Meghan Agosta: Breaking Ice and Barriers #200

Buckle up for a riveting journey into the life of one of the world's top female hockey players, Meghan Agosta. Allow her compelling tale of rising from grassroots beginnings in Windsor, Ontario, to gracing the NHL and clinching four Olympic medals to inspire you. Feel the raw emotion as she recounts standing on the Olympic podium, the pride of wearing her country's jersey, and the fire in her belly that refused to let her accept defeat. Meghan's passion for the puck is infectious, and her tenacious spirit is sure to leave you motivated.

The tale doesn't end on the ice, though. Meghan's transition from hockey to serving the Vancouver Police Department is another testament to her adaptability and tenacity. Hear about the unique challenges she faced, balancing her love for the sport with a demanding day job and how she morphed them into an inspiring journey. Today, she uses her experiences as an elite athlete to inspire the next generation as a school liaison officer, proving that lessons from the rink can shape future leaders in any field. Her dedication to her community is a worthy tribute to her resilience.

Before we wrap up, Meghan has a special message for all aspiring athletes. Dream big, believe in yourself, and set goals. Using her own journey as a beacon, she encourages everyone to chase their passions without fear of boundaries. This conversation is a soul-stirring melange of motivation, wisdom, and the indomitable spirit of a true champion. Don't miss out on this episode; tune in to get inspired by an incredible athlete and an equally incredible human, Meghan Agosta.

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Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:00

But to me, at the end of the day, it's like not about the gold medals that I've won, it's about trying to inspire the younger generation to do something special in their lives, and if I could do that, then my job is done.

Speaker 2: 0:09

You're the most decorated racquetball player in US history, world's strongest man, from childhood passion to professional athlete, eight-time Ironman champion. So what was it like making your debut in the NHL? What is your biggest piece of advice for the next generation of athletes, from underdogs to national champions? This is the Athletes Podcast, where high performance individuals share their triumphs, defeats and life lessons to educate, entertain and inspire the next generation of athletes. Here we go. Megan Augusta is a four-time Olympic medalist, winning gold for Canada in 2006 with Turin, 2010 in Vancouver, which we all know about 2014 in Sochi and most recently, 2018 winning silver in Pyeongchang. As one of Canada's, if not one of the world's, best female hockey players ever to grace the ice. We are honored today to feature Megan Augusta here on the 200th episode of the Athletes Podcast. Here we go. I wanted to say thank you so much for coming on the show, like you said, almost a year in the making, getting this conversation set up here in White Rock of all places, my hometown where you've migrated to and originally born in Windsor correct.

Speaker 1: 1:20

Yeah, born and raised in Windsor, Ontario. I say Windsor because if I say where I was really born and raised, people wouldn't know where that is. I was actually Ruth in Ontario, Okay, but I say Windsor. So, yeah, my hockey career was in Leamington and once I started playing, like, I guess, AAA hockey, that's when I my parents started kind of traveling with me but yeah, for the most part that's where my childhood was, you know the grassroots of where my career all started.

Speaker 2: 1:49

The grassroots of what is arguably one of the best female hockey players to ever grace the ice, someone who we were fortunate to meet at the RBC JCC Sports Dinner, where you were recognized as the Jack Diamond Sports Personality of the Year Award winner, and they recognize an individual has consistently demonstrated a competitive and cooperative spirit, who has excelled in the field of sport and who has made a positive contribution to our community. So for that I say thank you, but I'd also like to ask what it meant to receive that award.

Speaker 1: 2:20

You know what it was an honor and a privilege, especially being born and raised in Ontario. You know spending the last 10 years here in Vancouver, you know, continuing my hockey career. You know it was. It was really hard because in 2014, when I actually moved here to start my policing career, I did have to take that year off. Hockey Canada supported me, went through police academy, you know, started my career. You know, nine months later and you know I was eating, sleeping, training at different times but I made zero excuses.

