Jenny Potter: From the Olympics and the Ellen Show to the Clarkson Cup.
Interview by Elizabeth Etue, Editor at www. Winih.com
March 12, 2010
What did you take away from these Olympic games?
It was my 4th Olympics. It is tough. I thought about how much I sacrificed and my family sacrificed. And how so many things came together. You represent your country and the Olympics. You are growing as a person. Our team was great on and off the ice…we developed deep friendships. We worked with a staff person, not exactly a sports psychologist to have an atmosphere that was relaxed and encourage us to be comfortable with who you are. I got more comfortable with who I am off and on the ice. It made me more confident. I realized my potential as a veteran who could contribute.
Is this your last Olympics or will you wait to make that decision?
I get that question a lot. For women it is hard. Four years is a long time. Financially it is hard to get by, those questions you ask as a family. My daughter in school, my son is getting older… my husband and I haven’t sat down …. We have been so busy since I got back. We were in a tournament and now I am driving to Rochester for my daughter’s swim meet.
What was one of the fun things that happened to the team?
We were on Ellen show. Whole team was on the show minus 4 players. She interviewed the team and we shot some soft pucks into the audience. The team was dancing and we walked through the crowd. She is super cool, laid back. We were on the show by satellite earlier in the Olympics. If we won she said she would have us on the show for sure. Before the Olympics, my team mate Gigi Martin printed off an Ellen face and said the team were fans and sent it to the Ellen Show then they sent us a flag…so we brought Ellen with us to the Olympics. We all love Ellen. It was something I never expected to do.
How important is the Clarkson Cup and Western Women’s Hockey League for you?
The league is huge. Last year was one of the most fun years…best hockey I have played. We need more of it. Very competitive…big challenge after college to find a place to play. Last year was awesome…the Western League is struggling… not sure of the exact number of teams going forward.
Any thoughts on a pro league?
A pro league is tough. The game is still growing…I am not sure. Don’t think there is a base there. Level needs to be higher. From 1 to 20 players on each team, needs to be higher. Clarkson Cup has 4 really good teams. Lots of Olympic players. More to pick from after college. The international game is still growing, federations need to support the teams. Most countries don’t have a team together like Canada and US…it is challenge. I think having Angela Ruggiero on IOC committee will be helpful. She can help people understand the game.