Hockey House
By Lynn Olson

In a house near the campus of the University of Minnesota live five women who could probably beat just about any other house on campus in a pick-up hockey game. Two members of this extraordinary hockey house are Olympians, three have played on the USA Hockey National Women’s Team, four of the five were finalists or received the Ms. Hockey Award during their senior year of high school, and all five aspire to make the next United States Olympic Hockey Team that will compete in 2006 in Italy.

Who are these women and how did it come about that they’ll spend nearly every waking – and sleeping – minute together this year? The “fab” five include sisters Chelsey and Winny Brodt, Ronda Curtin, Natalie Darwitz and Krissy Wendell; all superstar women hockey players who have competed at the highest levels of the game. They decided to live together because hockey is the common bond that has created their friendship and they are all very much looking forward to playing hockey for a great program, living in Minnesota and playing in front of their friends and family. For sisters Chelsey and Winny, being able to skate and live together again is very rewarding.

Would these outgoing and competitive women make the cast as a houseguest on a Big Brother or Big Sister show? Could they live for 100 days with complete strangers? Do they meet the show’s application criteria of a dynamic group who are articulate, interesting and exhibit enthusiasm for life?

The probable answer to all of the above questions is yes. These five individuals have made the choice to live together in a house this school year and spend an inordinate amount of time playing hockey on the U of M Gopher Women’s Hockey Team.

“We all have known each other for a while, and we all needed a place to live,” said Krissy Wendell, who spent the past few years training with the U.S. National Team and is a 21-year-old freshman this season. “It just worked out that we got a house with enough rooms for everyone. It is a ton of fun and a great experience where we all get along and can hang out.”

“Krissy and I lived together last spring, and I knew I would be living with Winny and Chelsey because they are like family to me,” said Ronda Curtin, who led the WCHA in points last season with 48 and was a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award. “And all of us are friends with Natalie so we began looking for a place that was nice and could house
us all.”

Winny, who took time off to train with the U.S. National Team and tryout for the Olympic Team, also enjoys living in a hockey house. “It is fun because not only do you get to be better teammates, but you get to be better friends. It feels like living with four other sisters!”

On Thursday nights they all sit down together to relax and watch Friends on television, which is one of Darwitz’s favorite nights. “Every Thursday night we eat a great dinner together,” said Darwitz. Freshman Chelsey chimes in: “Moms bring over home-cooked meals on Thursday nights for us.” Something that surely beats cafeteria food.
For freshman Chelsey and Natalie, the fact that they are living in a house rather than elsewhere is a breath of fresh air. “I didn’t want to live in a dorm,” exclaimed Natalie.

So what really goes on in this house? The players hang out together and see each other often even though they have different school schedules. Some of them have a few classes together, and of course, they all share a great passion for hockey. With the opening of Ridder Arena in October, they also now have a another place to call their own, besides the hockey house. But one thing that is clear is that all five like to watch their favorite TV shows, especially the daytime soaps before they head out to hockey practice in the afternoon. There is also plenty of good-
natured banter.

Krissy, Ronda and Winny all agree that Natalie and Chelsey are definitely the neat freaks. The consensus for “messy Marvin” was Krissy. Says Winny: “Krissy needs ‘reminders’ the most.”

According to the other girls, Winny is a strong second in the bid for least likeliest to be named the “secretary of sanitation”. In fact, they all take turns taking out the garbage depending on who has the time.

So, does all of this fun affect their play together on the ice?

“I think it helps,” said Wendell, who is off to a great start this season racking up points like she has done at every other level she has competed at. “You are just more comfortable with each other, and it’s so easy to get along.”

“It definitely does not hurt us because we get along so well,” said Ronda. “I think it could slowly increase into a positive as we become closer, and a strong team chemistry will always help you.”

To follow Gopher hockey, log on to www.gophersports.com.