Background image by Kirthmon F. Dozier/Detroit Free Press
Today marked a historic moment for both Abby Roque and USA Hockey.
The Sault High Blue Devils alum has officially played in her first Olympic Winter Games.
With today’s USA vs. Finland game in Beijing, Abby Roque became the first indigenous player to suit up for the U.S. Olympic Women’s Ice Hockey Team, as she made her debut on the world stage.
Roque, who competed for the Sault High boys’ team for four seasons (2012-16), is also the first female alum of Michigan high school hockey to reach the Olympics.
After helping the Blue Devils to four regional championships and two state runner-up finishes and recording more than a point per game in her senior year (36 points in 29 games), she went on to star for the University of Wisconsin, collecting a great deal of accolades during her time in Madison.
In 2020, Roque was named the WCHA Player of the Year, the USCHO D-1 Women’s Player of the Year, and the Bob Allen Women’s Hockey Player of the Year. Prior to that, she helped Wisconsin to a 2019 national championship; in 2017-18 she was named the WCHA Offensive Player of the Year; and in 2016-17, she was the WCHA Rookie of the Year.
She has had plenty of experience representing USA Hockey in international competition, as well, as she has donned the Red, White and Blue for the IIHF Women’s World Championship and the Under-18 Women’s World Championship.
Roque made her debut with Team USA in the 2019-2020 Rivalry Series, and also skated with her future Olympic teammates at the 2021 My Why Tour.
Bauer Hockey has partnered with Roque to promote her story in their “The Barn” features, as she continues to be an ambassador for the sport in a variety of different ways.
Roque had one assist in her Olympic debut, helping the U.S. to a 5-2 win over Finland. She moved up on the line chart to fill in for an injured Brianna Decker.
The Michigan high school hockey community wishes Roque the best of luck for the duration of the 2022 Olympic Winter Games - go get 'em, Abby!