Speaker 1: 2:50

No women's league here I found myself playing with, you know, the Midget AAA boys here at Alangley God bless them for allowing me to come and practice with them and then playing with the Vancouver Police men's team and then, once I turned 30, the over 30 RCMP team.

Speaker 1: 3:06

So it was a challenge. It was one of the biggest challenges in my whole career. But just knowing you know me as an individual and the determination that I had, I wasn't going to take no for an answer and going to one more Olympic with something that I wanted to do. So you know, looking back now, you know, within those three years, three and a half years of, you know, doing everything I can to be the best I could be in hopes to going to that 2018 Olympics. You know, really, I guess I guess allowed me to, I guess showcase who I was here within the city of Vancouver. You know giving my time, you know skills development stuff, you know as a police officer, yeah, so just you know, I think I was more in shock when they told me that I was the recipient, but again, definitely an honor and a privilege. You know, I do represent Vancouver now and this is my home and this is where my family is, and I'm very proud of it.

Speaker 2: 4:04

And you probably humbled some midget AAA Langley boys in the process. I'm sure you know what they were.

Speaker 1: 4:07

Great, they were awesome, I think they looked up to me, but it's always a lot different when you know, especially being a female, that's not my team going out there. They opened, they had their arms wide open, they welcomed me with, you know, open arms and they're the ones who really pushed me to be the best that I could be. And after the 2018 Olympics, I was, you know, truthfully, one of my best Olympics, the most consistent I ever was. So hats off and thanks to them and even, you know, the Vancouver Police Men's team and the RCMP team for allowing me to come out and play with them.

Speaker 2: 4:40

It's amazing to hear you say that that was your best Olympic games when, in 2010, you had nine goals, six assists top score at those winner games voted most valuable player and best forward, being named to the media all star team. Like everyone, remembers 2010,. What it was like? What comes to mind first for you, other than gold? You know what being Canadian, being able to go to the Olympics- and play on home soil was definitely an honor and a privilege.

Speaker 1: 5:13

And yeah, I mean, we had so much pressure leading into the Olympics because we were, you know, on home soil. But you know, our coaching staff prepared us. We knew as a team that we were better, you know, than all the other countries. But when it comes down to it, anything could happen. So we just kind of had to stay focused and when you know, the puck dropped, we did what we needed to do and I think it showed who the better team was in that Olympics. But you know, just being Canadian walking the streets, you know whether you're skating on the ice for the first time for warm-ups or you know it's the first or the ninth goal. You know the stands was absolutely electric, the city was electric, Everybody was cheering for, you know, team Canada as a whole. And that's definitely a memory and probably my most memorable Olympics. For sure, you know, all my family couldn't make it because my brother was playing university hockey and whatnot, but even though they weren't there, it's definitely one of my favorites Olympics.

Speaker 2: 6:13

Looking back now, what was it that changed over the course of those eight years that made Pyeongchang so much better for you from a performance standpoint?

Speaker 1: 6:22

I think, just growing as an athlete, both on and off the ice, taking on more of a leadership role To me it wasn't. I've always been that player that wanted to take the younger players under my wing and make them feel comfortable and confident to play their best so that our team could be successful. And we weren't successful and we lost in shootout in 2018, but I think, just looking at my overall performance, personally, I thought I did very well and just that whole year I was super consistent and the coaches really looked to me to kind of lead and lead by example with the rest of the team and I took a lot of pride in that. And then just looking back and again like having my policing career, eating, sleeping, training at different times there being no women's league here I was actually very proud of myself for what I accomplished and how well I actually played. So, yeah, I mean, every Olympics is different, different teams, different memories.

Speaker 1: 7:17

2006, when I look at that, like my dad was born and raised in Italy, so my first Olympics in Italy was very special, where all my family was there and you know, I was only 18 at the time. So, yeah, I mean I'm very proud of my career. It's kind of crazy, but to me at the end of the day it's like not about the gold medals that I've won, it's about trying to inspire the younger generation to do something special in their lives, and if I could do that, then my job is done.

