20 Most Famous Female Ice Hockey Players

Hayley Wickenheiser is widely considered to be the greatest female ice hockey player of all time.

Hayley Wickenheiser is a famous ice hockey player, but her impact goes far beyond just being famous.

She is a pioneer, an advocate, and a role model who has inspired generations of players and continues to push for progress and equality in the game.

 Her Achievements:

• Four-time Olympic gold medalist (2002, 2006, 2010, 2014).
• Two-time Olympic silver medalist (1998, 2008).
• Two-time Olympic tournament MVP (2002, 2006)
• Seven-time World Champion (1994, 1997, 2001, 2004, 2006, 2012, 2016).
• Team's career points leader with 168 goals, 211 assists, and 379 points.
• Multiple awards for outstanding player and offensive performance at World Championships.

Marie-Philip Poulin is much more than just a famous female ice hockey player. She's a national hero, a skilled athlete, a dedicated leader, and a champion for equality.

She is a phenomenal female ice hockey player and a true legend of the sport.

Her Achievements:

• Olympic gold medalist (2010, 2014, 2022) and silver medalist (2018)
• Golden Goal Queen with her iconic overtime goal in the 2014 Olympic final against the United States.
• 4 Nations Cup gold medalist (2009)
• IIHF Women's World Hockey Championship gold medalist (2012, 2021, 2022), silver medalist (2009, 2011, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2023) and bronze medalist (2019).
• 2021 Hockey Canada Isobel Gathorne-Hardy Award 
• 2022 Northern Star Award
• 2022 Bobbie Rosenfeld Award

Cammi Granato is a true pioneer and legend in the world of women's ice hockey, not just in the USA but globally.

Cammi was instrumental in founding the CWHL (Canadian Women's Hockey League), providing a crucial platform for elite players.

After retiring from playing, Cammi transitioned into a successful broadcasting career, bringing her expertise and passion for the game to a wider audience.

Her Achievements:

• 1995 Concordia University Female Athlete of the Year (Sally Kemp Award)
• 1996 USA Hockey Women 's Player of the Year Award
• 1998 Winter Olympics – gold medal
• 2002 Winter Olympics – silver medal
  
• Inducted into the IIHF Hall of Fame in 2008.
• Inducted into the United States Hockey Hall of Fame, the first woman to be in the Hall. 
• On November 8, 2010 Granato was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame. 
• On September 20, 2018, Granato was inducted into the Rhode Island Hockey Hall of Fame.

Angela Ruggiero is a name synonymous with excellence and leadership in women's ice hockey, leaving a lasting impact both on and off the ice.

She stands tall as a pioneer and role model in the world of women's ice hockey.

Ruggiero is a champion for equality, a successful businesswoman, an inspiring leader, and a role model for young athletes.

Her Achievements:

• 1998 Olympic gold medalist
• 2002 Olympic silver medalist
• 2006 Olympic bronze medalist
• 2010 Olympic silver medalist
• Hockey Hall of Fame inductee
• United States Hockey Hall of Fame inductee (2015)
• IIHF Hall of Fame inductee (2017)

Hilary Knight is a very accomplished American ice hockey player with her on-ice talent and her off-ice dedication to making hockey a more accessible sport.

She played a key role in Team USA's gold medal victories at the 2018 Pyeongchang and 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Hilary is known for her lightning-fast skating, precise shooting, and ability to create scoring opportunities with lethal scoring ability.

The city of Sun Valley, Idaho, declared May 19, 2011, as Hilary Knight Day following her contributions.

Her Achievements:

• 2023 IIHF Female Player of the Year
• 2009 WCHA Player of the Year
• 2011, 2009 Frozen Four All-Tournament team
• 2011 NCAA Tournament MVP
• 2010 WCHA Pre-Season Player of the Year
• 2015–16 NWHL regular season scoring champion
• 2012 Jeff Sauer Award
• 2015 IIHF World Women's Championship Tournament MVP

Sarah Nurse is a famous and incredibly talented Canadian female ice hockey player.

Her impact goes beyond the ice, making her a role model for athletes and non-athletes alike.

She played professionally for the Toronto Furies in the CWHL and PWHPA. 

Renowned for her speed, agility, and creative puck handling, Sarah is a constant threat on the ice and a nightmare for opposing defenders.

Her Achievements:

• EA Sports NHL cover athlete (2023)
• All-WCHA Rookie Team (2013–14)
• 2015 WCHA Frozen Face-Off Most Outstanding Player
• WCHA All-Tournament Team (2015)
• IIHF Women's World Hockey Championship gold medalist (2021–2022) and bronze medalist (2019)
• Olympic gold medalist (2022) and silver medalist (2018)

Natalie Spooner is indeed a highly skilled and celebrated Canadian female ice hockey player.

She has played for the Calgary Inferno in the CWHL and the Toronto Furies in the PWHPA.

Renowned for her versatility and intelligence on the ice, Natalie can play both center and wing, adapting seamlessly to any role on the ice. 

