"Representing USA Hockey as a member of Team USA has been the honor (sic) of a lifetime," Decker said.

"Hockey has given me opportunities I could only dream of as a young kid just learning to skate."

She had first tasted World Championship success with the United States under-18 squad in 2009.

Decker was still a teenager when elevated to the senior squad and went on to appear in three Olympic Games.

Decker won silver at the Sochi 2014 and then gold in Pyeongchang 2018.

Her final Olympics in Beijing proved bitter sweet, although she won another silver medal, after she broke her left fibula and tore ligaments in her ankle in a preliminary round victory win over Finland.

Decker's absence from the final against Canada was considered a key reason why America did not win gold.

She also won six World Championship gold medals in the course of her career.

"I’m proud to have taken the ice with so many incredible teammates, and thank them, my family and friends for their unwavering support throughout the years," Decker added.

Decker finished her international career with 81 goals and 89 assists in 147 matches.

"Brianna was a difference maker every time she stepped on the ice," USA Hockey executive director Pat Kelleher said. 

"While we’ll miss watching her play, we look forward to her continued involvement in the sport, and wish her the very best in the next chapter of life."

Decker has already started coaching with the Shattuck-St.Mary’s girls preparatory school hockey programme in Minnesota.

"Over the course of my career, countless coaches made an immeasurable impact on my life both on and off the ice," Decker explained. 

"I look forward to helping shape the next generation of bright young hockey stars in the United States."

Since 2019, Decker has also endowed a coaching programme.