University of Minnesota Athletics
Five Minutes with Lee Stecklein
11/22/2016 12:00:00 AM | Women's Hockey
MINNEAPOLIS - Senior Lee Stecklein recently won a gold medal with the U.S. Women's National Team at the 2016 Four Nations Cup. The Roseville, Minn., native has more goals for her international hockey career but first hopes to make the most of her final year with the Gophers.
Gopher Sports: What was it like traveling to Finland for the Four Nations Cup after playing with the Gophers Thursday night?
Lee Stecklein: It was a crazy few days. When we finally got to Finland, I didn't even know which day it was because it felt like I had missed Friday completely. It was pretty crazy.
GS: Team USA trained together before the Four Nations Cup, but you joined them right before the tournament. What was it like getting caught up with Team USA?
LS: It was a little different. I was the only one to meet them at the airport so I just kind of popped in as they were checking in. They didn't really know where I had come from. It was a pretty easy transition because they work to make sure that they catch you up. I hadn't tried to think about it much because I was still here with the Gophers so I had the plane ride there to start preparing for Team USA. It is something that definitely gets easier the more you do it.
GS: What it was like to being in Finland?
LS: We were in Verajamaki and I had been there once before during the summer. It was actually nicer in the winter; the snow made it a little bit brighter. It's just a different experience… a different culture. I got to see Noora [Raty] and ask her a bit about Finland. She says Verajamaki is definitely a different place then where she is from. I would like to go back and see a little bit more about where she actually lives.
GS: What was it like catching up with Noora Raty? Did she share anything about her hockey career plans?
LS: I think she was just excited to be back with the national team there. Depending on her men's league schedule, she doesn't always get to play with them. She had a great tournament, I thought, and I think the men's League is definitely helping her stay on top of her game.
GS: What was it like losing to Canada in the preliminary-round stage of the tournament?
LS: Well, we felt like we played okay, that we could definitely play better. It was the first time we lost to Canada in a while, so it just lit a fire in us for the next game. In the long run, as much as we hate losing, it might have been good because it woke us up. We realized we had to get going a little faster.
GS: What was it like turning around and beating Canada in the Four Nations Cup championship?
LS: Yeah, it was a pretty close game. Lots of penalties for both teams in the first two periods, which is definitely something you don't get to spend a lot of time on since it is such a short tournament. We didn't get to work as much with our special teams, but I felt like in the third period we really started clicking. I don't know if it is because we had that much time together and it was finally all coming together, but it was a really fun game. I think looking into the future, it was a good stepping stone for us.
GS: What would it mean to you to have another chance to represent Team USA at the Olympics?
LS: It would mean a lot. It is definitely my goal and my dream to go to the next Olympics. I am excited to be here for my last season with the Gophers. I wouldn't ask to be in a better place and it also happens to be great training for the next step if I end up getting the chance.
GS: What kind of specialized training do you have to do to prepare for the national team?
LS: Being with the Gophers there is not much more I have to do. We have a great program/great training staff. I mean, Cal Dietz is the strength coach. Being here is all I kind of need to be doing right now. I am just looking into the spring and that is when I will need to keep doing a little more.
GS: What are your future plans after your career with the Gophers?
LS: Well, I am trying to think a little one step at a time, so right now just focusing on making those tryouts in June for the next Olympic cycle and then I will have to figure it out from there whether I will be playing hockey a little longer or look to get a job somewhere else. We will see how it goes.
GS: What will you miss most about college hockey?
LS: Definitely the teammates. I know everyone says it, but it's the people you remember more than anything. My now senior class has been great, and I don't think there is any one person that I go to more often. I hopefully will get to play more with Dani Cameranesi next year if we're both still in the national program. That would be fun to keep playing with a teammate.
Stecklein and the Gophers host Bemidji State at Ridder Arena this weekend. Puck drop is scheduled for 2:07 p.m. CT both Saturday and Sunday.
Listen to Stecklein's complete interview hosted by the voice of Gopher women's hockey, Dan Hamann.
Stecklein's Favorites...
Favorite food: Sushi
Favorite musician: Adele
Favorite color: Caribbean blue
Favorite movie: The Other Woman
Favorite TV show: Scandal
Favorite sport other than hockey: Soccer or Tennis
Favorite class at the U: Oceanography
Favorite spot on campus: Ridder Arena
Favorite book: One for the Money
Favorite motivational quote: "I'm a greater believer in luck, and I find the harder I work the more I have of it."
Favorite candy: Reese's
Favorite restaurant: Kafe 421
Favorite animal: Dog or dolphin
Favorite holiday: Christmas
Role model: Winny Brodt and Mia Hamm
Favorite thing to do in your spare time: Read
Favorite thing about the Twin Cities: St. Anthony Main/Stone Arch Bridge
First job you ever had: Cat-sitter
Biggest fear: Snakes
Favorite super hero: Captain America
Who would play you in a movie: Kate Winslet (according to Kelly Pannek)
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