Edwards is chasing her Olympic dream and doing what is asked of her. Wisconsin is supporting the endeavor. Can’t blame either one. Laila said “now the work begins” when she first got named to the national team, and she is still trying to make the Olympic team. I hope she just keeps working. That’s all she can do.
It would be interesting to hear USA Hockey explain the thought process. It seems to be two things? This is how you make room on team USA for Simms, and: a power play with 3 forwards, Laila on D with some minimal D experience, and an experienced D. Can’t help but wonder if Team USA is trying to make her into a power play specialist.
Problem with that is 2 things: if injuries to d corp at Olympics you are going to need her to step up huge defensively. Big ask. Number 2: historically she’s been a forward with big points and riding the confidence that comes with that. What will this prep experience do to her confidence? She needs to stay confident. How will she define success? I’ve heard Ambrose tak about this, I’m also thinking of Rattray in her 13th forward role. Remember how Rattray embraced and excelled at it, while Irwin had some fan on here relentlessly talking about how Irwin should be somewhere else?
Anyway long way to say…..the Edwards story is going to get a ton of attention in the coming months. This woman has delivered in every IIHF tourney I’ve ever seen her play. She won gold and was an impact player in the one that they had her on D. Do I have reservations about her on D? Yes. Do I think it takes a ton of humility for her to do this? Yes. but I have no choice but to trust the process and cheer for her. She probably has the right college coach at the right time for this moment. Imagine if she was in centralization while being given a new position. Just tough.
Anyway she’ll get it done. You’ll be fine Wisconsin don’t worry.