shots in the shootout.

[goalie33]

I bet Cammi would've hit the net in the shootout.

Basically, the Swedish goalie, who is 19, SHUT THE DOOR. 37 saves plus four stops in the shootout, and the US goals were both on the power play.

It didn't help that the US had no quality shots in the shootout.

[goalie33]

I bet Cammi would've hit the net in the shootout.

Basically, the Swedish goalie, who is 19, SHUT THE DOOR. 37 saves plus four stops in the shootout, and the US goals were both on the power play.

It didn't help that the US had no quality shots in the shootout.

[goalie33]

I bet Cammi would've hit the net in the shootout.

Basically, the Swedish goalie, who is 19, SHUT THE DOOR. 37 saves plus four stops in the shootout, and the US goals were both on the power play.

It didn't help that the US had no quality shots in the shootout.

[goalie33]

I bet Cammi would've hit the net in the shootout.

Basically, the Swedish goalie, who is 19, SHUT THE DOOR. 37 saves plus four stops in the shootout, and the US goals were both on the power play.

It didn't help that the US had no quality shots in the shootout.

[goalie33]

I bet Cammi would've hit the net in the shootout.

Basically, the Swedish goalie, who is 19, SHUT THE DOOR. 37 saves plus four stops in the shootout, and the US goals were both on the power play.

It didn't help that the US had no quality shots in the shootout.

[Cool Hand Luke]

I watched the last period, the OT, and shoot out. (long lunch). The Americans really choked in the shoot out, like 33 said, it didn't seem any of the shots were decent, and most weren't even on net. Martin really played them well positionally though, even if she didn't have to make a great save, per se. Martin made some really nice saves in the OT, and it seemed like our girls missed a couple of opportunities they would like to have back, like a couple of open nets where they could not get their sticks on the puck. Gunn made one spectacular save for us in OT I thought was a sure goal.

Tough loss but the Swedes deserved it. I think the girls were looking ahead to the next game, big mistake.

[Cool Hand Luke]

I watched the last period, the OT, and shoot out. (long lunch). The Americans really choked in the shoot out, like 33 said, it didn't seem any of the shots were decent, and most weren't even on net. Martin really played them well positionally though, even if she didn't have to make a great save, per se. Martin made some really nice saves in the OT, and it seemed like our girls missed a couple of opportunities they would like to have back, like a couple of open nets where they could not get their sticks on the puck. Gunn made one spectacular save for us in OT I thought was a sure goal.

Tough loss but the Swedes deserved it. I think the girls were looking ahead to the next game, big mistake.

[Cool Hand Luke]

I watched the last period, the OT, and shoot out. (long lunch). The Americans really choked in the shoot out, like 33 said, it didn't seem any of the shots were decent, and most weren't even on net. Martin really played them well positionally though, even if she didn't have to make a great save, per se. Martin made some really nice saves in the OT, and it seemed like our girls missed a couple of opportunities they would like to have back, like a couple of open nets where they could not get their sticks on the puck. Gunn made one spectacular save for us in OT I thought was a sure goal.

Tough loss but the Swedes deserved it. I think the girls were looking ahead to the next game, big mistake.

[Cool Hand Luke]

I watched the last period, the OT, and shoot out. (long lunch). The Americans really choked in the shoot out, like 33 said, it didn't seem any of the shots were decent, and most weren't even on net. Martin really played them well positionally though, even if she didn't have to make a great save, per se. Martin made some really nice saves in the OT, and it seemed like our girls missed a couple of opportunities they would like to have back, like a couple of open nets where they could not get their sticks on the puck. Gunn made one spectacular save for us in OT I thought was a sure goal.

Tough loss but the Swedes deserved it. I think the girls were looking ahead to the next game, big mistake.

[Cool Hand Luke]

I watched the last period, the OT, and shoot out. (long lunch). The Americans really choked in the shoot out, like 33 said, it didn't seem any of the shots were decent, and most weren't even on net. Martin really played them well positionally though, even if she didn't have to make a great save, per se. Martin made some really nice saves in the OT, and it seemed like our girls missed a couple of opportunities they would like to have back, like a couple of open nets where they could not get their sticks on the puck. Gunn made one spectacular save for us in OT I thought was a sure goal.

Tough loss but the Swedes deserved it. I think the girls were looking ahead to the next game, big mistake.

[Cool Hand Luke]

I watched the last period, the OT, and shoot out. (long lunch). The Americans really choked in the shoot out, like 33 said, it didn't seem any of the shots were decent, and most weren't even on net. Martin really played them well positionally though, even if she didn't have to make a great save, per se. Martin made some really nice saves in the OT, and it seemed like our girls missed a couple of opportunities they would like to have back, like a couple of open nets where they could not get their sticks on the puck. Gunn made one spectacular save for us in OT I thought was a sure goal.

Tough loss but the Swedes deserved it. I think the girls were looking ahead to the next game, big mistake.

[Cool Hand Luke]

I watched the last period, the OT, and shoot out. (long lunch). The Americans really choked in the shoot out, like 33 said, it didn't seem any of the shots were decent, and most weren't even on net. Martin really played them well positionally though, even if she didn't have to make a great save, per se. Martin made some really nice saves in the OT, and it seemed like our girls missed a couple of opportunities they would like to have back, like a couple of open nets where they could not get their sticks on the puck. Gunn made one spectacular save for us in OT I thought was a sure goal.

Tough loss but the Swedes deserved it. I think the girls were looking ahead to the next game, big mistake.

[puckin_A]

interesting that when the Swedes played Canada, they played their backup goalie. Not letting Canada play against their *secret weapon*....yet.

hopefully Finland will beat Canada and it will be a Finland/Swede Gold Medal Game. :D

great for the game!

[puckin_A]

interesting that when the Swedes played Canada, they played their backup goalie. Not letting Canada play against their *secret weapon*....yet.

hopefully Finland will beat Canada and it will be a Finland/Swede Gold Medal Game. :D

great for the game!

[puckin_A]

interesting that when the Swedes played Canada, they played their backup goalie. Not letting Canada play against their *secret weapon*....yet.

hopefully Finland will beat Canada and it will be a Finland/Swede Gold Medal Game. :D

great for the game!

[puckin_A]

interesting that when the Swedes played Canada, they played their backup goalie. Not letting Canada play against their *secret weapon*....yet.

hopefully Finland will beat Canada and it will be a Finland/Swede Gold Medal Game. :D

great for the game!

[puckin_A]

interesting that when the Swedes played Canada, they played their backup goalie. Not letting Canada play against their *secret weapon*....yet.

hopefully Finland will beat Canada and it will be a Finland/Swede Gold Medal Game. :D

great for the game!

[puckin_A]

interesting that when the Swedes played Canada, they played their backup goalie. Not letting Canada play against their *secret weapon*....yet.

hopefully Finland will beat Canada and it will be a Finland/Swede Gold Medal Game. :D

great for the game!

[puckin_A]

interesting that when the Swedes played Canada, they played their backup goalie. Not letting Canada play against their *secret weapon*....yet.

hopefully Finland will beat Canada and it will be a Finland/Swede Gold Medal Game. :D

great for the game!

[nccanes]

One big hockey family

The United States women received plenty of support from their male counterparts. A number of Team USA's men took advantage of a day off from competition to come watch the women play. Those in attendance included Brian Rolston, Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, Jordan Leopold and Bret Hedican.

[nccanes]

One big hockey family

The United States women received plenty of support from their male counterparts. A number of Team USA's men took advantage of a day off from competition to come watch the women play. Those in attendance included Brian Rolston, Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, Jordan Leopold and Bret Hedican.

[nccanes]

One big hockey family

The United States women received plenty of support from their male counterparts. A number of Team USA's men took advantage of a day off from competition to come watch the women play. Those in attendance included Brian Rolston, Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, Jordan Leopold and Bret Hedican.

[nccanes]

One big hockey family

The United States women received plenty of support from their male counterparts. A number of Team USA's men took advantage of a day off from competition to come watch the women play. Those in attendance included Brian Rolston, Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, Jordan Leopold and Bret Hedican.

[nccanes]

One big hockey family

The United States women received plenty of support from their male counterparts. A number of Team USA's men took advantage of a day off from competition to come watch the women play. Those in attendance included Brian Rolston, Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, Jordan Leopold and Bret Hedican.

[nccanes]

One big hockey family

The United States women received plenty of support from their male counterparts. A number of Team USA's men took advantage of a day off from competition to come watch the women play. Those in attendance included Brian Rolston, Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, Jordan Leopold and Bret Hedican.

[nccanes]

One big hockey family

The United States women received plenty of support from their male counterparts. A number of Team USA's men took advantage of a day off from competition to come watch the women play. Those in attendance included Brian Rolston, Scott Gomez, Chris Drury, Jordan Leopold and Bret Hedican.

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Hadn't heard this....

Epilepsy can't stop U.S. Olympic goalie

By Peggy Peck
Managing Editor MedPageToday.com
Tuesday, February 7, 2006; Posted: 4:24 p.m. EST (21:24 GMT)

TORINO, Italy (MedPage Today) -- Chanda Gunn's goal was to be in the goal crease for the U.S. Olympic women's hockey team, and she was not about to let epilepsy shut her out.

And she didn't. Gunn, 25, is the starting goaltender for the hockey squad that is expected to make a run for Olympic gold beginning this weekend.

Gunn was 9 when her epilepsy was diagnosed.

"I was a swimmer," Gunn recalled. That meant early-morning and all-weekend-long workouts at the neighborhood swim club in Huntington Beach, California.

That came to a halt when her coaches and her parents noticed that she was having what she calls spells.

"I would just seem to go into a trance or would have muscle jerks," she said.

Tests and more tests

Her pediatrician immediately called in the neurologists.

"We went right from the pediatrician's office to the hospital," she said.

In the emergency room, her brain waves were measured using an electro-encephalogram, commonly known as an EEG. Then she was whisked off for blood tests and more brain scans.

At the end of the day, the neurologist announced that Chanda had juvenile absence epilepsy, a relatively common form of childhood epilepsy in which the child has only a few seizures a day. These seizures normally can be controlled with medications.

