Charline Labonte, the goaltender for Team Canada with four Olympic gold medals, has retired from the team.
The native of Boisbriand, Quebec, just north of Montreal, first played for Canada in 2001 against Sweden, the first of 61 games on an international tour.
“I’ve had the chance to experience memorable moments with Hockey Canada,” said Labonte. “The coaches, the staff, and my teammates led me to win four Olympic medals, but above that, they are all exceptional people who have had a great influence on my life. I feel privileged to have lived as many great moments with my best friends.” Labonte told CBC Sports.
During her career she won 45 games for Canada, the second most of all-time. And she had the second most shutouts at 16, and ranks second in games played.
One of her most memorable experiences came in 2006.
“I guess Turin was very special for me because I got to play in the round robin, the semifinal and the final game. So that’s like my special gold medal,” said Labonte.
“I want to thank Charline for her dedication to Canada’s National Women’s Team,” said Tom Renney, CEO of Hockey Canada. “Her accomplishments in goal for Canada are tremendous; as a four-time Olympian she leaves behind an incredible legacy and we wish her success as she sets her focus on a new career.”
Aspiring Chef
Labonte received the Top Goaltender honour in 2009 and added two more gold medals and six silver during the IIHF Championships with Canada.
“I’ve had the pleasure of working with Charline from her debut with our national women’s program to now; her ability to bring a high level of professionalism and passion each and every day is what has always set her apart,” said Melody Davidson, general manager of national women’s team programs for Hockey Canada. “She is a terrific teammate, but more importantly an incredible person and we wish her all of the best as she embarks on a new chapter in her life.”
Charline Labonte is continuing her link with hockey through sports psychology consultations and coaching, but she’s also branching out in a new direction taking classes at the Ecole des Metiers de la Restauration et du tourisme de Montreal, one of the best schools for aspiring chefs.
With files from CBC Sports and CP
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