PHF Team and Player Development Advisor retires following legendary on-ice career
Olympic gold medalist and six-time world champion Brianna Decker announced her retirement from the U.S. Women’s National Team on Thursday.
The Dousman, WI native has been a member of the Premier Hockey Federation’s staff since August, serving as Team and Player Development Advisor. Her playing career also included experience as a member of Boston’s 2016 Isobel Cup champions and earned back-to-back MVP honors with the Pride during the league’s first two seasons where she amassed 60 points in 33 games.
“Representing USA Hockey as a member of Team USA has been the honor of a lifetime,” Decker said in a USA Hockey statement. “Hockey has given me opportunities I could only dream of as a young kid just learning to skate. Playing hockey first started as a way to keep up with my brothers, but turned into my life’s passion. I’m proud to have taken the ice with so many incredible teammates and thank them, my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout the years.”
Thank you all! pic.twitter.com/Z21BJORKGo
— Brianna Decker (@Bdecker14) March 2, 2023
points including 81 goals and 89 assists. Her gold medal at the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang was won alongside fellow PHF front office staff member Kacey Bellamy, and current players Kali Flanagan, Sidney Morin, and Amanda Pelkey. Pride head coach Paul Mara was also an assistant coach on that team, while the league’s Lead Operations Developer Marissa Halligan served as hockey operations manager, and Commissioner Reagan Carey was the program’s general manager. Her international highlights also include two Olympic silver medals in 2014 and 2022, and eight appearances at the IIHF Women’s World Championship where she won gold in 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019 and silver in 2012 and 2021.
“Brianna is a tried-and-true champion on and off the ice,” Carey said. “Her decorated career was well earned by her dedication to constantly improving all aspects of her game and leadership. As most great players do, she consistently made those around her better. Her contributions will be long lasting as she undoubtedly leaves the game better than she found it. She has always devoted time and experience to mentoring and coaching the next generation, and while her competitive career may have concluded, she will continue to positively influence and impact the game.”
Congrats @Bdecker14 👏
PHF Team and Player Development Advisor has announced her retirement from a legendary playing career @usahockey.
The two-time PHF MVP and 2016 Isobel Cup champion was a skilled competitor and leader who paved the way for future stars and No. 14 captains. pic.twitter.com/cFKTYY6cf0
— PHF (@PHF) March 2, 2023
Decker also won gold at the first two IIHF Under-18 Women’s World Championships in 2008 and 2009. During her collegiate career at the University of Wisconsin, she was named the 2012 Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner as the top player in NCAA Division I Women’s Ice Hockey and helped the Badgers win the NCAA national championship in 2011.
“Over the course of my career, countless coaches made an immeasurable impact on my life both on and off the ice,” Decker said. “It is the impact of coaches like Gordie Stafford at Shattuck-St. Mary’s and Mark Johnson at the University of Wisconsin who continue to inspire me as I move into the next chapter of my hockey journey as a coach. I look forward to helping shape the next generation of bright young hockey stars in the United States.”
In addition to her PHF role, Decker currently serves as the girls prep associate head coach and special advisor to the Shattuck-St. Mary’s hockey program. She has also served as an assistant coach for three U.S. Under-18 Women’s National Teams, helping Team USA to gold in 2020, silver in 2019, and bronze in 2023.
Cover photo by Michelle Jay