'I'll be good'

Gunn said she didn't really understand what was going on, but "my parents and all the people around me were very upset," she said.

Like most kids, Gunn didn't like getting blood tests, and she had been crying and whining throughout the long day of tests.

"When I saw that everyone was upset, I thought it was because I was crying," she recalled. "I told them 'I'll be good. I won't cry. It doesn't matter if I have to get lots of needles.' "

But the full impact of the diagnosis hit Gunn when the doctor and her parents told her she would not be able to swim anymore.

"When they took that away from me, then it really hit me," Gunn said. And that wasn't all that was taken away. "I loved to surf, and I couldn't surf anymore, either."

Finding a new passion

Gunn was treated with the seizure medicine Depakote (valproic acid), which she said got her seizures "under control pretty quickly."

So, almost immediately, she signed up for other activities.

Soccer was the first sport that interested her. But at just around the same time her brother Jacob started playing street hockey with the neighborhood kids.

In short order, Gunn became fascinated with street hockey, a game that loosely follows the rules of ice hockey but the players wear inline skates and compete on pavement.

"I loved it, and I wanted to play all the time," Gunn recalled. "So I started doing my homework during school recess and lunch hours so that I could be out playing with the gang as soon as school was over."

And right from the beginning, "goalie was my position."

Hitting the ice

For her 13th birthday Gunn asked her parents for goalie equipment.

"My birthday is in the middle of January, so the ice hockey season was already under way," she said. "But I was able to skate at the ice rink on Sundays and Mondays, when they had hockey clinics."

When the hockey season started in September she was able to play with her brother's teams -- he now was playing both ice hockey and street hockey -- and for her it has been ice hockey ever since.

But most of her early hockey experience was on boys teams, because at the time the only girls hockey teams were special tournament teams that would play on holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, she said.

Cracks in the ice

Gunn's road to the net at the rink in Torino hasn't been completely smooth skating.

In a "dream come true" scenario, the University of Wisconsin awarded her an athletic scholarship to play hockey in Madison. But early in her freshman season, Gunn suffered a series of uncontrolled grand mal seizures.

"I had to drop out of school and head back home for treatment," she said.

She spent the better part of a year undergoing tests, until neurologists finally decided that what she really needed was a higher dose of Depakote. Her seizures were again under control. But back at Wisconsin the program had moved on.

"I don't blame them," Gunn said. "I couldn't expect the team to wait for me."

Proving herself

So, Gunn headed to Northeastern University, in Boston, this time as a walk-on with no scholarship.

"I had to prove myself, because most coaches aren't really interested in goalies who have spent a year in the hospital for epilepsy," she said.

That first year she didn't get into a game.

"But by my sophomore year I started every single game, and I've played ever since," she said.

At the end of that sophomore season she made the women's national team. That was in 1998, and hockey players have to try out for the national team again every three months.

"I've never been cut since I made the team in 1998," she said.

Last year the national team upset Canada to win the world championship in a shoot-out. Gunn predicted that the U.S. will be facing Canada in the Olympics gold medal game.

Meanwhile, she said that the buildup to the Olympics has been wonderful.

"We've been to Finland and Sweden and to Torino on a pre-Olympic tour, she said. "The whole thing has been sort of surreal."

Teamwork

Even with the excitement, Gunn said her teammates continue to be supportive.

"They all know about epilepsy and try to help me," she said.

Flashing lights sometimes can trigger a seizure, which became an issue in the locker room during one of the final team practices before boarding the plane for Italy.

"One of the lights in the shower room was flickering, so everybody started yelling, 'Turn off the lights, Chanda's going to have a seizure.' "

The team also knows that Gunn can't drink alcohol, "And they are very careful to make sure no one gives me something with alcohol in it."

Between practice in the Olympic ice hockey rink and games, Olympians spend time cheering on other U.S. athletes. Gunn said she plans to be in the stands when the U.S. men's hockey team takes to the ice, but she also wants to see figure skater Michelle Kwan in competition.

When Gunn is on the ice, she'll have her own cheering section in the stands: her parents, her sister Amanda and her boyfriend, and her brother Jacob, "who plays center for UCLA and is, I think, the best collegiate hockey player today."

Asked whether her sister is also a hockey player, Gunn shook her head. "Amanda is the girl in the family. She studied dance and was a cheerleader."

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Hadn't heard this....

Epilepsy can't stop U.S. Olympic goalie

By Peggy Peck
Managing Editor MedPageToday.com
Tuesday, February 7, 2006; Posted: 4:24 p.m. EST (21:24 GMT)

TORINO, Italy (MedPage Today) -- Chanda Gunn's goal was to be in the goal crease for the U.S. Olympic women's hockey team, and she was not about to let epilepsy shut her out.

And she didn't. Gunn, 25, is the starting goaltender for the hockey squad that is expected to make a run for Olympic gold beginning this weekend.

Gunn was 9 when her epilepsy was diagnosed.

"I was a swimmer," Gunn recalled. That meant early-morning and all-weekend-long workouts at the neighborhood swim club in Huntington Beach, California.

That came to a halt when her coaches and her parents noticed that she was having what she calls spells.

"I would just seem to go into a trance or would have muscle jerks," she said.

Tests and more tests

Her pediatrician immediately called in the neurologists.

"We went right from the pediatrician's office to the hospital," she said.

In the emergency room, her brain waves were measured using an electro-encephalogram, commonly known as an EEG. Then she was whisked off for blood tests and more brain scans.

At the end of the day, the neurologist announced that Chanda had juvenile absence epilepsy, a relatively common form of childhood epilepsy in which the child has only a few seizures a day. These seizures normally can be controlled with medications.

'I'll be good'

Gunn said she didn't really understand what was going on, but "my parents and all the people around me were very upset," she said.

Like most kids, Gunn didn't like getting blood tests, and she had been crying and whining throughout the long day of tests.

"When I saw that everyone was upset, I thought it was because I was crying," she recalled. "I told them 'I'll be good. I won't cry. It doesn't matter if I have to get lots of needles.' "

But the full impact of the diagnosis hit Gunn when the doctor and her parents told her she would not be able to swim anymore.

"When they took that away from me, then it really hit me," Gunn said. And that wasn't all that was taken away. "I loved to surf, and I couldn't surf anymore, either."

Finding a new passion

Gunn was treated with the seizure medicine Depakote (valproic acid), which she said got her seizures "under control pretty quickly."

So, almost immediately, she signed up for other activities.

Soccer was the first sport that interested her. But at just around the same time her brother Jacob started playing street hockey with the neighborhood kids.

In short order, Gunn became fascinated with street hockey, a game that loosely follows the rules of ice hockey but the players wear inline skates and compete on pavement.

"I loved it, and I wanted to play all the time," Gunn recalled. "So I started doing my homework during school recess and lunch hours so that I could be out playing with the gang as soon as school was over."

And right from the beginning, "goalie was my position."

Hitting the ice

For her 13th birthday Gunn asked her parents for goalie equipment.

"My birthday is in the middle of January, so the ice hockey season was already under way," she said. "But I was able to skate at the ice rink on Sundays and Mondays, when they had hockey clinics."

When the hockey season started in September she was able to play with her brother's teams -- he now was playing both ice hockey and street hockey -- and for her it has been ice hockey ever since.

But most of her early hockey experience was on boys teams, because at the time the only girls hockey teams were special tournament teams that would play on holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, she said.

Cracks in the ice

Gunn's road to the net at the rink in Torino hasn't been completely smooth skating.

In a "dream come true" scenario, the University of Wisconsin awarded her an athletic scholarship to play hockey in Madison. But early in her freshman season, Gunn suffered a series of uncontrolled grand mal seizures.

"I had to drop out of school and head back home for treatment," she said.

She spent the better part of a year undergoing tests, until neurologists finally decided that what she really needed was a higher dose of Depakote. Her seizures were again under control. But back at Wisconsin the program had moved on.

"I don't blame them," Gunn said. "I couldn't expect the team to wait for me."

Proving herself

So, Gunn headed to Northeastern University, in Boston, this time as a walk-on with no scholarship.

"I had to prove myself, because most coaches aren't really interested in goalies who have spent a year in the hospital for epilepsy," she said.

That first year she didn't get into a game.

"But by my sophomore year I started every single game, and I've played ever since," she said.

At the end of that sophomore season she made the women's national team. That was in 1998, and hockey players have to try out for the national team again every three months.

"I've never been cut since I made the team in 1998," she said.

Last year the national team upset Canada to win the world championship in a shoot-out. Gunn predicted that the U.S. will be facing Canada in the Olympics gold medal game.

Meanwhile, she said that the buildup to the Olympics has been wonderful.

"We've been to Finland and Sweden and to Torino on a pre-Olympic tour, she said. "The whole thing has been sort of surreal."

Teamwork

Even with the excitement, Gunn said her teammates continue to be supportive.

"They all know about epilepsy and try to help me," she said.

Flashing lights sometimes can trigger a seizure, which became an issue in the locker room during one of the final team practices before boarding the plane for Italy.

"One of the lights in the shower room was flickering, so everybody started yelling, 'Turn off the lights, Chanda's going to have a seizure.' "

The team also knows that Gunn can't drink alcohol, "And they are very careful to make sure no one gives me something with alcohol in it."

Between practice in the Olympic ice hockey rink and games, Olympians spend time cheering on other U.S. athletes. Gunn said she plans to be in the stands when the U.S. men's hockey team takes to the ice, but she also wants to see figure skater Michelle Kwan in competition.

When Gunn is on the ice, she'll have her own cheering section in the stands: her parents, her sister Amanda and her boyfriend, and her brother Jacob, "who plays center for UCLA and is, I think, the best collegiate hockey player today."

Asked whether her sister is also a hockey player, Gunn shook her head. "Amanda is the girl in the family. She studied dance and was a cheerleader."

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Hadn't heard this....

