Chicago

Chicago Native Team USA Champion Comes Home

Team USA Champion Kendall Coyne was greeted by friends, family and fans at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport Wednesday.

“It’s a whirlwind; it was, I mean everyone being here I’m speechless,” said the women’s hockey Gold medallist. “The support’s overwhelming.”

Nearly two weeks ago, the U.S women’s hockey team won its first Gold medal in 20 years and Coyne was finally able to bring it home.

Though it was a long road home with the nor’easter wreaking havoc on air travel across the northeast. More than 145 flights into the O’Hare Airport were cancelled.

Coyne was booked on six flights and five did not take off.

“We went one for six so that’s all that matters,” she said. “So excited to be home and the reception here has been unbelievable.”

The Olympians journey comes full circle and she says she’s hoping women’s hockey gets the recognition it deserves.

“This win is changing the way that people view our game and that’s awesome and hopefully inspiring the next generation to pick up hockey skates like we did after the 98 team won gold,” Coyne expressed.

It’s clear that the journey is not over yet. Coyne has a busy schedule ahead as she plans on visiting her former schools—elementary, middle and high—and sneaking in a little rest in as well.

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