Postgame Quotes: Wisconsin vs. St. Cloud
January 14, 2017 | Women's Hockey
Quotes from Johnson, Desbiens, Clark and McKibbon
Wisconsin vs. St. Cloud State
Jan. 14, 2017
Madison, Wis. -- Kohl Center
Head coach Mark Johnson
On what will stand out to him about the game:
"Oh I don't know. I think during the national anthem as I looked around it just amazed me how the community embraced this. Badger nation, our fans, the city, their willingness to come out and support not only the program but support the cause and it just put a smile on my face. It just made me happy that people are willing to do those type of things and give my players and the staff and experience that is once in a lifetime. I think everybody enjoyed it, I hope everybody had fun and I want to give a big thank you to everybody that came today and supported it."
On whether he was successful in making this game like any other game:
"Halfway through the first, probably not. You talk about trying to control your emotions and I think as an athlete sometimes you get into games like this or other situations that are presented like this and you're so excited for the moment that you end up hurting yourself from the standpoint of being ready to play. We played well, their goaltender was the star of the day and you've seen enough hockey as well as I have, when Baylee scored I got a little more relaxed.Â
"Prior to that, the most important things was the game itself and the people being here and bringing food and providing an atmosphere that, in our business, is very special. The outcome obviously for me and the players is important, but it's the experience of getting the chance to play in front of 15,000 people in a venue that is unique. Like I said, during the national anthem you just sort of want to freeze time and just stand there and enjoy the moment because the two hours goes by quickly. These kids that played in it and the staff that has been involved with a game like this, they've got something that they can take away today that they can cherish."
On Ann-Renée Desbiens' reaction to playing:
"I think of all our players, she was the most excited to get out there and to get a chance to just feel what it's like. It's a big difference being on the bench and supporting the goalie that's playing ahead of you compared to you being there. Certainly she's put up things and done things for our program that are very special that it was nice to see her get a chance to go out there because of all our players, she probably enjoys it the most and probably had the most fun with it."
Senior goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens
On getting to play in the game:
"I was definitely excited looking forward to it. I had it circled on my calendar, especially since I got injured I was like, 'I really want to be back for that one.' It was definitely a nice experience and the fans are amazing and one more time they just showed everybody how awesome they are."
On whether or not there was a doubt she'd play in this game:
"Yes definitely. I know at first they said four to six weeks, before that it was even longer, so I got lucky and it turned out pretty well for me, I would say."
On the game as motivation:
"It was definitely pushing me, I had to force myself a little bit through and do things probably than (athletic trainer) Denny (Helwig) would have. I was like, 'Denny, I can do this' and I kept showing him. Probably took him out of his comfort zone too, I guess. But definitely I wouldn't change anything in the process."
On playing on this kind of stage:
"It's definitely fun, like you mentioned it's my senior year and I feel like it's a little treat for myself, being able to play in front of that crowd. I didn't have the chance my freshman year so it was definitely a lot of fun and I hope we could do it again or the next couple games, but it won't happen. I wish to any women's hockey player that they have the chance to play in front of a crowd like that."
On taking in the atmosphere:
"I was definitely trying to find the people I know and trying to find the fans. I know where they stand in LaBahn and where they sit, but it was a little harder today, but it just made it more fun and a lithe more challenging.Â
"But of course it was really fun to take everything in and really enjoy the moment."
On focusing in once the game started:
"Felt a lot like yesterday with the first shot, I would say. They kept me on my toes again but definitely nice to get that save out of the way and to be able to get in the game."
On her parents being in attendance and their reaction to the event:
"Of course, they wouldn't miss that.
"They definitely made the road trip, especially for this one. They're retired now so they have more time so they were able to come but on a shorter notice to make it here. But I'm pretty sure they're going to be really excited and just go back home and talk to everybody about that game and how awesome it was and how much fun they had."
On her parents being out of their comfort zone as French speakers:
"Definitely challenging, I was talking to them yesterday and they said a couple parents and other fans were talking to them and they were just smiling and nodding their heads.
"Definitely challenging for them but I feel they really enjoyed the moment, even if they can't get the big picture or big message."
On where this game fits on her career highlights:
"I would say definitely top three. Being able to play for Canada was an amazing opportunity, and I would say quarterfinals last year here was pretty awesome too. It gives me goosebumps still when I remember that one. Definitely top three, I don't know where yet, I feel like I need to take a step back before I can rank them."
Junior forward Emily Clark
On what it was like to score the first goal of the game in this atmosphere:
"It was pretty surreal. After that first one we could definitely hold onto our sticks a little less tight. But it was a pretty cool experience to be able to get that."
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On what it means to the team to have such immense support from the fans:
"It's unreal. It's awesome for women's hockey, it's awesome for us, it just shows how much pride Madison has for their sports teams and it's pretty cool to be a part of it."
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On if she gives advice to younger players on how to handle a big game like this:
"Some of the advice I've gotten from older girls in the past in big games like that is just to take it all in, enjoy the experience. So definitely take a look around in the first, get the jitters out and just focus on the game after that."
