Frequently Asked Questions (and some fun not-so-frequent-ones too!)How did you become interested in hockey? How old were you?
I have been playing hockey since I was a little girl. I started skating at about 3 or 4 years old and was playing organized hockey by 5 years old.
I watched hockey with my dad and idolized Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. My dad built a rink in our backyard and I would practise Gretzky and Lemieux’s moves for hours and hours on end – sometimes by myself and sometimes scrimmaging with my brother and sister.
What is it like winning gold at the Olympics?
Each gold medal experience is unique but I am always extremely proud to be representing Canada. It’s a thrill standing at centre ice and when they put the medal around my neck there is always a sense of relief that we made it. Then almost immediately my teammates and I start thinking about how we will defend our title in 4 years at the next games.
What is your favorite NHL team?
I have always loved the Edmonton Oilers. Now, being a Calgarian who hails from Saskatchewan, that can be a dangerous affiliation to publicly state.
I also have a lot of respect for various players on various teams due to their athleticism, their commitment to their community or their records. But, overall, I am still a tried and true Oilers fan!
What do you want to do when you finish playing hockey?
I am currently studying at the University of Calgary as a full-time student working my way towards the title of “Dr. Wickenheiser.” I love learning and plan to continue my education formally or informally for the rest of my life!
How long do you plan to play? Are you playing in the 2014 Olympics?
I certainly plan to continue my career as long as I am physically still fit enough to maintain my spot on the ice with my teammates. I do hope to go to the 2014 Olympics and am currently training to be sure that I do.
People always seem to think I am old. But, really it’s only because I have been around and in the public spotlight since I was 15, so it feels like I’ve been around forever, but I am still ‘young’ in context. I think I am in the best shape of my life now, so I will certainly be driving towards representing Canada in 2014!
My favorite food is: Eggs
My favorite drink is: Cranberry with soda
My favorite colour is: Blue
My favorite word is: Epic
My favorite book as a…
Kid: Interstellular Pig
Teenager: Grapes Of Wrath
Now: “Long Walk to Freedom” by Nelson Mandela
My favorite hobby as a…
Kid: Playing outside
Teenager: All sports
Now: Spending time outdoors biking, hiking and camping
My least favorite things are:
- Physics
- Video Games
- When people don’t respect the environment
My best memory about being a kid is:
Growing up in Shaunavon, Saskatchewan, spending hours and hours outside building tree forts, playing hide and go seek, skating on the outdoor rink and terrorizing the neighbourhood with all of the other kids!
My best character trait is: That I have the ability to read people well
My worst character trait is: Lack of patience
If I wasn’t an athlete: I would like to be working in Africa to help rid the world of HIV/AIDS & helping to save lives.
People might be surprised to know that I:
- Play the piano
- Am a neat freak
- Am happiest on my family farm in Saskatchewan
My thoughts about hockey and competing:
When I was a girl, people used to tell me that girls don’t play hockey. Nowadays, it’s natural to see a girl walk into the rink with a hockey bag on her shoulder! I really believe that if you truly love the game, you will work hard at it, and it won’t feel like hard work. I always try to find ways to improve each day, whether it’s working on my shot, skating, scoring or keeping fit.
I feel I still have so much to learn about hockey, and I try to watch the best players in the world on TV. Then, I go out on the ice and try to do what they do. I am not afraid to make mistakes, and I try to play as free and creative as I can in game situations. I like to focus on one shift at a time. Also, I do not focus on wins/losses, goals and assists, but rather on playing great inspiring hockey each time I am on the ice. Hockey is the greatest game in the world!