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

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

I'm able to give a voice to the athletes around the world - use my degree for something other than the power play.

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

It's not about, 'Let me play as long as I can so I don't have to grow up.' It's about, 'Let me play as long as I enjoy it,' and when it's time to step away, I can step away gracefully even if I'm still good enough to keep playing, because I'm ready for that next phase.

I'm getting more towards that point where I'm ready to kind of pass the torch on and see the next generation succeed behind me.

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.