Kristen Olychuck
Pro Hockey to Bikini
How old were you when you started playing hockey and did you start in net?
I started playing on the ice when I was 8; goal when I was 11. I loved hockey all my life and started playing on the street with the boys at 3.
What motivated you to play hockey?
I always wanted to play street hockey with the boys on my block. I would always beg my older brother to bring me with him. Finally my mom made him take me.
The first time playing I broke my nose (it's still slightly crooked to this day!). Somehow that experience had me hooked.
When did you play college hockey?
I played my college hockey at University of Vermont and graduated in 2010. I then played a year of pro hockey in Leksand, Sweden. After that I started my own goaltender coaching business and have been doing that since 2011. I started coaching when I was 16.
Growing up, did you play other sports?
I played almost any sport that you can dream of. I was always athletic and if there was an opportunity to try something new I never hesitated. My poor parents spent a lot of time driving me around to all of my sports!
How and when did you transition from Kristen the goalie to Kristen Bikini Beast?
As I said, I have always been athletic. I have always loved working out and training my body to be better. I was a high performance athlete, so mental training and nutritional training for sport was something that I was already accustomed to.
After retiring from hockey due to a hip injury, I needed something new to train for. A couple of my good friends mentioned that we should do the tri-fitness challenge in Florida in 2013. We held to it, trained together and did very well at the competition.
I caught the bug and have been hooked ever since.
Sometimes you play goal with NHL players facing some of the best shooters in the world. Who has the hardest shot?
Shea Weber has the hardest shot, followed by Brent Seabrook. Other's I've been on the ice with are Josh Gorges, Jordin Tootoo, Blake Comeau, Carey Price, James Reimer, Ryan Getzlaf, Andrew Ladd, Duncan Keith, Dany Heatley, Troy Bodie, the list goes on and on.