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Little girls can't become what they can't see

By Breanna Seibel, WiPH Contributor, 01/22/19, 7:00PM CST

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An interview with NWHL defenseman Alyssa Gagliardi


NWHL defenseman, Alyssa Gagliardi, was born in Pittsburgh, PA before moving to Raleigh, North Carolina where she began playing hockey at the age of 8. Gagliardi transferred to Shattuck St. Mary’s (SSM) in Faribault, MN to pursue her dream of one-day playing college hockey in 2006 After four successful years at SSM, where she won a National Championship, Gagliardi played Division I hockey at Cornell University where she lead her team to four ECAC championships. Gagliardi earned her spot as an assistant captain her junior year and a captain to the Big Red team her senior year. 

Her senior year at Cornell was one for the books: she earned 1st team All-Ivy, 1st team All-ECAC Hockey, 2ndTeam All-American, 2nd Team All-USCHO and was a finalist for the Hockey Humanitarian Award. Currently, she sits at number 5 for the all time best +/- in Cornell Women’s Hockey history. She also competed in two Four Nations Cups with Team USA and competed with the Team USA U-22 select team against Canada in 2014.

As if that isn’t impressive enough, Gagliardi finished with a degree in Communications and went on to play professionally in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL). Gagliardi also participated in the 1st CWHL All-Star game.

In 2015, she joined the Boston Pride of the newly formed National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL). She also participated in the 1st NWHL All-Star game. She was a part of the first-ever team to win the Isobel Cup (equivalent to the Stanley Cup) with the Boston Pride.

She is now entering her fourth season with the Boston Pride and has notched 28 points (3 goals, 25 assists) for  the Pride throughout her professional career. She also runs hockey camps throughout North Carolina. You can learn more about her camps here: http://www.ag2hockey.com.  

What is it like being in the NWHL?

It’s really special being a part of the NWHL. I think sometimes I have to pinch myself to remember that it’s an amazing time to be a professional female athlete and to be able to still be playing the game I love. Even just a few years ago when I was in college, there weren’t many opportunities after that. To see the way the NWHL has given so many great players places to play at the highest level after college and get to be a professional is pretty amazing.

What does a typical day of training look like for you?

Since professional women’s hockey doesn’t allow us to make a living just off playing hockey yet, I do work full time in addition to training and playing so it definitely adds a little challenge getting all of my training in but to do anything you love takes sacrifice.

We practice two days a week (Tuesday and Thursday) later in the evening, and then I typically try to get 2-3 off-ice workouts in during the week. I usually workout around 5:30am before I go to work, but putting in the work on and off the ice is essential to maintaining strength and conditioning and creating confidence knowing you’ve put in the work and are ready to compete.

 

The NHL’s Boston Bruins franchise recently announced that they have agreed to partner with the NWHL Boston Pride. Can you explain what types of changes you will be expecting, if any? What does it mean to you to have the support from the NHL?

It’s really huge to have the support the Boston Bruins. I was always hopeful something would happen eventually but wasn’t sure it would happen while I was still playing. We have a really great product on the ice for fans and we believe the Bruins see that, too.

In terms of changes, since we’re already over halfway through the season when the partnership was announced, I know the Bruins are helping with marketing and making sure our last few home games are sell outs.  We’re also partnering with them on an all-girls learn to play program which is exciting.

Longer-term, I think playing at TD Garden would be a cool next step and hosting some kind of double-header with the Bruins. Also getting to have the same exposure as they do around the community and with TV coverage would be huge.  

You’ve played such a large role in the growth of game of hockey for females in America, what is the next step to growing the game?

I think there are a few things that need to happen to continue really growing the game.

First, we need more exposure. We need games on TV, we need coverage on the city sports updates and in the papers. Right now, girls can only be exposed to our game if they psychically come to a game. While we love when that happens, it’s limiting to a certain extent.  Little girls can’t become what they can’t see and that’s a really big first step.

Along the lines of media coverage, we really need to change the narrative and coverage of women’s sports. So much of the storylines are worn out. It’s always about the inequality of women’s sports and our lack of pay, and not the actual product on the ice. There’s only so many ways to spin the same story and I think a big next step is changing the narrative to be on par with that of our male counterparts.

Lastly, the obvious financial component is one of the biggest things. If Leagues truly want to put the best product on the ice, women need to be paid as full-time employees to train and compete at the maximum level. We have a few girls on the National Team that get to do that because they’re compensated well and that’s what we’re hoping for all players moving forward.

