Canada's women’s hockey team has received a significant boost with the return of their captain, Marie-Philip Poulin. After recovering from a lower-body injury sustained during the opening period of a round-robin match against Czechia, Poulin is set to play in the Olympic quarterfinal against Germany on Saturday. Head coach Troy Ryan confirmed her return, emphasizing the need to carefully manage her ice time to ensure a successful reintegration into the lineup.
Poulin’s injury occurred when she was checked by Kristyna Kaltounkova during Canada’s 5-1 victory over Czechia. Following this incident, the Beauceville, Quebec native was sidelined, missing both a tough 5-0 defeat to Team USA and a subsequent 5-0 win against Finland. Her absence was felt, as Poulin is a vital player, not only for her skill but also for her leadership as captain.
Speaking on the matter, Poulin acknowledged that her injury still causes some pain, but she expressed a positive outlook on her recovery. “It did hurt, still hurts, but it’s part of it,” she said. “Happy with where I’m at today. Obviously, skated yesterday, skated today. … To get back on the ice with that team is truly special.” This optimism reflects her dedication and the high expectations for the team as they enter the critical stages of the Olympics.
During Friday's practice, Poulin was fully engaged, taking line shifts with teammates Daryl Watts and Sarah Fillier. This participation signals not just her physical recovery but also her readiness to contribute to the team’s efforts in a high-stakes match. Coach Troy Ryan mentioned that while there is a desire to reintegrate Poulin fully, it will be essential to gauge her condition throughout the game. “It’s not that we have to be overly cautious, but just easing her back in is really important,” he noted, highlighting the importance of communication between the player and coaching staff.
Marie-Philip Poulin is no stranger to the Olympic stage, being a five-time Olympian with an impressive record that includes three gold medals and one silver. Notably, she scored the winning goal in the gold-medal games for all three of Canada’s victories, establishing herself as one of the key players in women’s hockey history. Her return is expected to invigorate the team as they prepare for the crucial matchup against Germany.
As Canada looks ahead to the quarterfinals, the reintroduction of Poulin will play a pivotal role in enhancing their chances for success in the tournament. The team will aim to leverage her experience and skillset to advance further in the competition while carefully monitoring her load to ensure she can perform at her best.
