Vancouver Goldeneyes player leaves hockey to become a doctor
The first player to ever sign with the Vancouver Goldeneyes has retired from hockey after one season with the team.
Claire Thompson was one of the top defenders in the PWHL and had led all defenders in scoring a few years earlier at the 2022 Olympics for Team Canada. Now the 28-year-old, after one last Olympics in 2026, has retired from hockey to pursue her medical career.
“A career in medicine has always been an overarching goal of mine, and I feel that now is the best time in my life to step away from hockey,” said Thompson to The Athletic’s Hailey Silvian. “I have achieved far more than I could have ever hoped for, and I feel like I’m ready to step away and continue on the long road ahead of becoming an orthopedic surgeon.”
Ashton Bell, Claire Thompson and Sophie Jacques at the PWHL Expansion draft on June 9, 2025. (PWHL Vancouver)
Thompson had 17 points in 28 games for the Goldeneyes in their inaugural season and played a key role on the blue line.
“Hockey, [I love you] forever,” Thompson said via Instagram. “24 seasons later, I’m officially retired. Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey!”
Tributes are pouring in via social media for Thompson from many of her former Goldeneyes and Team Canada teammates. They all seem to have the same nickname for her: doctor.
“I finally have a [doctor] on speed dial,” said Sarah Nurse.
“Wow, Claire!! Big team doc shoes to fill,” added Jennifer Gardiner.
“You are simply the best,” added Marie-Philip Poulin. “Wishing you the best, Dr.”
“Going to miss you, Dr! Thanks for inspiring all of us,” said Laura Stacey.
“Claire!! Always crushing everything you do!” Natalie Spooner said.
Superstar replacement
So what will the Goldeneyes defence look like without Thompson?
Fortunately, they have a superstar stepping into the lineup.
The Goldeneyes signed first-overall pick Caroline “KK” Harvey to a three-year contract this week. The left-side defender has been utterly dominant in both college hockey and international competition.
Harvey tied for the most points by a defender at the 2026 Olympics en route to winning the gold medal with Team USA. She was named the tournament’s Best Defender and Most Valuable Player, and is expected to immediately be one of the best players in the PWHL in her rookie season.
Harvey joins a blue line that already boasts Sophie Jaques, who is a season removed from winning PWHL Defender of the Year. Jaques led the Goldeneyes in scoring last season with 9 goals and 20 points in 30 games.
The Goldeneyes also have captain Ashton Bell returning for the 2026-27 season, and signed veteran Czech defender Dominika Lásková to a one-year contract in June. Those are all of the defenders currently signed for the coming season, though they added two more defenders in the draft along with Harvey: Jules Constantinople and Ashley Messier.
Maddy Samoskevich , the Goldeneyes’ fifth-round pick from the 2025 Draft, also played on defence for most of last season, but switched to centre at the end of the year. When the Goldeneyes announced her re-signing, they listed her at forward.
The Goldeneyes still have plenty of time to add to their roster, with the season opener scheduled for Dec. 5 against the Seattle Torrent at the Pacific Coliseum.