Photo Credit: NWHL
With the Stanley Cup playoffs coming up soon, it’s only appropriate to focus this week’s spotlight on hockey. As captain of the USA Women’s hockey team and an NWHL player, Meghan Duggan is helping to set the standard for girls and women who want to play professional hockey.
Like most athletes, her love for hockey began early. She was introduced to hockey by her brother and immediately wanted to play like he did. She started in youth hockey before graduating to playing in high school and then in college. Duggan attended the University of Wisconsin and began her hockey career there in 2006. Her freshman year was one to remember, scoring 52 points, 26 goals and recording multiple goals in 16 straight games. She was named WCHA’s Rookie of the Week for three straight weeks during the season and named WCHA’s Offensive Player of the Week twice.
In 2006 and 2007, Duggan helped the Badgers bring back-to-back National Championships. Her senior year in 2011 was truly a whirlwind for Duggan. She finished the WCHA season with 61 points coming from 27 goals and 34 assists. She was awarded the Patty Kazmaier Award, given to the best female collegiate hockey player. That same year, she was drafted by the Boston Blades in the CWHL draft.
Duggan is mostly known as captain of the USA Women’s hockey team. She became a member of the 2010 Olympic team and she racked up four goals during the games. She helped bring a silver medal back to the United States and was named the captain of the team for the 2014 Olympics. She brought back another silver medal from the 2014 Olympics.
Her biggest struggle came in 2011 when Duggan suffered a concussion. After colliding with a teammate, Duggan was sidelined for six months. She had developed complications from the concussion which left her unable to play, talk or even eat. She had to be removed from anything that would stimulate her too much and after almost a year of being away from the ice, she returned in 2013. While she hasn’t forgotten about her injury, she knows the risks that she’s taking.
Most recently, Duggan was drafted in the NWHL by the Buffalo Beauts. As experienced and talented Duggan is, she brings a lot of depth to the team and helped the team to come in second for the Isobel Cup. However, she doesn’t just want to make an impact in hockey. When she finally stops playing, she hopes to attend medical school to become a pediatrician. Duggan’s story showcases how a good attitude and determination can truly pay off.
