PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – Pittsburgh has seen the Stanley Cup Finals, NHL Draft, Frozen Four NCAA Championships and now a first ever major women’s hockey event Saturday at 4p.
It’s called the ‘Rivalry Rematch’ pitting several players from the 2022 Olympic gold medal match-up between Team USA and Team Canada. The roster includes former Penguin Phil Kessel’s sister Amanda, Hilary Knight, Kendall Coyne-Schofield and Alex Cavallini for the United States. Canada led by Sarah Nurse, Brianne Jenner, Marie-Philip Poulin and Natalie Spooner.
“I think whenever USA and Canada step on the ice it’s never just an exhibition game,” Knight said Friday. “I think the storied history of this wonderful rivalry we’ve developed over the last few decades speaks for itself. Looking for a creative, fast, skilled game. There probably is going to be some physicality out there.”
“I can’t think of a better place to have a Rivalry Rematch than Pittsburgh.”
Legendary American player Cammi Granato will help coach along with American gold medalist Emily Matheson, wife of Pens defenseman Mike Matheson.
“It’s always nice to be able to switch sides,” Matheson said of watching his wife on Saturday. “It’s nice she will be back with her old teammates, in a different role, still be able to be back in the game.”
“I think the most nervous I’ve ever been in my life is when she was in the gold medal game (in Korea in 2018). There is something about caring about somebody involved, in a sports event especially, and having absolutely no control over it. I’ve been in big games myself and haven’t felt that nervous because you are in the thick of it.”
“I’m excited she is going to get the opportunity to do this, I think it will be fun for her.”
Hockey explosion
Along with lacrosse, hockey is one of the fastest growing sports for women. The ratings for the gold medal game in February in Beijing surpassed those of any NHL game this season and the second most watched hockey game in the US since 2019.
“There is a lot of momentum in our sport right now,” Jenner said. “There is a lot of momentum in all female sports. People want to see us more than every four years. I think it’s evident when you see the ratings coming out of Beijing. Our product is fast. It’s exciting, Canada-USA never disappoints.”
“I think a lot of it is attributed to the success the women’s Olympic team has had,” said Penguins Head Coach Mike Sullivan. “The rivalry they’ve had with Canada and the visibility of that rivalry. I think there are some real charismatic players involved in both sides that do a terrific job of representing our sport and our teams in a great way.”
Sullivan remembered coaching his two daughters in youth hockey.
“They’re really good players and very competitive games,” Sullivan added. “I would encourage people to come out and watch on Saturday. It’s such a great event. I’m looking forward to the game itself.”
“It’s great for hockey. It’s great for women’s hockey.”