Â
On if it was difficult to treat this like any other game:
"I didn't think it was too difficult. Coach told the girls to just take a look around and really realize what you're about to experience and then after that it's just what's in the glass to focus on."
Â
On her seven-point weekend performance:
"It's just confidence. Got one early yesterday and started rolling off of that. My linemates played awesome, everyone's contributing and I did the easy part of just making some passes yesterday that everyone else buried. So it's all confidence going into the second half. The coaches were great with me and Nurse getting back and getting our feet under us and letting our body realize what time it is again. Just getting appropriate rest, but we were excited to get to the rink when we did get back."
Â
On what she'll remember most about this game:
"Probably just the first time we skated over their blue line and having the crowd go wild. The towels, too. It's pretty surreal having the crowd like that. After that first goal, the noise is something I won't forget for sure."
Â
Senior forward Sydney McKibbon
On what she saw and took in regarding the atmosphere:
"A lot of fans which was pretty incredible. To come on the ice and see it pretty much sold out was cool, and when the towels got going that was exciting to see."
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On what this experience translates to people back in Canada:
"They'll be a little bit surprised. Going back to Canada and telling people you're playing in front of a lot of people isn't a huge surprise for them because a lot of people love hockey up in Canada. But it's definitely something I'm going to remember forever and it's definitely something to show off and tell people about."
Â
On if there were any first period jitters:
"Yeah there were jitters for everyone. For the people who hadn't played in a Fill the Bowl game there were a lot of nerves so you just have to get your first couple shifts underneath you and then just keep playing your game and play the way that we played yesterday."
Â
On the last Fill the Bowl not going the way they wanted:
"We wanted to get a goal for the fans at least because it's pretty tough for all those people to come and not get the horn going. So we talked about that in the locker room and we were lucky enough to get two for them."
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On how well SCSU performed:
"Credit to them, they played an outstanding game. Their goalie stood on her head, she faced over 60 shots so when a goalie like that only lets in two goals on over 60 shots she was doing something right. They played a great game and kept it exciting."
Â
On if players were nervous:
"For some people they can block it out but others get a little more nervous. I know in warmups everyone was a little bit more jacked up and we were going a little bit harder in warmups than we maybe needed to, but definitely everyone was excited in the room and we were fired up on the ice."
Â
On if the event met her expectations:
"It blew them away. Being in Fill the Bowl and not having a sellout my freshman year and then coming this year and having it sellout was pretty incredible. You just see those towels swinging around, that's something I will never forget."
Jan. 14, 2017
Madison, Wis. -- Kohl Center
Head coach Mark Johnson
On what will stand out to him about the game:
"Oh I don't know. I think during the national anthem as I looked around it just amazed me how the community embraced this. Badger nation, our fans, the city, their willingness to come out and support not only the program but support the cause and it just put a smile on my face. It just made me happy that people are willing to do those type of things and give my players and the staff and experience that is once in a lifetime. I think everybody enjoyed it, I hope everybody had fun and I want to give a big thank you to everybody that came today and supported it."
On whether he was successful in making this game like any other game:
"Halfway through the first, probably not. You talk about trying to control your emotions and I think as an athlete sometimes you get into games like this or other situations that are presented like this and you're so excited for the moment that you end up hurting yourself from the standpoint of being ready to play. We played well, their goaltender was the star of the day and you've seen enough hockey as well as I have, when Baylee scored I got a little more relaxed.Â
"Prior to that, the most important things was the game itself and the people being here and bringing food and providing an atmosphere that, in our business, is very special. The outcome obviously for me and the players is important, but it's the experience of getting the chance to play in front of 15,000 people in a venue that is unique. Like I said, during the national anthem you just sort of want to freeze time and just stand there and enjoy the moment because the two hours goes by quickly. These kids that played in it and the staff that has been involved with a game like this, they've got something that they can take away today that they can cherish."
On Ann-Renée Desbiens' reaction to playing:
"I think of all our players, she was the most excited to get out there and to get a chance to just feel what it's like. It's a big difference being on the bench and supporting the goalie that's playing ahead of you compared to you being there. Certainly she's put up things and done things for our program that are very special that it was nice to see her get a chance to go out there because of all our players, she probably enjoys it the most and probably had the most fun with it."
Senior goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens
On getting to play in the game:
"I was definitely excited looking forward to it. I had it circled on my calendar, especially since I got injured I was like, 'I really want to be back for that one.' It was definitely a nice experience and the fans are amazing and one more time they just showed everybody how awesome they are."
On whether or not there was a doubt she'd play in this game:
"Yes definitely. I know at first they said four to six weeks, before that it was even longer, so I got lucky and it turned out pretty well for me, I would say."
On the game as motivation:
"It was definitely pushing me, I had to force myself a little bit through and do things probably than (athletic trainer) Denny (Helwig) would have. I was like, 'Denny, I can do this' and I kept showing him. Probably took him out of his comfort zone too, I guess. But definitely I wouldn't change anything in the process."
