Bonhomme calls it a career on international stage

Sudbury’s golden girl is hanging up her skates, at least when it comes to competing internationally.

Tessa Bonhomme has announced her retirement from the Canadian National Women’s Hockey team.

The 29-year-old admits it was a bitter-sweet decision.

“I’m obviously going to miss the locker room, the banter with the girls and all the fun hockey has brought me” said Bonhomme.

“I will also miss going to the gym and working towards something instead of just working out. It’s just a change of focus.”

Bonhomme made her debut with the national team at the 2004 Four Nations Cup and went on to become a regular and valuable member of Team Canada.

She won a gold medal with Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver as well as at the IIHF World Championship in 2007 and 2012.

Bonhomme was also part of six gold-medal-winning teams at the Four Nations Cup.

“I have been so lucky to enjoy so much success” said Bonhomme. “I have had so many highlights, but Vancouver still feels like it was yesterday and always brings a smile to my face.

“It helped me realize that goals can be achieved and dreams do come true as long as you set your mind and your heart to it, and you make sure you’re putting the work in day in and day out and good things will happen.”

Bonhomme said she is proud of how women’s hockey has evolved over the years, starting at the grassroots level with Sudbury being a good example.

“The future of women’s hockey moving forward for the girls is bright,” said Bonhomme. “I am excited to see what comes in the next 10 years, because the girls I have seen playing the game has been mind blowing.”

Shortly after winning the gold medal in 2010, Bonhomme started to dabble in broadcasting, first with Maple Leafs Sports and Entertainment on Leafs TV and most recently with TSN.
In her new full-time role at TSN, Bonhomme will appear as a host and reporter for Sports Centre, as well as a contributor to TSN’s coverage of Hockey Canada events.

“Now I look forward to growing my resume as a broadcaster and setting news goals and working towards them” said Bonhomme. “I’m still going to be surrounded by sports, I’m still going to be talking a lot of hockey, and I’m excited for this next chapter of my life.”