Speaker 2: 7:40

You're aligned with the athlete's podcast mission to educate, entertain and inspire the next gen.

Speaker 1: 7:44

That's a good thing.

Speaker 2: 7:46

That's why we've been pushing to get you on the show here. It's amazing we're able to do it for the 200th episode. You mentioned 2006, Turin. I believe the day was December 21st. You got the call for that to be designated to join Team Canada. What was that like as an 18 year old joining that team? You mentioned being the one that brings younger players under your wing.

Speaker 1: 8:08

Yeah. So growing up, ever since I was six years old, I was always my dream to represent Canada and go to Olympic games, with a lot of sacrifice and hard work. Yeah, that was. I remember. In the summer the head coach, melody Davidson, gave me a call. She said, hey, you're one of I think it was 27 or 28 girls to be able to try out for Team Canada. And I had tears running down my cheeks. I'm like, oh my God, this is my chance, this is my opportunity, and everything that I did leading up to this point has given me that chance. So, going there, growing up, you know you have many childhood heroes. A lot of mine were like Cassie Campbell, and on the men's side it was Steve Iserman. And now, like realizing, oh my gosh, I'm in the same dressing room as them.

Speaker 1: 8:49

At the beginning, you know, I was homesick. First time moving away from home I wasn't performing and you know Mel pulled me aside a month and a half, two months in and was like Megs, you know, like we brought you here for a reason. We believe in you. You just gotta go out there and play and play to your full potential and if you don't, then we kind of have to release you. And I went home that night and I'm like, what am I doing? Like this is such an amazing opportunity, I don't wanna have any regrets.

Speaker 1: 9:14

And the next day I and moving forward. I just came to the rink and I just gave it my all. I played to my full potential. I wasn't thinking about things that I couldn't control. I was, you know, thinking about the things that I could and by the end of it I think I had like the most points within that like kind of season and I feel like they had no choice but to take me. But I was nervous. Definitely, they went, they called the meeting they're gonna make the team. It went from oldest to youngest and of course, the oldest was Danielle Goyette at 40. So even that big age gap was a lot different. Like, yeah, I knew who these girls were, but you know, they weren't like I wasn't really friends with them.

Speaker 2: 9:51

So I was like I was billeted.

Speaker 1: 9:53

Anyways, going into the, my meeting finally was my turn and I just knew, you know, I gave it my all and I'd have zero regrets. So when I went in, the three coaches were on one side, I was on the other and Mel looked at me and she said congratulations, megs, you're one of the 21 girls going. And I just had tears rolling down my cheeks and I just couldn't wait to get out and call my parents and my family and let them know that, oh my gosh, like I'm gonna be representing Canada in my first Olympics. And yeah, it was just definitely a dream come true and definitely, you know a moment again that I'll never forget.

Speaker 2: 10:26

And when you look back, I mean decades in the sport. You've now started the Augusta's High Performance Hockey Academy. You have the Megan Augusta Foundation. Were there? Specific moments throughout those career, defining moments that stood out. You're like oh, this is why I continue to come back play this sport, why I love it, why I do work night shift, come back train with Langley. Like what were those? Like inspirations or things that you reminded of yourself.

Speaker 1: 10:55

Yeah, well, like I mean, growing up, I've had two passions in my life, that's hockey and policing, and I take a lot of pride in, I guess, fulfilling both of those dreams. You know, with playing for Team Canada, I was, you know, fortunate enough to wear the Maple Leaf on my chest and, you know, being a Vancouver Police Officer, I wear the Maple Leaf on my shoulder flash and you know I take a lot of pride in it. I can't thank the Vancouver Police enough for even giving me, you know, that opportunity to, you know, pursue my career and go to one more Olympics. The support that I've had from them has been, you know, outstanding. But, yeah, just, you know, as a little girl, like, I went to Jaina Heffert's Hockey School and I remember leaving there and I told my parents like it'd be so cool to play with them one day. And not only did I play on the same team in 2010, I was Jaina Heffert's like a centerman.

