Sidney Morin is one of 12 first-time Olympians on this team. The Minnetonka, Minn., native was brought in to provide an offensive spark and a jolt of energy to the team. After a completing a four-year at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Morin packed her bags to play with MODO in the Swedish Professional Leagues. But now she’s back to help Team USA capture its first Olympic gold medal in 20 years. USA Hockey Magazine caught up with her on the eve of her first Olympic hockey game.
What was it like to march in the opening ceremony?
It was incredible. It’s so eye opening when you walk into that stadium alongside all of your teammates and all those other U.S. athletes. You think, can this really be happening right now? And then it was over so fast but it was an incredible moment and a lot of fun.
So now do you feel like you’re finally an Olympian?
I think that feeling inched forward last night, but a lot of girls on our team say you don’t become an Olympian until you step on the ice for the first time in a game. So I’m looking forward to that moment, but I really enjoyed last night as well.
What is your role on this team?
I’m going to do whatever the coach tells me. If I’m going to play more minutes then I’m going to play more minutes. I’m just going to do the best I can when I’m out there and if I’m not then I’m going to be the best teammate I can be. Obviously, everyone would like to be on the ice as much as they can but that’s not always the plan. There are a lot of people capable of playing in different roles on this team and I trust the coaching staff to the people out there who need to be in every situation.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve gotten from some of the veteran players?
They’ve been here before and they know there are a lot going on but when it’s time to focus then it’s time to focus. They’re really good at taking all the energy from the outside world and channeling it onto the ice. That’s what I’m trying to do as well.
The focus is on winning gold, but are there things you’d like to do, athletes you’d like to meet to enhance your Olympic experience?
Last night I got a picture with Shaun White and Lindsey Vonn, so I thought that was pretty cool. I’d love to see other events but that’s not always going to happen. If I get the chance to see other sports, including skiing or snowboarding then I’d love to do that. But I need to focus here and any free time I’m going to spend with my family, too.