CALGARY, Alta. – Four-time Olympic gold-medallist Charline Labonté has announced her retirement from international competition with Canada’s National Women’s Team.
“I want to thank Charline for her dedication to Canada’s National Women’s Team,” said Tom Renney, CEO of Hockey Canada. “Her accomplishments in goal for Canada are tremendous; as a four-time Olympian she leaves behind an incredible legacy and we wish her success as she sets her focus on a new career.”
Labonté, 34, made her debut with Canada’s National Women’s Team on an international tour against Sweden and the United States in the fall of 2001, the first of 61 games she would play wearing the red-and-white.
She finishes her international career with a 1.51 goals-against average, .919 save percentage, 16 shutouts, and a 45-12-1 record, ranking second all-time in games played, minutes played (3,374), shutouts, and wins.
The Boisbriand, Que., native won Olympic gold with Canada in 2002, 2006, 2010 and 2014. At the 2006 Games in Turin, Italy, Labonté led all goaltenders with a 0.33 GAA and .976 save percentage.
She is also a two-time gold-medallist and six-time silver-medallist at the IIHF Women’s World Championship, helping Canada to the top prize in 2007 and 2012, and earning Top Goaltender honours at the 2009 edition of the tournament.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Charline from her debut with our national women’s program to now; her ability to bring a high level of professionalism and passion each and every day is what has always set her apart,” said Melody Davidson, general manager of national women’s team programs for Hockey Canada. “She is a terrific teammate, but more importantly an incredible person and we wish her all of the best as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.”
As Labonté looks ahead she plans to focus on a new career in the culinary industry and will remain connected to hockey through coaching and sport psychology consultation.
“I’ve had the chance to experience memorable moments with Hockey Canada,” said Labonté. “The coaches, the staff, and my teammates led me to win four Olympic medals, but above that, they are all exceptional people who have had a great influence on my life. I feel privileged to have lived as many great moments with my best friends.”
A highlight video of Labonté’s career is also available on HockeyCanada.ca. For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Team, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow through social media on Facebook, Twitter, and Twitter.com/HC_Women.