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Four years ago, during the Canadian women’s hockey team’s pursuit of Olympic gold in Beijing, a young Chloe Primerano was captivated by her television, eagerly recording late-night games. She asked her family to keep the results confidential, allowing her to savor the matches after school.
‘I always wanted to go to the Olympics,’ she reflects. ‘Watching them fueled my desire to reach that level one day.’ Now, at 18, Primerano is among a competitive group of 30 athletes striving for a position on the Olympic team set to compete in Italy in February, where they will defend their gold medal.
Balancing college hockey and Olympic aspirations
Primerano is currently in her second season with the NCAA at the University of Minnesota, after graduating from high school a year early. Her exceptional skills as a defender, along with a remarkable hockey IQ, distinguish her from her peers.
During a recent training camp in Calgary, she had the opportunity to live with experienced players such as Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey.
Mentorship from established players
Poulin, the team captain, commended Primerano, describing her as ‘a great kid.’ If Primerano secures a spot on the roster, she will be the youngest participant since Poulin in 2010.
‘Her playing style speaks volumes,’ Poulin remarked. ‘Her skill in puck movement, shooting, and skating is truly impressive. The future looks incredibly bright for her.’
New strategies for Olympic preparation
As the Olympic year approaches, the Canadian team has altered its training regimen by choosing shared houses over traditional hotel stays.
This decision is intended to enhance the limited opportunities for team bonding and practice together.
The PWHL season is set to begin on November 21 and will pause for the Olympics, presenting a unique challenge. The Canadian team will participate in only four games prior to the Olympic events, as part of the Canada-U.S.
Rivalry Series, with two games scheduled in November and two in December. The establishment of the PWHL has led Hockey Canada to reevaluate the formation of the Olympic team, focusing on maintaining team chemistry while ensuring players are not overwhelmed during their league commitments.
Managing player health and performance
General manager Gina Kingsbury highlighted the challenges of managing player health during this demanding period. ‘We must ensure the athletes are fit for the PWHL while also considering their Olympic training,’ she stated. ‘This involves meticulous planning to optimize their performance.’ The team has organized three training blocks across the country this fall, with the second block recently commencing in Toronto at the Ford Performance Centre.
Team dynamics and the impact of PWHL
Blayre Turnbull, an assistant captain pursuing her third Olympic appearance, faces both opportunities and challenges with the shift away from centralization. Players now have the opportunity to compete in a high-caliber league, a long-standing aspiration. However, this change also limits their time with the national team, making every practice and meeting critical.
Turnbull stated, ‘The condensed centralization makes our time together more valuable. Every moment counts, and everyone is dedicated to making the most of it before the PWHL season begins.’ This increased focus on team synergy is vital, as it cultivates chemistry that is difficult to achieve when players are distributed among various teams in the PWHL.
Emerging talents and competition
The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has significantly changed the preparation for the Olympics and the national team selection process. With two months of league play leading up to the Olympics, the risk of injury for top players is a pressing concern. However, this period also offers a platform for emerging talents such as Sophie Jaques, Kati Tabin, and Hannah Miller to demonstrate their skills and potentially earn spots in the national team camp.
Miller expressed her appreciation, stating, ‘My presence here is primarily due to the PWHL. The competition is fierce every night, and it’s reshaping the landscape of our national teams.’ Having previously competed for the Chinese national team, Miller is now eagerly awaiting confirmation from the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) regarding her eligibility to represent Canada at the Olympics.
Building connections and confidence
The unique circumstances of this Olympic year have compelled the team’s leadership to play a crucial role in fostering connections among players. They are actively involved in decisions regarding housing arrangements to ensure that athletes bond and develop chemistry off the ice.
For younger athletes like Primerano, this environment is invaluable. Poulin has noted a significant increase in her confidence since her first world championship in April. ‘Being part of this group and witnessing her capabilities will only bolster her confidence,’ Poulin stated. ‘As a leader, I’m here to support her. She knows she can lean on us whenever she needs.’