Epilepsy can't stop U.S. Olympic goalie

By Peggy Peck
Managing Editor MedPageToday.com
Tuesday, February 7, 2006; Posted: 4:24 p.m. EST (21:24 GMT)

TORINO, Italy (MedPage Today) -- Chanda Gunn's goal was to be in the goal crease for the U.S. Olympic women's hockey team, and she was not about to let epilepsy shut her out.

And she didn't. Gunn, 25, is the starting goaltender for the hockey squad that is expected to make a run for Olympic gold beginning this weekend.

Gunn was 9 when her epilepsy was diagnosed.

"I was a swimmer," Gunn recalled. That meant early-morning and all-weekend-long workouts at the neighborhood swim club in Huntington Beach, California.

That came to a halt when her coaches and her parents noticed that she was having what she calls spells.

"I would just seem to go into a trance or would have muscle jerks," she said.

Tests and more tests

Her pediatrician immediately called in the neurologists.

"We went right from the pediatrician's office to the hospital," she said.

In the emergency room, her brain waves were measured using an electro-encephalogram, commonly known as an EEG. Then she was whisked off for blood tests and more brain scans.

At the end of the day, the neurologist announced that Chanda had juvenile absence epilepsy, a relatively common form of childhood epilepsy in which the child has only a few seizures a day. These seizures normally can be controlled with medications.

'I'll be good'

Gunn said she didn't really understand what was going on, but "my parents and all the people around me were very upset," she said.

Like most kids, Gunn didn't like getting blood tests, and she had been crying and whining throughout the long day of tests.

"When I saw that everyone was upset, I thought it was because I was crying," she recalled. "I told them 'I'll be good. I won't cry. It doesn't matter if I have to get lots of needles.' "

But the full impact of the diagnosis hit Gunn when the doctor and her parents told her she would not be able to swim anymore.

"When they took that away from me, then it really hit me," Gunn said. And that wasn't all that was taken away. "I loved to surf, and I couldn't surf anymore, either."

Finding a new passion

Gunn was treated with the seizure medicine Depakote (valproic acid), which she said got her seizures "under control pretty quickly."

So, almost immediately, she signed up for other activities.

Soccer was the first sport that interested her. But at just around the same time her brother Jacob started playing street hockey with the neighborhood kids.

In short order, Gunn became fascinated with street hockey, a game that loosely follows the rules of ice hockey but the players wear inline skates and compete on pavement.

"I loved it, and I wanted to play all the time," Gunn recalled. "So I started doing my homework during school recess and lunch hours so that I could be out playing with the gang as soon as school was over."

And right from the beginning, "goalie was my position."

Hitting the ice

For her 13th birthday Gunn asked her parents for goalie equipment.

"My birthday is in the middle of January, so the ice hockey season was already under way," she said. "But I was able to skate at the ice rink on Sundays and Mondays, when they had hockey clinics."

When the hockey season started in September she was able to play with her brother's teams -- he now was playing both ice hockey and street hockey -- and for her it has been ice hockey ever since.

But most of her early hockey experience was on boys teams, because at the time the only girls hockey teams were special tournament teams that would play on holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, she said.

Cracks in the ice

Gunn's road to the net at the rink in Torino hasn't been completely smooth skating.

In a "dream come true" scenario, the University of Wisconsin awarded her an athletic scholarship to play hockey in Madison. But early in her freshman season, Gunn suffered a series of uncontrolled grand mal seizures.

"I had to drop out of school and head back home for treatment," she said.

She spent the better part of a year undergoing tests, until neurologists finally decided that what she really needed was a higher dose of Depakote. Her seizures were again under control. But back at Wisconsin the program had moved on.

"I don't blame them," Gunn said. "I couldn't expect the team to wait for me."

Proving herself

So, Gunn headed to Northeastern University, in Boston, this time as a walk-on with no scholarship.

"I had to prove myself, because most coaches aren't really interested in goalies who have spent a year in the hospital for epilepsy," she said.

That first year she didn't get into a game.

"But by my sophomore year I started every single game, and I've played ever since," she said.

At the end of that sophomore season she made the women's national team. That was in 1998, and hockey players have to try out for the national team again every three months.

"I've never been cut since I made the team in 1998," she said.

Last year the national team upset Canada to win the world championship in a shoot-out. Gunn predicted that the U.S. will be facing Canada in the Olympics gold medal game.

Meanwhile, she said that the buildup to the Olympics has been wonderful.

"We've been to Finland and Sweden and to Torino on a pre-Olympic tour, she said. "The whole thing has been sort of surreal."

Teamwork

Even with the excitement, Gunn said her teammates continue to be supportive.

"They all know about epilepsy and try to help me," she said.

Flashing lights sometimes can trigger a seizure, which became an issue in the locker room during one of the final team practices before boarding the plane for Italy.

"One of the lights in the shower room was flickering, so everybody started yelling, 'Turn off the lights, Chanda's going to have a seizure.' "

The team also knows that Gunn can't drink alcohol, "And they are very careful to make sure no one gives me something with alcohol in it."

Between practice in the Olympic ice hockey rink and games, Olympians spend time cheering on other U.S. athletes. Gunn said she plans to be in the stands when the U.S. men's hockey team takes to the ice, but she also wants to see figure skater Michelle Kwan in competition.

When Gunn is on the ice, she'll have her own cheering section in the stands: her parents, her sister Amanda and her boyfriend, and her brother Jacob, "who plays center for UCLA and is, I think, the best collegiate hockey player today."

Asked whether her sister is also a hockey player, Gunn shook her head. "Amanda is the girl in the family. She studied dance and was a cheerleader."

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Hadn't heard this....

Epilepsy can't stop U.S. Olympic goalie

By Peggy Peck
Managing Editor MedPageToday.com
Tuesday, February 7, 2006; Posted: 4:24 p.m. EST (21:24 GMT)

TORINO, Italy (MedPage Today) -- Chanda Gunn's goal was to be in the goal crease for the U.S. Olympic women's hockey team, and she was not about to let epilepsy shut her out.

And she didn't. Gunn, 25, is the starting goaltender for the hockey squad that is expected to make a run for Olympic gold beginning this weekend.

Gunn was 9 when her epilepsy was diagnosed.

"I was a swimmer," Gunn recalled. That meant early-morning and all-weekend-long workouts at the neighborhood swim club in Huntington Beach, California.

That came to a halt when her coaches and her parents noticed that she was having what she calls spells.

"I would just seem to go into a trance or would have muscle jerks," she said.

Tests and more tests

Her pediatrician immediately called in the neurologists.

"We went right from the pediatrician's office to the hospital," she said.

In the emergency room, her brain waves were measured using an electro-encephalogram, commonly known as an EEG. Then she was whisked off for blood tests and more brain scans.

At the end of the day, the neurologist announced that Chanda had juvenile absence epilepsy, a relatively common form of childhood epilepsy in which the child has only a few seizures a day. These seizures normally can be controlled with medications.

'I'll be good'

Gunn said she didn't really understand what was going on, but "my parents and all the people around me were very upset," she said.

Like most kids, Gunn didn't like getting blood tests, and she had been crying and whining throughout the long day of tests.

"When I saw that everyone was upset, I thought it was because I was crying," she recalled. "I told them 'I'll be good. I won't cry. It doesn't matter if I have to get lots of needles.' "

But the full impact of the diagnosis hit Gunn when the doctor and her parents told her she would not be able to swim anymore.

"When they took that away from me, then it really hit me," Gunn said. And that wasn't all that was taken away. "I loved to surf, and I couldn't surf anymore, either."

Finding a new passion

Gunn was treated with the seizure medicine Depakote (valproic acid), which she said got her seizures "under control pretty quickly."

So, almost immediately, she signed up for other activities.

Soccer was the first sport that interested her. But at just around the same time her brother Jacob started playing street hockey with the neighborhood kids.

In short order, Gunn became fascinated with street hockey, a game that loosely follows the rules of ice hockey but the players wear inline skates and compete on pavement.

"I loved it, and I wanted to play all the time," Gunn recalled. "So I started doing my homework during school recess and lunch hours so that I could be out playing with the gang as soon as school was over."

And right from the beginning, "goalie was my position."

Hitting the ice

For her 13th birthday Gunn asked her parents for goalie equipment.

"My birthday is in the middle of January, so the ice hockey season was already under way," she said. "But I was able to skate at the ice rink on Sundays and Mondays, when they had hockey clinics."

When the hockey season started in September she was able to play with her brother's teams -- he now was playing both ice hockey and street hockey -- and for her it has been ice hockey ever since.

But most of her early hockey experience was on boys teams, because at the time the only girls hockey teams were special tournament teams that would play on holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, she said.

Cracks in the ice

Gunn's road to the net at the rink in Torino hasn't been completely smooth skating.

In a "dream come true" scenario, the University of Wisconsin awarded her an athletic scholarship to play hockey in Madison. But early in her freshman season, Gunn suffered a series of uncontrolled grand mal seizures.

"I had to drop out of school and head back home for treatment," she said.

She spent the better part of a year undergoing tests, until neurologists finally decided that what she really needed was a higher dose of Depakote. Her seizures were again under control. But back at Wisconsin the program had moved on.

"I don't blame them," Gunn said. "I couldn't expect the team to wait for me."

Proving herself

So, Gunn headed to Northeastern University, in Boston, this time as a walk-on with no scholarship.

"I had to prove myself, because most coaches aren't really interested in goalies who have spent a year in the hospital for epilepsy," she said.

That first year she didn't get into a game.

"But by my sophomore year I started every single game, and I've played ever since," she said.

At the end of that sophomore season she made the women's national team. That was in 1998, and hockey players have to try out for the national team again every three months.

"I've never been cut since I made the team in 1998," she said.

Last year the national team upset Canada to win the world championship in a shoot-out. Gunn predicted that the U.S. will be facing Canada in the Olympics gold medal game.

Meanwhile, she said that the buildup to the Olympics has been wonderful.

"We've been to Finland and Sweden and to Torino on a pre-Olympic tour, she said. "The whole thing has been sort of surreal."

Teamwork

Even with the excitement, Gunn said her teammates continue to be supportive.

"They all know about epilepsy and try to help me," she said.

