The U.S. Women's National Sled Hockey Team found itself in somewhat unfamiliar territory in Sunday's gold-medal game at the inaugural World Para Ice Hockey Women’s World Championship. 

After sailing through their group and semifinal games, outscoring opponents 28-0, the Americans headed into the first intermission against Canada on Sunday with just a 1-0 lead that came thanks to a “Michigan” lacrosse-style goal from Kelsey DiClaudio. 

Despite not finding their rhythm or a solution for Canada goalie Jessie Gregory early on, the Americans didn’t panic. That was thanks in large part to the relentless energy and positivity of Monica Quimby. 

“Every shift that anyone is taking, when they come off the ice, the first thing she is doing is pumping them up,” Rose Misiewicz, head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Sled Hockey Team, said. “She constantly brings good vibes, a smile and energy into our games, our practices, everything,” 

Whether it’s taking part in impromptu dance and karaoke parties in the locker room before the game starts or making sure that everyone on the bench feels seen and appreciated, Quimby sets the tone. 

“I just love hockey. I love every single woman on this team,” Quimby said. “I love to be the hype woman. I love to cheer people on. I like to make sure they know what they did well each shift. Keeping that positive energy on the bench is so integral; it’s so important.”

Early in the gold-medal game, she said the team had some jitters because of the enormity of what they had the chance to do. But they also knew they were prepared, connected and able to communicate so well that they felt like the gold medal was in their grasp. The goal on the bench was for everyone to stay relaxed and not get too concerned about the score. 

“We just said we have to play our game. Settle down. Remember our systems. We just reminded each other what we’re here for,” Quimby said. “Not only do we hype each other up, but we help each other stay levelheaded so we’re able to play our best game out there.”

Quimby was correct, as the Americans found their rhythm and pulled away in the second period thanks in part to DiClaudio completing a hat trick before 26 minutes had elapsed in the game. The U.S. went on to win 7-1 to claim the world title.

Quimby’s demeanor is contagious, Misiewicz said, and her positivity impacts her teammates immensely.  

“You look at her spirit and her heart and her energy — it doesn’t matter what role she has played on our team — she gives the entire team energy,” Misiewicz said. “Whether she is on the ice or off the ice, she is cheering them on. She constantly brings good vibes, a smile and energy into our games, our practices, everything.”

A forward who finished the tournament with four points and was third on the team with 13 shots on goal, Quimby was named USA’s Best Player following a semifinal 10-0 win against Great Britain where she had a goal and an assist. But she wouldn’t keep that accolade for herself. 

“I play every game for these girls out here,” she said. “To be able to be the player of the game, that was player of the game for all of us. That’s how I see it. We are all playing for each other.”

The U.S. players were all smiles as they received their gold medals and sang the national anthem on Sunday. Quimby had her arms around teammates and couldn’t seem to stop grinning. 

Behind all that heart and spirit is a lot of emotion, as well. After the medal ceremony, all the tournament teams were invited onto the ice and Quimby could be seen tearing up as she looked around the arena. 

“I was paralyzed as an NCAA athlete,” she said. “I never thought in a million years that I’d be able to wear the Team USA sweater and be able to celebrate with my very best friends. It’s literally the best feeling in the world. It hits you all at once. We have come so far in just a couple of years. We are the first. We have officially made history.”

For some of Team USA, this was a dream 17 years in the making, from working to build the very first women’s team to officially becoming world champions.

And the team accomplished its goal together. Every skater on the roster tallied at least a point. 

This was one of the longest stretches Team USA has ever had together at once and Misiewicz said it showed in her team’s connectivity and the skill her players showed in the gold-medal game. They were rewarded with the gold medal and a renewed hope for the future. 

“We feel incredible,” said Quimby. “Now that we’re officially on the road to the Paralympics by having an official women’s World Championship, we can’t wait to see what’s next.” 

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.