Born: 1979 (Ängelholm, Sweden)
Maria Elisabeth Rooth, a retired Swedish ice hockey player, was born on November 2, 1979, in Ängelholm, Sweden. Throughout her impressive career, Rooth made significant contributions on and off the ice that have left an indelible impact on the sport. As one of the most experienced players on the Swedish national team starting in 1996, Rooth captained her squad and served as an alternate captain. Her exemplary leadership and skill were rightfully recognized when she was inducted into the International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Hall of Fame in 2015.
Rooth’s journey to success began during her college years at the University of Minnesota Duluth (UMD), where she played for the Bulldogs women’s ice hockey program. Her exceptional performances earned her the honor of having her jersey retired, making her the only UMD women’s hockey player to achieve this distinction. Rooth’s remarkable achievements at UMD include ranking second in all-time leading scoring for the Bulldogs and being named to the Western Collegiate Hockey Association (WCHA) All-Decade team in 2009. With an impressive 119 career goals, Rooth remains the Bulldogs’ all-time leading goal scorer and secured her place as the second-leading career points scorer with 232. Additionally, she was a three-time All-American (2001, 2002, 2003) and a three-time First Team All-WCHA selection. Her exceptional abilities also earned her the title of WCHA Rookie of the Year in 2000. Notably, during the 2000-01 season, Rooth’s outstanding performance led to her being named the Most Valuable Player of both the Frozen Four and the WCHA Tournament.
On January 21, 2011, Rooth had the honor of participating in a ceremonial faceoff alongside Bulldog alumni Caroline Ouellette and Jenny Potter, marking the inaugural hockey game at the Amsoil Arena. This event was a testament to Rooth’s lasting impact on the UMD Bulldogs and the broader ice hockey community.
Rooth’s international career was no less impressive, as she represented Team Sweden in four Olympic Games. Throughout her Olympic career, she recorded nine goals and nine assists in 20 games, solidifying her status as a key player on the national team. At the 2009 IIHF World Championship, Rooth attained a significant milestone when she scored her 100th career international goal, becoming the first player from Team Sweden to achieve this feat. Her dedication and skill in the international arena further cemented her legacy as an integral part of Swedish ice hockey history.
The pinnacle of Rooth’s international success came during the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. In the semi-final game against the United States, Rooth played a pivotal role in Sweden’s upset victory. Her two regulation-time goals helped secure a tie, and she ultimately scored the winning goal in the shootout. This victory guaranteed Sweden at least a bronze medal and provided their first-ever opportunity to vie for the gold medal. Rooth’s contributions throughout the tournament were extraordinary, as she tallied five goals and four assists, ranking fourth overall in points and tying for the highest-scoring non-Canadian and European player. She was deservedly recognized as one of the tournament’s top forwards.
Following her retirement as a player, Rooth returned to the University of Minnesota Duluth as an assistant coach for the women’s ice hockey program during the 2010-11 season. Her wealth of knowledge and experience proved invaluable in guiding and mentoring aspiring athletes.
Rooth’s exceptional skills, unwavering determination, and numerous achievements have garnered significant recognition, including her inclusion in the prestigious WCHA Team of the Decade for the 2000s. She also received the distinction of being a three-time Patty Kazmaier Top-10 Finalist in 2000, 2001, and 2002. Additionally, Rooth’s dedication to both academics and athletics earned her three WCHA All-Academic Team memberships in 2001, 2002, and 2003. In recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the sport, Rooth was inducted into the University of Minnesota Duluth Athletic Hall of Fame in 2013 and the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame in 2015.
Maria Rooth’s career exemplifies the transformative impact women have made within the realm of ice hockey. Her achievements as a player, leader, and mentor have not only left a lasting legacy within Swedish and international ice hockey but have also paved the way for future generations of female athletes to pursue their dreams on the ice.