Flashing lights sometimes can trigger a seizure, which became an issue in the locker room during one of the final team practices before boarding the plane for Italy.

"One of the lights in the shower room was flickering, so everybody started yelling, 'Turn off the lights, Chanda's going to have a seizure.' "

The team also knows that Gunn can't drink alcohol, "And they are very careful to make sure no one gives me something with alcohol in it."

Between practice in the Olympic ice hockey rink and games, Olympians spend time cheering on other U.S. athletes. Gunn said she plans to be in the stands when the U.S. men's hockey team takes to the ice, but she also wants to see figure skater Michelle Kwan in competition.

When Gunn is on the ice, she'll have her own cheering section in the stands: her parents, her sister Amanda and her boyfriend, and her brother Jacob, "who plays center for UCLA and is, I think, the best collegiate hockey player today."

Asked whether her sister is also a hockey player, Gunn shook her head. "Amanda is the girl in the family. She studied dance and was a cheerleader."

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Hadn't heard this....

Epilepsy can't stop U.S. Olympic goalie

By Peggy Peck
Managing Editor MedPageToday.com
Tuesday, February 7, 2006; Posted: 4:24 p.m. EST (21:24 GMT)

TORINO, Italy (MedPage Today) -- Chanda Gunn's goal was to be in the goal crease for the U.S. Olympic women's hockey team, and she was not about to let epilepsy shut her out.

And she didn't. Gunn, 25, is the starting goaltender for the hockey squad that is expected to make a run for Olympic gold beginning this weekend.

Gunn was 9 when her epilepsy was diagnosed.

"I was a swimmer," Gunn recalled. That meant early-morning and all-weekend-long workouts at the neighborhood swim club in Huntington Beach, California.

That came to a halt when her coaches and her parents noticed that she was having what she calls spells.

"I would just seem to go into a trance or would have muscle jerks," she said.

Tests and more tests

Her pediatrician immediately called in the neurologists.

"We went right from the pediatrician's office to the hospital," she said.

In the emergency room, her brain waves were measured using an electro-encephalogram, commonly known as an EEG. Then she was whisked off for blood tests and more brain scans.

At the end of the day, the neurologist announced that Chanda had juvenile absence epilepsy, a relatively common form of childhood epilepsy in which the child has only a few seizures a day. These seizures normally can be controlled with medications.

'I'll be good'

Gunn said she didn't really understand what was going on, but "my parents and all the people around me were very upset," she said.

Like most kids, Gunn didn't like getting blood tests, and she had been crying and whining throughout the long day of tests.

"When I saw that everyone was upset, I thought it was because I was crying," she recalled. "I told them 'I'll be good. I won't cry. It doesn't matter if I have to get lots of needles.' "

But the full impact of the diagnosis hit Gunn when the doctor and her parents told her she would not be able to swim anymore.

"When they took that away from me, then it really hit me," Gunn said. And that wasn't all that was taken away. "I loved to surf, and I couldn't surf anymore, either."

Finding a new passion

Gunn was treated with the seizure medicine Depakote (valproic acid), which she said got her seizures "under control pretty quickly."

So, almost immediately, she signed up for other activities.

Soccer was the first sport that interested her. But at just around the same time her brother Jacob started playing street hockey with the neighborhood kids.

In short order, Gunn became fascinated with street hockey, a game that loosely follows the rules of ice hockey but the players wear inline skates and compete on pavement.

"I loved it, and I wanted to play all the time," Gunn recalled. "So I started doing my homework during school recess and lunch hours so that I could be out playing with the gang as soon as school was over."

And right from the beginning, "goalie was my position."

Hitting the ice

For her 13th birthday Gunn asked her parents for goalie equipment.

"My birthday is in the middle of January, so the ice hockey season was already under way," she said. "But I was able to skate at the ice rink on Sundays and Mondays, when they had hockey clinics."

When the hockey season started in September she was able to play with her brother's teams -- he now was playing both ice hockey and street hockey -- and for her it has been ice hockey ever since.

But most of her early hockey experience was on boys teams, because at the time the only girls hockey teams were special tournament teams that would play on holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, she said.

Cracks in the ice

Gunn's road to the net at the rink in Torino hasn't been completely smooth skating.

In a "dream come true" scenario, the University of Wisconsin awarded her an athletic scholarship to play hockey in Madison. But early in her freshman season, Gunn suffered a series of uncontrolled grand mal seizures.

"I had to drop out of school and head back home for treatment," she said.

She spent the better part of a year undergoing tests, until neurologists finally decided that what she really needed was a higher dose of Depakote. Her seizures were again under control. But back at Wisconsin the program had moved on.

"I don't blame them," Gunn said. "I couldn't expect the team to wait for me."

Proving herself

So, Gunn headed to Northeastern University, in Boston, this time as a walk-on with no scholarship.

"I had to prove myself, because most coaches aren't really interested in goalies who have spent a year in the hospital for epilepsy," she said.

That first year she didn't get into a game.

"But by my sophomore year I started every single game, and I've played ever since," she said.

At the end of that sophomore season she made the women's national team. That was in 1998, and hockey players have to try out for the national team again every three months.

"I've never been cut since I made the team in 1998," she said.

Last year the national team upset Canada to win the world championship in a shoot-out. Gunn predicted that the U.S. will be facing Canada in the Olympics gold medal game.

Meanwhile, she said that the buildup to the Olympics has been wonderful.

"We've been to Finland and Sweden and to Torino on a pre-Olympic tour, she said. "The whole thing has been sort of surreal."

Teamwork

Even with the excitement, Gunn said her teammates continue to be supportive.

"They all know about epilepsy and try to help me," she said.

Flashing lights sometimes can trigger a seizure, which became an issue in the locker room during one of the final team practices before boarding the plane for Italy.

"One of the lights in the shower room was flickering, so everybody started yelling, 'Turn off the lights, Chanda's going to have a seizure.' "

The team also knows that Gunn can't drink alcohol, "And they are very careful to make sure no one gives me something with alcohol in it."

Between practice in the Olympic ice hockey rink and games, Olympians spend time cheering on other U.S. athletes. Gunn said she plans to be in the stands when the U.S. men's hockey team takes to the ice, but she also wants to see figure skater Michelle Kwan in competition.

When Gunn is on the ice, she'll have her own cheering section in the stands: her parents, her sister Amanda and her boyfriend, and her brother Jacob, "who plays center for UCLA and is, I think, the best collegiate hockey player today."

Asked whether her sister is also a hockey player, Gunn shook her head. "Amanda is the girl in the family. She studied dance and was a cheerleader."

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Hadn't heard this....

Epilepsy can't stop U.S. Olympic goalie

By Peggy Peck
Managing Editor MedPageToday.com
Tuesday, February 7, 2006; Posted: 4:24 p.m. EST (21:24 GMT)

TORINO, Italy (MedPage Today) -- Chanda Gunn's goal was to be in the goal crease for the U.S. Olympic women's hockey team, and she was not about to let epilepsy shut her out.

And she didn't. Gunn, 25, is the starting goaltender for the hockey squad that is expected to make a run for Olympic gold beginning this weekend.

Gunn was 9 when her epilepsy was diagnosed.

"I was a swimmer," Gunn recalled. That meant early-morning and all-weekend-long workouts at the neighborhood swim club in Huntington Beach, California.

That came to a halt when her coaches and her parents noticed that she was having what she calls spells.

"I would just seem to go into a trance or would have muscle jerks," she said.

Tests and more tests

Her pediatrician immediately called in the neurologists.

"We went right from the pediatrician's office to the hospital," she said.

In the emergency room, her brain waves were measured using an electro-encephalogram, commonly known as an EEG. Then she was whisked off for blood tests and more brain scans.

At the end of the day, the neurologist announced that Chanda had juvenile absence epilepsy, a relatively common form of childhood epilepsy in which the child has only a few seizures a day. These seizures normally can be controlled with medications.

'I'll be good'

Gunn said she didn't really understand what was going on, but "my parents and all the people around me were very upset," she said.

Like most kids, Gunn didn't like getting blood tests, and she had been crying and whining throughout the long day of tests.

"When I saw that everyone was upset, I thought it was because I was crying," she recalled. "I told them 'I'll be good. I won't cry. It doesn't matter if I have to get lots of needles.' "

But the full impact of the diagnosis hit Gunn when the doctor and her parents told her she would not be able to swim anymore.

"When they took that away from me, then it really hit me," Gunn said. And that wasn't all that was taken away. "I loved to surf, and I couldn't surf anymore, either."

Finding a new passion

Gunn was treated with the seizure medicine Depakote (valproic acid), which she said got her seizures "under control pretty quickly."

So, almost immediately, she signed up for other activities.

Soccer was the first sport that interested her. But at just around the same time her brother Jacob started playing street hockey with the neighborhood kids.

In short order, Gunn became fascinated with street hockey, a game that loosely follows the rules of ice hockey but the players wear inline skates and compete on pavement.

"I loved it, and I wanted to play all the time," Gunn recalled. "So I started doing my homework during school recess and lunch hours so that I could be out playing with the gang as soon as school was over."

And right from the beginning, "goalie was my position."

Hitting the ice

For her 13th birthday Gunn asked her parents for goalie equipment.

"My birthday is in the middle of January, so the ice hockey season was already under way," she said. "But I was able to skate at the ice rink on Sundays and Mondays, when they had hockey clinics."

When the hockey season started in September she was able to play with her brother's teams -- he now was playing both ice hockey and street hockey -- and for her it has been ice hockey ever since.

But most of her early hockey experience was on boys teams, because at the time the only girls hockey teams were special tournament teams that would play on holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, she said.

Cracks in the ice

Gunn's road to the net at the rink in Torino hasn't been completely smooth skating.

In a "dream come true" scenario, the University of Wisconsin awarded her an athletic scholarship to play hockey in Madison. But early in her freshman season, Gunn suffered a series of uncontrolled grand mal seizures.

"I had to drop out of school and head back home for treatment," she said.

She spent the better part of a year undergoing tests, until neurologists finally decided that what she really needed was a higher dose of Depakote. Her seizures were again under control. But back at Wisconsin the program had moved on.

