University of Minnesota Duluth first-year women's hockey assistant coach Julie Chu will have to pocket her Bulldog coaching whistle in hopes of an Olympic gold medal.

USA hockey announced in January all non-college players will centralize in preparation for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics. Chu, who just last weekend helped Team USA to a gold medal in the 2008 IIHF World Championships in Harbin, China, is an assistant captain and two-time Olympian for Team USA.

\"I am sad to say that I will not be returning to UMD next season,\" said Chu about her departure. \"The US national team is having a residency program next year in which I must participate. I have enjoyed my time working with the UMD team and wish the team all the best next season and those beyond.\"

UMD, which clinched the program's fourth NCAA-leading national title just a month ago, will retain the services of Chu until May 2nd. A nationwide search for her replacement has already begun.

\"I knew they were going to centralize, but we were all hoping it would be the summer of 2009,\" said Bulldog head coach Shannon Miller. \"So while I am happy for Team USA and their Olympic plan, I am sad we are losing our outstanding rookie assistant coach. We had an amazing year together.\"