Angela Ruggiero Retires

There comes the time in the players career that the time to recognize that it's over. For Angela Ruggiero, that time is now. Today, she's decided to retire from USA Hockey and most likely pursue other interests. If that means finding a job as a coach or in a front office somewhere... it's no doubt that the outspoken and driven role model will be successful.

She competed 16 years for the United States and has played more games (256) in a Team USA uniform than any other ice hockey player in the country's history. In total, she finished her career with the U.S. Women's National Team Program having recorded 208 points, including 67 goals and 141 assists.

She is a very gifted personal speaker and the reports say that she came prepared to Team USA's camp to declare herself retired from hockey at the age of 31. She also is recovering from recent shoulder surgery. She first released her decision to retire at her twitter account @AngelaRuggiero.
In my opinion, she is also one of the modern pioneers in women's hockey short history. She's achieved so much in her 16 year career with a Harvard cum laude degree, numerous International medals, and even more storybook noteworthy is her 1 game credited playing for the CHL's Tulsa Oilers with her brother Bill in goal. They are the only brother-sister tandem to play a game together.
Angela's influence and popularity will be missed along with the veteran presence she has on the Team USA roster. Hopefully, the program will continue development of other young women with her elite caliber.

[Via: USA Hockey and ESPN W]