Bozek preparing for Four Nations Cup
For the fourth time in her career, Buffalo Grove's Megan Bozek is about to participate in the Four Nations Cup, an annual tournament held every year between four major national teams.
The big bonus this time, though, is that Bozek, a 2009 Stevenson High School graduate, gets to train with the U.S. Women's National Team right in her own backyard.
"It's such a good atmosphere and everybody rallies around hockey here in Chicago during the season," Bozek said Monday morning after watching the Blackhawks and Anaheim Ducks prepare for their game at the United Center.
The women's team held its first practice after the Ducks' morning skate and will continue training at Seven Bridges Arena in Woodridge until Saturday. The tournament, which includes the U.S., Canada, Finland and Sweden, begins Nov. 4 in Sweden and concludes Nov. 8.
"It's a competitive tournament, but it's quick," Bozek said. "It's good to see the competition … and see what you have to improve on."
Bozek, who plays defense, was a member of the 2014 U.S. team that won the silver medal in Sochi, Russia. The U.S. had a 2-0 lead over Canada with 3:30 left in the gold-medal game but ended up losing in heartbreaking fashion 3-2 in overtime.
Still, the experience in Russia was something Bozek will never forget.
"To be there in a dining hall and sit next to a Sidney Crosby, next to a Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Alex Ovechkin - it's surreal," said Bozek, who had a goal and 4 assists in five games at the Olympics. "But you have to realize that they're there for the same goal that you are. Everyone is there for a common reason and you have to respect that, but it was really cool and a great atmosphere to be a part of."
Canada is the two-time defending champion of the Four Nations Cup, which began in 1996. The U.S. and Canada have finished 1-2 every year except in 2001 and 2013 when Finland finished second.
Bozek said that Finland and Switzerland are beginning to close the gap on the world's top two teams, which she welcomes.
"Those countries give us a game," Bozek said, noting the U.S. just lost to Finland 3-1 in November. "Anything can happen - if they have a great game, and they're putting pressure on us, (they) are going to be tough to beat.
"We like the rivalry that we have with Canada - it's always heavy, it's always there. So we like playing them. But it's great to see that Finland and Switzerland are really up and coming. It can be a battle of four countries, and hopefully more."
When the tournament ends, Bozek will continue playing for the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women's Hockey League, which just began its inaugural season a month ago. In addition to Buffalo, the league has teams in Boston, New York and Connecticut.
Fulfilling a dream of earning a paycheck playing hockey is something that Bozek is thrilled about, for herself and for younger girls who can now aspire to do the same.
"Getting our first paycheck was something that we've dreamed of," Bozek said. "(Now) that it's actually happening, I think it's only going to go up from here."
The NWHL season goes until March.
The Megan Bozek file
Hometown: Buffalo Grove; High school: Stevenson
Age: 24
Position: Defenseman for the U.S. National Team
Favorite hockey memory: Going through an undefeated regular season (41-0) at the University of Minnesota in 2013 for the team's second straight NCAA championship. "That's a memory that will be with me forever."
Favorite Blackhawk: Duncan Keith. "I would love to play like him. I don't think my skills are quite there yet. And I heard he's just a great person on and off the ice, so that's definitely my favorite Blackhawk player."
Olympic history: Member of the 2014 team that won the silver medal in Socci, Russia
Bozek's Four Nations Cup history: She has been on the last three teams. USA was first in 2012, third in 2013 and second last year.
Four Nations Cup practices: Open to the public Tuesday-Saturday at Seven Bridges Arena in Woodridge. Visit usawomenshockey.com for complete schedule.
Four Nations Cup tournament: Begins Nov. 4 in Sundsvall, Sweden. Teams are USA, Canada, Finland and Sweden