American winger Zoe Hickel, a two-time World Champion and holding the rare distinction of winning both the Clarkson and Isobel Cups, today confirmed her retirement from playing, joining Ohio State University’s coaching staff at age 28.

An Alaska native, Hickel first played collegiately for four seasons at the University of Minnesota-Duluth. She first played professionally with the Boston Pride of the NWHL, winning the Isobel Cup in her debut season in 2016. She spent part of a second season with the Pride before joining the Connecticut Whale midway through the season. Hickel then defected to the CWHL in 2017, joining the new Kunlun Red Star franchise in China before returning to North America in 2018, winning the Clarkson Cup with the Calgary Inferno in 2019. Hickel went to Sweden for her final pro season, joining Linköping HC of the SDHL for one season.

First playing for Team USA at the World Under-18 Championship in 2010, winning Silver, Hickel first joined the senior USA Hockey squad at the 2015 World Championship, helping Team USA win their sixth world title. Hickel returned for both the 2015 Four Nations Cup and 2016 Worlds, winning Gold at each of those tournaments as well. Due to her globetrotting pro career, Hickel only played at one more tournament internationally, suiting up for the 2019 Rivalry Series against Canada.

Due to winning her first IHLC title in the midst of a 16-game win streak in 2015-16, Hickel only technically held the IHLC twice, the first win coming to kick off the 2015 Worlds, and the second and final coming during the 2019 Rivalry Series. We wish Zoe and her family the very best for her retirement and the things to come!

Photo Credit: USA Hockey – IIHF – HHOF – IOC