HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) – Team USA took on Team Canada on the ice at the XL Center in Hartford Monday night.

Some of the best women’s hockey players in the world are in town for an Olympic game’s warmup. If you’re a hockey fan, it’s an excellent chance to see some of the best players in a great rivalry game.

The game is part of the “My Why” Tour and News 8 asked players from Team USA why it’s so important to promote this sport, especially to the next generation.

“So, for all these young hockey players that come out and see us and know that they can beat us if they want to. I think it’s so important, it’s one of the best roles that we have, not just as player role models in ambassadors of the stand, it’s a role that our group takes very seriously, and so every time that we get the opportunity to play in front of a crowd, especially the future of this game, it’s an honor,” said Kendall Coyne Schofield, Forward on Team USA.

“Honestly, if you enjoy the game, just continue to play. That’s the biggest thing if you love the game, continue to play, but also my biggest thing is stay competitive and make sure you’re working hard. That’s how you’re going to get to the next level and get to where you want to get to,” said Brianna Decker, Forward for Team USA.

News 8 also spoke to former Choate star Hilary Knight.

“It’s surreal right because I still feel like I’m at that age but I’m quite a bit more years older. I forget how close Choate is to Hartford. It brings back memories of just how much that school and that experience and those people shaped me to be the human I am today but also set me up for success in a team environment as well,” Knight said.

Success is an understatement. The 32-year-old has won at every level, including NCAA titles and Olympic gold. But just how much longer will she play?

It’s simple for me, it’s two things. One, it has to continue to be fun and two, I have to be able to add value both on and off the ice so as long as I can check those two boxes, I’m good to go,” she said.

Her Olympic coach and teammates hope she doesn’t hang up the skates anytime soon.

“Hilary personifies what it means to be a USA Women’s National Team Hockey player and I think for those that know her globally actually now, she represents the best as a female athlete in this generation,” said Head Coach Joel Johnson. “For everybody that gets a chance to watch her, it’s a once in a lifetime moment.”