I have been presenting girls hockey off-ice training seminars for the past 2 days in Duluth, Minnesota, and have had the chance to meet some great hockey people and watch some great hockey games. And tonight, for the first time since I graduated from Dartmouth six years ago, I got to watch an NCAA women’s hockey game.

Playing hockey for 4 years at Dartmouth was by far my most memorable hockey experience. Whether it was beating teams like Harvard and Minnesota on the national stage or just hanging out with my teammates after practice, I miss every single part of playing college hockey. The entire experience was absolutely amazing - even when we weren’t playing so well and were stuck in a slump. I wouldn’t trade it for anything - well, except maybe for a national championship title.

Watching tonight’s game between #1 ranked Wisconsin and #3 ranked Duluth took me right back to those great 4 years at college. I could see how much fun the girls were having out there, even though this was their most important game of the season so far, and it reminded me of how much I enjoyed having the chance to compete against our biggest rivals. It was intense and pressure-packed, but it was really just a big game with a group of your closest friends. More than anything else, it was just plain fun.

Just getting the opportunity to play women’s college hockey takes a lot of hard work and determination, but watching those girls out on the ice tonight made me remember exactly why it was all worth it. Titles and trophies are great - but it’s the friendships and fun that are the real rewards.

The next time you head out on the ice, remember why you are playing. It is important to be focused on pushing yourself to get to the next level on and off the ice, but don’t lose sight of why you are there in the first place - to have fun with your teammates.

Work Hard. Dream BIG. Have FUN.

~ Coach Kim