Coyne Schofield relishes breaking barriers after stealing show in skills event
Kendall Coyne Schofield understood the magnitude of the moment when she made history at the NHL's annual skills showcase Friday night.
The 2018 Olympic gold medalist became the first woman ever to compete in the All-Star Skills Competition, captivating fans, superstars, and legends alike when she led off the Fastest Skater event with an impressive lap after being named Nathan MacKinnon's replacement earlier in the day.
"My first impression was, I can do this," she told reporters afterwards, according to The Associated Press. "My speed is definitely my strength. Obviously, I was a little nervous. I knew it was a moment that could break a lot of barriers and a moment that would change the perception of our game and show support to our game."
Coyne Schofield added that the atmosphere in the SAP Center in San Jose also helped her overcome the nerves.
"The crowd was electrifying," she said. "To hear the USA chants, everyone erupted when I started. Definitely gave me some momentum and the adrenaline was pumping."
She finished in 14.346 seconds, beating Arizona Coyotes forward Clayton Keller's 14.526.
Coyne Schofield's performance more than impressed Cammi Granato.
"I was blown away," the Hockey Hall of Famer said, according to TSN's Frank Seravalli. "I thought it was incredible and inspiring. She was within a second of Connor McDavid. We’ve always wanted to be known as hockey players, not women trying to play a man’s sport. This was another huge step forward."
McDavid, who became the first player to win three Fastest Skater titles with his victory Friday night, also heaped praise on Coyne Schofield after seeing what she could do.
"When she took off, I was like, 'Wow!"' the Edmonton Oilers star said. "I thought she might have won the way she was moving. She was a really good skater and that was an amazing thing for the game to see her participate like that in an event like this."
Coyne Schofield had a message to impart after her trailblazing efforts.
"I would say, especially to young girls and to women, follow your dreams and believe in yourselves and there is nothing you can’t accomplish," she said, according to theScore's John Matisz. "I think (Friday night) was an example of that."