Being Featured on the NHL Network Was an Amazing Experience, Says Colleen Murphy from the USA

Winning showed how much our team believed in each other

Colleen, what was it like to win the first ever gold medal for the US women's hockey team at the World Championship?

Winning the gold medal was an incredible experience. It meant everything to our entire team and organization because we worked so hard for years to reach that moment. Having the privilege to represent the United States and make history for USA Ball Hockey at the World Championship was one of my greatest hockey accomplishments. Winning showed how much our team believed in each other and how much dedication everyone involved in our women’s program put into getting there.

You led the team as captain, so how do you feel about wearing the letter C on your jersey?

Wearing the “C” on my jersey is a huge honor. It represents leadership, responsibility, and trust from my teammates and coaches. For me, being captain means supporting my teammates, leading by example, doing the little things, working hard each day, and helping keep everyone motivated both on and off the rink. I love my country and my team. I could not be prouder to represent the United States.

You will definitely want to build on your success from Switzerland in Ostrava. How is your team’s preparation going?

Our preparation has been going well. We’ve been focusing on improving every aspect of our team, so we’re ready for the competition in Ostrava. We know the competition will be even tougher. We have a target on our back this time. We are up for the challenge and excited to build on our success from Switzerland.

Going to the Czech Republic for the first time makes it even more meaningful to me

Your success from the last World Championship was featured on the NHL Network, where you were in person with your teammate Sarah Hughson. How did you enjoy this moment?

Being featured on the NHL Network was an amazing experience. Our team deserved the recognition, and having that platform to share our team’s success is unforgettable. Being with Hughie (Sarah Hughson) made it even more special because we’ve been teammates for a long time (pro ice hockey and ball hockey), going through the highs and lows of sports. You don’t always get to slow down and take it all in, so it gave us a chance to reflect on our accomplishments, share some laughs, attempt a stick-handling trick on a national network (check out the video), and enjoy the moment. Opportunities like that help bring more attention to women’s ball hockey, which is important for the growth of the sport. I could not be more thankful.

You were not in Pardubice for the 2017 Women's World Championship, so how are you looking forward to the Czech Republic now?

I’m really excited to experience the Czech Republic and the city of Ostrava. I have heard great things about the atmosphere the Czechs create for ball hockey. Getting people excited and energetic for a tournament like this will only elevate the level of play from the teams. Any time you get a chance to represent your country internationally is special, but going to the Czech Republic for the first time makes it even more meaningful to me.

Do you sometimes visit the ice rink, what do you enjoy more: ice hockey or ball hockey?

Honestly, I’m a bit of a rink rat. I’m involved in every type of hockey and position you can imagine. I play ice, inline, and ball hockey multiple times a week in addition to coaching. Not only do I skate and run out as a player, but I also play goalie for fun. It challenges me and keeps my conditioning and athleticism high. Some say I “do too much,” but I’m just enjoying the moment. Right now, I enjoy ball hockey more. I had a long ice hockey career, playing in college and professionally with the NWHL/PHF. When my ice career ended, I transitioned to ball hockey and found just as much, maybe even more competitiveness and challenge in it. Ostrava World’s 2026 gives me something to look forward to and prepare for. I can’t wait for this next journey.

Colleen Murphy is the captain of the USA national team. Photo credit: Matt Streibich.