The More You Inferknow: Jacquie Pierri

We are happy with our performance through our first six games, but are also aware that the standings don’t mean much at this point in the season (or at any point). There are still three teams that we haven’t faced yet and we are focusing on each weekend as it comes. Toronto will be our next test. That said, I am very proud of the work ethic and commitment the team has shown thus far. It’s a great start for us to build on going forward.

The vibe this season has been consistent since day one of training camp. Over the offseason, the veterans talked a lot about building a strong culture for the new players.  I think we have been successful in creating a constructive environment where players know the commitment expectations and one where players can feel confident to be their best. I love our returning players like they are family and really have been so impressed with all of the newbies. It’s hard to believe that we only met the new girls a month ago.

To borrow a Cuddy-term [Hayleigh Cudmore], I’d say it’s “phenomenal.” I have an immense amount of respect for the leadership each returning player brings to the table this season – not just our leadership group.

For our leadership group, Kromm has always been someone that injects enthusiasm into every room she enters and her passion is infectious. She’s the kind of player that makes you want to give all that you’ve got. Goose [Katelyn Gosling] is a bit more quiet, but she constantly leads by example. She is genuine and always doing the little things right, even when no one is looking.

Cuddy impresses me everyday with her ability to balance her law career and hockey commitments. She’s not afraid to speak her mind and say the things  that need to be said, even when it’s difficult. Iya [Gavrilova] is one of the hardest working people I’ve ever met. She makes me want to push myself everyday.

I love the group we have. It’s neat how our different personalities are able to compliment each other’s strengths and weaknesses so well.

My family is filled with hard workers that have always inspired me to be better. My parents both immigrated to America as kids and made a life for themselves from modest beginnings – my mom leaving home on her own to pursue her law degree and my dad building his own business. I have learned a lot from them and they have supported and encouraged me through life’s challenges.

My brother puts my work ethic to shame, though. He is a Captain in the US Army, a Ranger, an engineer, and has a magic knack for putting his head down to push through any physical challenge (and for making it look effortless). All three of them, and the rest of my family, have always pushed me to have a never-quit determination. It’s always a work in progress.

Calgary definitely is starting to feel like home. It’s a great city and I’ve met a lot of wonderful people out here. I have not yet adjusted to the winters.

Comparing the different locations and different teams of my hockey career is difficult because they have all been at very different points in my life. I love seeing my Brown classmates when we travel out to Boston and I miss my hockey family back in New Jersey. I’m proud to say my NJ beer league team, the Ugly Mugs, is still crushing it in my absence.

It’s tough. The travel is the real kicker. It’s hard to play your best, or to be fully present at work, through fatigue. Is it worth it, though? Absolutely. That’s why I’m still here. It’s my fifth year and I’ve started to get a handle on the balancing act. In one sense, I get the best of both worlds since I haven’t had to put my career on-hold to continue to play.

The player salaries are a huge help. In previous years, we were still dealing with covering the full cost of playing. Certain equipment, meals, etc. It all would add up by the end of the season. This year’s salaries are a great starting point and I hope in a few years it will reach a level where people would consider reducing their work hours to commit more fully to hockey.