Speaker 1: 11:45

So I mean, like, just thinking of that, and you know it starts with a dream like, find your passion, believe in yourself and your abilities, don't be afraid to fail. And you know, with a lot of the knowledge and experiences that I've had with representing Canada with being a police officer. You know, I just I love kids, I love helping kids. I wanna be able to give back and that's kind of the legacy that I wanna leave is. You know, what could I do to make that next boy or girls dream come true? I love the game of hockey, I love teaching it. You know, having my camp back East like this past summer, I had 120 kids within two weeks and you know the smiles on their faces, the memories that they have.

Speaker 1: 12:26

You know those are the things that last a lifetime with me. And you know, now having a little girl she she just started playing hockey this year and coaching her team and just seeing the smile on her face and just being like, oh my gosh, like how they progress, like every single day, every week, every month, it's been unbelievable. And now just being that hockey mom and giving my kids all the opportunities in the world and kind of we'll see where it goes. But you know, hockey was my passion. If that's my daughter or my son's passion, you know I'm going to be behind them 100% with my husband. And you know, giving them, you know, all those chances and hopes that they could kind of do some cool things like like myself one day.

Speaker 2: 13:03

Absolutely. Do you get caught up in the moment? Are you behind the bench screaming and yelling? Are you a crazy hockey mom or?

Speaker 1: 13:09

I don't think I'm a crazy hockey mom, but I just want everybody to do well and be successful and have fun. And you know, I think at this age especially, you know chances four turning five next weekend. Just have fun.

Speaker 2: 13:21

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 13:21

Enjoy what you're doing and and everything else will kind of fall into place and there's just still so young and, you know, just being able to live that healthy lifestyle, doing something they love, making friends, you know those memories she'll be able to look back like her mom one day and just be like, wow, like what a great childhood I had. And that's that's what I I do, as you know, a woman. Now, looking back on my career, I don't think it's hit me that I've, you know, have been to four different Olympics, having three gold and one silver. But I think one day, later on it's, I'm going to look back and and definitely, you know, be very proud of the accomplishments that I've I've made, I guess, with throughout my career.

Speaker 2: 13:58

If you haven't, yeah, you should be. I can confidently say you like. I mentioned at the beginning of this episode one of the best female hockey players to ever grace the ice and I say that confidently. I was actually talking with Carly Heffernan, who was episode 183 of the show, who played for played for Harvard hockey, was on the national team growing up and she idolized you as well, and one of the things she was wondering was around how hockey has changed to allow a family during the career and how that's become more accepted. Someone like Natalie Spooner, for instance, who Phoenix and I actually met at the PWHL draft a couple months ago in Toronto. How does that make you feel seeing that?

Speaker 1: 14:41

I think it's. It's absolutely amazing. You know, I think a lot of my teammates were like, why would you start your career? And you know, just because you know, I guess when you think of hockey and you think of team Canada, you eat, sleep and play hockey right.

Speaker 1: 14:57

And for me, after the 2014 Olympics, I just felt like I met the right people. Everything kind of fell into my lap and I'm like, why am I not starting my career? I should. I need to think bigger picture too, because, you know, I'm not going to be able to play the game of hockey forever, as much as we all want to, and I kind of just thought, like, what better opportunity? And, you know, I took the leap of faith. I ended up applying. Within three months I was hired and I'm like, oh man, now this is real. And then I had to call Mel Davidson because she was the GM at the time, and I just kind of said to her like I'm not ready to retire. But you know, I feel like this is what's best for me as an athlete and as a person, and policing has always been something that I've wanted to do since high school.

