CALGARY, AB – Two-time Olympic and IIHF Women’s World Championship gold medallist Meaghan Mikkelson (St. Albert, AB) officially announced her retirement from international competition with Canada’s National Women’s Team on Sunday.
The 38-year-old made her debut with the National Women’s Team in 2008, winning back-to-back gold medals at the Olympic Winter Games in 2010 and 2014. She also added a silver medal at the 2018 Olympics, and finishes her career ranked third in goals and tied for fifth in all-time points by a Team Canada defender.
Mikkelson also wore the Maple Leaf at the IIHF Women’s World Championship eight times, winning two gold medals (2012, 2022) and six silver (2008, 2009, 2011, 2013, 2016, 2017), while earning Top Defence honours and a place on the media all-star team in 2011. She also suited up at the 4 Nations Cup four times, winning two gold (2009, 2010) and two silver (2008, 2017). She made her program debut with Canada’s National Women’s Development Team in 2003, winning three-straight gold medals at the Air Canada Cup (2004, 2005, 2006).
While Mikkelson boasts an impressive career on the ice, her return to the national team after the births of her two children rank among her greatest accomplishments. She welcomed her son Calder in 2016 and daughter Berkley in 2019, making impressive comebacks and using her children as a source of inspiration towards the end of her career.
“This chapter of my life has been nothing short of a dream come true, filled with unforgettable moments, hard-fought victories and valuable lessons that have shaped me into the person I am today,” Mikkelson said. “Winning three Olympic medals and eight Women’s Worlds medals with Team Canada has been the ultimate honour. I am grateful for every opportunity I have had to represent our amazing country on the international stage, and it is a privilege I will cherish forever.”
Mikkelson played four seasons in the Western Women’s Hockey League, suiting up for the Calgary Oval X-Treme (2002-03), with whom she won the 2003 Esso Women’s Nationals, and the Edmonton Chimos (2007-09, 2010-11). She also played four seasons (2011-13, 2015-17) for the Calgary Inferno/Alberta HC of the Canadian Women’s Hockey League, winning the Clarkson Cup in 2016 and earning CWHL Defenceman of the Year honours in 2016-17. Mikkelson also represented Alberta at the 2003 Canada Winter Games.
Mikkelson played four seasons (2003-07) at the University of Wisconsin, winning back-to-back NCAA national championships (2006, 2007). In her final season with the Badgers, she led all NCAA defenders in scoring while being named a First Team All-American and WCHA Defensive Player of the Year.
“Thank you to Hockey Canada for the opportunity to wear the Maple Leaf, and for the incredible support through multiple comebacks and injuries. It has been the honour of my life to represent my country,” Mikkelson continued. “I am forever grateful for the honour of taking the ice with my teammates past and present. The bond that we share and the lessons we have learned together are the heart of my career, and I will cherish the memories and friendships forever.”
Prior to announcing her retirement, Mikkelson became involved in broadcasting in 2020, serving as an intermission analyst for the Edmonton Oilers. She was recently announced as the new radio colour commentator for the Calgary Flames, making her the first woman to hold the position with the Flames. In addition to her broadcasting responsibilities, Mikkelson is completing her master of business administration degree at the Smith School of Business at Queen’s University.
“We wish Meaghan all the best in retirement, and we thank her for nearly 20 years of dedication to Hockey Canada and the National Women’s Program. Her relentless work ethic and constant pursuit of excellence throughout her career has helped push the women’s game to the next level,” said Cherie Piper (Scarborough, ON), senior manager of scouting and player development. “Meaghan’s accomplishments on the ice speak for themselves. She was a tremendous player and teammate who had success at all levels, and we have no doubt her success as a player will translate into a long and successful broadcasting career.”
To view Mikkelson’s personal retirement announcement, please click here.
For more information on Hockey Canada and Canada’s National Women’s Program, please visit HockeyCanada.ca, or follow along via social media on Facebook, X and Instagram.