"I don't blame them," Gunn said. "I couldn't expect the team to wait for me."

Proving herself

So, Gunn headed to Northeastern University, in Boston, this time as a walk-on with no scholarship.

"I had to prove myself, because most coaches aren't really interested in goalies who have spent a year in the hospital for epilepsy," she said.

That first year she didn't get into a game.

"But by my sophomore year I started every single game, and I've played ever since," she said.

At the end of that sophomore season she made the women's national team. That was in 1998, and hockey players have to try out for the national team again every three months.

"I've never been cut since I made the team in 1998," she said.

Last year the national team upset Canada to win the world championship in a shoot-out. Gunn predicted that the U.S. will be facing Canada in the Olympics gold medal game.

Meanwhile, she said that the buildup to the Olympics has been wonderful.

"We've been to Finland and Sweden and to Torino on a pre-Olympic tour, she said. "The whole thing has been sort of surreal."

Teamwork

Even with the excitement, Gunn said her teammates continue to be supportive.

"They all know about epilepsy and try to help me," she said.

Flashing lights sometimes can trigger a seizure, which became an issue in the locker room during one of the final team practices before boarding the plane for Italy.

"One of the lights in the shower room was flickering, so everybody started yelling, 'Turn off the lights, Chanda's going to have a seizure.' "

The team also knows that Gunn can't drink alcohol, "And they are very careful to make sure no one gives me something with alcohol in it."

Between practice in the Olympic ice hockey rink and games, Olympians spend time cheering on other U.S. athletes. Gunn said she plans to be in the stands when the U.S. men's hockey team takes to the ice, but she also wants to see figure skater Michelle Kwan in competition.

When Gunn is on the ice, she'll have her own cheering section in the stands: her parents, her sister Amanda and her boyfriend, and her brother Jacob, "who plays center for UCLA and is, I think, the best collegiate hockey player today."

Asked whether her sister is also a hockey player, Gunn shook her head. "Amanda is the girl in the family. She studied dance and was a cheerleader."

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Hadn't heard this....

Epilepsy can't stop U.S. Olympic goalie

By Peggy Peck
Managing Editor MedPageToday.com
Tuesday, February 7, 2006; Posted: 4:24 p.m. EST (21:24 GMT)

TORINO, Italy (MedPage Today) -- Chanda Gunn's goal was to be in the goal crease for the U.S. Olympic women's hockey team, and she was not about to let epilepsy shut her out.

And she didn't. Gunn, 25, is the starting goaltender for the hockey squad that is expected to make a run for Olympic gold beginning this weekend.

Gunn was 9 when her epilepsy was diagnosed.

"I was a swimmer," Gunn recalled. That meant early-morning and all-weekend-long workouts at the neighborhood swim club in Huntington Beach, California.

That came to a halt when her coaches and her parents noticed that she was having what she calls spells.

"I would just seem to go into a trance or would have muscle jerks," she said.

Tests and more tests

Her pediatrician immediately called in the neurologists.

"We went right from the pediatrician's office to the hospital," she said.

In the emergency room, her brain waves were measured using an electro-encephalogram, commonly known as an EEG. Then she was whisked off for blood tests and more brain scans.

At the end of the day, the neurologist announced that Chanda had juvenile absence epilepsy, a relatively common form of childhood epilepsy in which the child has only a few seizures a day. These seizures normally can be controlled with medications.

'I'll be good'

Gunn said she didn't really understand what was going on, but "my parents and all the people around me were very upset," she said.

Like most kids, Gunn didn't like getting blood tests, and she had been crying and whining throughout the long day of tests.

"When I saw that everyone was upset, I thought it was because I was crying," she recalled. "I told them 'I'll be good. I won't cry. It doesn't matter if I have to get lots of needles.' "

But the full impact of the diagnosis hit Gunn when the doctor and her parents told her she would not be able to swim anymore.

"When they took that away from me, then it really hit me," Gunn said. And that wasn't all that was taken away. "I loved to surf, and I couldn't surf anymore, either."

Finding a new passion

Gunn was treated with the seizure medicine Depakote (valproic acid), which she said got her seizures "under control pretty quickly."

So, almost immediately, she signed up for other activities.

Soccer was the first sport that interested her. But at just around the same time her brother Jacob started playing street hockey with the neighborhood kids.

In short order, Gunn became fascinated with street hockey, a game that loosely follows the rules of ice hockey but the players wear inline skates and compete on pavement.

"I loved it, and I wanted to play all the time," Gunn recalled. "So I started doing my homework during school recess and lunch hours so that I could be out playing with the gang as soon as school was over."

And right from the beginning, "goalie was my position."

Hitting the ice

For her 13th birthday Gunn asked her parents for goalie equipment.

"My birthday is in the middle of January, so the ice hockey season was already under way," she said. "But I was able to skate at the ice rink on Sundays and Mondays, when they had hockey clinics."

When the hockey season started in September she was able to play with her brother's teams -- he now was playing both ice hockey and street hockey -- and for her it has been ice hockey ever since.

But most of her early hockey experience was on boys teams, because at the time the only girls hockey teams were special tournament teams that would play on holidays like Thanksgiving or Christmas, she said.

Cracks in the ice

Gunn's road to the net at the rink in Torino hasn't been completely smooth skating.

In a "dream come true" scenario, the University of Wisconsin awarded her an athletic scholarship to play hockey in Madison. But early in her freshman season, Gunn suffered a series of uncontrolled grand mal seizures.

"I had to drop out of school and head back home for treatment," she said.

She spent the better part of a year undergoing tests, until neurologists finally decided that what she really needed was a higher dose of Depakote. Her seizures were again under control. But back at Wisconsin the program had moved on.

"I don't blame them," Gunn said. "I couldn't expect the team to wait for me."

Proving herself

So, Gunn headed to Northeastern University, in Boston, this time as a walk-on with no scholarship.

"I had to prove myself, because most coaches aren't really interested in goalies who have spent a year in the hospital for epilepsy," she said.

That first year she didn't get into a game.

"But by my sophomore year I started every single game, and I've played ever since," she said.

At the end of that sophomore season she made the women's national team. That was in 1998, and hockey players have to try out for the national team again every three months.

"I've never been cut since I made the team in 1998," she said.

Last year the national team upset Canada to win the world championship in a shoot-out. Gunn predicted that the U.S. will be facing Canada in the Olympics gold medal game.

Meanwhile, she said that the buildup to the Olympics has been wonderful.

"We've been to Finland and Sweden and to Torino on a pre-Olympic tour, she said. "The whole thing has been sort of surreal."

Teamwork

Even with the excitement, Gunn said her teammates continue to be supportive.

"They all know about epilepsy and try to help me," she said.

Flashing lights sometimes can trigger a seizure, which became an issue in the locker room during one of the final team practices before boarding the plane for Italy.

"One of the lights in the shower room was flickering, so everybody started yelling, 'Turn off the lights, Chanda's going to have a seizure.' "

The team also knows that Gunn can't drink alcohol, "And they are very careful to make sure no one gives me something with alcohol in it."

Between practice in the Olympic ice hockey rink and games, Olympians spend time cheering on other U.S. athletes. Gunn said she plans to be in the stands when the U.S. men's hockey team takes to the ice, but she also wants to see figure skater Michelle Kwan in competition.

When Gunn is on the ice, she'll have her own cheering section in the stands: her parents, her sister Amanda and her boyfriend, and her brother Jacob, "who plays center for UCLA and is, I think, the best collegiate hockey player today."

Asked whether her sister is also a hockey player, Gunn shook her head. "Amanda is the girl in the family. She studied dance and was a cheerleader."

[nccanes]

I was thinking this weekend that Gunn must be thrilled the Jacobellis stole the limelight with her boneheaded move. And this article says as much.

Women's hockey was lucky Friday; the spotlight will fall not on them, but on snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis, of Visa fame, who hot-dogged away a sure gold, showing off when it wasn't necessary.

But this was nothing to be proud of, either, what with goaltender Chanda Gunn, heaving her helmet and skating off in a bratty pout, refusing to partake in the traditional post game handshake. Not even the Russians did that back in 1980.

We've had athletes blame losses on missed buses, accused of staying out late boozing the night before events and complaining about the fans, the media and the pressure of it all. We've had them rip the accommodations at the Olympic village and make outlandish, impossible promises designed solely to grab attention and money.

Our athletes are the richest, most famous and most ridiculous here. So many are so spoiled. Yes, most of them compete for themselves; they owe us little more than good manners. If Jacobellis wants to go for style points, it's her right. At least she shook her opponents' hands.



I wonder if Gunn will write about it in her journal. :roll:

[nccanes]

I was thinking this weekend that Gunn must be thrilled the Jacobellis stole the limelight with her boneheaded move. And this article says as much.

Women's hockey was lucky Friday; the spotlight will fall not on them, but on snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis, of Visa fame, who hot-dogged away a sure gold, showing off when it wasn't necessary.

But this was nothing to be proud of, either, what with goaltender Chanda Gunn, heaving her helmet and skating off in a bratty pout, refusing to partake in the traditional post game handshake. Not even the Russians did that back in 1980.

We've had athletes blame losses on missed buses, accused of staying out late boozing the night before events and complaining about the fans, the media and the pressure of it all. We've had them rip the accommodations at the Olympic village and make outlandish, impossible promises designed solely to grab attention and money.

Our athletes are the richest, most famous and most ridiculous here. So many are so spoiled. Yes, most of them compete for themselves; they owe us little more than good manners. If Jacobellis wants to go for style points, it's her right. At least she shook her opponents' hands.



I wonder if Gunn will write about it in her journal. :roll:

[nccanes]

I was thinking this weekend that Gunn must be thrilled the Jacobellis stole the limelight with her boneheaded move. And this article says as much.

Women's hockey was lucky Friday; the spotlight will fall not on them, but on snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis, of Visa fame, who hot-dogged away a sure gold, showing off when it wasn't necessary.

