Achi news desk-
Just days after scoring a gold medal-winning overtime goal that was as dramatic as any hockey player could hope for in his career, Edmonton-raised Danielle Serdachny reflected on the dream moment.
“It was a pretty special moment for me,” he told Global News from New York, where he attends Colgate University and majors in economics. “I would say I was quite shocked at first.
“Obviously you’re celebrating with the team, but (also) still trying to process what’s happening.”
The final of the 2024 women’s hockey world championship was an exciting game played in Utica, NY, on Sunday that saw Canada exact revenge on its rivals in the United States with a 6-5 victory on American soil.
“That was my first time winning gold with the senior national team, so it was a really exciting moment,” Serdachny said. “But (I felt) a lot of emotions, a lot of pride, excitement.
“(I was) extremely grateful to be able to represent my country and win a gold medal with some pretty amazing teammates.”
The 22-year-old forward explained that the moment was particularly emotional because her parents were in the arena when she scored the winning goal.
“Both of my parents have had a huge impact on me as a player and a person,” Serdachny said. “I can’t thank them both enough.
“A lot of times when I didn’t believe in myself, they were the ones who were always there lifting me up and allowing me to believe in myself. … To share that special moment with them was amazing.”
Serdachny’s goal on Sunday came 5:16 into overtime when he put the puck past US goalie Aerin Frankel.
“(Our team) was at the tail end of a power play, and the crowd was getting pretty loud with the ‘USA’ chants, considering they pretty much killed the penalty,” he recalled. “So we only had a bit of a zone try and I was trying to get in front of the goalkeeper’s eyes to give Ambrose (teammate Erin) a good shot to score.
“The puck actually hit me and bounced to the back of my hand so I did my best to tap it in.”
Danielle’s father, Steve Serdachny, said he and his wife Deb returned home to Edmonton Monday night but were still reeling from what happened.
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“It was just an amazing game (and) it was an electric atmosphere,” he told Global News while on the ice at the rink where he works as a hockey skills coach. “It was an edge-of-your-seat game, from one end to the other.
“(It’s) nice to see your kid score a big one like that. … It’s kind of surreal to see where she is on the world stage.”
Steve Serdachny speaks to Global News on April 16, 2024.
Global News
Steve noted that where he and his wife were sitting made the goal even more incredible.
“It happened almost right in front of us,” he said. “We were shocked.
“What an amazing experience – most of all to watch Team Canada win and beat the United States (United States).”
Steve spent years working for the Edmonton Oilers as a hockey skills coach. Danielle said that because of her parents and siblings, she “grew up constantly around” hockey: “watching it, playing it, supporting my brothers and sisters who all play.”
Team Canada’s Danielle Serdachny looks over the new exhibit at the Toronto Hockey Hall of Fame on Tuesday, April 4, 2023. The Hockey Hall of Fame opened an exhibit dedicated to the pioneers of the women’s game chronicling their remarkable journey over more than 130 years . Over 100 artefacts will be installed to tell their story.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette
Danielle said returning to university so soon after winning the gold medal on Sunday had been an interesting adjustment.
“I still haven’t fully processed what happened, but I’m happy to be back here with my friends and share that experience with them,” he said.
“Coming back and having to stay at school is pretty funny but I’m doing my best to stay with him and graduate here in May.”
Danielle Serdachny spoke to Global News via video conference call on April 16, 2024.
Zoom/Global News
Danielle said she hopes to be selected by a club in the Professional Women’s Hockey League Draft in June.
The first ever PWHL game was played in January and already the women’s professional league has made headlines in terms of the level of play it offers and how many fans it has been able to attract to its games.
“How they’ve been able to inspire and grow is so special,” said Danielle.
“If I could hear my name called and possibly play in that league, I think that would be a great opportunity and something I would really look forward to.”
Danielle said she believes the PWHL offers “something sustainable” in terms of women’s professional hockey, and has enjoyed following the league’s first season and getting to know some of its players who were also her teammates on Team Canada.
Canada’s Danielle Serdachny (92) celebrates teammate Marie-Philip Poulin’s goal, not shown, over United States goalie Aerin Frankel (31) during the second period gold medal hockey game at the U.S. Hockey Championship IIHF Women’s World in Utica, NY, Sunday, April 14, 2024.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi
Danielle’s father has also kept a close eye on the PWHL this year.
“I’ve watched a bunch of the games and it’s amazing hockey,” Steve said. “I think it’s an amazing opportunity for female hockey (players), … just to have a chance to continue your career.
“What an amazing thing for sport, for women’s hockey.”
— with files from Slav Kornik, Global News
& copy 2024 Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.
