Angela Ruggiero
Angela Ruggiero
Angela Marie Ruggierois an American ice hockey defenseman. She is a member of the International Olympic Committee and was a member of the United States women's national ice hockey team, medaling in four successive Winter Olympic Games, including one Gold medal, two Silver, and one Bronze. She competed in ten Women's World Championships winning four Gold medals and six Silver. She also authored a memoir about her hockey experiences called Breaking the Ice. She also was a contestant on the...
NationalityAmerican
ProfessionHockey Player
Date of Birth3 January 1980
CountryUnited States of America
We were excited to win the game and excited to win a medal, but I think maybe in the back of our heads we wished we were playing (against Canada). But we're still proud of ourselves.
I've never played a consolation game in my life. We expected to be playing for a gold medal.
That's women's hockey. Some refs think that if somebody falls down, you've got to call it. Part of that is the talent differences, because things look different to the refs when two teams are playing at two different speeds. Hopefully they're not doing that when we play Canada.
We're excited to win the medal. But I think maybe in the back of our heads, we wish we were playing in the next game.
I love the physical part of the game, and I don't back down from it. I've been in fights in beer-league games back home. But the rules are there for a reason, especially when you're playing a team that's not as big and strong as you are.
I came here to win a gold medal. But am I proud of our team? Yes. We showed a lot of character after hitting rock bottom after the loss to Sweden. No one expected to be playing for the bronze.
I'm really happy we've had these close games, because Canada hasn't had these types of battles.
After they scored, we all reminded ourselves what we had dedicated our lives to and settled down and played like we knew we could.
I'm upset that Canada has been running up the score , especially against the host nation. There was no need for that. They're trying to pad their stats.
It's hard to build the game when it's being played like this. I'm here to promote our game on the biggest stage it's got, and it's not the best hockey in the world when the teams are so different.
It's happened two Olympics in a row. Will it be three?
They are the reason I play hockey. I play hockey to beat Canada.
We lost in the semifinals, but we still wanted to bring home a medal to the United States.
Before, I was the baby of the team and now, even though I'm not the oldest, I have more experience than almost anyone, ... I'll never be able to fill their shoes, but I know my role has changed a little bit. Their legacy has inspired every single person on this team.