The sport of women’s hockey has been part of the Olympics since 1998. Since the beginning team USA has been one of the top teams and have won medals in all 3 previous Olympics, a gold, silver, and a bronze. This year they have a very strong team and will be trying to get a second gold medal.

Team USA trains at the National sports center in Blaine Minnesota where most of the women have been living during training since September of 2009. The team consists of 3 goaltenders, 6 defensemen, and 12 forwards. Of the 21 players on the team, 3 of them are native Minnesotans, Natalie Darwitz, Gigi Marvin and Jenny Potter.

Natalie Darwitz was born Oct. 13, 1983 in Eagan Mn. Natalie is currently living and training in Blaine Mn, and was recently named the captain of team USA. She has played on 2 previous Olympic teams where she won a silver medal in 2002, and a bronze medal in 2006. Natalie played her college hockey at the University of Minnesota where she was part of 2 NCAA title winning teams. Since then she led team USA to world titles in 2008 and 2009.

Gigi Marvin was born March 7, 1987 in Warroad Mn. Gigi learned how to skate when she was 2, as most kids in Warroad do, and has been playing hockey ever since. She has played for team USA and was part of 3 world championships. Gigi played her college hockey at the University of Minnesota Duluth, where she graduated in 2009.

Jenny Potter was born in St Paul on Jan. 12, 1979. Jenny is a mother of 2 and currently lives in Edina Minnesota. This will be Jenny’s 4th Olympics, she has been involved in all of the women’s team USA games in the Olympics, and has been on the U.S. national team since 1997.

Minnesota will be well represented on team USA this year and hopefully part of bringing home another gold medal.