Where do you see the NWHL in the future?

I’m hopeful the NWHL continues to grow, and ultimately that there’s one league for the best women’s hockey players in the world. The NWHL started at a really perfect time to grow the game and opportunities in the states like the CWHL had done in Canada. There’s clearly a split of players in both leagues and in other places around the world, so the hope is that eventually everyone’s under one League and it’s thriving with the best of the best.

What would you say to aspiring young athletes that are aiming to play in the NWHL?

First and foremost, make sure you’re having fun. Make sure you love coming to the rink and finding ways to get better all of the time. Be coachable. Make sure when coaches tell you to improve on something it’s because they care about you and want to help you. At any level you play at, you have to be a great teammate – be supportive, be encouraging and push each other. You don’t do anyone a favor by not giving it your 100% effort.

Lastly, make sure you’re setting goals along the way! I don’t think people, in general, think enough about setting short-term and long-term goals but it’s especially helpful for kids and something I really encourage. If you want to play in college or the NWHL one day, ask yourself what you’re doing today to get a little closer to that. Then set a goal for what you’re going to do that week, that month, that year, to push a little closer.

Do you have any advice to female hockey players currently facing adversity?

I think it’s just so important to remember that adversity is temporary. Everyone – even the best players in the world – face adversity at different times. Everyone has been cut from a team at some point, or gone through a scoring slump and no one is perfect, so it’s important to keep in mind that if you’re going through some challenges or struggles that you’re not alone. I always found that I dealt with adversity by just aiming to work harder or get better in some aspect. As a person and an athlete, you never stop looking for ways to improve, so anytime you face adversity, pick something you know you want to get better at – whether it’s a skill, nutrition, strength, etc. -- and focus on that.

I may be a bit biased but in my opinion, hockey is a great sport for young females to play because it helps develop strength, courage, respect and confidence. Do you agree with that statement? Do you have any stories that you can share where hockey has helped you learn and develop important life lessons and/or skills?

I cannot stress enough that hockey has literally given me all of the incredible friendships and opportunities I’ve had since I was 8 years old. From getting to travel to new places, creating second families with the teams I’ve been on, and getting to play at the highest levels with the best players in the world, there’s nothing in my life that I can’t relate back to what I’ve learned on and off the ice. The character strength you build from being part of a team, of being challenged to grow in so many aspects, and in a competitive environment makes it a really ideal sport for young girls to join and play.  And most of all, it’s fun! 

I don’t have a specific story, but what translates so well into the “real world” is being coachable. In my job, I take feedback from my boss or colleague just like I would from a coach or a teammate and that has made a big difference in my career. I don’t look at feedback as negative at all. I look at every bit of feedback as an opportunity to improve.

Can you share one of your favorite hockey career moments: maybe a fond memory of a teammate, winning a big game or a life-changing experience?

There are so many to choose from! I’ve been really fortunate to be on amazing teams all of my life and with great coaching. A few moments stand out, but getting to wear the USA jersey for the first time was really incredible. It’s something I had dreamt about for so many years, so to finally pull it on gave me chills and just really put in perspective all the time and hard work I put in, and obviously the sacrifices my parents and family made to make that moment happen was pretty cool.   

Another really memorable moment was winning 8-7 in triple overtime versus BU in the NCAA Quarterfinals. There were 14 goals scored in 60-minutes and then neither team could find a way to score the game-winning for almost sixty more minutes. It was wild and definitely was the most rollercoaster game I’ve ever been a part of, but just so cool to look back on and get to go to the Frozen Four from it.

“Did you ever feel like you wouldn’t make it to the highest level? If so, how did you get past that?” – Chloe Terpstra, age 15

I love this question, because I don’t think players talk enough about doubt that creeps in for everybody. Even NWHL and NHL players. All players are human and when you’re struggling or not playing as well as you’d like, it’s human nature to have doubt or not feel as confident. Even when I was feeling that way at times, I always tried to stay focused on my goals and focus on controlling what I could control – my sleep, nutrition, effort in workouts and in practice, preparing for games, etc.  I think just like adversity, you have to remember that any feelings of doubt are temporary and if you know you’re going after what you want and put in the effort, things will work out.