Speaker 1: 15:40

You know, I'd hear lights or see lights, hear sirens and want to let go and see what they're up to, and so that's part of the reason why, when I was on a full ride scholarship to Mercyhurst University, I wanted to take criminal justice, and so I graduated Mercyhurst with criminal justice and a minor in criminal psychology, knowing that I wanted to be a police officer. So, yeah, I just kind of went through that, took that year off again, had had zero regrets. I'm very proud of being able to kind of juggle both. It wasn't easy, it was definitely challenging, but I was up for the challenge and I love to be put under pressure. But, yeah, and then after the 2018 Olympics, that's when I had my, my little girl chance and you know I really wanted to come back.

Speaker 1: 16:23

It just didn't work out the way that. You know I was planning, but you know, I'm very proud of the career that I had and very proud to say that I've represented Canada on, you know, numerous occasions with world championships and Olympics. And you know, again, now it's my turn to be able to give that to my kids and give them those chances. But, you know, for these women who are having children and continuing to play, I think it's such an amazing thing. And, again like I totally get what they're going through, because it's not easy to get your body back and then you know, be up all hours of the night with a little newborn. But as hockey players we have that fight, we're determined, we're willing to do whatever it takes and I think it shows.

Speaker 2: 17:05

Absolutely does. You mentioned world championships. You were part of eight of them, I believe, if I'm correct here, winning gold in 07 and 2012, with silver medals to go along with it, coming from a number one overall draft pick in 2011 in the CWHL. What do you think needs to be a focus for this new league of the PWHL? The recent teams announced the six. Is there anything that particular stands out comes to mind when you think about or when you go through these conversations?

Speaker 1: 17:36

Yeah, I was never really a part of that, just based off of my career, and I've already kind of taken a step back. But no, I think they've done a great job with you know how they got that league up and running and they had the draft and I think it was a very exciting time for everybody, not just the women who are getting drafted, but, you know, the younger boys and girls, especially the little girls, looking up to these amazing athletes. And yeah, it's only a matter of time that it's going to continue getting better. But you know, it would be nice in time to have, you know, other teams, especially out this way here in Vancouver. I know it's super expensive, but I think it would be amazing to see. And who knows, maybe one day, you know, my little girl will be a part of that league and but you know, like anything it takes time. But I think they've done a great job.

Speaker 2: 18:21

And I think recent media reports have said that it was four years ago. Media share was 4% for women's sports and we're up to 15% now.

Speaker 1: 18:29

So we're slowly getting there. Yeah, it's great to see.

Speaker 2: 18:32

We're trying to do it more here on the athletes podcast so that Chance sees it right and so that other little girls down can see the fact that you know incredible women deserve to have the same media share.

Speaker 1: 18:42

Yeah, exactly.

Speaker 2: 18:43

That men receive. One of the things that I was really curious about is, like you were the interviewer on Canucks with Cars a couple times, interviewing some fun individuals, one of those being Bruce Boudreau, who we had on the hundredth episode. So every hundred we keep the hockey thing consistent, but anything stand out from doing that sitting on the other side being asked, being the one asking the questions.

Speaker 1: 19:08

Yeah, well, originally when they asked, I was like, okay, I could do, what's just another interview kind of thing. This is kind of cool. But then when they emailed me back saying, no, you're going to be the one interviewing them, I'm like oh no, but what an amazing experience to be able to interview, you know, these great athletes. I knew a lot of them, you know, with being a part of the Canucks alumni and whatnot. But Bruce's episode was great. I thought he was he's such a great person, amazing coach, and it was really nice to be able to get to know him more on a personal level and I thought it was a great opportunity for me. I'm not sure that broadcasting is in my future, but definitely something that, again, I took a lot of pride in and I thought it was a really cool thing to kind of, you know, be on the other side, you know, asking these, these guys, these questions and kind of just getting to know a lot more about them.

Speaker 2: 20:01

Yeah, gaby, he's a good one.

