The past few days at camp had been a mixture of intense training and social isolation. My roommate Sarah continued to avoid me completely, shooting me hateful looks whenever our paths crossed. But I had decided to focus entirely on why I was here - to improve my hockey skills and prove myself worthy of the national team.

I didn't come here to make friends, I reminded myself as I laced up my skates for morning practice. I came here to play hockey.

Despite the hostility from Sarah's ...