Ice Hockey

Tools

By Brenda Bassett

Story Published: Feb 14, 2010 at 6:46 PM MST

Story Updated: Feb 14, 2010 at 6:46 PM MST

BILLINGS - With the 2010 Winter Olympics well on its way, athletes are preparing for each individual competition. Ice hockey catches the attention of millions of people during the Olympic Winter Games.

Here in Billings, KUKLR-8 wanted to check in with local ice hockey teams to see what they're looking forward to with the upcoming match-ups, and why they love the game so much.

If you're interested in trying it out for yourself there are several options right here in Billings.

"I absolutely love the Olympics. I got hooked on hockey in the 1980 Olympics and just watched every 4 years since," said Billings Bulls Head Coach, Michael Hass.

Olivia Barragree, has been playing hockey for 10 years and she says the Olympics are a special time for hockey. "That's one of my favorite times, seeing the girls team play. You don't get to see much women hockey other than that," said Barragree.

But whether you're a Billings youth, a Billings Bull or an Olympic Athlete, preparing physically and mentally is critical to performance. So what do locals do to prepare?

"We usually do runs and stretch. Listen to music. Be quiet and we get pep talks in the locker room. A lot of it is mental, just visualization about what your going to do in the game and then getting good rest and eating well."

After finishing the adventure it was easy to see why so many enjoy the game of ice hockey.

"I like having teammates and playing with the guys," said Barragree. "I like traveling, meeting new people, having a competition," said Billings youth, Parker Jones.

The first 2010 Olympic women's preliminary round started Saturday between Sweden and Switzerland, Sweden taking the win. The first men's preliminary round will start on February 16th between the United States and Switzerland.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

KULR-8 News, Sports, Weather and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

Your Weather Authority

Icon
Current Temp 42.0 °F
A Few Clouds
Wind : Northwest at
17.3 mph
Humidity : 55 %
Pressure : 30.19 in
More Weather

Party America Sky Cam

More Weather

On Demand

YouNews

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.

Links We Like