U.S. eyes perfect hockey ending

The women take on Canada for the gold.

By DAMIAN CRISTODERO, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published February 21, 2002

WEST VALLEY CITY, Utah -- 8-0.

The record the U.S. women's hockey team earned against bitter rival Canada during its pre-Olympic schedule has brought a well-deserved spotlight to a squad that loves keeping its foot on the necks of opponents.

But it also brings expectations that, if not managed properly, can be blinding rather than illuminating.

So as the United States prepares for today's gold-medal game against Canada at the E Center, a matchup of the world's two superpowers, the players know focus is the key.

"The pressure," Canada forward Cherie Piper said, "is all on the USA."

"There is a lot on the line," U.S. coach Ben Smith said. "Our players know they're on the verge of getting where they want to be. We're going to play to the limit of our physical fitness, but so are the Canadians."

The United States is on a remarkable run. Since its pre-Olympic tour began in September, the team is 35-0, including a 4-0 streak at the Olympics in which it has outscored opponents 31-1.

It is a close-knit group that has lived and trained together for the better part of three years at the U.S. facility in Lake Placid, N.Y. Captain Cammi Granato last month gave out thin silver necklaces that, in Chinese, read "United We Stand." Each player has worn one since.

Canada (4-0) has been worn out by the United States, which defeated the Canadians at the 1998 Games in Nagano for the first women's hockey gold. But Canada has won all seven world championships, beating the United States each time.

It is a true rivalry. Respect, yes, but games are played with an edge that invariably turns them physical, even though body checking is prohibited in the women's game.

"In any sport when you have that intense rivalry, it's going to increase the desire to beat the other team," U.S. defenseman Angela Ruggiero said. "It's not our national sport, but it's what we want to do. We want it just as bad."

"I'm so charged up," said U.S. forward Natalie Darwitz, who has a team-high seven goals. "I wish we were playing right now."

The roles have been eerily reversed. In Nagano, Canada was a four-time world champion and heavily favored.

Now, as then, however, there is no doubt who is expected to win.

"The pressure here is all on them," Canada captain Cassie Campbell said. "We were in their shoes four years ago at Nagano. This is their home. They're the ones with everything to lose."

And 9-0 perfection to gain.

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