Meghan Duggan retires from professional hockey

Meghan Duggan, captain of the United States women's hockey team that won a gold medal at the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics, announced her retirement from professional hockey Tuesday.

"I feel at peace with my decision. It was a gut feeling," the 33-year-old forward said. "It was the right decision for myself and my family, and I'm someone who has lived a lot of my life and has played a lot of my career based on my heart and soul and how I feel and what's going on in my mind, and that's what led me to my decision right now. I'm incredibly happy with the career I've had and right now my gut's telling me, this is the end of that chapter for me, and I'm looking forward to moving on to the next one."
"It's been one of the greatest honors of my life to represent my country on the world stage and hockey has given me memories I will cherish for a lifetime."

Duggan scored 78 points (43 goals, 35 assists) in 144 games for the U.S. women's team from 2007-18. She won a silver medal at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and 2014 Sochi Olympics. Duggan helped the U.S. to seven first-place finishes at the IIHF Women's World Championship (2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017) and a second-place finish in 2007.
"Meghan has made an incredible impact on hockey in America," said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. "The success she helped our teams to over the course of her storied career is unprecedented and it's great to have her continuing involvement as a member of our board of directors. We wish her the very best and thank her for the many contributions she's made to USA Hockey and our Women's National Team program."
Duggan played four seasons at Wisconsin (2006-09, 2010-11) and is the third-leading scorer in team history with 238 points (108 goals, 130 assists) in 159 games behind Hilary Knight (262 points) and Brianna Decker (244 ). She led Wisconsin to the NCAA Division I women's championship in 2007, 2009 and 2011 and won the Patty Kazmaier Award, given to the top female college hockey player in the United States, in 2011 when she scored 61 points (27 goals, 34 assists) in 28 games.
"You have definitely left this game better than you entered it," U.S teammate Kendall Coyne Schofield said. "It's been an honor and privilege to be your teammate. I've learned so much on what it takes to be a good leader. Obviously, you'll never be replaced, but it's truly been an honor to be your teammate."
Duggan played six seasons of professional hockey, including four with the Boston Blades (2011-15), who won the Clarkson Cup (Canadian Women's Hockey League championship) in 2013 and 2015. She played one season with the Buffalo Beauts (2015-16) and her final pro season with the Boston Pride (2016-17).
She was assistant coach for the Clarkson University women's hockey team from 2014-16 before stepping down to concentrate on the 2018 PyeongChang Games.
"The team you see today and the culture that exists within our program is a direct reflection of Meghan's dedication and hard work," said Katie Million, USA Hockey director of the women's national team. "Meghan's leadership wasn't just seen, it was felt by every single teammate. She embodied the values of Team USA on and off the ice and will be greatly missed. Thank you, Meghan, for your unwavering dedication and commitment to this team as well as helping forge the way for the next generation."