Published October 29, 2023, 9:30 p.m. ET
Meaghan Mikkelson of Canada in action with Abby Roque of the United States during the IIHF Women’s World Championship ice hockey game between Canada and the United States in Herning, Denmark, Tuesday, August 30, 2022. (Bo Amstrup/Ritzau Scanpix via AP)
Two-time Olympic gold medalist Meaghan Mikkelson has announced her retirement from the Canadian women’s ice hockey team to pursue her broadcasting career.
The 38-year-old defender from St. Albert, Alta., won Olympic gold in 2010 and 2014 and silver in 2018.
Mikkelson competed in eight world championships, helping Canada win world titles in 2012 and 2022. In 2011, she was named the best defender of the world tournament and an all-star.
Mikkelson returned to the national team after the birth of her two children. She competed in the 2014 Olympic tournament in Sochi, Russia with a broken hand.
She was unable to return from a serious knee injury in time to compete in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, but helped Canada win World Championship gold in Herning, Denmark, later that year.
Mikkelson scored 16 goals and 35 assists in 119 games for Canada.
“This chapter of my life has been nothing short of a dream come true, full of unforgettable moments, hard-fought victories and valuable lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today,” Mikkelson said in a statement Sunday.
“Winning three Olympic medals and eight Women’s World Championship medals with Team Canada was the highest honor. I am grateful for every opportunity I have had to represent our great country on the international stage and it is a privilege I will cherish forever.”
Mikkelson was recently hired as a radio color commentator for the NHL’s Calgary Flames.
“We thank her for nearly 20 years of commitment to Hockey Canada and the national women’s program,” said her former teammate Cherie Piper, the national team’s senior manager of scouting and player development.
“Her tireless work ethic and constant pursuit of excellence throughout her career have helped take the women’s game to the next level.”
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Oct. 29, 2023.
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