Canada Reveals Final Olympic Women’s Hockey Roster Amid Joy and Heartbreak
Emma Maltais vividly remembers the anticipation and anxiety she felt four years ago while waiting for a call from Canada’s coaching staff regarding her selection for the Olympic hockey team. Today, she reflects on that moment with a smile, as she prepares for her second Winter Olympics in 2026.
Canada’s Women’s Hockey Team Roster Announcement
On Friday, Canada unveiled its final roster of 23 players for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina set to take place in February 2026. The team aims to defend its gold medal won in the 2022 Olympics amidst a roster filled with both seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
Key Members of Team Canada
- Emma Maltais, Forward, Burlington, Ontario
- Marie-Philip Poulin, Captain, with an extensive Olympic experience
- Renata Fast, Defender
- Sarah Nurse, Forward, looking for her third Olympic gold
- Ann-Renée Desbiens, Goaltender
- Sophie Jaques, Young Defender
This year’s roster features a mix of experience with Olympic veterans like Poulin, who has already participated in five Olympic Games, and young talents including Sarah Fillier and Sophie Jaques. The inclusion of seven Olympic rookies signifies a fresh approach for Team Canada as they gear up for the competition.
Roster Breakdown
| Forwards | Defenders | Goaltenders |
|---|---|---|
| Emily Clark | Erin Ambrose | Ann-Renee Desbiens |
| Sarah Fillier | Renata Fast | Emerance Maschmeyer |
| Jennifer Gardiner | Sophie Jaques | Kayle Osborne |
| Julia Gosling | Jocelyne Larocque | |
| Brianne Jenner | Ella Shelton | |
| Emma Maltais | Kati Tabin | |
| Sarah Nurse | Claire Thompson | |
| Kristin O’Neill | ||
| Marie-Philip Poulin | ||
| Natalie Spooner | ||
| Laura Stacey | ||
| Blayre Turnbull | ||
| Daryl Watts |
Notable Exclusions
The final roster saw the exclusion of five players from the 2025 world championship team, which included forwards like Danielle Serdachny and defenders Micah Zandee-Hart. Team Canada’s head coach, Troy Ryan, expressed the emotional toll of making these cut decisions.
Upcoming Challenges
Despite a strong roster, Team Canada faces hefty competition and high expectations after several recent losses to Team USA. The team is set to open its Olympic journey on February 5 against Finland, aiming to reclaim their position on the podium.
Emma Maltais summed up the team’s mentality heading into the Olympics: “We want to drape that gold medal around our necks.” With determination and focus, Team Canada is poised to make a significant impact in Milano-Cortina, balancing the weight of competition with the thrill of Olympic spirit.
