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Trivigno Adjusts to Post-Graduate Game with Eye Toward Olympics

By Dan Scifo - Special to USAHockey.com, 11/29/16, 10:45AM EST

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Boston College standout hopes to earn bigger role with Team USA

Dana Trivigno, a former standout at Boston College and gold medalist with Team USA, is now playing in the NWHL this season as a member of the Connecticut Whale.

“It’s been nice to be able to play consistently,” Tripping said. “I think that’s the biggest thing in the post-graduate life, just trying to keep yourself in game shape and trying to stay as competitive as possible.”

Trivigno said one of the biggest challenges is finding extra ice time, as she was on the ice five-to-six days a week in college, but only three or so in the NWHL.

“I’m in the weight room a lot more, which is good and keeps me in shape and strong,” Trivigno said. “But it’s tough to get on the ice as much as possible and try to do the extra practice stuff … working on the skills needed to play at the next level.”

Trivigno, a native of Setauket, New York, still lives with former Boston College teammate Haley Skarupa, while also training with USA Hockey teammates like Brianna Decker, Kacey Bellamy, Meghan Duggan, Hilary Knight, Amanda Pelkey, Zoe Hickel and others in the Boston area. Trivigno said USA Hockey is very helpful in setting up ice time, coaches and skill sessions for their players.

“It’s awesome, especially the older girls because they’re unbelievable players,” Trivigno said. “To have them as a support system to ask questions in practice, or training and battle against is super helpful. We have a great group.”

Trivigno said the biggest difference is the responsibility falls on the players to improve individually.

“In college, you eat, sleep and play with the team pretty much every day,” Trivigno said. “Now, it’s on me to make sure I’m doing the little things right and just to be accountable and responsible for what I’m doing because there isn’t anybody looking over your shoulder and checking on you daily.”

Trivigno, a high school graduate of traditional power Shattuck-St. Mary’s School, completed her collegiate career at Boston College tied for sixth in scoring with 57 goals and 138 points. Her 57 goals and 81 assists were also eighth and sixth, respectively, in each category.

“Coming into college, I think I was very confident in my game, but [coaches] Katie [Crowley] and Courtney [Kennedy] brought things up I could work on,” Trivigno said. “They both played in the Olympics and they know what it takes to get to that level. It was a great experience.”

Trivigno has also enjoyed a decorated career at the USA Hockey level. She was a member of the U.S. Women’s National Women’s Team that captured gold medals in the 2015 and 2016 IIHF Women’s World Championships and the top spot in the 2016 Four Nations Cup.

“It was an amazing feeling to win a world championship,” Trivigno said. “There’s nothing like beating Canada, especially with 22 of your best friends.”

Trivigno also played on the U.S. Women’s National Under-18 Team twice, winning a gold medal in 2011. It was a learning experience and an early welcome to the USA Hockey program.

“When we won gold, I was in less of a role and more of a rookie newcomer,” Trivigno said. “The next year, it was cool to be a leader and a veteran on the team. I’m obviously still young in my seniority, but it’s interesting how, when you’re young, you’re expected to have a leadership role in some way. I think my under-18 experience definitely helped me with that, especially playing on the international stage and wearing the USA jersey.”

Representing her country is of great importance to Trivigno, as she battles for an upcoming spot on U.S. Women’s National Teams and for the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea.

“There would be no greater honor than to represent the U.S. in the Olympics,” Trivigno said. “I’m just bringing my best to everything I’m invited to because it’s a privilege to be invited to those different events. I hope to make the Olympic team, but I think a lot of other people want to do that too, so it’s not going to be easy. I’m going to have to work my butt off to get there, but I’m willing to do that.”

Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.


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