Christmas present to US women’s hockey team: chance to skate at Fenway Park

US Women’s team takes ice for Fenway practice

BOSTON — The U.S. women’s Olympic hockey team got a Christmas present from the coaching staff this week: a chance to skate on the field at Fenway Park.

The team was on the ice used for the NHL’s Winter Classic for about an hour this morning. Much of the time was spent posing for pictures or horsing around with family and friends. After a quick pep talk from Miracle on Ice star Mike Eruzione, they were off to Madison for another exhibition game.

The women head to Vancouver next month for the 2010 Olympics.

The ice was set up at baseball’s oldest ballpark for the New Year’s Day game between the Boston Bruins and Philadelphia Flyers. A college doubleheader is scheduled for Friday.