Lee Stecklein shares two vivid memories of her U.S. hockey teammate Caroline Harvey’s Olympic debut during the 2022 Beijing Games. The first recollection involves the then-19-year-old Harvey, who spent most of the final three games on the bench. The second memory highlights the impact she made during her brief appearances, showing remarkable confidence despite limited playing time in the gold medal match against Canada, where the team ultimately lost 3-2. Stecklein remarked on the uniqueness of Harvey’s ability to “turn it on” in such a high-stakes situation.
Fast forward to the Milan Cortina Games, and Harvey has transformed her Olympic experience into a shining opportunity. No longer sidelined, she has quickly become a key player in the U.S. team’s offense, leading them through the quarterfinals following a dominant preliminary round. The U.S. team swept its matches, scoring a tournament-high 20 goals, with Harvey contributing significantly as she is tied for the Olympic lead in points with two goals and five assists.
Her emergence can be attributed to both her personal growth and a new coaching philosophy under John Wroblewski, who has encouraged her to take initiatives on the ice. “The amount of times that she drove (the net) was insane,” Wroblewski said, praising her proactive style. Harvey showcased her skills with notable performances, including a game against Switzerland where she scored one goal and assisted on two others, followed by another strong effort against Canada.
Humility defines Harvey’s demeanor; she credits her development to her teammates and coaches rather than seeking the spotlight for herself. Despite a challenging experience in Beijing, where she was unable to contribute on the scoreboard, she remains optimistic and grateful for her current role.
Harvey’s talent shines through not only at the Olympics but also during her collegiate career at Wisconsin, where she has accumulated an impressive record and has garnered numerous accolades. Her accomplishments include being a two-time national champion and a two-time conference defender of the year, and she currently ranks second in NCAA women’s hockey with 54 points.
As a player who possesses what some may call the “It factor,” Harvey’s abilities have drawn comparisons to NHL pros and have impressed general managers, with one predicting she could be the top pick in the upcoming Professional Women’s Hockey League draft. Her teammates have also expressed their admiration, with Abbey Murphy calling her a “special player” whose skills really shine when she’s in the zone.
With each game in Milan, Harvey’s confidence grows, and her ability to drive the offense is turning heads. As she continues to evolve and adapt, Stecklein reflects on her journey, noting that her progression comes with pressure, yet she has remained consistent, improving with every opportunity. The hope is that Harvey will continue to dazzle at the Olympics, making her mark in a way that echoes her potential for success both now and in the future.