US hockey teams' gold inspires local athletes on the ice
MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- The winter Olympics may be over, but the inspiration it brought to young players carries on.
“I'm hoping we bring back home the gold,” said Sophia Koniar, a player for SHAW Youth Hockey.
As the girls, 12U SHAW Youth Hockey Team takes to the ice at Wilson Park, they are taking notes from Team USA.
“Watching the Olympics is giving me a lot of inspiration on what I’m going to do better for state and what I’m going to try and practice during these practices that we have leading up to state,” said Sebastian Abalistreri, a player for SHAW Youth Hockey.
With both the men's and women's US hockey teams securing gold, this team is motivated to bring their own set of hardware home.
“I was watching a lot of their plays and like their shots and stuff and just like I want to do this, I want to do that,” said Abalistreri.
This Saturday, Feb. 28, they are aiming to secure a state title.
"It's the third year in a row that we’ve made it to state," said Cory Wex, the SHAW youth Hockey 12U Coach. "It’s kind of the culmination of years of hard work and effort on their parts and the fun end of season to show what SHAW hockey is all about.”
The young girls say when they are on the ice, they are channeling the energy of their role models the US Women's team.
“It was exciting and it was inspiring for me, because then like it makes you want to be at that level when you get older," said Jessica Sharp, a player for SHAW youth hockey. "It helped me grow personally to see how they played.”
These players say they want to be a part of the next generation on the ice.
"The Olympics were exciting," said Alivia Jelasic, a player for SHAW Youth Hockey. "It was fun to watch and I think we’ll do pretty good at state."
Which is exactly what UW-Madison player and now Olympic champion, Laila Edwards says is the team's goal.
"Even just one person or be a role model to one person," said Edwards. "You know to inspire someone to try hockey, to stick with hockey. I think the Olympics was great for that."
Coach Wex says this team has what it takes.
“In a sport that’s male dominated like hockey and these girls are going out there and we've played against boys and we beat the boys," said Wex. "So, to have success is nothing but just amazing to watch them grow.”