Speaker 2: 20:03

He was a lot of fun when we were able to chat with him in Niagara. Actually, you've mentioned your, your other career, policing. I wanted to shine like we've had multiple first responders on the show, because there's a direct correlation with athletes, high performers. How much do you think the world of athletics translates into your career now? And the lessons that you learned growing up from? You know whether it's time management, whether it's physical fitness. How else does that apply for, maybe, athletes who are transitioning out of sport and considering a new career?

Speaker 1: 20:33

Right, like I mean time management, physical fitness, 100%. But for me, I always my whole life has been being a part of a team, and for policing it's the same thing. You're a part of a team and you go into these calls together, you come out together and then I again, I love being under pressure and policing especially, you're in a lot of pressure. There's highs, there's lows, but yeah, I just. I think the biggest reason why I wanted to become a police officer was because I wanted to help people. You know, when people's life are in the balance, they call 911 and we're there within like minutes.

Speaker 1: 21:08

I've taken on a new role with the Vancouver police. I'm now a school liaison officer. So now, using my hockey background With youth, you know being that inspiration. You know having, I guess, kids of my own, understanding kids about a heck of a lot more and just being there when you know these, these, the schools need me, but also when these kids need me and to be a person to talk to and have, you know, those positive relationships.

Speaker 1: 21:35

You know everybody, most of the people that I talked to, remembers their school liaison officer. So I take a lot of pride in that. I'm very, you know, proud to have, I guess have. My most of my career has been operational with patrol for the past nine, nine and a half years, so now to kind of change it up and to be in schools every day. You know it's been really cool. So far it's only been a month and a bit, but yeah, just be that inspiration for, you know, these younger generation of kids and kind of keep them on that right track and hope that you know they could be successful in their lives.

Speaker 2: 22:06

to no, that's amazing. And you mentioned mercy her. See, you knew basically from a young age that you wanted to go in policing. There's never a doubt.

Speaker 1: 22:14

Yeah, never a doubt, always policing. You know, I was growing up I thought of like nursing or like being a contractor or not, but policing was definitely my number one. And you know, once I graduated from Earth's air, so it was just a matter of when and where. And then, after the 2014 Olympics, everything kind of fell into my lap. I was doing events out here. It kind of seemed like all my events were here in Vancouver after 2014 Olympics. And then my brother lived out here during that time and I met some of his teammates that played for the Vancouver police team and he's like hey, you got to go out and play with the guys. I'm like I'm here for an event, I'm not going to go Play with the guys. He's like no, no, you have to. They're expecting you know what.

Speaker 1: 22:51

So then, after you've been fallen told, right like after the game, we started talking and they're like yeah, vancouver police are hiring, you should apply. And I'm like you know what I'm going to do it and I didn't, and then I just got hired so again, just then I met my husband and you know we have such a beautiful family.

Speaker 1: 23:06

I have two step boys Jaden, who's 13, jackson, who's 10 chance is turning five next weekend and my little guy, rylan, just turned two days ago. So busy, busy household. I come from a family of six, so 50% of the time there's six of us, the other 50 there's just four of us. But it's great again. I love being a mom and I went change my world, my life, for anything I absolutely love. You know the journey and the path that I've taken and you know policing is, you know I look at it not as a job, I look at it more as a hobby. So to be able to do something you know not playing the game of hockey anymore professionally and doing something else that I love, it's been a really cool, I guess, career thus far.

Speaker 2: 23:48

And it's helping people which seems to be reoccurring with you. Happy birthday belated to Ryland as well. We'll make sure he might be on the athletes podcast in 20 years too, hopefully, hopefully. I'm sure he's got tons of energy. What brought you to White?

Speaker 1: 24:01

Rock. So yeah, just, my brother lived in North Van at the time so when I went through police academy I lived with him and then after that my husband. He was born and raised in Lady Smith. He lived out here in Surrey and we just looked for a house in White Rock.

