Gigi Marvin announces retirement after one season in PWHL

One of the veteran stars of the women’s game is hanging up her skates.

On Monday, forward Gigi Marvin announced her retirement from the game at the age of 37. She spent the 2024 season with PWHL Boston–now known as the Boston Fleet–during the team’s inaugural campaign.

“We are honored to have had Gigi Marvin be a part of our organization in our inaugural season,” general manager Danielle Marmer said in a release. “Gigi’s storied career, which includes three Olympic medals, multiple World Championships, and a legacy as an ambassador for women’s hockey, has left an indelible mark on the game. As a leader both on and off the ice, Gigi’s contributions to the growth of the sport and her impact as a teammate have been invaluable.”

Marvin played in every game for Boston, both in the regular season and playoffs. The Warroad, Minnesota native scored her first goal in the new league, coincidentally in her home state, against the Minnesota Frost, formerly known as PWHL Minnesota, on Feb. 25. She ended the regular season with four points. She registered three assists in Boston’s eight postseason games. New England’s team made it all the way to the PWHL Final, losing to Minnesota in an exciting five-game series.

“I feel a lot of peace and gratitude with my decision to retire,” Marvin said. “I’m incredibly grateful to the Lord for giving me the ability to play this beautiful game of hockey.  Thank you to the fans.  You don’t know how awesome it was stepping out on the ice and hearing your cheers, seeing your signs, and receiving the candy or bracelets you gave us in exchange for pucks.  Thank you to my amazing coaching and support staffs.  You selflessly gave of yourselves to make me a better player and person.  Thank you to my phenomenal teammates.  You brought out the best in me and I’m forever thankful for your friendships.”

Marvin’s first year in the PWHL was her last in a fruitful career. She played 11 years of professional hockey, spanning from the old Western Women’s Hockey League, to the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, the Premier Hockey Federation (formerly known as the National Women’s Hockey League, and the PWHPA. She is part of a small group of players who won the WWHL, CWHL and PHF championships. She won the WWHL title with the Minnesota Whitecaps in 2011, the CWHL’s Clarkson Cup with the Boston Blades in 2013 and the PHF’s Isobel Cup with the Boston Pride in 2016.

Marvin had a decorated career on the international stage as well. She played for the U.S. in seven IIHF Women’s World Championships and three Olympic Games. She won gold with the Americans at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics, taking home silver in 2010 and 2014. She is a five-time Women’s Worlds gold medalist, last taking home the title with the U.S. in 2017.

At the University of Minnesota, Marvin, the 2004-05 Minnesota Ms. Hockey Award winner, was a two-time Patty Kazmaier Award finalist, serving as the captain of the Golden Gophers during her senior season in 2008-09.