Women’s Hockey Overview – Vancouver Olympics 2010

By Michael Miao, M.D.

 

Women’s hockey is poised for a comeback. After winning the gold medal in Japan during the 1998 Winter Games, the USA Women’s Olympic Team garnered silver in 2002 and a bronze 2006. After that, there was a major shift in the management, development and selection processes leading to the new-and-improved 2010 team. The current team boasts previous Olympians as well as several outstanding newcomers that give the USA team a solid chance to regain the gold this year in Vancouver.

 

Although smaller and lighter in stature than their male counterparts, there is no less the level of skating or shooting talent among these women. With a no-checking policy in the sport, the women rely even more on finesse-related skills and a team approach to accomplish their goals. But don’t be lulled into thinking that this is a gentile sport. These ladies are tough, strong competitors who brave the same hazards commonly associated with the sport. In the two weeks of the Games, the team will need to stay healthy and injury-free to pull out the gold in the end.

The preparation for these players has revolved around extensive core and strength training, cardiovascular training, skills and team play development, nutritional support and mental preparation.  They have endured a grueling series of training and selection camps with several international events to test their mettle. Even the development of the Blaine residency camp in Minnesota has added to the success of retaining seasoned players for the next championship. 

During this process, there have been injuries that range from simple muscle sprains to concussions and joint dislocations and fractures. There has been a concerted effort by the ATCs, EMTs and physicians who oversee these events to provide top-notch medical and trauma care to these athletes. On the back side, the physical and massage therapists have worked tirelessly to provide supplementary care to prepare injured bodies to return to play.

If the level of play and success that the National Team has demonstrated in recent months is any indication, the Women’s Olympic Hockey Team is ready to return glory to the United States in Vancouver.  Go USA!

Post your comments: What do readers and followers of women’s hockey think may be the most important changes in training and player selection for this U.S. team that may help lead them to gold in Vancouver? What other factors may be important to the team’s success?