More than just a jersey

MADISON, Wis.- The high expectations have always been there for Wisconsin women's hockey seniors Mikaela Gardner and Annie Pankowski.

For starters, earning spots on the American roster for the upcoming 2018 Four Nations Cup is just one example of the veterans earning such high standards of evaluation.

Yet, come this week, only the pair of UW seniors' tournament play in the SaskTel Centre in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, will showcase if they met such expectations.

And if there is such a thing as sure expectation, then fans might want to keep a close eye on Gardner and Pankowski at the prestigious four-team tournament.

"When I try to do too much or get too much into my head, that's when I get a little too wrapped up in thinking too much or trying too much," Gardner said. "That is when it doesn't really work out for me in the end. So, I've been doing the same thing all summer, all season."

For Gardner, this year's tournament will mark her senior debut as a member of Team USA. She, along with Pankowski, make up a 23-player roster that boasts 11 active NCAA players, 12 active professional leaguers and 17 Olympians all representing 10 different states.

At first glance, this year's roster appears loaded with talent, leadership and experience.

Evidently, these have been the calling cards of the U.S. Women's National Team, as the squad will be competing for its fourth-straight title.

Not surprisingly, living up to the accomplishments of the players before them is enough for the Wisconsin pair to think about. Add that to representing an entire country, and there's plenty for both to consider over the roughly five-hour plane ride.

Gardner admitted that she's still trying to work through the process, even with the tournament just days away.

"You are not just Mikaela Gardner and you aren't just Annie Pankowski, or just a player from Wisconsin. You are a player for the United States Team, but it is also the little things that you got to keep in the back of your mind," Gardner explained. "But for me, it is about balancing those things."

Fortunately, if anyone understands this balance at its core, Gardner needs to look no further than fellow teammate Pankowski for living proof.

Pankowski no stranger to the size of the U.S. Women's National Team jersey, as 2018 will be her fifth appearance on the roster.

"Each time I've gone, I've gotten a little more confident," Pankowski said of her previous experiences playing in the Four Nations Cup. "I think that I am way more confident than when I was the first time I went.

"But yeah, I'm excited to show myself up there a bit."

Pankowski's response was calm and poised, but it does not mean her attitude toward the tournament has changed. If anything, Pankowski argues she is evolving.

"When you come in as a freshman, you are not sure where your spot is and what you are doing. But when you are a senior, it is easier to see where you fit in and what you need to offer to your team," she said. "I think when talking about the national team, I know I was more successful when I was more confident. So, if I can bring the confidence I already have and the confidence I have playing for Wisconsin this year, then it will be a really good tournament."

In preparation for the tournament, a camp was held in Chicago from Oct. 28-Nov. 3 for the U.S. Women's National Team. The 11 collegiate players on the roster, including Pankowski and Gardner, joined the team on Nov. 2 and the UW pair did not travel with the Badgers for their weekend showdown against Minnesota State.

However, Gardner and Pankowski were not the only Badgers- of past and present- called to play on international ice next weekend.

Also on the American side are former Badgers Brianna Decker, Hilary Knight and Alex Rigsby, while current senior Emily Clark earned a spot on Hockey Canada's roster alongside Sarah Nurse and Blayre Turnbull.

At it appears, the tournament features a crowded playing field with many personal ties weaved and intertwined back to Madison. This connection is something both Gardner and Pankowski are not taking for granted.

"I know it may sound cliché, but it is amazing and so special. Coming into Wisconsin, it was always that group of Badger legends I knew about," Gardner said. "It is humbling to be alongside them because I've actually never played with any of them, but it should be awesome to play with them for once and not to just be looking at them from afar."

Pankowski echoed similar.

"It's a really elite group that has come through here," she said. "And to see those players up there will be really fun. I'm excited to get there, but it just really shows how great Mark (Johnson) is, how great this coaching staff is, how great the resources we have are here and these all are the excellence of UW."

With the main event almost here, Gardner was especially animated when she revealed her family was making the 18-hour drive from Plainfield, Illinois, to watch her play over the border.

"My family makes trips out to see me play whenever they can. They have my back every step of the way and I'm honestly blessed to have that support system behind me," she said.

Then she smiled.

"It just makes it all the more special."

University of Wisconsin Athletics

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Emily Clark

Mikaela Gardner

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Annie Pankowski

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