On playing on this kind of stage:
"It's definitely fun, like you mentioned it's my senior year and I feel like it's a little treat for myself, being able to play in front of that crowd. I didn't have the chance my freshman year so it was definitely a lot of fun and I hope we could do it again or the next couple games, but it won't happen. I wish to any women's hockey player that they have the chance to play in front of a crowd like that."
On taking in the atmosphere:
"I was definitely trying to find the people I know and trying to find the fans. I know where they stand in LaBahn and where they sit, but it was a little harder today, but it just made it more fun and a lithe more challenging.Â
"But of course it was really fun to take everything in and really enjoy the moment."
On focusing in once the game started:
"Felt a lot like yesterday with the first shot, I would say. They kept me on my toes again but definitely nice to get that save out of the way and to be able to get in the game."
On her parents being in attendance and their reaction to the event:
"Of course, they wouldn't miss that.
"They definitely made the road trip, especially for this one. They're retired now so they have more time so they were able to come but on a shorter notice to make it here. But I'm pretty sure they're going to be really excited and just go back home and talk to everybody about that game and how awesome it was and how much fun they had."
On her parents being out of their comfort zone as French speakers:
"Definitely challenging, I was talking to them yesterday and they said a couple parents and other fans were talking to them and they were just smiling and nodding their heads.
"Definitely challenging for them but I feel they really enjoyed the moment, even if they can't get the big picture or big message."
On where this game fits on her career highlights:
"I would say definitely top three. Being able to play for Canada was an amazing opportunity, and I would say quarterfinals last year here was pretty awesome too. It gives me goosebumps still when I remember that one. Definitely top three, I don't know where yet, I feel like I need to take a step back before I can rank them."
Junior forward Emily Clark
On what it was like to score the first goal of the game in this atmosphere:
"It was pretty surreal. After that first one we could definitely hold onto our sticks a little less tight. But it was a pretty cool experience to be able to get that."
Â
On what it means to the team to have such immense support from the fans:
"It's unreal. It's awesome for women's hockey, it's awesome for us, it just shows how much pride Madison has for their sports teams and it's pretty cool to be a part of it."
Â
On if she gives advice to younger players on how to handle a big game like this:
"Some of the advice I've gotten from older girls in the past in big games like that is just to take it all in, enjoy the experience. So definitely take a look around in the first, get the jitters out and just focus on the game after that."
Â
On if it was difficult to treat this like any other game:
"I didn't think it was too difficult. Coach told the girls to just take a look around and really realize what you're about to experience and then after that it's just what's in the glass to focus on."
Â
On her seven-point weekend performance:
"It's just confidence. Got one early yesterday and started rolling off of that. My linemates played awesome, everyone's contributing and I did the easy part of just making some passes yesterday that everyone else buried. So it's all confidence going into the second half. The coaches were great with me and Nurse getting back and getting our feet under us and letting our body realize what time it is again. Just getting appropriate rest, but we were excited to get to the rink when we did get back."
Â
On what she'll remember most about this game:
"Probably just the first time we skated over their blue line and having the crowd go wild. The towels, too. It's pretty surreal having the crowd like that. After that first goal, the noise is something I won't forget for sure."
Â
Senior forward Sydney McKibbon
On what she saw and took in regarding the atmosphere:
"A lot of fans which was pretty incredible. To come on the ice and see it pretty much sold out was cool, and when the towels got going that was exciting to see."
Â
On what this experience translates to people back in Canada:
"They'll be a little bit surprised. Going back to Canada and telling people you're playing in front of a lot of people isn't a huge surprise for them because a lot of people love hockey up in Canada. But it's definitely something I'm going to remember forever and it's definitely something to show off and tell people about."
Â
On if there were any first period jitters:
"Yeah there were jitters for everyone. For the people who hadn't played in a Fill the Bowl game there were a lot of nerves so you just have to get your first couple shifts underneath you and then just keep playing your game and play the way that we played yesterday."
Â
On the last Fill the Bowl not going the way they wanted:
"We wanted to get a goal for the fans at least because it's pretty tough for all those people to come and not get the horn going. So we talked about that in the locker room and we were lucky enough to get two for them."
Â
On how well SCSU performed:
"Credit to them, they played an outstanding game. Their goalie stood on her head, she faced over 60 shots so when a goalie like that only lets in two goals on over 60 shots she was doing something right. They played a great game and kept it exciting."
Â
On if players were nervous:
"For some people they can block it out but others get a little more nervous. I know in warmups everyone was a little bit more jacked up and we were going a little bit harder in warmups than we maybe needed to, but definitely everyone was excited in the room and we were fired up on the ice."
Â
On if the event met her expectations:
"It blew them away. Being in Fill the Bowl and not having a sellout my freshman year and then coming this year and having it sellout was pretty incredible. You just see those towels swinging around, that's something I will never forget."
Players Mentioned
Forward
/ Women's Hockey
Goaltender
/ Women's Hockey
Forward
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