Olympic gold, World Championship winner Brianna Decker announces retirement from hockey

One of the best players in the modern era of women’s hockey has called it a career.

Brianna Decker announced her retirement on Thursday via social media at the age of 31.

Decker last represented the United States at the 2022 Olympics, but suffered a broken left fibula and torn ankle ligaments early into the first game. She started to turn his focus to coaching this year, and has taken on an associate head coaching role with Shattuck’s St. Mary’s Prep school and with USA’s U-18 squad at the recent world championship.

“Having the opportunity to help young athletes achieve the same goals I did is a passion of mine and I look forward to a long career of being a small part of building the future of this beautiful game I love so much,” Decker said in a statement. “These athletes are incredible at what they do and I am confident as ever about the future of women’s hockey!”

Decker is the only player in history to win an Olympic gold medal, a World Championship, a World Under-18 championship, a Clarkson Cup (CWHL), an Isobel Cup (NWHL/PHF) and an NCAA title during their career. Decker had 28 goals and 68 points in 44 games over eight World Championship appearances, winning gold in six of them. She will finish her career as the third-highest scorer in team history.

On the Olympic side, Decker had nine points in 11 Olympic games, helping USA win gold in 2018. Decker also participated in multiple NHL all-star games as part of the skills competition festivities.

Among other achievements, Decker was a two-time Patty Kazmaier Award finalist, won the CWHL’s rookie of the year honors in 2015 and was the NWHL’s MVP in 2016 and 2017.