As the countdown to the 2024 Winter Olympics in Milan begins, Canadian hockey icon Marie-Philip Poulin is preparing for what could be her final Olympic appearance. At 34, Poulin, who has established herself as one of the greatest players in women’s hockey history, is ready to lead Team Canada in a quest to defend their gold medal against their fiercest rivals, the United States. With an impressive history of 19 international medals, including three Olympic golds, Poulin’s influence on the ice is undeniable.
A Legacy of Winning
Reflecting on her illustrious career, Poulin shared a sentiment that resonates with many athletes: “La vie va vite,” meaning “Life goes by quickly.” This phrase encapsulates her journey from a young player to the captain of Canada’s national team. The upcoming Olympics will mark her fifth participation in the Games—an extraordinary accomplishment in any sport.
As Canada prepares for the challenge ahead, one question looms large: has the intensity of the Canada-U.S. rivalry diminished with the rise of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), which has seen players from both sides becoming teammates? Poulin quickly dispelled any notions of fading competitiveness, stating, “Yes, one hundred per cent.” Her commitment to the rivalry remains as fierce as ever, underscoring the passion that fuels both teams.
The Rivalry Endures
Since its inception on New Year’s Day 2024, the PWHL has elevated the profile of women’s hockey, yet Poulin insists that the Olympic atmosphere is unmatched. “As much as we are teammates and friends off the ice, every time you wear that jersey and you play against the Americans, there is that rivalry,” she explained. The stakes are higher at the Olympics, where the history of competition adds an extra layer of intensity.
Poulin’s remarkable ability to perform under pressure has earned her the moniker “Captain Clutch.” Her pivotal goals in past Olympic finals—winning the gold in Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014, and Beijing 2022—are etched into the annals of sports history. Even in the disappointment of Pyeongchang 2018, where Canada lost in a dramatic shootout, Poulin’s resilience shone through as she scored the opening goal.
The Road to Milan
While the tournament in Milan will feature ten teams, including improving squads from Sweden, Switzerland, Czechia, and Finland, the narrative still largely revolves around the Canada-U.S. clash. Poulin acknowledges that the familiarity bred through years of competition only intensifies the rivalry. “Honestly, when you play in the league against each other, you want to win that face-off, you want to go hard against each other,” she said, highlighting the competitive spirit that persists even among teammates.
As she enters her final Olympic chapter, Poulin’s leadership and experience will be crucial for Team Canada. Coach Troy Ryan lauds her unique ability to inspire those around her, calling her “a special player.” Her legacy is not just in the medals she has won but in the impact she has made on the sport, inspiring a new generation of players, such as 19-year-old Chloe Primerano, who grew up idolising her.
The Spotlight on Poulin
During a recent golf outing with both the men’s and women’s national teams, Tampa Bay Lightning coach Jon Cooper remarked on the impressive medal haul that Poulin brings to the table. “Who’s done more winning? I don’t even know,” he mused, acknowledging her unmatched record compared to his own star players.
With 19 international medals, Poulin stands out as a monumental figure in women’s hockey, a role model to many, and a player who can still turn the tide of a game in an instant. As Team Canada gears up for the Olympic challenge, the eyes of the hockey world will undoubtedly be on Poulin, hoping she can deliver once more.
Why it Matters
Marie-Philip Poulin’s legacy transcends her impressive statistics and accolades; she embodies the spirit and evolution of women’s hockey on the global stage. As she prepares for what may be her swan song at the Olympics, her influence extends beyond the rink, inspiring young girls to pursue their dreams in sports. Poulin’s journey reflects the broader narrative of women’s empowerment in athletics, making her story not just one of personal triumph, but a beacon for the future of women’s sports. As Canada seeks to defend its title, the stakes are high, and Poulin’s role could very well define the next chapter in the history of women’s hockey.
