As one of a dozen first time Olympians, Dani Cameranesi has brought a spark to the U.S. Women’s Team’s offensive machine. In her Olympic debut against Finland, the Plymouth, Minn., native logged 15:33 of ice time, and scored an empty net goal to seal Team USA’s 3-1 victory. USA Hockey Magazine caught up with the dynamic forward after a recent Team USA practice.
What are your thoughts as you compete in your first Olympics?
It’s really exciting. It’s such a great honor to be here and to rep the red, white and blue alongside these girls and the rest of the athletes here.
You are one of 12 first-time Olympians on this team. How have the Olympic veterans helped you to prepare for this moment?
They all have a lot of experience and such great leadership qualities as well. They’re very easy to talk to and are willing to help us if we have any questions. They help to calm the nerves and the excitement before the first game.
This team has created the mantra of staying in the moment and not focusing beyond the next game, but have you thought about what it would be like to play for an Olympic gold medal?
I think it’s reiterated so much to not look too far ahead. Our coaches and the rest of the team keeps preaching how the next game is the most important game. You really do have to take it step by step and see where it takes us from there.
Your focus is obviously on hockey, but while you’re at the Olympics is there an athlete that you’d like to meet or another sport that you’d like to watch?
I’ve been watching Shawn White since I was little so it would be really awesome to meet him. I’ve also had an increased interest in short track speed skating so I think that would be great to see at some point.
Is there anything else you’d like to do while you’re here in South Korea?
Once we’re done with the tournament I really want to try some different Korean food. A few of my teammates were able to go to the coast so after the competition I’d like to do that. It would be great to go out and explore and see all the great things that South Korea has to offer.