Her Achievements:

• First Team All-WCHA (2009–10)
• Ohio State's Most Valuable Offensive Player ( 2008-09, 2009-10)
• 2011 All-WCHA Second Team
• 2011 Big Ten Outstanding Sportsmanship Award
• 2014 Clarkson Cup champion
• Ohio State Buckeyes Hall of Fame (2019 inductee)
• Named to Canada's 2022 Olympic team
• Two Olympic Gold Medals (2014,2022) and One Silver Medal (2018)
• Two Gold, 6 Silver, and 1 Bronze Medal at World Championships

Amanda Kessel is a celebrated American female ice hockey player who has made a significant impact on the sport.

She has won numerous individual awards, including the 2016 Patty Kazmaier Award (top collegiate player) and the 2022 NWHL Most Valuable Player.

She's a resilient and inspiring individual who uses her platform to advocate for positive change both on and off the ice.

Her Achievements:

• 2013 Patty Kazmaier Award (Collegiate National Player of the Year)
• 4 Gold Medals and 3 Silver at the IIHF Women's World Championship
• Gold Medal in 2018 and Silver Medal at the 2022 Winter Olympics.
• Silver medalist at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia
• 2018 Olympic Gold Medalist at 2018 Pyeongchang.

Kendall Coyne Schofield is an accomplished American female ice hockey player who has broken barriers and inspired generations.

In 2019, Kendall made history by participating in the Fastest Skater, Puck Control, and Shooting Accuracy events at the NHL All-Star Game.

Her historic feats, her commitment to equality, and her passion for giving back make her a true role model for athletes.

Her Achievements:

• Named the Bob Allen Women’s Player of the Year in 2019.
• 5 Gold and 1 Silver Medal at the IIHF World Women's Championships
• Gold Medal at PyeongChang, in 2018, and Silver Medal at Sochi Olympics in 2014.
• 2012–13: American Hockey Coaches Association, CCM Hockey Women's Division I, All Americans, Second Team
• 2014–15 Hockey East First Team All-Star
  
• 2011 U.S. Player of the Game, November 12, 2011, vs. Finland, 2011 4 Nations Cup
• Isobel Cup Champion (2019)

Florence Schelling is a talented and prominent Swiss female ice hockey player and has been a key player for the Swiss national team for over a decade.

Renowned for her strong defensive presence and offensive instincts, Florence can adapt to various roles on the ice with her two-way ability.

Her Achievements:

• 2007 Swiss Ice Hockey Female Player of the Year
• Hockey East All-Rookie Team (2009)
• 2010 Hockey East Goaltending Champion
• 2011 Hockey East All-Tournament team
• 2012 World Championships: Best Goalkeeper
• 2012 Hockey East Player of the Year
• Hockey East Goaltending Champion (2011–12)
• 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics: Most Valuable Player, Best Goalkeeper, and All-Star Team selection
• Hockey East 10th Anniversary Team Selection, Honorable Mention

Meghan Agosta is a legendary and highly decorated Canadian female ice hockey player who has achieved remarkable feats throughout her career.

Her on-ice achievements, her commitment to advocacy, and her pursuit of diverse interests make her a true legend in the world of women's hockey.

Renowned for her powerful shot, creative playmaking, and leadership qualities, Meghan was a force to be reckoned with on the ice.

Some Achievements:

• Vancouver 2010 Olympics, Most Valuable Player, Women's Hockey Tournament
• CWHL Most Valuable Player, 2011–12
• CWHL First All-Star Team, 2011–12 and 2012–13
• CHA Player of the Year (2007–2009, 2011)
• 2011 CHA Tournament Most Valuable Player
• 2011 Top Collegiate Female Athlete
• Finalist for the Women's Sports Foundation's 2010 Sportswoman of the Year Team Award

Shannon Szabados's talent and dedication have earned her a prominent place in the sport, both nationally and internationally. 

She's a courageous trailblazer, a passionate advocate, and a dedicated mentor.

Szabados has played professionally for the Calgary Inferno in the CWHL and the Toronto Furies in the PWHPA.

Some of her achievements:

• 2007 Alberta Junior Hockey League Top Goaltender Award
• Vancouver 2010 Olympics, Media All-Star Team
• Vancouver 2010 Olympics, Directorate Award, Best Goaltender
• 2013 Northern Alberta Institute of Technology Athletic Director Award for Excellence
• SPHL Player of the Week (2 times; November 24–30, 2014, March 16–22, 2015)
• Gold Medalist at 2010 Vancouver and 2014 Sochi Olympics and Silver at 2018 Pyeongchang.

Monique Lamoureux is a highly decorated American female ice hockey player and boasts an impressive career filled with accolades, both on and off the ice.

Renowned for her adaptability, she played both forward and defense throughout her career, seamlessly adjusting to different positions.

Her on-ice accomplishments, coupled with her inspiring work off the ice, make her a true role model for athletes and young women everywhere.

Some achievements:

• All-WCHA First Team, 2009
• Second Team All-America selection, 2009
• WCHA scoring champion, 2009
• 2011 All-WCHA Second Team
• Directorate Award, Best Forward, 2011 IIHF Women's World Championship
• U.S. Player of the Game in Gold Medal match, 2011 4 Nations Cup
• 2015 IIHF Media All-Star Team, Defense 2015 IIHF Women's World Championship

Brianna Decker is a shining star in the world of American women's hockey who has left her mark on the sport with her exceptional talent and unwavering spirit.

