University of Minnesota Athletics
Bozek Retires from International Stage
4/19/2023 8:46:00 AM | Women's Hockey
Megan Bozek still holds the program record for career points, goals and assists among defenders.
MINNEAPOLIS – University of Minnesota alum Megan Bozek, a two-time Olympic medalist, announced her retirement from the U.S. Women's National Team on Wednesday morning.
After making her senior national team debut at the 2012 Four Nations Cup, Bozek represented the United States on the international stage for 10 years. Bozek's international resume includes two Olympic silver medals and six IIHF women's world championship medals – including four gold. Over her time in a USA sweater, Bozek tallied 58 points (17g-41a) in 111 career games. The defender closed out her international career with a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.
"I never thought I would be a member of USA Hockey representing my country for over a decade," said Bozek. "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. I retire knowing I left everything I could out on the ice every time I laced up my skates, and I thank USA Hockey for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream."
Bozek played with the Gophers from 2009-13 and tallied 146 points (47g-99a) in 157 games. She was a key member of the Maroon and Gold's back-to-back national championships in 2012 and 2013 and was named a Patty Kazmaier Award top-three finalist during Minnesota's 41-0 season in 2013. Her 57 points that season still stand as the most by a Gopher defender in a single season. Bozek's decorated collegiate resume also includes being named a first team all-American twice, 2013 WCHA Defensive Player of the Year, three-time all-WCHA and two-time NCAA all-tournament team. She ranks first in program history in career points, goals and assists among defenders.
"Megan was a defender that made a huge impact in all facets of the game, especially on the offensive end," said head coach Brad Frost. "She was extremely tough to play against, was a powerful skater and had a big shot. Megan was a once in a decade defender that took that position to new heights. She is one of the all-time greats, not just for the Gophers, but internationally as well. Megan was all about the team and cared deeply for others. I am excited to see what her next chapter will bring."
After making her senior national team debut at the 2012 Four Nations Cup, Bozek represented the United States on the international stage for 10 years. Bozek's international resume includes two Olympic silver medals and six IIHF women's world championship medals – including four gold. Over her time in a USA sweater, Bozek tallied 58 points (17g-41a) in 111 career games. The defender closed out her international career with a silver medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.
"I never thought I would be a member of USA Hockey representing my country for over a decade," said Bozek. "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. I retire knowing I left everything I could out on the ice every time I laced up my skates, and I thank USA Hockey for giving me the opportunity to live out my dream."
Bozek played with the Gophers from 2009-13 and tallied 146 points (47g-99a) in 157 games. She was a key member of the Maroon and Gold's back-to-back national championships in 2012 and 2013 and was named a Patty Kazmaier Award top-three finalist during Minnesota's 41-0 season in 2013. Her 57 points that season still stand as the most by a Gopher defender in a single season. Bozek's decorated collegiate resume also includes being named a first team all-American twice, 2013 WCHA Defensive Player of the Year, three-time all-WCHA and two-time NCAA all-tournament team. She ranks first in program history in career points, goals and assists among defenders.
"Megan was a defender that made a huge impact in all facets of the game, especially on the offensive end," said head coach Brad Frost. "She was extremely tough to play against, was a powerful skater and had a big shot. Megan was a once in a decade defender that took that position to new heights. She is one of the all-time greats, not just for the Gophers, but internationally as well. Megan was all about the team and cared deeply for others. I am excited to see what her next chapter will bring."
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