Inside the Press Box: Tara Wheeler

Storming the Crease is conducting a series of interviews with people who cover (or work for) the Caps and the NHL. You can find a link to the series archives on the right sidebar. Today's 34th installment: Comcast Sports Net reporter Tara Wheeler.

1. Please tell us about your experiences playing youth and college hockey.

I started out playing hockey in the third grade when my dad, who was in the Army, was stationed at Ft. Devens, Mass. The "Mighty Ducks" movies were popular and I wanted to be a goalie like the "Julie the Cat" character. I played street and roller hockey at first then moved on to ice in high school.

By the time I was in high school, my family had relocated to Virginia. Since there was really no established girls program here, I played mainly with guys club teams. I tried out for the women's Olympic team my senior year of high school and, although I didn't make the squad, I gained a lot of exposure for colleges. I decided to play for Penn State and was the starting goalie for the Lady Icers from 2002-2005, when I had to sit out my senior year due to a back injury. I still play guest goalie for men's league teams in the area when they need someone to fill in.

2. How do you balance your CSN duties and your role as a former Miss Virginia?

My year as Miss Virginia definitely helped me to be a better reporter. I traveled around 4,000 miles a month last year to numerous speaking engagements and appearances. Each day, I met and befriended people from all backgrounds in addition to writing a blog for the www.missva.com Web site. I learned to manage my time and be comfortable in any situation, which has definitely helped me to be a more versatile reporter. Now I still get to write about the fun events I get to do currently because of the connections I made during my year as Miss Virginia.

3. Do you think a women's hockey league would ever be successful in the USA (in maybe a format similar to the WNBA)?

I absolutely think a women's hockey league could be successful in the U.S. as long as spectators are educated in the sport. If the come to see fights and heavy checking, they will be disappointed. But if they appreciate the sport for what it is: physical, yes, but more about grace and finesse, then I think women's hockey will be welcomed.

4. What are some of your favorite hockey-related memories?

My favorite hockey memories are: Trying out for the Olympic team and hitting the ice with the best athletes in the country. Up until then, I had not seen many truly talented female hockey players since I'd been skating with guys, so this opportunity was awesome for me. Also, the bond I formed with my Lady Icers teammates in college. They are still some of my best friends on and off the ice.

5. What do you do when you're not working?

When I'm not working, I'm still working! I bar-tend on the side and also nanny a fabulous little boy a few days a week. But work aside, I love playing in social league sports like kickball on the mall and also love to dance and sing.