Amanda Kessel, the reigning NCAA Player of the Year and World Championships-winning goal scorer, has not played a minute for the U.S. Women’s National Team against international opponents this fall.
Don’t be worried, U.S. coach Katey Stone said. Kessel, 22, has been dealing with a lower-body injury but will “absolutely” (Stone’s word) be ready for the Sochi Olympics, according to the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Kessel recently stayed in Boston while the National Team, currently at 23 players, trained in Blaine, Minn., in advance of Friday’s game against Canada in Grand Forks, N.D. The U.S. Olympic Team of 21 players will be named on New Year’s Day.
Kessel has played against Boston area boys teams this fall, according to the report.
“She’s got better resources right now [in Boston], and that’s why she’s there,” Stone said. “She’s doing great. She’s coming along well.”
