Thursday, February 28, 2002
Canadian women basking in glory
By AL RUCKABER -- Calgary Sun
"I think it's important to take the time and enjoy it. A moment like that doesn't happen often in your lifetime. Going back too soon into a business-like approach ... we've done it, now what? No, let's just walk on a cloud for a while." -- Daniele Sauvageau, Team Canada women's hockey coach
Tomorrow will come soon enough for Canada's golden girls of hockey.
For now, they'll just enjoy their supreme moment in the sun, after winning the Olympic gold medal at the Salt Lake City Games.
They were doing just that yesterday at a press conference at the Pengrowth Saddledome held to celebrate their gold-medal performance in which they defeated the U.S. 3-2 in the final.
But time does march on and soon the program will have to make plans for next season and beyond with the ultimate goal to defend their gold medal at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy.
For one, Sauvageau's contract expires in two months and she hasn't decided whether she'll return.
But the on-ice product should remain solid, as Olympic tournament MVP Hayley Wickenheiser believes three-quarters of the 21-player team will commit themselves for the next four years.
On the coaching front, there have been suggestions Sauvageau might remain involved in management of the team if she doesn't stay on as coach.
"It's too soon to say. I'll take my time. If it's not me, somebody else very qualified will carry on the program," Sauvageau said.
"I don't see myself out of hockey. Hockey in Canada -- there's a lot to do in this country. My priorities for the future are that I want to be happy and do something that will challenge me. I have two months left on my 20-month contract and we'll see."
But the majority of players know exactly where they want to be -- back with the team and shooting for the 2006 Games.
"I believe that three-quarters of us will be back for Italy," said Wickenheiser, 24, who also played in the 1998 Olympics at Nagano in which Canada lost the gold medal game to the U.S.
"As for Daniele, if she wants to come back as coach, that would be great. If not, I'd love to see in a GM or administrative role."
Starting goaltender Kim St-Pierre says most of the girls want to experience the great gold-medal feeling again.
"The gold medal -- that was my dream. I was so happy when I saw Canada's flag flying. But having one gold medal motivates you to go back and get another one," said St-Pierre.
"I know I'll really enjoy another Olympics."
But for now, it's time to savour the moment.
ICE CHIPS:
Wickenheiser chuckled over her comments made following the gold-medal game in which she suggested the American team could have the Canadians sign the Maple Leaf flag they allegedly kept in their locker room: "No, they haven't asked us to sign it yet but we certainly could," Wickenheiser laughed. "Some pretty good sources told us they had our flag in their room. I don't think they trampled on it or anything like that. They used it for motivation. It had all built up and after the game, I was pretty emotional. I felt this was very disrespectful to Canada."
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2002 Games Women's Hockey Coverage
