Buffalo Grove's Megan Bozek left off U.S. women's hockey team

Don't look for Buffalo Grove native Megan Bozek on the ice for the U.S. women's hockey team in the Winter Olympics next month.

Bozek, a defenseman with a heavy right-handed slap shot from the point, issued a statement this week after learning she did not make the final roster.

She played for the U.S. team that received a silver medal after falling to Canada in overtime in the championship game at the 2014 Winter Olympics. Her being left off this year's team was considered a surprise in the hockey media.

"Although it truly (is) a disappointment not being added to the 2018 U.S. Olympic Team roster, I put my best foot forward every day and I can walk away with my head held high," she said. "I might not agree with the decision made to exclude me from the team, but for the 23 that were named to the Olympic Team, I only want to wish them the best to bring home the first GOLD since 1998."

Last year, Bozek was part of the 12th class inducted into the Illinois Hockey Hall of Fame. She attended Stevenson High School in Lincolnshire and starred at the University of Minnesota, winning two NCAA championships with the Golden Gophers.

She also won a title with the Buffalo Beauts in the four-team National Women's Hockey League in 2017.