Hockey Star Mélodie Daoust Retires: A Legend's Journey Concludes

One of hockey's most dynamic players, Mélodie Daoust, has announced her retirement from the sport. In a heartfelt post on her X account, Daoust shared her decision, reflecting on her illustrious career and the memories she has amassed over the years.

"It's with a heavy heart that I make this decision," Daoust wrote. "As it signifies the close of a chapter overflowing with cherished memories, lifelong friendships, countless experiences, lessons, and adventures that have shaped me into the person I am today."

The forward thanked the coaches and teammates from her time at McGill University, Les Canadiennes, the Professional Women's Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) Montreal, and Team Canada.

She expressed mixed emotions about ending her playing career but looked forward to the future with optimism.

"I am emotional to put this book down…it was one of my favorites, but I can't wait to pick up the next one and start writing a new story," she added.

Hailing from Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, Quebec, Daoust is one of the most decorated players of her generation.

She first made headlines at the 2009 IIHF Women's Under-18 World Championship, scoring 12 points in five games and helping Canada win a silver medal.

The following year, she helped Canada secure its first gold at the U18s, defeating the United States.

In the 2013-14 season, Daoust made her senior national team debut at the Sochi Olympics, where she won a gold medal with Team Canada.

That spring, she also led McGill University to its last USports national championship.

Daoust solidified her status as a national team stalwart in 2018, earning MVP honors at the Pyeongchang Olympics, despite Canada losing the gold medal game to the U.S.

She tasted gold again at the 2021 IIHF Women's World Championship, leading the tournament in goals (6) and points (12) and helping Canada end a nine-year drought.

Daoust was named MVP for her performance.

She also played a key role in Canada's gold medal victory at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Over her career with the senior national team, including the 2019-20 Rivalry Series, Daoust played 55 games, scoring 26 goals and 33 assists for 59 points.

Professionally, Daoust spent two seasons with the Montreal Canadiennes in the now-defunct Canadian Women's Hockey League (CWHL).

She later joined the PWHPA, participating in the Dream Gap Tour for three seasons. Daoust was also selected for the Elite Women's 3-on-3 game at the 2020 NHL All-Star Skills Competition, where her goal helped the Canadian All-Stars defeat the Americans 2-1.

With the launch of the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF), Daoust joined Montreal as a reserve player.

Though she played sparingly, her impact was significant, scoring five points in six regular-season games and excelling during the team's semifinal series against Boston.

Across the CWHL, PWHPA, and PWHL, Daoust scored 16 goals and 36 points in 33 games.

Daoust will now focus on her role as head coach at Bourget College, a position she started this past season.

She is eager to contribute to the development of the next generation of PWHL players.