Renowned for her speed, agility, and precise shooting, Brianna is a constant threat on the ice, scoring crucial goals and creating scoring opportunities.

Some of her achievements:

• Patty Kazmaier Memorial Award winner (2012)
• WCHA Final Face-off Most Valuable Player (2010–11)
• All-WCHA First Team (2010–11)
• WCHA Preseason Rookie of the Year (2009–10)
• 2012 Wisconsin Offensive Player of the Year Award
• CWHL Scoring Leader among American-born players (2014–15)
• 2015 CWHL Rookie of the Year Award Winner
• Inductee into the 2014 Winter Olympics for the US team
• NWHL Most Valuable Player Award (2016)

Manon Rheaume was a trailblazing pioneer and an inspiration in women's hockey, especially in Canada.

Her pioneering spirit became a beacon of hope for young girls aspiring to play hockey.

She received the Order of Canada for her contributions to sports and gender equality.

Some of her Achievements:

• 19921 1994 All-Star Team, Top Goaltender
• First girl to play at the Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament.
• First woman to win a game in professional roller hockey
• First woman to play in a National Hockey League game
• Silver Medalist at 1998 Nagano Olympics
• Two time Gold Medalist ( 1992, 1994) at IIHF World Women's Championships

Jocelyne Lamoureux is an American ice hockey player, twin sister to Monique Lamoureux, and a vocal advocate for gender equality in sports.

Her achievements on and off the ice have etched her place as a true legend in the world of women's hockey.

Some of her accomplishments:

• 2008–09 WCHA finalist, Pre-season Rookie of the Year
• All-WCHA First Team, 2009
• WCHA All-Rookie Team, 2009
• 2012 NCAA scoring champion
• 2012 WCHA scoring champion
• UND's 2011–12 Grace Rhonemus Female Athlete of the Year Award
• Gold Medalist at the 2018 Pyeongchang and Silver medalist at the 2014 Sochi and 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
• Six-time Gold Medalist and 1 Silver at IIHF Women's World Championships

Sarah Vaillancourt is a highly accomplished Canadian female ice hockey player with a career spanning both collegiate and professional levels.

Her dedication, work ethic, and positive attitude make her a role model for young athletes and recognition for women's hockey.

Some of her achievements:

• 2004-05 All USCHO.com Rookie Team
• Top 10 Finalist for 2007 Patty Kazmaier Award
• First Team All-Ivy League, 2007–08, Harvard (junior), unanimous selection
• Ivy League Player of the Year 2007-08, Harvard (junior), unanimous selection
• 2009 First Team All-Ivy League
• 2009 First Team All-ECAC 
• 2009 ECAC Player of the Year 
• 2011 Clarkson Cup Tournament Most Valuable Player

Noora Räty is a legendary Finnish female ice hockey player, widely recognized for her exceptional talent, leadership, and impact on the sport.

Renowned for her athleticism, reflexes, and mental resilience, Noora was a formidable force in the net, frustrating opponents.

Some of her achievements:

• World Championship Best Goaltender, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2017, 2019
• World Championship All-Star, 2008, 2013, 2017, 2019
• World Championship Bronze Medal, 2008, 2009, 2011, 2017
• Olympic Bronze Medal, 2010, 2018
• Rookie of the Year, 2005-06
• All-Star Team, 2006-07
• Finnish Champion, 2006-07, 2007-08, 2008-09
• WCHA Goaltending Champion, 2009–10, 2012–13
• All-WCHA First Team, 2009–10, 2010–11, 2012–13

Jennifer Botterill is a champion for equality, a mentor, and a passionate advocate for the sport she loves.

Her on-ice accomplishments, combined with her dedication to giving back, solidify her place as a legend in Canadian women's hockey.

Some of her achievements:

• Angela James Bowl, 2007–08
• CWHL Top Forward, 2007–08
• CWHL First All-Star Team, 2008–09
• CWHL Central All-Stars, 2007–08
• 2001 Female Athlete of the Year Award
• 2001–02 and 2002–03 Winner of the Patty Kazmaier Award
• 1999, 2000, 2001, 2004, 2007 World Champion
• 2005, 2008, 2009 Silver Medallist 

Dani Cameranesi is a decorated forward who recently retired from international competition with Team USA.

Her impressive career saw her contribute to multiple medals on the big stage, while also leaving a mark on the professional and NCAA scenes.

Some of her achievements:

• 2010 Minnesota All-State honoree
• 2011 Minnesota All-State honoree
• 2011 Most Valuable Player, Blake School
• 2013 Minnesota Ms. Hockey Award
• 2014 Women's Hockey Commissioners Association National Rookie of the Year
• 2015 CCM Hockey Women's Division I All-Americans, Second Team 
• Two Gold and One Silver at World Championships ( 2015, 2019, and 2021)
• One Gold and One Silver at Olympic Games in 2018 and 2022