Karen Thatcher recently completed her first season as an assistant coach for the Providence College women's ice hockey program. A Brown University transfer and a 2006 graduate of Providence College, Thatcher returns as one of the most decorated players in program history.
Thatcher most recently competed in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, where she helped Team USA claim the silver medal. Thatcher contributed six points (three goals, three assists) in Team USA's five games, including two-point efforts against Russia and Sweden. Her plus/minus of +8 was tied for fourth on the team. Prior to the Olympics, she helped Team USA win back-to-back gold at the 2008 and 2009 IIHF World Championships. Thatcher also took part in three Four Nation's Cups from 2006 to 2008.
Thatcher finished her Providence college career 10th on the Friars' all time scoring list with 167 points in 132 games. She was part of Hockey East Tournament winning teams in 2004 and 2005. She also was named Hockey East Co-Player of the Year (2005), a finalist for the Patty Kazmaier Award (2005) and a Second Team All-American (2006). In addition, Thatcher earned All-Academic Honors and the Hockey East Sportsmanship Award in three-consecutive seasons.
Upon graduation, Thatcher played one season in the Canadian Women's Hockey League (2007-08 with Vaughn) and two seasons in the Western Women's Hockey League (2006-07 with British Columbia and 2008-09 with Minnesota) winning the League Championship in 2009.
Thatcher is a native of Franklin, Mass.
