University of Minnesota Athletics
11/2/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS --Dani Cameranesi has been a prominent scoring threat for the Gophers since her freshman season. Now in her senior year, Cameranesi ranks among Minnesota's all-time leading scorers and has taken on a leadership role both on and off the ice as an assistant captain.
The Plymouth, Minn., native talks points, role models, linemates, future plans, and more.
Gopher Sports: What's it like being among Minnesota's all-time leading scorers?
Dani Cameranesi: Obviously, it feels good. I didn't even know I was ranked that high, but it feels good to be ranked among some of the best Gophers. They have led the path for all of us and given us these opportunities. It is an honor.
GS: You're currently ninth in Minnesota history with 184 career points and trail eighth-ranked Gigi Marvin (87g-108a) by 11 points. Have you ever met Gigi or played with her?
DC: I actually have. When I was a U-18, I went to the Four Nations pre-camp because college girls can't go there. I remember one very specific moment. She pulled me over after practice one day and told me to just keep it up. She also said that if I kept doing what I was doing, I would one day become a great player. That's stuck with me until now and will most likely stick with me for a long time. That was a very special moment for me.
GS: Were you a big Golden Gopher fan growing up?
DC: I was a Gopher fan, but I actually played boys hockey when I was younger so we had season tickets for the men's team. I think I went to one or two women's games but didn't go that often. I wasn't as invested in them as I was with the men's team, but I did hear a lot of Gigi Marvin so she was probably one of my idols when I was younger.
GS: Hannah Brandt was your linemate for a couple years here at the U. What's it been like playing without her this year?
DC: It's been weird for me because I've been with her for so long, here and at other camps. I'll find myself at times remembering things we used to do before games or rituals we had. We keep in contact and talk a lot, it's been different this year. We definitely don't have that scoring power like we used to [with Hannah in the lineup]. I think it's great though because then we're having other people step up and fulfill that role. It's been quite a change.
GS: You've been playing with Kelly Pannek this year. What's it like playing with Kelly compared to Hannah?
DC: Actually they are very similar players. They both tend to slow the game down and see the ice really well, so it hasn't been that big of a change. Kelly is a great player. In fact, she's given me quite a few easy tap in goals, she's done all the work and then I just stand there. It's been awesome playing with her and she's a really talented player.
GS: How are Kelly and Hannah different?
DC: They are actually very similar now that I really think about it. In regards to differences, I think sometimes Hannah would literally just wow you at times, like she literally has some skillset you didn't even know people could obtain. I think in that aspect maybe she slows the game down a little more than Kelly does. Hannah also communicates a lot, which is really helpful for me to come out of my shell and talk more.
GS: Is there more pressure for you to score this year after losing players like Hannah and Amanda Kessel to graduation?
DC: I don't feel any added pressure. I know it's there from interviews and people asking me about it. I think it's just a team effort in general. We're looking for everyone to step up and see who does. Fortunately I've been able to the last few games, but not without the help of my teammates. So I don't feel any added pressure, I just love the game and play the way I know how.
GS: How it feels to be healthy and injury-free after battling through some injuries last year?
DC: It feels great to be back. It was on a long road to recovery last summer and that was difficult. I had a few difficult mental things to work through because I don't think I've ever not played hockey for that long. I feel better than ever, and that I feel like I have a bionic body part that has assisted me so far, so I'm feeling good.
GS: What's your major all about? What are your future career plans?
DC: I'm studying ag and food business management with an emphasis in financial analysis. We do a lot of the same business things that you would expect but it's based around agriculture problems with food. I also have a minor in finance. I'm hoping to get a job in finance and follow in my dad's footsteps maybe as a financial analyst. Wherever an opportunity arises, I will go towards that.
GS: Have you thought much about your future after finishing your Gopher career?
DC: I'm hoping to continue my hockey career and hopefully make a run for the Olympics if I'm given the opportunity. I'm not planning to hang up the skates any time soon. I'm hoping to keep the road going.
GS: What do you think of having the option to continue playing professional hockey?
DC: I think it's a great option, and it is showing the expansion of women's hockey. A lot of great college players and Olympic players are playing in the professional league. I'm hoping to pave the way for younger girls, even me, but girls but especially girls who are interested in playing hockey. I think they'll be even more interested knowing that you can play professionally.
Cameranesi and the Gophers host Minnesota State in a Friday/Sunday series at Ridder Arena this week. Puck drop both nights is set for 6:07 p.m. CT Friday and 2:07 p.m. CT Sunday.
Listen to Cameranesi's complete interview hosted by the voice of Gopher women's hockey, Dan Hamann.
Cameranesi's favorites...
Favorite food: Mac 'n' cheese
Favorite band: Florida Georgia Line
Favorite color: Seafoam green
Favorite movie: Happy Feet
Favorite TV show: One Tree Hill
Favorite sport other than hockey: Volleyball
Favorite practice drill: Dars Choice
Favorite class at the U: Sociology of Sport
Favorite spot on campus: Ridder
Favorite book: The Choice
Favorite motivational quote: Choose joy
Favorite candy: Kit-kat
Favorite restaurant: Potbelly
Favorite animal: Puppies or Baby Bears
Favorite post-game meal: Tony's
Favorite holiday: Christmas / 4th of July
Role model: Tony Cameranesi
Favorite thing to do in your spare time: Watch Netflix and read books
Favorite thiing about the Twin Cities: City skyline at night
First job you had: Instructor at Impact
Biggest fear: Being kidnapped
Favorite superhero: Batman
Who would play you in a movie: Anna Kendrick
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