Three-time Olympian Kendall Coyne Schofield shares her excitement at how fast the sport of ice hockey is growing for girls in America and how the USA vs Canada rivalry helps add fuel to the fire.

Video Transcript

[MUSIC PLAYING]

KENDALL COYNE SCHOFIELD: I think the growth that we've seen over the last three or four years, even in the midst of a global pandemic, has been tremendous for the girls and women's game in the United States. I believe it's one of the fastest growing sports. And to feel that we may have played a small part in that is a tremendous honor for all of us.

This group is so passionate and fueled to inspire the next generation to fill our skates one day. And I think that gold medal in 2018 definitely had an impact. And for a lot of us a little bit older players on the team, I think it started-- our dream started by seeing the '98 team win a gold medal. And knowing the impact that had on us, to think and feel that we may have had that same impact on the next generation here in the United States after that went in 2018, is tremendous. And it's definitely motivation and fuel as we continue this journey as a part of the residency leading into the Olympics.

I would describe our rivalry with Canada as a fierce one. It's no surprise that the last few Olympic game finals have been against them. We've played them a lot. But I would describe it as a fierce one, a loyal one and one that you don't have to mark that game on your calendar twice for.