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Olympic gold medalist, world champion, and inaugural PWHL Defender of the Year Erin Ambrose joins Coach Vinny to discuss the profound personal evolution required to survive and thrive at the highest levels of women's hockey. They unpack Erin's journey from a seven-year-old watching the 2002 Olympics to getting cut from the 2018 Canadian national team. A devastating moment that forced her to rebuild her identity, prioritize her mental health, and learn how to run her own race.
Erin shares her insights on the healing power of letting teammates in, simplifying her focus on the ice to reach a flow state during the 2022 Beijing Games, and what it physically felt like to survive a 61-minute triple-overtime playoff game. Finally, she reflects on the grueling PWHPA years spent fighting for the PWHL's future, her transition to a leadership style that prioritizes listening and human connection, and stepping into a new chapter to empty the tank with the Las Vegas expansion franchise.
Key Topics
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Rebuilding identity and mental health after the devastation of being cut from the 2018 Olympic team
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The power of "running your own race" when it comes to fitness and avoiding comparisons
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Achieving flow state by simplifying your focus to three actionable details per game
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The physical and mental toll of playing 61 minutes in a triple-overtime playoff game
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The emotional journey of the PWHPA and securing a sustainable future for the PWHL
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Leadership through empathy, listening to learn (not just to fix), and making human connections
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Erin's motivation and excitement for her next chapter with the Las Vegas expansion franchise
Shownotes 00:00 Introduction to Erin Ambrose and her early Olympic dreams 07:00 The devastation of being cut from the 2018 Olympic centralization roster 14:00 Playing for the "feeling" and reflecting on U18 World Championship gold 19:00 Navigating the parent-child dynamic in sports and trusting the coaches 25:00 Dealing with severe injuries and missing the NCAA championship game at Clarkson 43:00 Losing a hockey identity, healing in Montreal, and leaning on teammates 54:00 Winning Olympic Gold in Beijing, flow state, and simplifying defensive details 1:05:00 Playing 61 minutes in a triple-overtime playoff game 1:09:00 The PWHPA grind and pioneering the PWHL 1:15:00 Redefining leadership: listening to learn and making human connections 1:25:00 Chasing the feeling in Las Vegas and preparing to empty the tank
About Erin Ambrose Erin Ambrose is an Olympic gold medalist, world champion, Walter Cup champion, and the inaugural PWHL Defender of the Year. After starring at Clarkson University and representing Team Canada on the international stage, she became Montreal's first-ever draft pick in the PWHL and is now transitioning to the league's Las Vegas expansion franchise. Known for her elite hockey IQ, resilience, and open advocacy for mental health, Erin is a pioneering voice and leader in women's professional hockey.