But this was nothing to be proud of, either, what with goaltender Chanda Gunn, heaving her helmet and skating off in a bratty pout, refusing to partake in the traditional post game handshake. Not even the Russians did that back in 1980.

We've had athletes blame losses on missed buses, accused of staying out late boozing the night before events and complaining about the fans, the media and the pressure of it all. We've had them rip the accommodations at the Olympic village and make outlandish, impossible promises designed solely to grab attention and money.

Our athletes are the richest, most famous and most ridiculous here. So many are so spoiled. Yes, most of them compete for themselves; they owe us little more than good manners. If Jacobellis wants to go for style points, it's her right. At least she shook her opponents' hands.



I wonder if Gunn will write about it in her journal. :roll:

[nccanes]

I was thinking this weekend that Gunn must be thrilled the Jacobellis stole the limelight with her boneheaded move. And this article says as much.

Women's hockey was lucky Friday; the spotlight will fall not on them, but on snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis, of Visa fame, who hot-dogged away a sure gold, showing off when it wasn't necessary.

But this was nothing to be proud of, either, what with goaltender Chanda Gunn, heaving her helmet and skating off in a bratty pout, refusing to partake in the traditional post game handshake. Not even the Russians did that back in 1980.

We've had athletes blame losses on missed buses, accused of staying out late boozing the night before events and complaining about the fans, the media and the pressure of it all. We've had them rip the accommodations at the Olympic village and make outlandish, impossible promises designed solely to grab attention and money.

Our athletes are the richest, most famous and most ridiculous here. So many are so spoiled. Yes, most of them compete for themselves; they owe us little more than good manners. If Jacobellis wants to go for style points, it's her right. At least she shook her opponents' hands.



I wonder if Gunn will write about it in her journal. :roll:

[nccanes]

I was thinking this weekend that Gunn must be thrilled the Jacobellis stole the limelight with her boneheaded move. And this article says as much.

Women's hockey was lucky Friday; the spotlight will fall not on them, but on snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis, of Visa fame, who hot-dogged away a sure gold, showing off when it wasn't necessary.

But this was nothing to be proud of, either, what with goaltender Chanda Gunn, heaving her helmet and skating off in a bratty pout, refusing to partake in the traditional post game handshake. Not even the Russians did that back in 1980.

We've had athletes blame losses on missed buses, accused of staying out late boozing the night before events and complaining about the fans, the media and the pressure of it all. We've had them rip the accommodations at the Olympic village and make outlandish, impossible promises designed solely to grab attention and money.

Our athletes are the richest, most famous and most ridiculous here. So many are so spoiled. Yes, most of them compete for themselves; they owe us little more than good manners. If Jacobellis wants to go for style points, it's her right. At least she shook her opponents' hands.



I wonder if Gunn will write about it in her journal. :roll:

[nccanes]

I was thinking this weekend that Gunn must be thrilled the Jacobellis stole the limelight with her boneheaded move. And this article says as much.

Women's hockey was lucky Friday; the spotlight will fall not on them, but on snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis, of Visa fame, who hot-dogged away a sure gold, showing off when it wasn't necessary.

But this was nothing to be proud of, either, what with goaltender Chanda Gunn, heaving her helmet and skating off in a bratty pout, refusing to partake in the traditional post game handshake. Not even the Russians did that back in 1980.

We've had athletes blame losses on missed buses, accused of staying out late boozing the night before events and complaining about the fans, the media and the pressure of it all. We've had them rip the accommodations at the Olympic village and make outlandish, impossible promises designed solely to grab attention and money.

Our athletes are the richest, most famous and most ridiculous here. So many are so spoiled. Yes, most of them compete for themselves; they owe us little more than good manners. If Jacobellis wants to go for style points, it's her right. At least she shook her opponents' hands.



I wonder if Gunn will write about it in her journal. :roll:

[nccanes]

I was thinking this weekend that Gunn must be thrilled the Jacobellis stole the limelight with her boneheaded move. And this article says as much.

Women's hockey was lucky Friday; the spotlight will fall not on them, but on snowboarder Lindsey Jacobellis, of Visa fame, who hot-dogged away a sure gold, showing off when it wasn't necessary.

But this was nothing to be proud of, either, what with goaltender Chanda Gunn, heaving her helmet and skating off in a bratty pout, refusing to partake in the traditional post game handshake. Not even the Russians did that back in 1980.

We've had athletes blame losses on missed buses, accused of staying out late boozing the night before events and complaining about the fans, the media and the pressure of it all. We've had them rip the accommodations at the Olympic village and make outlandish, impossible promises designed solely to grab attention and money.

Our athletes are the richest, most famous and most ridiculous here. So many are so spoiled. Yes, most of them compete for themselves; they owe us little more than good manners. If Jacobellis wants to go for style points, it's her right. At least she shook her opponents' hands.



I wonder if Gunn will write about it in her journal. :roll:

[SoCalcaniac]

Oh good grief. I just knew, looking at those last minutes of that game that one of those bratty girls was gonna mess up and show her American girl self absorbd tendencies- I thought I saw a shot of her sitting on the bench, and while all the girls were going over the boards, she was still sitting there, but I didn't even think anything of it as I thought she was trying to gather herself together.

We Americans live to shoot ourselves in the foot on the World Stage- and then the world says "see, look at them". Oy vey.

[SoCalcaniac]

Oh good grief. I just knew, looking at those last minutes of that game that one of those bratty girls was gonna mess up and show her American girl self absorbd tendencies- I thought I saw a shot of her sitting on the bench, and while all the girls were going over the boards, she was still sitting there, but I didn't even think anything of it as I thought she was trying to gather herself together.

We Americans live to shoot ourselves in the foot on the World Stage- and then the world says "see, look at them". Oy vey.

[SoCalcaniac]

Oh good grief. I just knew, looking at those last minutes of that game that one of those bratty girls was gonna mess up and show her American girl self absorbd tendencies- I thought I saw a shot of her sitting on the bench, and while all the girls were going over the boards, she was still sitting there, but I didn't even think anything of it as I thought she was trying to gather herself together.

We Americans live to shoot ourselves in the foot on the World Stage- and then the world says "see, look at them". Oy vey.

[SoCalcaniac]

Oh good grief. I just knew, looking at those last minutes of that game that one of those bratty girls was gonna mess up and show her American girl self absorbd tendencies- I thought I saw a shot of her sitting on the bench, and while all the girls were going over the boards, she was still sitting there, but I didn't even think anything of it as I thought she was trying to gather herself together.

We Americans live to shoot ourselves in the foot on the World Stage- and then the world says "see, look at them". Oy vey.

[SoCalcaniac]

Oh good grief. I just knew, looking at those last minutes of that game that one of those bratty girls was gonna mess up and show her American girl self absorbd tendencies- I thought I saw a shot of her sitting on the bench, and while all the girls were going over the boards, she was still sitting there, but I didn't even think anything of it as I thought she was trying to gather herself together.

We Americans live to shoot ourselves in the foot on the World Stage- and then the world says "see, look at them". Oy vey.

[SoCalcaniac]

Oh good grief. I just knew, looking at those last minutes of that game that one of those bratty girls was gonna mess up and show her American girl self absorbd tendencies- I thought I saw a shot of her sitting on the bench, and while all the girls were going over the boards, she was still sitting there, but I didn't even think anything of it as I thought she was trying to gather herself together.

We Americans live to shoot ourselves in the foot on the World Stage- and then the world says "see, look at them". Oy vey.

[SoCalcaniac]

Oh good grief. I just knew, looking at those last minutes of that game that one of those bratty girls was gonna mess up and show her American girl self absorbd tendencies- I thought I saw a shot of her sitting on the bench, and while all the girls were going over the boards, she was still sitting there, but I didn't even think anything of it as I thought she was trying to gather herself together.

We Americans live to shoot ourselves in the foot on the World Stage- and then the world says "see, look at them". Oy vey.

[raleighcanesfan]

I was just watching the Today Show (off for Presidents' Day! woohoo!) and Lauer went to the Women's team to try out as goalie. He put on all the goalie equipment, then went out as the women had a scrimmage. They peppered him pretty good, but it was neat to see him out there. I'm not fan of his, but thought it was pretty good.

[raleighcanesfan]

I was just watching the Today Show (off for Presidents' Day! woohoo!) and Lauer went to the Women's team to try out as goalie. He put on all the goalie equipment, then went out as the women had a scrimmage. They peppered him pretty good, but it was neat to see him out there. I'm not fan of his, but thought it was pretty good.

[raleighcanesfan]

I was just watching the Today Show (off for Presidents' Day! woohoo!) and Lauer went to the Women's team to try out as goalie. He put on all the goalie equipment, then went out as the women had a scrimmage. They peppered him pretty good, but it was neat to see him out there. I'm not fan of his, but thought it was pretty good.

[raleighcanesfan]

I was just watching the Today Show (off for Presidents' Day! woohoo!) and Lauer went to the Women's team to try out as goalie. He put on all the goalie equipment, then went out as the women had a scrimmage. They peppered him pretty good, but it was neat to see him out there. I'm not fan of his, but thought it was pretty good.

[raleighcanesfan]

I was just watching the Today Show (off for Presidents' Day! woohoo!) and Lauer went to the Women's team to try out as goalie. He put on all the goalie equipment, then went out as the women had a scrimmage. They peppered him pretty good, but it was neat to see him out there. I'm not fan of his, but thought it was pretty good.

[raleighcanesfan]

I was just watching the Today Show (off for Presidents' Day! woohoo!) and Lauer went to the Women's team to try out as goalie. He put on all the goalie equipment, then went out as the women had a scrimmage. They peppered him pretty good, but it was neat to see him out there. I'm not fan of his, but thought it was pretty good.

[raleighcanesfan]

I was just watching the Today Show (off for Presidents' Day! woohoo!) and Lauer went to the Women's team to try out as goalie. He put on all the goalie equipment, then went out as the women had a scrimmage. They peppered him pretty good, but it was neat to see him out there. I'm not fan of his, but thought it was pretty good.

