Cammi Granato Biography

One of America's most recognizable female athletes, Cammi Granato captained the U.S. team that won the inaugural women's Olympic ice hockey gold medal at the 1998 Nagano Games. Granato competed in all six games for the undefeated Americans and had the third highest point total in the tournament with 4 goals and 4 assists. She also was selected by her fellow American Olympians as U.S. flagbearer during the Closing Ceremony. Granato is the only member of Team USA to play in all seven International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) women's World Championships (1990, 1992, 1994, 1997, 1999, 2000 and 2001) and is the all time leading U.S. scorer at worlds with 72 points (43 goals and 29 assists).

Granato grew up in a family of rink rats in Downers Grove, Illinois. It is said that her parents, Don and Natalie, went to a Chicago Blackhawks game on their first date her brothers, Tony, Donny and Robby, all played for the University of Wisconsin. Tony played in the NHL for the San Jose Sharks, Los Angeles Kings and New York Rangers. At age 5, Cammi started playing hockey with her brothers and sister, Christina.

They played at a local park or in their backyard, which they would flood and freeze in cold weather. Soon thereafter, Cammi wanted to play organized hockey, but there were no leagues for girls her age. Instead, she joined a boys team, the Downers Grove Huskies, for which she played from kindergarten until her junior year in high school. She eventually accepted a scholarship and matriculated at Providence College in the fall of 1989. During her four years at Providence, Granato totaled 256 points in 99 games, she was a three time ECAC Player of the Year, and she completed her college career as the Friars' all time leading goal scorer (139). In May 1993, she graduated with a bachelor's degree in social science.

In June 1997, Granato was invited to attend training camp with the New York Islanders. Granato ultimately declined the offer, not wanting to become a sideshow and fearful that a solid hit by much bigger men's player could cause serious injury. Several goaltenders have been asked to attend NHL camps, but never before had a female position player been offered.

During the 1998 1999 NHL season, Granato took a job as a radio color commentator for the Los Angeles Kings. As such, she became only the second female broadcaster in NHL history. Granato gave up radio to prepare with Team USA for the Salt Lake Games.

Cammi Granato Topics

• Sports