“It definitely started with the veteran players as they made the environment very inviting and we could all be ourselves. They made every person feel they added value to the team and could make a difference. We played our best when we were having fun,” she added.
Bell said there were many highlights at the Olympics besides winning the gold medal. For one, scoring her first Olympic goal in the first game was pretty special.
“The opening ceremonies were insane and something that I’ll remember forever. Walking out there with my team behind Poulin who was carrying the flag and seeing the Olympic rings is a feeling that you cannot describe. It was the moment when I realized that I was an Olympian.”
Another highlight was when the veterans handed the rookies their Olympic jerseys. Fellow Manitoban Jocelyne Laroque handed Bell her jersey, which she said was a special moment as she looks up to her as a player and a leader.
Bell said the team did get to watch some events (Big Air skiing, Speed Skating and Ice Dancing) and cheering on other Canadian athletes and watching them compete was very cool and inspiring. Her favourite to watch was the speed skating.
“There were so many inspiring athletes there but if I had to pick one it would be Isabelle Weideman. She won a bronze, silver and gold medal.”
“Seeing my parents on the screen after one of my games was also very special to be able to share that moment with them,” she added.
All good things must come to an end and Bell said the closing ceremonies were bittersweet as everything had gone by so fast. The consolation was they were bringing home gold.
“It was very special to be able to walk into the closing ceremonies with a gold medal around our necks and the whole ceremony was very well done just like the opening ceremony.”
Bell said what she would remember most about China is all the volunteers who were so excited to greet them everyday and the smallest of gestures made them so happy.
The team plans to get together in the summer and celebrate. Bell said she will take some time off before returning to Duluth for the summer and start training and preparing for the season with the Bulldogs.
She has realized two huge goals including being a member of Team Canada and winning Gold in Worlds and Gold in the Olympics all within a year’s time.
“My next big goal is to win a National Championship with the Duluth Bulldogs in 2023,” concluded Bell. “I want to thank the community for all their support. I felt so much love from back home during the Olympics and am so excited I get to share this with everyone as this is where it all started.”

by JUDY WELLS
Recorder staff