A Canadian hockey staple is hanging up her skates.
Three-time Olympic gold medallist Rebecca Johnston announced her retirement from international hockey on Thursday.
Johnston, the 36-year-old Sudbury, Ont., enjoyed a decorated career that also included three world titles. She now works in a player development role with the Calgary Flames.
“After more than 15 years with Hockey Canada, itâ€s hard to put into words what this game and this journey have meant to me,†Johnston said in a Hockey Canada statement.
“From the first time I wore the Maple Leaf, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride and responsibility to represent my country, and that feeling never faded. My ultimate dream was to play on the Olympic stage and to bring home medals for Canada, achievements that will always stand as the greatest honours of my career.â€
Johnston, whose gold medals came in 2010, 2014 and 2022, finishes her Canadian career in the top 10 in games played (182, seventh), goals (63, ninth), assists (79, eighth) and points (142, eighth).
As a professional, she was drafted second overall by the CWHL’s Toronto Furies in 2012 and went on to win a pair of titles, along with one MVP award.
She first stepped away from hockey in 2023 and did not suit up in the PWHL.
“Hockey has given me more than I could have ever imagined: lifelong friendships, lessons in resilience and teamwork, and moments that will stay with me forever,†Johnston said. “What I will miss most are the little things: the locker room laughs, the feeling of stepping on the ice with my teammates and the unshakable bond of chasing a common goal together. Representing Canada has been the privilege of a lifetime, and I will always carry that pride with me.â€
Team Canada general manager Gina Kingsbury called Johnston’s impact “remarkable.”
“Deemed one of Canadaâ€s best skaters ever, Rebecca brought a tremendous amount of skill to the teams she proudly represented. Her contributions on the ice helped shape some of this countryâ€s most memorable moments. On behalf of Hockey Canada, we thank Rebecca for her outstanding career and everything she has given to our program and the game,” Kingsbury said.
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