Local Olympian's Advice To Women's Hockey Team: Leave It All Out There

BOSTON (CBS) --- What does it take to compete in the Olympic games? 2010 Olympic silver medalist Karen Thatcher knows all too well.

WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Diane Stern reports

Thatcher, a Boston resident, was a 2010 Olympian, seven-year US National Team member, and former Division 1 college coach.

She was at work Wednesday morning and missed watching the women compete against Canada, but planned to watch it later Wednesday.

Canada edged out the U.S. 3-2.

"The important one is the gold medal game and the one before it," Thatcher said.

Currently a coach, Thatcher says she instills the core message of the sport with her players; to have fun.

"Work your butt off on the ice and enjoy every single step of the process," she said.

While how to hold your stick and shoot is important to teach, she says when it comes down to it, it's all about having fun.

Her advice for the U.S. Women's Olympic Team?

"Leave it all out there, it's the Olympics. There's no reason to be nervous, they're ready and prepared and if you leave it all out there on the ice you'll never have to look back."

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