SALEM, N.H. – David Harvey has heard the term, “Died and gone to heaven” and understood the inference.
Since being home for just over a week, he has his take on the saying, as in how he and his wife Martha actually lived it.
David’s daughter Caroline Harvey, also known as “K.K.,” is one of the best female hockey players alive – she can skate and handle the puck like no other – and was one of the stars of the Olympic gold medal winning USA women’s hockey team.
As in she was named the tournament MVP, also claiming the Best Defender and All-Star Team honors.
“Unbelievable,” said dad. “Just the best trip we’ve ever had.”
The Harveys have followed their daughter and have experienced things along the way that 99 percent of parents could only dream about. They have been to two Winter Olympic Games, World Championships, Big 10 championships and Frozen Fours (two wins and third on the horizon).
Not to take away from the 2022 Olympics Games in Bejing, China, but this was different in more ways than one.
“Caroline was younger; didn’t play as much,” said David. “We ended up losing (3-2) to the Canadians in the final. That was heartbreaking.”
What they experienced in Milan, Italy, just over a week ago, was, well, heaven.
“The hockey was amazing, obviously, and the gold medal game was extra special,” said David. “We played great and we knew Canada would never give-in. They both battled to the end. And to win in overtime, the way we did, it was an experience we will never forget.
“But it wasn’t just hockey. We had a blast visited parts of the country. We went to cooking classes. We visited churches. The Italian people were so friendly and welcoming. We did so many things as a family. And, of course, the ending couldn’t have been any better.”
David noted the weather was near perfect, about 50 degrees every day they were there.
They were busy as tourists and didn’t see as many Olympic events as they originally figured, but they did see, in person, the men’s hockey team’s opening game win over Latvia.
“We wanted to go to more men’s games, but after the first game the demand for tickets grew,” said David. “We were lucky to be in the arena for that one.”
They did run into several important figures in the sport, including Edmonton Oilers GM Stan Bowman, son of legendary Hall of Fame coach Scotty Bowman, and former Bruin and Minnesota Wild GM Billy Guerin, who was GM of the USA team.
“I had a few beers with Stan (Bowman) and he talked about his dad and a lot of incredible history,” said David. “I ran into Billy Guerin at the Ice House. He had his handprints on picking the men’s team. He was so great to talk to.”
David’s wife had some memorable meetings too, conversing with a few figure skating and speed-skating legends, including Scotty Hamilton, Kristi Yamaguchi and Apolo Ohno.
“The people we saw and talked to couldn’t have been nicer,” said David.
In the end, though, it was sharing this experience with family, which also included daughter, Grace, and brother, Nolan, which including a party that lasted until 4 a.m. after the gold medal win.
“We are grateful to USA Hockey for everything they did for our players and the families,” said David. “Beyond our experience as a family, what we will also remember is seeing the smile on Caroline’s face afterward. I think she really enjoyed this.
“I don’t think anything can top this. We wouldn’t have changed a thing.”