The New Jersey Devils announced last week that the organization added one of the most successful players in international ice hockey history to its staff.

Meghan Duggan was named manager of player development. She is no stranger to the game of hockey, earning 11 medals in international competitions and three medals at the Olympic games – including a gold medal for Team USA in South Korea.

“Coming over from the women's game and playing at an elite level on the women's side, I hopefully will be able to lend a new perspective or something that hasn't been seen or talked through before,” Duggan says.

Duggan retired from playing in October 2020.

“To see teams like the Devils, and the National Hockey League in general, being more inclusive to women and young girls being able to see that,” Duggan says. “That’s exciting for me. Hockey has truly changed my life and given me so many different opportunities and I want everyone out there to know they can have those opportunities.”

Duggan, 33, is a native of Danvers, Massachusetts. She says that she thinks her age and experience will help her bring a unique perspective to the team.

“Being that it is a young team and obviously just recently I retired, I’m hoping to relate to the players. I’ve had a lot of different experiences in my career, high highs and low lows,” Duggan says.

Duggan has a track record when it comes to improving diversity in ice hockey. She joined the NHL’s Player Inclusion Committee last season.

“The value of diversity and thought and growing the game and respecting people that come from different backgrounds and knowing that's good business, right? Like bringing people in with different thoughts can only add value to any organization,” Duggan says.

The Devils have emerged as leaders when it comes to diversifying its hockey staff. Duggan will work alongside another female executive - Kate Madigan - the executive director of hockey management and operations.