Decorated Team Canada defender Meaghan Mikkelson officially announced her retirement from professional hockey at the NHL's Heritage Classic.
Decorated Team Canada defender Meaghan Mikkelson officially announced her retirement from professional hockey at the NHL's Heritage Classic.
On the same day former Team Canada stalwart Meaghan Mikkelson covered her first NHL Heritage Classic as a broadcaster, she announced her retirement as a player following a storied career.
"To the little 7-year-old Meaghan with a dream, I am SO proud of you. Today, nearly 32 years later, I am officially retiring from professional hockey," Mikkelson wrote on social media.
Mikkelson spent 16 seasons representing Team Canada on the international stage, including winning two Olympic and two World Championship gold medals, as well as six World Championship and one Olympic silver medal.
"This chapter of my life has been nothing short of a dream come true, filled with unforgettable moments, hard-fought victories, and valuable lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today," she continued.
Mikkelson's playing career, which she completed by competing with Team Adidas in the PWHPA last season, was filled with accolades. Twice Mikkelson was named a World Championship All-Star, including being recognized as the tournament's top defender in 2011. In the NCAA, Mikkelson won back-to-back national titles in 2006 and 2007 with the University of Wisconsin and was named the 2007 WCHA Defensive Player of the Year.
Professionally, Mikkelson won a Clarkson Cup as CWHL champion in 2016 as a member of the Calgary Inferno, and an SDHL title in 2018 with Lulea. She was also named the 2017 CWHL Defender of the Year.
Now, Mikkelson is working in the broadcast industry covering the NHL's Calgary Flames. She announced her retirement on another memorable day in her hockey career, while covering her first NHL Heritage Classic outdoor game.
"If you would have told me a year ago, or ever really, that I would be a colour analyst for this game & broadcast I would have probably said you're nuts. PUMPED for this!" she wrote on Twitter, before teasing another announcement, which turned out to be her retirement.
Mikkelson retires as one of the most decorated defenders in the history of the sport, and will likely find herself on upcoming ballots to be considered for the Hockey Hall of Fame. Her career is one she called a privilage.
"It is a privilege I will cherish forever," she wrote.