“How do hockey players get home if their mom and dad aren’t there?” – Edith Dalzell, age 5

Great question, Edith! I always had my mom and dad drive me to practice and games a lot growing up, but eventually I went to boarding school where I travelled to the rinks with my teammates. Also, once you get a little older, you actually get to drive yourself to the rink, which is fun, but your mom and dad can still drive themselves to come watch!

“Was it hard to balance school work, social life and hockey?” – Ally Dahlberg, age 16

It was definitely challenging at times to balance school, work, social life, and hockey. In doing so, there are definitely times where you have to miss out on some fun weekends with friends or things like that, but hockey was a big part of my social life, too, because I played with all of my friends. I think being able to focus on time management is a really big factor that allows me to manage all of these things. It’s definitely not easy at times but it’s always worth it ☺

“What is it like to be in the NWHL?” – Makenzie Weeks, age 14

It’s pretty amazing! Getting to play in front of sold out crowds in our arena and the adrenaline rush of competing against some of the best in the world is hard to put into words. My favorite part, though, is getting to see the young girls after the game and meet them and sign autographs because I hope they are already envisioning sitting in my seat in a few years. To be able to have that opportunity for them to see a professional women’s team and make that their goal is the ultimate reward.

 

“How do you make the ‘c-cut noise’? How old were you when you started skating?” – Bella Pinska, age 7

The “C-Cut” noise definitely takes practice! I was about 7 years old when I started learning to skate and play ice hockey. I wasn’t very good at first but it was so fun that I just tried to learn as much from my coaches as possible. Just keep working hard and as you get better and better, the “C-Cut noise” will become easier!

“What year in high school were you recruited?” – Ellie Brice, age 15

The recruiting landscape has changed a bit since I was going to college, but I didn’t really start getting recruiting until I was almost 17. I committed to Cornell the summer before my senior year of high school. I think I was a bit of a late-bloomer and took a little longer to develop than some, but I’m really grateful it worked out how it did.

“What do you eat on game day?” – Taryn Dornseif, age 14

I’m a pretty simple eater! I usually always have oatmeal for breakfast on game day with some fruit and peanut butter. I drink a lot of water throughout the day and then my pre-game meal is usually some sort of whole-wheat pasta with veggies (usually broccoli and peppers) and some kale and avocado. Then during the game, I usually snack on a banana or some pretzels if I get hungry.

 

“Why did you start playing hockey?”  – Taylor Ducklow, age 5

I started playing hockey because my older brother played hockey and I wanted to do anything that he was doing. So when he started playing hockey, I was right there behind him wanting to play too!

 

“Why did you decide to go to Cornell?”  –Mackenzie Mike, age 17

I chose Cornell because right from my visit I really fell in love with the campus and the school and the coaching staff was amazing. I actually didn’t know anyone at all on the team, but I knew there were great players already there that I would have the opportunity to learn from and it was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.  

 

“What is your conditioning routine?”  – Kylie Broten, age 15

My conditioning routine varies a little bit between in-season and off-season. Right now, in-season, I’m working out about 2-3 days/week depending on our game schedule and I try to do conditioning every workout in addition to skating. Usually it’s bike sprints of some kind and occasionally I’ll mix in running sprint workouts on the treadmill. I try to look at conditioning as something to embrace and enjoy the challenge of because it’s making me better, even though it’s not the most fun thing sometimes.

"What did you have to do to get into the NWHL?" – Madison Trautmiller, age 14

I was actually already graduated from college when the NWHL launched in 2015. I had been playing in the CWHL (Canadian Women's Hockey League) for the Boston Blades at the time. The Blades were the only option after I graduated college. When the NWHL formed, I had the opportunity to switch to that League and make money, have a better travel schedule, etc. so I made the jump. Now, they have a draft for girls in college but also have opportunities for girls to try out and to sign as "Free Agents" which basically means you can try out for any team and they can offer you a spot.

“What advice would you give to someone that wants to play in the NWHL?”  – Erin Huerta, age 15

My advice would be to set goals to get there. It doesn’t happen overnight, but there’s always small ways you can get better every single day. Also, make sure you’re taking and embracing feedback! Ask your coaches how you can get better and then sit with them and create a game plan to do so. Maybe it’s as simple as staying after practice for 5-minutes to work on a skating skill or shooting, but doing those small things every practice eventually adds up to hundreds of hours over time and that’s what can really set you up for success at the next level.

“What is your favorite color?” – Taylor Detsch, age 6

My favorite color is purple!