U.S. captain Maggie Scannell is competing in her third IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship.
photo: © International Ice Hockey Federation / Andre Ringuette
Maggie Scannell hopes that the third time is the charm. She won a silver medal with the U.S. at the 2022 IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women’s World Championship in Madison, Wisconsin and a bronze medal at the 2023 tournament in Ostersund, Sweden.
Now the talented 17-year-old forward from Wynantskill, New York is captaining a young American team in Zug, Switzerland that’s aiming for the gold medal game on 14 January. So far, Scannell has put up two goals and three assists in back-to-back wins over Slovakia (7-1) and Switzerland (8-1). She’s also among the tournament leaders in faceoff percentage (60 percent, 18-for-30) and average ice time (20:16).
Heading into Wednesday’s showdown with rival Sweden for first place in Group B, IIHF.com caught up with Scannell for her thoughts about these U18 Women’s Worlds and on the world of hockey overall.
What was your reaction to being named captain?
I'm just so grateful to be on this team, and then to wear the “C” is such an honour. My teammates and coaches are so supportive. We had a meeting where they announced it, which was really an amazing experience. But again, it’s an honour overall to be here.
Who’s here in Switzerland to cheer you on?
My whole family’s here: my mom, dad, brother, and sister. I’m happy and grateful they can make it over. My mom and dad are teachers. They took time off school for me. It’s really great.
How has your family influenced your hockey career?
I don’t even have words! I am just so grateful they helped me make the decision to go to Shattuck-St. Mary's. My dad started me in hockey. He played hockey growing up, like my brother. I’ve done everything in my brother's footsteps. He’s three years older and an amazing influence for me.
What do you tell a kid who asks you about Shattuck?
One of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. It’s helped me grow my game so much.
Who’s your favourite women’s hockey star?
So many have influenced my game, but growing up, watching Coach [Brianna] Decker was amazing. And now, having her as my coach both at Shattuck and here, I look up to her and absorb her knowledge. All those little tips you get on the bench. She’s always there to say something. Honestly, I’m grateful to all our coaches.
The PWHL just launched this month. Do you have a favorite team?
Oh my gosh, it’s so hard to say right now! But the games have been amazing for women’s hockey. What a step forward! So many fans. It’s a fast-paced, physical game. It’d be a dream come true to play there someday.
What made you commit to the University of Wisconsin for 2024-25?
It just felt like a family when I visited. I know a bunch of the girls from there. I’m all about the energy of places and teams. And going there for the 2022 U18 Women’s Worlds, with the energy in that building, it felt like home to me.
Thoughts on the 2024 Women’s Worlds taking place in Utica, New York in April?
Amazing! I used to play boys’ hockey out there in Utica with CP Dynamo. It’s about an hour and a half from my hometown. We’d go out there probably six times a season. And now this huge tournament is coming. I’m hoping to fly home from school so I can watch. It’s great for hockey in New York State.
How about the NHL? Favourite team? Favourite player?
The Boston Bruins and Patrice Bergeron. He was always my favourite player with the way he plays. Sad to see him retire, but what a career he had!
Have you read any good books lately?
I’m really into things that can help me in life. The Leadership Playbook is one I’m reading right now.
Do you play the NHL series by EA Sports?
Oh yeah! Growing up, my brother and I played it each year and our parents would end up giving it to us for Christmas. This year, we got NHL 24, and they have the women in that game, so we played it a lot before this tournament. It’s fun. I’m usually either the Bruins or USA!
Finally, what’s the feeling inside your team with Sweden coming up next?
So excited! We’re gonna come in hard and play the way we know how. Play a team game and play together.
Now the talented 17-year-old forward from Wynantskill, New York is captaining a young American team in Zug, Switzerland that’s aiming for the gold medal game on 14 January. So far, Scannell has put up two goals and three assists in back-to-back wins over Slovakia (7-1) and Switzerland (8-1). She’s also among the tournament leaders in faceoff percentage (60 percent, 18-for-30) and average ice time (20:16).
Heading into Wednesday’s showdown with rival Sweden for first place in Group B, IIHF.com caught up with Scannell for her thoughts about these U18 Women’s Worlds and on the world of hockey overall.
What was your reaction to being named captain?
I'm just so grateful to be on this team, and then to wear the “C” is such an honour. My teammates and coaches are so supportive. We had a meeting where they announced it, which was really an amazing experience. But again, it’s an honour overall to be here.
Who’s here in Switzerland to cheer you on?
My whole family’s here: my mom, dad, brother, and sister. I’m happy and grateful they can make it over. My mom and dad are teachers. They took time off school for me. It’s really great.
How has your family influenced your hockey career?
I don’t even have words! I am just so grateful they helped me make the decision to go to Shattuck-St. Mary's. My dad started me in hockey. He played hockey growing up, like my brother. I’ve done everything in my brother's footsteps. He’s three years older and an amazing influence for me.
What do you tell a kid who asks you about Shattuck?
One of the best decisions I’ve made in my life. It’s helped me grow my game so much.
Who’s your favourite women’s hockey star?
So many have influenced my game, but growing up, watching Coach [Brianna] Decker was amazing. And now, having her as my coach both at Shattuck and here, I look up to her and absorb her knowledge. All those little tips you get on the bench. She’s always there to say something. Honestly, I’m grateful to all our coaches.
The PWHL just launched this month. Do you have a favorite team?
Oh my gosh, it’s so hard to say right now! But the games have been amazing for women’s hockey. What a step forward! So many fans. It’s a fast-paced, physical game. It’d be a dream come true to play there someday.
What made you commit to the University of Wisconsin for 2024-25?
It just felt like a family when I visited. I know a bunch of the girls from there. I’m all about the energy of places and teams. And going there for the 2022 U18 Women’s Worlds, with the energy in that building, it felt like home to me.
Thoughts on the 2024 Women’s Worlds taking place in Utica, New York in April?
Amazing! I used to play boys’ hockey out there in Utica with CP Dynamo. It’s about an hour and a half from my hometown. We’d go out there probably six times a season. And now this huge tournament is coming. I’m hoping to fly home from school so I can watch. It’s great for hockey in New York State.
How about the NHL? Favourite team? Favourite player?
The Boston Bruins and Patrice Bergeron. He was always my favourite player with the way he plays. Sad to see him retire, but what a career he had!
Have you read any good books lately?
I’m really into things that can help me in life. The Leadership Playbook is one I’m reading right now.
Do you play the NHL series by EA Sports?
Oh yeah! Growing up, my brother and I played it each year and our parents would end up giving it to us for Christmas. This year, we got NHL 24, and they have the women in that game, so we played it a lot before this tournament. It’s fun. I’m usually either the Bruins or USA!
Finally, what’s the feeling inside your team with Sweden coming up next?
So excited! We’re gonna come in hard and play the way we know how. Play a team game and play together.