|
After 15 years as a pillar of the U.S. Women’s National Team and a key leader of Team USA’s unprecedented international success, Kacey Bellamy (Westfield, Mass.), announced her retirement today.
“I want to thank my family for all the sacrifices they made for me to reach my dream. My parents are my rocks, and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without them. My siblings have become my biggest fans who don’t just support me, but they support women’s hockey as a whole. “Lastly, I want to thank my teammates. I was able to compete at the highest level with my best friends. We worked towards the same goal, pushing each other every day and smiling while doing it. I wish those current players all the best, and I will be cheering you on over the next nine months and beyond! Keep taking pictures because 20 years from now, you’ll cherish them.” A three-time Olympian, Bellamy’s career was highlighted by helping the U.S. to gold at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in PyeongChang, South Korea, and also capturing gold on eight separate occasions in the International Ice Hockey Federation Women’s World Championship. She also garnered two silver medals in Olympic play, a silver medal in the world championship and seven Four Nations Cup titles. “We’ve had the good fortune to watch Kacey excel on the international stage for the last 15 years and help lead our team to nothing but success,” said Pat Kelleher, executive director of USA Hockey. “While we’ll miss seeing her on the ice, we look forward to her continued involvement in hockey, and wish her nothing but the best in the future.” “Kacey’s leadership, focus and competitive energy will be greatly missed,” added Katie Million, director of women’s national team programs for USA Hockey. “She redefined the expectations of what it means to give your all for Team USA. Thank you, Kacey, for consistently putting your heart and soul into this program. We’ll continue to cheer you on as you embark on your next chapter.” NATIONAL TEAM BEGINNINGS The following two seasons (2007-08, 2008-09), Bellamy played in two Under-22 Series where she paced all U.S. defenders in points. She made her debut in world championship play at the 2008 IIHF Women’s World Championship and helped the red, white and blue to a gold medal, at the time, just the second gold medal for the U.S. in the event. Bellamy went on to skate in eight more world championships, earning gold seven times (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2019) and silver on one occasion (2012). She also earned a spot on the last two U.S. Women’s National Teams (2020, 2021). Bellamy made her Olympic debut at the Winter Games in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 2010 where the U.S. captured silver. She was also a member of the 2014 team in Sochi, Russia, where the U.S. also gained silver, before serving as an alternate captain of the 2018 gold-medal team in PyeongChang. In total, Bellamy played in 130 games for the U.S. Women’s National Team from 2006-2021 with 49 points, including 11 goals and 38 assists. In the U.S. record books, she ranks first all-time among blueliners in games played, fourth in assists and tied for fourth in points. Bellamy served as alternate captain for eight teams, including once in the Olympics (2018) and seven times on the world championship stage (2012, 2013, 2016, 2017, 2019, 2020, 2021). She is one of just two players ever part of the U.S. Women’s National Team to have won eight world championships and is among only 13 players to have competed on three or more U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Teams. PROFESSIONAL HOCKEY PLAYING COLLEGIATELY |
“It is extremely hard to find words to describe my career,” said Bellamy. “Being able to represent my country for the past 15 years has been such a privilege. Before every game, I would look at the USA crest before putting the jersey on. It was a moment to remind myself that I represent my country, family, UNH, Berkshire, and hometown. I am beyond honored to have met so many incredible people along the way; teammates, coaches, support staff, fans, and opponents. The respect and competitive nature that hockey brings out in people make for an unbelievable culture to be a part of. I am forever grateful for the lessons learned, memories made, and relationships built.
