Defenseman Kerry Weiland (Palmer, Alaska) is making her fourth Four Nations Cup appearance and is a longtime USA Hockey veteran. The University of Wisconsin graduate will bring you the latest insider information through her blog. Check back often for updates.

Nov. 8 - We hung tough with Canada

We had a early rise this morning as we started our preparations with a pre-game skate. Our objective was to break a sweat and get our feet moving. It was a light skate for the skaters but the goalies saw a lot of shots.
 
Following practice we watched some video clips with the coaches to go over some key points from our previous game. Afterward some of the team participated in an optional muscle relaxation session, during which one of our players, who will not be named, was so relaxed that she may have been snoring...
 
Then we were off to the rink for a game against Canada. Although we struggled early on, we showed a lot of character by continuing to battle. We had a strong third period by scoring two goals and out shooting Canada. Therefore, we were able to end on a positive note. We hope to carry that momentum over into our game against Finland.

Nov. 7 - Excitement high as tournament begins

Today we started our day with a short practice. It was short, but it was just enough to keep us hungry for our opponent later that night- Sweden. The focus was moving our feet and the puck at high pace. The mood was light and we were feeling good.
 
After a nap and a meal we were back at the rink for the game.
 
Going into the game we knew we wanted to use our speed to our advantage and I think we accomplished it. From the start we set the tone that we were here to play. The goals we scored were a team effort, there was quick transition, a sweet pass and then a great finish for a couple of them - very exciting! The energy on the bench was great.
 
As a team we know we will have raise your level of play even higher for the game against Canada tomorrow. They are skilled team, it will be a battle!  

Nov. 7 - Last minute preparations

Good Morning Sweden! After an early breakfast we went with our strength trainer for a light workout in a gymnastics building. The floor is extra bouncy so the team enjoyed the jumping and bounding. We finished up with a dodge ball game that went down to the wire!  

Next up was a team building session that took us for a walk on a path through a beautiful forest. It was very peaceful- the air was crisp and clean. A couple of us spotted a woodpecker at work!

After a short break we were off to arena for our second practice. Throughout the practice we had great energy and communication.  Many drills were designed to get to know our linemates and defensive partners. Offensive-zone attack was a focus.  

A fun game at the end of practice: After being swept by Team Red/White/Black in the first practice, Team Gold/Blue came back with  a sweep of their own in a fun showdown at the end of the practice. There will surely be a tie-breaker.....

Nov. 6 - Finding our legs after a long trip 

We are all together at last!  It was great to meet and to see everyone at the airport in Detroit. Lots of smiles and hugs.
 
Our flight left Detroit, Mich., at 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon and, after two flights and a three-hour bus ride, we arrived in Leksand, Sweden, at 1 p.m. Monday - 15 hours of travel! Our little hotel consists of a number of small "cottages," it's like a small community.  After moving in, we walked over to the hotel restaurant for a buffet lunch. Everyone was happy to have a meal after the long trip.
 
Then off to the rink for practice we went. Arriving at the arena it was great to get acquainted with the locker room and rink surface.  We all agreed that it is a wonderful facility. It was nice to get on the ice with the whole team and staff - we were a little tired at the start, but as practice went on we stepped up the tempo.
 
By the end of the night, it was not hard to fall into bed for a full night's rest!