Sandra Abstreiter shares how film study, better fueling, and smarter gear choices helped her rise to Germany’s starting job and a PWHL roster. We swap stories from the PWHL takeover tour, dig into mindset for starters and backups, and unpack how small gains stack into big jumps.

• jumping from skater to goalie at 16 and building skills fast through deliberate video study
• why comfort-driven gear choices accelerate confidence and flow on the ice
• practical fueling: carbs pre-ice, protein and creatine for recovery, electrolytes for heavy days
• monitoring training load with simple metrics to spot underfueling
• PWHL takeover tour energy and what fan momentum means for women’s hockey
• agency and brand support that removes friction and lets athletes focus on execution
• starter versus backup mindset: same game, same craft, reduced pressure
• facing elite shooters to raise standards and sharpen reads
• protecting identity beyond sport to sustain joy and resilience
• closing advice: don’t dream small dreams

Shout out to Perfect Sports, Pioneer Alder Grove Auto Group, Warrior, Hyperice, Howies, IQBAR, and more who supported camp and travel