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Q&A with Krissy Wendell

02/23/2018, 7:15am MST
By The USA Hockey Foundation

Do you remember the moment when you found out that you made the Olympic squad for the first time?

I think our whole team was actually all together for the tour. It was 2002, so it was Christmas of 2001 when we were all together. The two times were very similar. They had already made the 25 when they read the names in a room, and now this time, they had released the players before we went over there. It’s kind of a weird situation because you’re sad for the people that don’t make it, but you’re excited you’re making it, so it’s kind of a thing where you don’t even really enjoy it until after Christmas.

How did you and your husband Johnny meet?

We both went to the University of Minnesota, but not at the same time. He was actually a teammate and a roommate of my brother at the U of M. We met a little through that. We probably knew each other for a couple years before we actually started dating, and then it was at a distance for a while before we got real serious.

What was your first impression of Johnny?

The first time we met, he actually had stayed at our house because he was from out of town. He was playing junior hockey with my brother before they were at college. He had really long hair. I tell him this all the time and he laughs. I was like,  ‘Who is this country boy who is loud and outgoing in our house?’ He was entertaining and random, and he’s still like that today.

What’s the dynamic like—being married to another elite athlete?

It was great to have someone when I was going through the Olympic stuff. He was in college the first time I played on the Olympic team; and then the second time, he was actually playing hockey professionally in Toronto. It was great to have someone who understood the training schedule and the time commitment and was supportive of someone going after their goals and dreams, and could empathize a little of what you were going through. I think it’s hard for some people when they’re like ‘Alright, it’s great dating you and I’ll see you in a few months.’ We didn’t talk a ton of hockey. When I would visit him, I wouldn’t break down his game and he wouldn’t really say a lot about mine, either. He was more there as a friend and an ear to vent sometimes.

Is there a lot of friendly competition in your home?

Not really. We’re very different. We trained together a little before the 2006 Olympics. We had the same skating instructor and we were on the ice at the same time. I think at that point, everyone is focused on their own goal and once that was done, we settled down and now have a family and kids. The kids will always joke around like ‘Oh, daddy’s better or mommy’s better.’ They’ll joke around about it, but there’s really no competition.

You two have coached together. What’s that like?

We coached high school hockey together for about five years. Now that our own kids are playing, we coach together. It’s kind of funny because we have three kids playing, so even though we both coach the teams, rarely are we coaching together. One of us will take one team, and one of us will take the other team. It’s great that we have that because if one of us has been at the rink for four or five days in a row, the other can take a practice and it’s great to have someone that can step up and lead a practice or game.

Who is the tougher coach and who is more easy going?

I’m for sure the tougher parent in the house. But according to my oldest, Johnny is a much tougher coach. I’m harder on them for getting homework done and keeping their rooms clean, and he’s probably stricter in terms of coaching. I like to keep it light.

Who do your three girls take after?

The oldest one is for sure a clone of my husband. Youngest one is for sure my clone and the middle one is the sweetest, nicest — we don’t know. She’s just so easy going. She’s the peacemaker in the entire house.

What’s your favorite Olympic sport to watch, besides hockey?

I like the aerial skiing, or snowboarding is pretty cool. I guess whenever you can connect with an athlete, then you can watch for that. Like Shaun White or Lindsey Vonn—some of the other people you can connect with. They’re all great. I love watching the Olympics.

Who usually wins the board games in your home?

Me. Only because I hate to lose. My husband gets mad because I don’t let the kids win all the time. I don’t know what it is. I just hate losing.

Who is the better skater?

Naturally? I wouldn’t say skating was necessarily either one of our strengths. He became a great skater. Younger and through college, he’d probably say me.

Who usually gets control of the remote for the TV?

He does. No question.

Who is always right?

We both think we’re right. I’m the worst at trying to get the last word. I’m probably more outgoingly stubborn.

What’s at the top of your bucket list?

To go to the Kentucky Derby.

Who is more likely to plan a date?

Him.

Who has the better taste in music?

He probably does. He definitely has more of an interest

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