Stone has also enjoyed international success throughout an illustrious career. As the first-ever female head coach of a USA Hockey team in the Olympic Games, Stone led the U.S. women to a silver medal during the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, Russia.
Stone also guided the U.S. Women’s National Team to a gold medal in the 2011 and 2013 IIHF Women’s World Championships, and silver in 2012. She also led the Americans to championships in three Four Nations Cup events.
Ruggiero won a national championship in her first season under Stone’s leadership at Harvard, and she captured a world championship in 2011, her final game with the U.S. Women’s National Team.
“I just had a great experience with her,†Ruggiero said. “It takes a special coach to understand that if you can get the most out of people and let them flourish as individuals, when they collectively come together, it’s a lot stronger than being able to execute on the power play or penalty kill. She left a big legacy, both at Harvard and within USA Hockey.â€
Kelleher said that USA Hockey is happy to recognize Stone as its Distinguished Achievement Award winner this year.
“She’s such a deserving recipient of this award because she’s worked at it for so long, and she’s been such a huge part of helping hockey go from a smaller, very regional sport, to a national game,†Kelleher said. “She loves hockey, and cares about her players and the game, and that’s what stands out to me the most, is her love for the game.â€
Story from Red Line Editorial, Inc.
