There were no women's players I knew of. I didn't even know women's hockey existed.

Right now, I'm standing behind the glass, and I guess that's a metaphor for how my life will be going forward.

In a way, by being fully committed to the Olympic movement globally, I'm better able to promote women's hockey and talk about women's hockey and put a face to women's hockey, to all the IOC members.

I'm not playing for lack of options. But this is such a fleeting thing. When I'm done, I'm never, ever going to be able to come back to it. I know Vancouver is my last go.

When you look back from your Olympic experience, you never want to question whether you could have done more. The one thing you can control is your off-ice preparation.

I'm in the perfect position. It's a sports position and a political position where I can help better the lives of athletes around the world.

As a veteran, you're a little more poised on that mental side. But athletically, I didn't really think I could get better.