A typical week for Gophers defender Chloe Primerano includes all of the normal classwork of a college sophomore, plus Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) membership, national team camps and the very real possibility of an Olympic roster spot. 

“It’s been pretty busy,” Primerano said. “Obviously it’s so much fun, getting the opportunity to try out for the Olympic team, but also to play here with my college team.”

With the Winter Olympics just months away, everything feels bigger. Every shift and game carries so much more meaning, but Primerano is careful not to let it overwhelm her. She focuses on treating this season the same way she does any other, by showing up and competing hard. 

Last season as a freshman, Primerano made an immediate impact. She led all Gophers defenders with 31 points and picked up several WCHA honors, including being named a finalist for WCHA Rookie of the Year. 

Through nine games this season, she has six points. She has had a few interruptions in her college schedule, though, ones that come with chasing an Olympic dream. 

Two weeks ago, Primerano represented Canada in the opening games of the Rivalry Series. A four-game competition leading up to the Winter Olympics. 

Canada dropped both games to the United States, but it is important to note they were missing some veteran players. For Primerano, the experience was a big takeaway and an opportunity to skate in one of the biggest hockey rivalries. 

“They’re exhibition games, but they don’t feel like them when you’re on the ice,” Primerano said. “The competition level is so high and obviously the rivalry is huge.”

Though the games did not go how Canada wanted, Primerano noted the series felt different for her this year. She felt she played with more confidence and responsibility than last year.

Last season, when she was 17, Primerano got her first taste of the Rivalry Series. She instantly felt the weight of the rivalry and responded, scoring the shootout winner in her second game. Moments like that are part of what makes the rivalry so special. On any given night, anyone can become the hero. 

“The moment I stepped out on the ice for the first time, you can really see it,” Primerano said. “You see the rivalry and the hatred for each other.”

Canada remains one of the most veteran-heavy teams in women’s hockey, which often makes Primerano the youngest player at camps. Instead of being intimidated, she embraced the challenge, and the team embraced her back.

“I feel like they do a really good job of welcoming everyone,” Primerano said. “With these past few training blocks, we’ve been living in Airbnbs with different players, so it’s been fun to get to know people really well. These past few months together have really helped the camaraderie.”

Still, the pressure of competing for limited roster spots can be heavy. Primerano admitted at first, she thought about it constantly. Over time, she shifted her mindset. 

“There’s really not much you can do besides put your best foot forward,” Primerano said. “You just worry about the games you have and the time you have.”

If she gets named to the roster in February, it will be a dream come true. 

“It would be a huge honor,” Primerano said. “The Olympics are something I’ve dreamed of since I was young. Being able to represent something bigger than myself, it would mean everything.”

Primerano is not the only Gopher chasing a ticket to Milano. 

On the other side, Team USA is stacked with ties to Gopher hockey. Taylor Heise, Grace Zumwinkle, Kelly Pannek and Lee Stecklein are all fighting for roster spots of their own. 

Then, there is graduate student Abbey Murphy, Primerano’s college teammate and international rival. Murphy had a hat trick in game 1 of the Rivalry Series, bringing her signature edge to the lineup.

For Primerano, facing Murphy is always fun, but never easy.  

“She’s a great friend and I love it when we’re on the same team,” Primerano said. “But playing against her, she’s a tough competitor, so it sucks.”

Still, there is pride in seeing each other succeed on the world stage. It is something the program takes pride in, too. 

“Our goal is to prepare our players as best we can for the next level, and our guys are tearing it up out there, which is fun to see,” head coach Brad Frost said. 

For Primerano, the support from teammates and coaches moves her closer to the biggest opportunity of her career.