Email Interview with Elizabeth Etue  Sept. 2009

Q. What are you doing differently in your training now for Olympics?

A. Nothing much, we don't even have national team camps and my back issues prevented me do from doing any work outs in August but I am back training now. Everybody from the national team is with their current club teams and they, like usual, do the same workouts each year.

Q. What did you learn at University of Minnesota Duluth that was helpful in terms of playing and training?

A. I have learned that for hockey you need to train mentally and also do different types of workouts in order to get better and stronger. I learned different on ice drills that improved my teamwork. USA college hockey is completely different than Russian hockey so right now I know what kind of training I need to do off the ice and on the ice. 

Q. What was the most important influence in your hockey experience and why?

A. The first and the most important influence since I was a kid was my Dad. When I got to play for UMD my coaches were an important influence also.

Q What is your contribution to the national team?

A. I bring a little bit more confidence to the team and training knowledge, I am trying to educate them about training. 

Q. What is your national team’s biggest advantage and challenge?

A. The biggest advantage is our ability to move the puck well in the offensive zone. The challenges are defence and coaches. We have never had one coach for a long time; the Russian Federation keeps changing them almost every year. 

Q How is this Olympics team different from previous teams?

A. This Olympic team is going to be more young compared to previous years. Right now the coaching staff is building our team for the 2014 Olympics in Sochi.

Q What would you ask your country's fans to do to support the team?

A. At least, try to watch women's hockey and not criticize us.

Q What is your strategy vs Canada and US?

A. In my mind the strategy is to win every micro match for my line. For the team coach does not really give us any strategy...

Q. What is a regular training day for you?

A. First is an on-ice practice, then after a workout, and end with a stretch. I do not have a specific training diet or exercises because our National team coach does not suggest anything, and I do not have the resources for these.

Q. What do you read to inspire you or who inspires you in the hockey world?

A. Sometimes the hockey articles I read or sports I watch on tv, NHL games or national team games inspire me.

Q. What is your motivation to keep working so hard?

A. I Just want to keep playing better because I love this game. I want my team do well against any competition we have.