Speaker 1: 24:17

So Surrey area and we found we actually like built a townhouse one of those and then we moved into another townhouse, kind of rented that one out and then we sold both for a single family home. So we feel really blessed. We love where we live. I love this area. You know I'll never forget where I was born and raised. I go there every summer. I do miss home, I miss my family, I miss my friends, but then again, you know this is where you know we've chosen to raise our family and I think it's really cool. Like I was born and raised in a really small town, same with my husband, jason, but you know, our kids being able to, I guess, grow up living in a big city is a lot different, but who knows where, you know, life will take us.

Speaker 2: 24:56

White Rock. White Rock known as a huge city now.

Speaker 1: 24:58

Well, no, I'm saying like so sorry, but yeah, yeah, I'm kidding.

Speaker 2: 25:03

I only say that because I you know I did the opposite. I went out to Toronto for a bit, yeah, and if I tell anyone I say I'm from Vancouver, just because explaining White Rock takes that extra couple of pieces Right, exactly. It's funny because White Rock is, you know, part of the greater Vancouver area and you're only 40 minutes away, and you get in through transit nicely, I'm sure.

Speaker 1: 25:22

Exactly. Well, we're always born and raised. It's really flat farmland, but here it's the beautiful mountains, the oceans, the beaches, so you can't beat it when people come out here.

Speaker 1: 25:31

They understand why and they get why it's so expensive. But yeah, I do miss home but I'm back every summer and it's really cool. I get to bring my family and, you know, my two little ones. They get to see where I was born and raised, where I went to school, where I started my hockey career, my little journey. So yeah, I guess time will tell, but you know, we're open to kind of be wherever and as long as you know our kids are doing what they, what they love to do, and you know, getting that education, that's what's most important.

Speaker 2: 26:00

Were you playing on the outdoor rink back at home?

Speaker 1: 26:03

Oh yeah, my dad would build an outdoor rink every winter and it was super cold. But you know, my brother and I would, you know, make sure that we watered it every night. It was ready to go every morning. We would use our basement like as our change room. We'd have the tunes going, the hot chocolate, my mom would be doing that kind of thing. So, again, like those memories, that's.

Speaker 1: 26:21

It's unfortunate that we can't have those types of winners here, because my husband and I would build a rink for our kids and they would absolutely love it. But you know, with Chance being in hockey now and she's on the ice three times a week, I think it's really good, especially for her age. But then again, we'll kind of see where life takes them and life takes us and we're just excited to be able to, you know, have healthy kids who are able to, you know, play sports, and sports are a big part of my husband and I's life. So, yeah, we'll kind of just see where it goes. My stepson plays FC Co still here, and he's a really good soccer player, so we're super busy on weekends.

Speaker 2: 26:57

Yeah, never stops.

Speaker 1: 26:58

But that's kind of the way my parents' life was. So now I'm just, you know, kind of living through, I guess, what they did and then just like being that mom, but we enjoy it and we're very thankful.

Speaker 2: 27:09

Do you think those games growing up on the outdoor rink with your brother contributed to your success?

Speaker 1: 27:15

100%, you know, I mean my parents had to pull me inside every day, like I was outside every day, you know, on my rollerblades, other by myself or with my brother playing street hockey with the neighborhood kids, like it was every single day. Shots, you know, working on my skills, working on my skating, but that was my passion, like I loved it. And I feel like nowadays, like with these athletes, like there's some that are like, oh my God, like the Conor Bedards right, like, shot after shot, working on you know, different skills to you know be successful. It's really amazing to see and that's what type of athlete I was and yeah, we'll kind of, I guess, see where chance and Rylan go with that. But yeah, like as a mom, I just I love, we love being outside, we love, you know, playing sports.

