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Megan Bozek Announces Retirement From U.S. Women’s National Team

By USA Hockey, 04/19/23, 9:55AM EDT

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Two-time Olympian closes career after decade-plus run on National Team

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. – Megan Bozek (Buffalo Grove, Ill.), a two-time Olympian and four-time world champion, announced her retirement from the U.S. Women’s National Team today. 

Bozek played in 111 career games during the course of her career with the U.S. Women’s National Team program (2007-2022) and the blueliner recorded 58 points, including 17 goals and 41 assists. 

“I never thought I would be a member of USA Hockey representing my country for over a decade. Playing alongside some of my best friends and role models, all who’ve been valuable members of helping grow the game of hockey, has been something truly special,” Bozek said. “I retire knowing I left everything I could out on the ice every time every time I laced up my skates, and I thank USA Hockey for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream.” 

“Megan Bozek represents determination and all that it takes to be part of the Women’s National Team program,” said Katie Million, director of women’s national team programs for USA Hockey. “Megan embodied perseverance and attention to detail throughout her career on the ice and brought a consistent presence in the locker room. She will be missed, and we wish her all the best in the next chapter of life.” 

Bozek made her U.S. Women’s National Team debut in 2012 at the IIHF Women’s World Championship in Burlington, Vermont, and went on to win gold four times (2013, 2016, 2017, 2019) and silver twice (2012, 2021) at Women’s Worlds. Bozek was also a key component of the U.S. defense at the Olympic Winter Games in 2014 in Sochi and 2022 in Beijing, where Team USA took home silver. She was named to the media all-star team in Sochi. 

A native of Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Bozek started her international career in 2007 playing in the Under-18 Series. She competed in her first IIHF world championship as a member of the U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Team, helping guide the U.S. to a gold medal at the 2009 IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championship. 

“I remember the feeling of putting the USA jersey on for the first time, and I remember putting it on for the last time,” Bozek said. “Each time holds an important memory for me, but one thing always remains the same – I loved the game every time I stepped on the ice.” 

A graduate of the University of Minnesota, Bozek was a part of NCAA championship teams with the Gophers women’s ice hockey team in both 2012 and 2013. Her senior season in 2012-13, she was named a Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award Top-3 Finalist and was also earned WCHA Defensive Player of the Year honors. 

“Thank you to my family for being my biggest supporters throughout the years and to my husband for letting me live out this crazy dream right alongside me, and to my teammates and coaches for pushing me every day, making this experience some of the best moments of my life,” Bozek said. 

“While I will be hanging up the skates as a player, I will still be involved in hockey moving forward. I’ve enjoyed my experience as a TV analyst and am passionate about growing the game and developing the skills of the next generation.”


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