Olympic Movements        

USA Hockey & U.S. Women's National Team Reach Agreement             

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. USA Hockey announced that they reached an official agreement with the players who will make up the roster for the 2000-01 United States Women's National Team.

The announcement was made by USA Hockey President Walter L. Bush, Jr., Executive Director Doug Palazzari, International Council Chairman Ron DeGregorio and U.S. Women's National and Olympic Team Coach Ben Smith.

The women's team began practicing at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid, N.Y., the permanent training site for the National Women's Program. According to DeGregorio, "Both parties had good discussions with a lot of respect for each other, which resulted in a relatively quick resolution.  It's an arrangement that will greatly benefit the team in preparation for the upcoming season, including the 2002 Olympic Winter Games."

"In the end, we were able to commit to an agreement that benefits everyone and allows the players to return to doing what they love - play hockey" said Palazzari.

"I'm pleased that we're back on the ice and back to doing what we want to do as a group," said Smith. "A lot of the credit goes to the players and Doug Palazzari and Ron DeGregorio for addressing the matter in a way that is satisfactory to all concerned. Everything came together once we got everyone in the same room."

Although terms of the agreement were not released, the players appear happy and content with the outcome.  "The agreement that we reached with USA Hockey, and the fact that they met with us in person, reassures us that they're willing to do whatever it takes for the best interests of the program and its players," said forward Lana Blahoski.

"We're happy to be on common ground, and really excited to be on the ice," said defenseman Angela Ruggiero.  "It was a long and tedious process but when it was all said and done, both parties were happy. We're excited to be one group again and USA Hockey proved that they were backing us."

The team will live and train full time at the Olympic Training Center in Lake Placid and play a complete season schedule against international and college competition, and Canadian professional teams from the National Women's Hockey League, including 29 games at the Olympic Center in Lake Placid. Highlights of the season include the Four Nations Cup, Nov. 7-11 in Salt Lake City, a Holiday Tournament from Dec. 28-31 in Lake Placid, and a game against Canada during the National Hockey League All-Star Weekend on Feb. 2 in Denver.

The team will also prepare for the 2001 International Ice Hockey Federation Women's World Championship, to be held April 2-8 in Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minn.

[For more information contact the United States Olympic Committee or visit the website at usoc.org or olympics.com]