[Mona]

U.S. Women Settle for Bronze in Hockey

TURIN, Italy - The U.S. women's hockey team will leave the Turin Olympics with a medal, but not the color it wanted. Katie King had a hat trick and the Americans won 4-0 over Finland in the bronze medal game Monday.

The U.S. team hustled to loose pucks, finished their checks and showcased their superior talent, but it was one game too late.

What consolation from this consolation round? As three-time Olympian Angela Ruggiero said the night before, they now have a complete set: Gold from Nagano, silver from Salt Lake City, and now bronze from the Turin Games.

King scored two of her three goals in the first period to give the Americans a three-goal lead, and they glided to victory in a game they would've rather watched on TV from their dressing room.

The U.S. picked up gold in 1998 and silver four years ago, and expected to face rival Canada for the third time in the gold-medal match. But the American women ended up vying for bronze after the biggest shocker in women's hockey history: Sweden's 3-2 shootout win in the semifinals.

Though it was an anticlimactic game, they played inspired, harassing the Finns and celebrating each goal.

Finland found itself smothered offensively — even with an extra skater — harassed by backchecking forwards and stingy defenseman. Despite having a power play early in the second period, the Finns didn't get a shot on goaltender Chanda Gunn for more than 11 minutes.

Gunn had to make just 14 saves for the shutout.

It didn't take long for the Americans to give her a cushion.

Two-plus minutes after the puck dropped, Kelly Stephens deflected Julie Chu's shot past goaltender Noora Raty.

King scored twice — impressively — midway through the first period.

Off a crafty off-the-boards pass from Helen Resor, King carried the puck along the right boards, swooped across Raty and flipped the puck above her. King pumped her stick in the air, then had another reason to celebrate a few minutes later. Jenny Potter fed King with a pass up the middle of the ice, she outskated defenseman Heidi Pelttari and wristed a shot over Raty's stick.

The Americans made it 4-0 early in the second period on King's goal off a circle-to-circle pass from Chu.

Finland then pulled Raty, replacing her with Maija Hassinen, but it was too late for any move to make a difference. The two goalies combined for 16 saves.

The game was much different than the matchup in the preliminary round, when the U.S. rallied from a two-goal, second-period deficit to beat the Finns 7-3.

With 12 seconds left, it got a little chippy with some pushing and shoving in front of Finland's net.

Four three-time Olympians for the U.S. — King, Ruggiero, Tricia Dunn-Luoma and Jenny Potter — will now head home with bronze hardware to go along with gold and silver won at the first two Olympics with women's hockey.

[Mona]

U.S. Women Settle for Bronze in Hockey

TURIN, Italy - The U.S. women's hockey team will leave the Turin Olympics with a medal, but not the color it wanted. Katie King had a hat trick and the Americans won 4-0 over Finland in the bronze medal game Monday.

The U.S. team hustled to loose pucks, finished their checks and showcased their superior talent, but it was one game too late.

What consolation from this consolation round? As three-time Olympian Angela Ruggiero said the night before, they now have a complete set: Gold from Nagano, silver from Salt Lake City, and now bronze from the Turin Games.

King scored two of her three goals in the first period to give the Americans a three-goal lead, and they glided to victory in a game they would've rather watched on TV from their dressing room.

The U.S. picked up gold in 1998 and silver four years ago, and expected to face rival Canada for the third time in the gold-medal match. But the American women ended up vying for bronze after the biggest shocker in women's hockey history: Sweden's 3-2 shootout win in the semifinals.

Though it was an anticlimactic game, they played inspired, harassing the Finns and celebrating each goal.

Finland found itself smothered offensively — even with an extra skater — harassed by backchecking forwards and stingy defenseman. Despite having a power play early in the second period, the Finns didn't get a shot on goaltender Chanda Gunn for more than 11 minutes.

Gunn had to make just 14 saves for the shutout.

It didn't take long for the Americans to give her a cushion.

Two-plus minutes after the puck dropped, Kelly Stephens deflected Julie Chu's shot past goaltender Noora Raty.

King scored twice — impressively — midway through the first period.

Off a crafty off-the-boards pass from Helen Resor, King carried the puck along the right boards, swooped across Raty and flipped the puck above her. King pumped her stick in the air, then had another reason to celebrate a few minutes later. Jenny Potter fed King with a pass up the middle of the ice, she outskated defenseman Heidi Pelttari and wristed a shot over Raty's stick.

The Americans made it 4-0 early in the second period on King's goal off a circle-to-circle pass from Chu.

Finland then pulled Raty, replacing her with Maija Hassinen, but it was too late for any move to make a difference. The two goalies combined for 16 saves.

The game was much different than the matchup in the preliminary round, when the U.S. rallied from a two-goal, second-period deficit to beat the Finns 7-3.

With 12 seconds left, it got a little chippy with some pushing and shoving in front of Finland's net.

Four three-time Olympians for the U.S. — King, Ruggiero, Tricia Dunn-Luoma and Jenny Potter — will now head home with bronze hardware to go along with gold and silver won at the first two Olympics with women's hockey.

[Mona]

U.S. Women Settle for Bronze in Hockey

TURIN, Italy - The U.S. women's hockey team will leave the Turin Olympics with a medal, but not the color it wanted. Katie King had a hat trick and the Americans won 4-0 over Finland in the bronze medal game Monday.

The U.S. team hustled to loose pucks, finished their checks and showcased their superior talent, but it was one game too late.

What consolation from this consolation round? As three-time Olympian Angela Ruggiero said the night before, they now have a complete set: Gold from Nagano, silver from Salt Lake City, and now bronze from the Turin Games.

King scored two of her three goals in the first period to give the Americans a three-goal lead, and they glided to victory in a game they would've rather watched on TV from their dressing room.

The U.S. picked up gold in 1998 and silver four years ago, and expected to face rival Canada for the third time in the gold-medal match. But the American women ended up vying for bronze after the biggest shocker in women's hockey history: Sweden's 3-2 shootout win in the semifinals.

Though it was an anticlimactic game, they played inspired, harassing the Finns and celebrating each goal.

Finland found itself smothered offensively — even with an extra skater — harassed by backchecking forwards and stingy defenseman. Despite having a power play early in the second period, the Finns didn't get a shot on goaltender Chanda Gunn for more than 11 minutes.

Gunn had to make just 14 saves for the shutout.

It didn't take long for the Americans to give her a cushion.

Two-plus minutes after the puck dropped, Kelly Stephens deflected Julie Chu's shot past goaltender Noora Raty.

King scored twice — impressively — midway through the first period.

Off a crafty off-the-boards pass from Helen Resor, King carried the puck along the right boards, swooped across Raty and flipped the puck above her. King pumped her stick in the air, then had another reason to celebrate a few minutes later. Jenny Potter fed King with a pass up the middle of the ice, she outskated defenseman Heidi Pelttari and wristed a shot over Raty's stick.

The Americans made it 4-0 early in the second period on King's goal off a circle-to-circle pass from Chu.

Finland then pulled Raty, replacing her with Maija Hassinen, but it was too late for any move to make a difference. The two goalies combined for 16 saves.

The game was much different than the matchup in the preliminary round, when the U.S. rallied from a two-goal, second-period deficit to beat the Finns 7-3.

With 12 seconds left, it got a little chippy with some pushing and shoving in front of Finland's net.

Four three-time Olympians for the U.S. — King, Ruggiero, Tricia Dunn-Luoma and Jenny Potter — will now head home with bronze hardware to go along with gold and silver won at the first two Olympics with women's hockey.

[Mona]

U.S. Women Settle for Bronze in Hockey

TURIN, Italy - The U.S. women's hockey team will leave the Turin Olympics with a medal, but not the color it wanted. Katie King had a hat trick and the Americans won 4-0 over Finland in the bronze medal game Monday.

The U.S. team hustled to loose pucks, finished their checks and showcased their superior talent, but it was one game too late.

What consolation from this consolation round? As three-time Olympian Angela Ruggiero said the night before, they now have a complete set: Gold from Nagano, silver from Salt Lake City, and now bronze from the Turin Games.

King scored two of her three goals in the first period to give the Americans a three-goal lead, and they glided to victory in a game they would've rather watched on TV from their dressing room.

The U.S. picked up gold in 1998 and silver four years ago, and expected to face rival Canada for the third time in the gold-medal match. But the American women ended up vying for bronze after the biggest shocker in women's hockey history: Sweden's 3-2 shootout win in the semifinals.

Though it was an anticlimactic game, they played inspired, harassing the Finns and celebrating each goal.

Finland found itself smothered offensively — even with an extra skater — harassed by backchecking forwards and stingy defenseman. Despite having a power play early in the second period, the Finns didn't get a shot on goaltender Chanda Gunn for more than 11 minutes.

Gunn had to make just 14 saves for the shutout.

It didn't take long for the Americans to give her a cushion.

Two-plus minutes after the puck dropped, Kelly Stephens deflected Julie Chu's shot past goaltender Noora Raty.

King scored twice — impressively — midway through the first period.

Off a crafty off-the-boards pass from Helen Resor, King carried the puck along the right boards, swooped across Raty and flipped the puck above her. King pumped her stick in the air, then had another reason to celebrate a few minutes later. Jenny Potter fed King with a pass up the middle of the ice, she outskated defenseman Heidi Pelttari and wristed a shot over Raty's stick.

The Americans made it 4-0 early in the second period on King's goal off a circle-to-circle pass from Chu.

Finland then pulled Raty, replacing her with Maija Hassinen, but it was too late for any move to make a difference. The two goalies combined for 16 saves.

The game was much different than the matchup in the preliminary round, when the U.S. rallied from a two-goal, second-period deficit to beat the Finns 7-3.

With 12 seconds left, it got a little chippy with some pushing and shoving in front of Finland's net.

Four three-time Olympians for the U.S. — King, Ruggiero, Tricia Dunn-Luoma and Jenny Potter — will now head home with bronze hardware to go along with gold and silver won at the first two Olympics with women's hockey.

[Mona]

U.S. Women Settle for Bronze in Hockey

TURIN, Italy - The U.S. women's hockey team will leave the Turin Olympics with a medal, but not the color it wanted. Katie King had a hat trick and the Americans won 4-0 over Finland in the bronze medal game Monday.

