Breaking: Canadian Hockey star retires!

Caroline Ouellette, one of the most decorated hockey players in Canadian history, has announced that she is retiring on Tuesday, according to Hockey Canada, who posted a moving video tribute of her career. 

“On behalf of everyone at Hockey Canada, we want to thank Caroline for her dedication and commitment to Canada’s National Women’s Team throughout her highly decorated career,” said Tom Renney, Hockey Canada’s chief executive officer. “Everything she has accomplished for Canada has been an inspiration and example for the next generation of young women who will proudly wear the red-and-white. As a four-time Olympian, she leaves behind an incredible legacy and we wish her all the best in the future.”

The 39-year-old Quebecois has worn the Canadian women's hockey team's uniform for 20 years. She won four Olympic gold medals: in Salt Lake City in 2002, Turin in 2006, Vancouver in 2010 and Sochi in 2014.

She was Canada's captain at her last Games appearance.

“What a privilege it was to play for Canada, I cherished every moment and loved every minute of it,” said Ouellette. “I shared my passion for hockey with great teammates, coaches and staff members that will remain lifelong friends. My journey with Team Canada taught me the importance of outstanding teamwork, the desire to always want to be better, and the ability to perform under pressure.”

Ouellette is the third best scorer in the history of the women's national team. In 220 games she tallied 242 points, including 87 goals.

She has also helped Canada win six Women's World Hockey Championships and eight Four Nations Cups. Ouellette has played with the Canadiennes de Montréal (formerly Stars) of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) since the league’s inaugural 2007-08 season and is a four-time Clarkson Cup champion (2009, 2011, 2012, 2017). 

“I’m excited with what is ahead for me in my new passions, one as a mom and the other as a coach. I am thrilled and thankful to come back with Hockey Canada as part of the coaching staff for the 2018-19 season. Thank you to everyone who supported me. A special thanks to my family who always believed in me and my dreams.”

Ouellette is entering her third season as assistant coach of the Concordia University Stingers’ women’s hockey team in Montreal. She has also been part of the National Women’s Team program on the coaching side, most recently at the 2017 IIHF Women’s World Championship.

We wish her good luck in her future endeavours and celebrate her impressive hockey career! Happy retirement, Caroline!