Forward Rebecca Johnston announced her retirement from the Canadian women’s national team on Thursday.
The 36-year-old ends her international career with three Olympic gold medlas and three IIHF World Championship gold medals.
“After more than 15 years with Hockey Canada, it’s hard to put into words what this game and this journey have meant to me,” said Johnston in a Hockey Canada release. “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.
“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. 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.”
The Sudbury, Ont., made her Canada debut in 2007 at 18-year-old and finishes her caeer with 182 games played (seventh all-time), 63 goals (ninth), 79 assists (eighth), and 142 points (eighth).
Johnston competed in a total of 12 world championships, taking home eight silver medals in addition to three golds.
“Rebecca’s impact on the international game has been remarkable, representing Canada in four Olympic Games and 12 world championships,” said Gina Kingsbury, general manager of Canada’s National Women’s Team. “Deemed one of Canada’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 country’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.”