The U.S. team hustled to loose pucks, finished their checks and showcased their superior talent, but it was one game too late.

What consolation from this consolation round? As three-time Olympian Angela Ruggiero said the night before, they now have a complete set: Gold from Nagano, silver from Salt Lake City, and now bronze from the Turin Games.

King scored two of her three goals in the first period to give the Americans a three-goal lead, and they glided to victory in a game they would've rather watched on TV from their dressing room.

The U.S. picked up gold in 1998 and silver four years ago, and expected to face rival Canada for the third time in the gold-medal match. But the American women ended up vying for bronze after the biggest shocker in women's hockey history: Sweden's 3-2 shootout win in the semifinals.

Though it was an anticlimactic game, they played inspired, harassing the Finns and celebrating each goal.

Finland found itself smothered offensively — even with an extra skater — harassed by backchecking forwards and stingy defenseman. Despite having a power play early in the second period, the Finns didn't get a shot on goaltender Chanda Gunn for more than 11 minutes.

Gunn had to make just 14 saves for the shutout.

It didn't take long for the Americans to give her a cushion.

Two-plus minutes after the puck dropped, Kelly Stephens deflected Julie Chu's shot past goaltender Noora Raty.

King scored twice — impressively — midway through the first period.

Off a crafty off-the-boards pass from Helen Resor, King carried the puck along the right boards, swooped across Raty and flipped the puck above her. King pumped her stick in the air, then had another reason to celebrate a few minutes later. Jenny Potter fed King with a pass up the middle of the ice, she outskated defenseman Heidi Pelttari and wristed a shot over Raty's stick.

The Americans made it 4-0 early in the second period on King's goal off a circle-to-circle pass from Chu.

Finland then pulled Raty, replacing her with Maija Hassinen, but it was too late for any move to make a difference. The two goalies combined for 16 saves.

The game was much different than the matchup in the preliminary round, when the U.S. rallied from a two-goal, second-period deficit to beat the Finns 7-3.

With 12 seconds left, it got a little chippy with some pushing and shoving in front of Finland's net.

Four three-time Olympians for the U.S. — King, Ruggiero, Tricia Dunn-Luoma and Jenny Potter — will now head home with bronze hardware to go along with gold and silver won at the first two Olympics with women's hockey.

[Mona]

U.S. Women Settle for Bronze in Hockey

TURIN, Italy - The U.S. women's hockey team will leave the Turin Olympics with a medal, but not the color it wanted. Katie King had a hat trick and the Americans won 4-0 over Finland in the bronze medal game Monday.

The U.S. team hustled to loose pucks, finished their checks and showcased their superior talent, but it was one game too late.

What consolation from this consolation round? As three-time Olympian Angela Ruggiero said the night before, they now have a complete set: Gold from Nagano, silver from Salt Lake City, and now bronze from the Turin Games.

King scored two of her three goals in the first period to give the Americans a three-goal lead, and they glided to victory in a game they would've rather watched on TV from their dressing room.

The U.S. picked up gold in 1998 and silver four years ago, and expected to face rival Canada for the third time in the gold-medal match. But the American women ended up vying for bronze after the biggest shocker in women's hockey history: Sweden's 3-2 shootout win in the semifinals.

Though it was an anticlimactic game, they played inspired, harassing the Finns and celebrating each goal.

Finland found itself smothered offensively — even with an extra skater — harassed by backchecking forwards and stingy defenseman. Despite having a power play early in the second period, the Finns didn't get a shot on goaltender Chanda Gunn for more than 11 minutes.

Gunn had to make just 14 saves for the shutout.

It didn't take long for the Americans to give her a cushion.

Two-plus minutes after the puck dropped, Kelly Stephens deflected Julie Chu's shot past goaltender Noora Raty.

King scored twice — impressively — midway through the first period.

Off a crafty off-the-boards pass from Helen Resor, King carried the puck along the right boards, swooped across Raty and flipped the puck above her. King pumped her stick in the air, then had another reason to celebrate a few minutes later. Jenny Potter fed King with a pass up the middle of the ice, she outskated defenseman Heidi Pelttari and wristed a shot over Raty's stick.

The Americans made it 4-0 early in the second period on King's goal off a circle-to-circle pass from Chu.

Finland then pulled Raty, replacing her with Maija Hassinen, but it was too late for any move to make a difference. The two goalies combined for 16 saves.

The game was much different than the matchup in the preliminary round, when the U.S. rallied from a two-goal, second-period deficit to beat the Finns 7-3.

With 12 seconds left, it got a little chippy with some pushing and shoving in front of Finland's net.

Four three-time Olympians for the U.S. — King, Ruggiero, Tricia Dunn-Luoma and Jenny Potter — will now head home with bronze hardware to go along with gold and silver won at the first two Olympics with women's hockey.

[Mona]

U.S. Women Settle for Bronze in Hockey

TURIN, Italy - The U.S. women's hockey team will leave the Turin Olympics with a medal, but not the color it wanted. Katie King had a hat trick and the Americans won 4-0 over Finland in the bronze medal game Monday.

The U.S. team hustled to loose pucks, finished their checks and showcased their superior talent, but it was one game too late.

What consolation from this consolation round? As three-time Olympian Angela Ruggiero said the night before, they now have a complete set: Gold from Nagano, silver from Salt Lake City, and now bronze from the Turin Games.

King scored two of her three goals in the first period to give the Americans a three-goal lead, and they glided to victory in a game they would've rather watched on TV from their dressing room.

The U.S. picked up gold in 1998 and silver four years ago, and expected to face rival Canada for the third time in the gold-medal match. But the American women ended up vying for bronze after the biggest shocker in women's hockey history: Sweden's 3-2 shootout win in the semifinals.

Though it was an anticlimactic game, they played inspired, harassing the Finns and celebrating each goal.

Finland found itself smothered offensively — even with an extra skater — harassed by backchecking forwards and stingy defenseman. Despite having a power play early in the second period, the Finns didn't get a shot on goaltender Chanda Gunn for more than 11 minutes.

Gunn had to make just 14 saves for the shutout.

It didn't take long for the Americans to give her a cushion.

Two-plus minutes after the puck dropped, Kelly Stephens deflected Julie Chu's shot past goaltender Noora Raty.

King scored twice — impressively — midway through the first period.

Off a crafty off-the-boards pass from Helen Resor, King carried the puck along the right boards, swooped across Raty and flipped the puck above her. King pumped her stick in the air, then had another reason to celebrate a few minutes later. Jenny Potter fed King with a pass up the middle of the ice, she outskated defenseman Heidi Pelttari and wristed a shot over Raty's stick.

The Americans made it 4-0 early in the second period on King's goal off a circle-to-circle pass from Chu.

Finland then pulled Raty, replacing her with Maija Hassinen, but it was too late for any move to make a difference. The two goalies combined for 16 saves.

The game was much different than the matchup in the preliminary round, when the U.S. rallied from a two-goal, second-period deficit to beat the Finns 7-3.

With 12 seconds left, it got a little chippy with some pushing and shoving in front of Finland's net.

Four three-time Olympians for the U.S. — King, Ruggiero, Tricia Dunn-Luoma and Jenny Potter — will now head home with bronze hardware to go along with gold and silver won at the first two Olympics with women's hockey.

[SoCalcaniac]

Well the girls were able to get back on track and they earned the bronze.....good for them, nothing to be ashamed of:

XX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
The 2006 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team added to the United States' medal count Monday, earning a bronze on Monday with its 4-0 victory over Finland in Torino. Kelly Stephens opened the scoring in the first period, while Katie King went on to score a natural hat trick and Chanda Gunn earned the shutout in goal

[SoCalcaniac]

Well the girls were able to get back on track and they earned the bronze.....good for them, nothing to be ashamed of:

XX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
The 2006 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team added to the United States' medal count Monday, earning a bronze on Monday with its 4-0 victory over Finland in Torino. Kelly Stephens opened the scoring in the first period, while Katie King went on to score a natural hat trick and Chanda Gunn earned the shutout in goal

[SoCalcaniac]

Well the girls were able to get back on track and they earned the bronze.....good for them, nothing to be ashamed of:

XX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
The 2006 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team added to the United States' medal count Monday, earning a bronze on Monday with its 4-0 victory over Finland in Torino. Kelly Stephens opened the scoring in the first period, while Katie King went on to score a natural hat trick and Chanda Gunn earned the shutout in goal

[SoCalcaniac]

Well the girls were able to get back on track and they earned the bronze.....good for them, nothing to be ashamed of:

XX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
The 2006 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team added to the United States' medal count Monday, earning a bronze on Monday with its 4-0 victory over Finland in Torino. Kelly Stephens opened the scoring in the first period, while Katie King went on to score a natural hat trick and Chanda Gunn earned the shutout in goal

[SoCalcaniac]

Well the girls were able to get back on track and they earned the bronze.....good for them, nothing to be ashamed of:

XX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
The 2006 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team added to the United States' medal count Monday, earning a bronze on Monday with its 4-0 victory over Finland in Torino. Kelly Stephens opened the scoring in the first period, while Katie King went on to score a natural hat trick and Chanda Gunn earned the shutout in goal

[SoCalcaniac]

Well the girls were able to get back on track and they earned the bronze.....good for them, nothing to be ashamed of:

XX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
The 2006 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team added to the United States' medal count Monday, earning a bronze on Monday with its 4-0 victory over Finland in Torino. Kelly Stephens opened the scoring in the first period, while Katie King went on to score a natural hat trick and Chanda Gunn earned the shutout in goal

[SoCalcaniac]

Well the girls were able to get back on track and they earned the bronze.....good for them, nothing to be ashamed of:

XX OLYMPIC WINTER GAMES
The 2006 U.S. Olympic Women's Ice Hockey Team added to the United States' medal count Monday, earning a bronze on Monday with its 4-0 victory over Finland in Torino. Kelly Stephens opened the scoring in the first period, while Katie King went on to score a natural hat trick and Chanda Gunn earned the shutout in goal