Former New Hampshire forward Karyn Bye Dietz was named today to the International Ice Hockey Federation Hall of Fame Class of 2011.
“Karyn was a dominating force on the international stage for more than a decade and her play served as an inspiration for young girls, not only in the United States, but across the world,” Dave Ogrean, executive director of USA Hockey, said in a statement. “Her selection is a fitting tribute to an extraordinary career.”
Bye Dietz amassed 164 points in 87 games at UNH from 1989-1993. After graduating from UNH with a bachelor’s degree in physical education, she earned her master’s degree while playing two more years at Concordia University in Montreal.
A two-time U.S. Olympian, Bye Dietz was also a finalist for the Women’s Sports Foundation Sportswoman of the Year Award, was named USA Hockey’s Women’s Player of the Year for the second time and was inducted into the University of New Hampshire Hall of Fame.
After her playing career ended, the River Falls, Wis., native worked for the NHL’s Minnesota Wild in its grassroots program. She continues to take part in numerous speaking engagements and teaches fitness classes at her local YMCA. In addition, she serves as the color commentator for the Minnesota Girls State High School Hockey Tournament.
Bye Dietz lives in Hudson, Wis., with her husband and two kids.
