COLORADO SPRINGS (Colorado), Dec 29: Angela Ruggiero, a four-time Olympian and one of ice hockey’s greatest women players, officially announced her retirement from the international game on Wednesday.

Ruggiero, 31, competed 16 years for the United States. She was just 18 when she won Olympic gold with the US team in 1998. That was followed by Olympic silver in 2002, bronze in 2006 and silver again at the 2010 Vancouver Games.

In total, she finished her career with the US Women’s National Team Program having recorded 208 points, including 67 goals and 141 assists.

“I feel honoured and privileged to have represented the USA program over the past 16 years,” Ruggiero said. “USA Hockey will always be a part of me and I will cherish the experiences and memories with this team. Thank you to everyone who has helped me along the way. “I am now looking forward to my next career, as well as continuing my work representing the athletes of the world through my roles on the International Olympic Committee and the United States Olympic Committee.”—AFP