Re: Minnesota Gophers 2018-2019
Dan Hamann (Voice of Gopher Women's Hockey) interviews Sarah Potomak before the Gophers' 5-0 win over Mercyhurst this past weekend.
Dan Hamann: Welcome back to Gopher Women's Hockey, as today my player interview will be with redshirted junior, Sarah Potomak. Sarah last year took the year off to be centralized with the Canadian National Team, and first of all, welcome back to campus! It has seemed like an eternity since we have seen you here. What's it been like since you got back?
Sarah Potomak: Thanks, it's been really fun. Being here with Amy and my roommates has been a blast, and being back with the girls, it feels like I've been gone a long time, but at the same time it feels like I never left. I felt like yesterday we all picked right back up where we left off last time.
DH: For the first time in college, you got to be paired up on the same line with your sister, Amy; it was magical almost. How long has it been since you've got to play with Amy on the same line, or even in the same game and what was that experience like last night?
SP: I think the last time we played together was on Team Canada for a couple games, but it was really fun. Amy and I have a lot of chemistry, as well as with Kelly from my sophomore year; we all just kind-of gel really well together.
DH: You mentioned Kelly there, officially dubbed the "Pots and Pan line," and you guys were fantastic. What is it about Kelly and you that makes it so magical?
SP: Kelly is a really special player. She makes everyone around her better. She can slow down the game and make really nice plays, and we just gel together really well. I know where she is on the ice, and I think she feels the same way.
DH: Good to have that first win under your belt in your first game. Started out a little shaky, but after the second period, it seemed like everyone caught their stride.
SP: Yeah, I think so. The first game, especially the first period, is always a little nerve-wracking, but after the first period, we all kind-of figured it out a little bit, and when he (Coach Frost) changed the lines up a bit, it set off a spark and we came out flying.
DH: Last year I got the chance to talk with your sister, Amy, and we talked about the experience with Team Canada, and I'm sure it was quite an honor, but it also had to be awfully tough getting the talk saying you won't be on the Olympic team. How did you react initially to the news?
SP: I was pretty devastated. My dad came out that same day and we drove back home together. It was nice, I was surrounded by my family for six months after, so that helped me a lot and got me back up on my feet. But now that I'm here, it's like another fresh start for hopefully the next four years.
DH: Did you want to stay away from the game for a while after the news? I know a lot of people would probably be in that same situation.
SP: Yeah, I think so. I was coaching little kids, so I was kind-of still in the game, just in a different role, but it was nice to take a step back. I worked my whole life for that, so this was the first time I took a break to reset.
DH: How about school wise? Were you able to do anything as far as keeping up with school work here at the University or other schoolwork that you were able to do? Now that you finally had some time to yourself, I'm sure there was a lot you could accomplish.
SP: Yeah, I took some Canadian courses, so when I come back I don't have to take a year to take any Canadian history or anything like that, so it was nice to get that done.
DH: And why was it so important that you had to take those?
SP: If I want to go back and teach in Canada, you need to have taken those courses.
DH: What about that profession draws you to becoming a teacher?
SP: I think I've always known that I wanted to be a teacher. There's something about kids that I just love being around and inspiring them. Every time I go into a classroom, I have an absolute blast and I really connect with kids. I want to do something fun for a career, so that's what I've chosen to do.
DH: Obviously I think coaching would be in your future as well?
SP: Yeah, hopefully. With teaching, there's a lot of flexibility to do other things, so coaching is definitely another option.
DH: I think another option for you is definitely playing professional hockey, which a decade ago wouldn't have been a possibility. Have you given that any thought?
SP: Yes, it's really cool to see how fast the game has taken off with the professional leagues. There are a lot of options. Hopefully by the time I graduate, we could maybe get it down to one league, but there are a lot of options. When I get there, I'll see where I want to go.
DH: How did you keep yourself in shape during your time off? I know if it were me, I'd be sitting on the couch, eating junk food and drinking soda. How did you use that time to stay in shape?
SP: After I got cut, I think I sat on the couch and ate soda and junk food for about a couple weeks, but after that I realized I needed to get back into shape. Working out was a way to get my mind off of things and keep myself active. I did a lot of running, which I really like to do.
DH: How about game-shape? Were there any pick up games that you were able to get into?
SP: Yeah, I did some drop in hockey with my dad and my brothers and Amy, so that was really fun. Then I had the August camp, which really helped me get in game-shape for this upcoming season.
DH: What would be your number one goal for this year once you get settled back in for the season?
SP: The biggest one would be to win a national championship, which is everyone's goal, but individually, I think just enjoying it. I think that is something I learned a lot from Team Canada is to just enjoy every moment, so that's what I'm going to be doing.
I LOVE that