Speaker 2: 28:03

So yeah, it's an interesting thing when there there's always seems to be the cream that rises to the top. But people have varying interests. And now you know, a guy like Nicola Yotich in the NBA treats his NBA job as a job, like he goes home in the summers and raises horses Like he doesn't give a damn about basketball afterwards, which is crazy. Yeah, he's still one of the best athletes you do need.

Speaker 1: 28:27

You do need breaks once in a while, for sure, but I growing up I don't think I had many breaks Like. I was figure skating and playing hockey at some point in grade school or elementary.

Speaker 1: 28:37

I was playing every sport, but I just love sports Like it was in my, my blood, I guess, and you know, having a brother who you know was into sports as well, we just pushed each other and I mean he was successful in hockey. He never made it to the NHL but he got a full ride, scholarship. He went overseas and played, you know, pro over there. So you know our experiences together and now we're like coaching his son and my daughter together this year, so it's kind of like full circle.

Speaker 2: 29:02

It's really cool, so cool. Um, obviously still playing hockey with the Vancouver men's police team, but, um, because sports were such an impact and because you have the beaches and the mountains, what sports are you guys getting into now? Are you doing anything outside of hockey and chasing around the kids?

Speaker 1: 29:18

Well, yeah, like, I mean, soccer is big, we love going to parks, we love going for hikes, um, you know, with chance and runs, still being a little bit young, we can't really get them into, you know, like the baseball or the golf or um, you know, but they love swimming. I mean, the sky's the limit really. Um, I think in time, time will tell. But yeah, like, we just want to give our kids, you know, all the opportunities. Look at all the sports you could play. You know, give them those chances and then just let them choose.

Speaker 2: 29:45

Yeah.

Speaker 1: 29:47

You know again, hockey is my passion, but you know, their passion might be different and, as a mom, I just want to support them and, you know, give them, you know, those chances and those opportunities.

Speaker 2: 29:55

Did you play a bunch growing up too? That's one of the things we, like I, always want to reference, like, okay, it shouldn't just be hockey from three years old. Yeah, yeah, no, we breaks.

Speaker 1: 30:04

I started in figure skating, switched to hockey, played hockey. In the summers I would do golf or I would play baseball, um, and then, yeah, just like even just have time off, really. But in in elementary I played everything like basketball, soccer, badminton, you know, track, cross country.

Speaker 1: 30:22

Like I literally did it all. But again, like I just absolutely love sports, but that's just me as an individual and you know everybody's different and but you do need breaks. Like a lot of the parents come to me at hockey school and they're like, hey, like I signed my kid up for all these things. I'm like, no, like they, like they need a break. Like don't burn them out, especially nowadays. Right, like there's so many different things you can get into, um, but you know, playing different sports it's going to allow you to be an all around, you know athlete other than just like focusing on one.

Speaker 2: 30:48

Yeah, I, uh, I always like to sneak that in there for those coaches, parents that are watching, and make sure they take note that it's important to play other things and you can still end up being one of the best hockey players in the world.

Speaker 2: 31:00

Um, megan Augusta, I can't thank you enough for coming on the show, sharing your knowledge, wisdom. The way we wrap up every episode, we ask our guests their biggest piece of advice for the next generation of athletes, and before we get to the fuel, to her way segment, I'd love for you to share what your biggest piece of advice would be.

Speaker 1: 31:16

Um, mine would be to set goals, dream big, believe in yourself and in your abilities, and the sky's the limit. I mean, I'm coming from a really small town. You blink, you miss, and if I could do it, you could do it too. And again, like to me, it's not about the goals, those gold medals and silver medal that I've won, it's about trying to inspire the younger generation to do something special in their lives. And it starts with a dream. And then you know, go with your passion and, again, the sky's the limit. But thank you.

Speaker 2: 31:41

Man, I uh for those for chance and rider, the two that get to hear that every night, they're very lucky. Uh if you don't just play this episode on repeat, because that was inspiring. I really appreciate your time, megan.

Speaker 1: 31:53

Awesome. Thank you very much. Bye.