Gigi Marvin did just about everything during her 13 years as a member of the U.S. National Team.
She started as a forward, moved to defense, then back to forward. She served as a scoring-line player and a checking-line player. That versatility made her a fixture on U.S. Olympic hockey rosters for more than a decade.
Marvin, a three-time Olympic medalist who won gold in 2018, announced Thursday that she is retiring from the U.S. National Team.
The forward from Warroad, Minn., will be recognized Monday in St. Paul's Xcel Energy Center before the U.S. plays Canada in a pre-Olympic game.
"Gigi was a cornerstone of the U.S. Women’s National Team program for a long time," said Katie Million, director of women’s national team programs for USA Hockey. "Not many athletes earn the opportunity to play in three Olympic Games, along with countless world championships. She was obviously a terrific player and represented our country so well on the biggest stages. We thank her for not only being a big contributor to the success of our program, but for also for serving as a wonderful role model for aspiring young players throughout the country."
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Marvin saved her best Olympics for last.
She was a key figure in the U.S. winning gold in 2018 in PyeongChang, ending a 20-year drought for the Americans.
Marvin scored two goals and tallied three points in five games, despite playing limited minutes. Her line, along with Meghan Duggan and Amanda Pelkey, was dominant throughout the tournament.
In the gold-medal deciding shootout, Marvin was picked to take the first shot for the U.S., and she scored. The Americans eventually won it on a goal by Jocelyne Lamoureux-Davidson.
"Playing for Team USA was such a joy and I’m incredibly grateful for all the friendships formed and memories made," Marvin said in a statement. "I loved competing alongside teammates who not only relentlessly pursued excellence within themselves, but made everyone around them better. Thanks to the Lord, my family and friends, and to all who surrounded me with love, prayers, and support throughout my career."
Marvin was a dominant player at the high school level, racking up 196 goals and 425 points during her prep career at Warroad High. She won Ms. Hockey as a senior in 2005.
Marvin starred for the University of Minnesota for four years before moving onto a pro career.
In addition to her Olympic medals, Marvin won five IIHF Women's World Championship gold-medals and two silvers. She also won gold at the Four Nations Cup four times.
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During her pro career, she won two NWHL titles, the league's best defenseman award and was a three-time all-star.
