While many players in the PWHL have World Championship and Rivalry Series experience, this will be the first Olympic Games on the "world's biggest stage" for others like Aerin Frankel and Haley Winn with added pressure, and added attention on their shoulders.
While many are talking about players like Hilary Knight, who will enter her final Olympic Games representing Team USA, at the other end of the spectrum there are many players on USA's roster who will be making their first Olympic appearance.
While they seem like veterans, bringing a wealth of World Championship, professional, and Rivalry Series experience, many of those players like Aerin Frankel, Taylor Heise, Haley Winn, and Gwyneth Philips, among others, are all making their Olympic debuts.
"It's going to be my first Olympics so I can't wait to experience it," said Boston Fleet netminder Aerin Frankel. "I have heard a lot from teammates about just how special the experience is going to be, I'm really excited to get to Milan."
That excitement was echoed by her Boston teammate Hailey Winn.
"I'm super excited with it being my first Olympics, it's a dream come true, I'm super excited to get over and start with that group," said Winn.
They've leaned on veterans like Boston captain and American veteran Megan Keller to help them prepare mentally for the spectacle of the Olympics. As Keller said, the event itself is special, and moments like the opening ceremonies provide fuel for the competition itself. Keller also pointed to a community of athletes from other sports who are there to support their American counterparts in search of the common goal of bringing home a gold medal.
While there is no true way to prepare for the environment that awaits in Milano Cortina, USA's rookies are leaning on the experience they've gained through World Championship and Rivalry Series competition when it comes to the on-ice component.
"Having the international experience that the Rivalry Series and World Championship helps you prepare," said Frankel. "Obviously we've played against most of the other countries before including Canada. I think that just gives you confidence heading toward the Olympics knowing that you've been in those high pressure, intense games before."
"It's obviously helpful to have those appearances under your belt with the World Championships," said Winn.
Despite those experiences, Winn and Frankel know that USA's newcomers, which also includes a group of NCAA players, will face new challenges in Italy on the biggest stage in the world.
"The girls have said the Olympics is another step up, it's the biggest stage in the world so there's added pressure and added expectations but it definitely helps to have some of those games under your belt," said Winn.
"I've heard a lot from our teammates and staff that the Olympics is always different and obviously it's the biggest stage, but that's what we've been working toward our whole lives," said Frankel. "So we're just excited to get there and to be able to play in those games."