By Sara Shaker, News Correspondent
Team USA co-leading scorer, Kendall Coyne, competed in the 2014 Olympics in Sochi, but came up just short of winning a gold medal. Weeks after the heartbreaking loss, Coyne has had some time to reflect on her team’s hard-earned silver medal.
The USA Women’s Hockey Team faced Team Canada in the Gold Medal Game on Feb. 20. Team USA had a 2-0 lead until Team Canada scored two goals with 3:26 left in the third period. The game went into overtime and Team Canada went home with gold, leaving Team USA with silver.
After looking back on the loss, the junior forward is looking at the game in a positive light.
“I wouldn’t say I look back, only forward because we obviously didn’t get the outcome we went there for,” Coyne said. “It is a tough pill to swallow taking silver, but coming home everyone is so happy for you. That makes you really appreciate what you have done.”
In her first Olympics, Coyne tied for top team scorer with two goals and four assists. She helped the team to a 9-0 victory against Switzerland in the preliminary round, with two goals and two assists. In the semifinals, Coyne had two more assists against Sweden, bringing the team to the Gold Medal Game against rival Canada.
“I thought our team had a phenomenal tournament although we came up short,” Coyne said.
Coyne and Team USA prepared for the 2014 Olympics for several months. Earning silver was not what the team had hoped for, but Coyne says the players realize that they worked hard to get as far as they did, and are trying to be optimistic.
“It wasn’t easy and hasn’t been easy,” Coyne said, “But together as a team we look back on the last seven months we had together and how far we have come to get where we are today.”
Coyne has played on plenty of different ice rinks throughout her life, but playing in an Olympic rink was something special.
“My fondest moment on the ice had to be stepping on Olympic ice for the first time,” Coyne said. “That is when it really hit me that we were at the Olympic Games.”
Coyne made the most of her Olympic experience off of the ice, as well.
“The highlight off the ice was attending the Men’s USA vs. Russia hockey game and seeing all the other athletes from the different countries,” she said.
Now that the Olympics are over, the communication studies major is still keeping busy.
“I started my co-op with the Chicago Blackhawks in Media/PR. I am also coaching a select girls team in four tournaments around the world,” Coyne said.
After a year away from school and an incredible life experience, Coyne will be returning to Northeastern and the women’s hockey team in September 2014.
“I am looking forward to being back with the team and playing for the school,” she said.
The next thing on everyone’s mind is whether there might be another Olympics for Coyne in 2018. However, Coyne is not thinking that far ahead just yet and is putting school first.
“That is obviously a goal of mine,” Coyne said. “But I take it year by year and my main focus is this fall with Northeastern.”
