Veterans Dominate Canada’s Women’s Hockey Team for 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics
The Canadian women’s hockey team is set to showcase a strong lineup at the 2026 Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics. This roster features 16 talented veterans from the gold-winning team that triumphed in Beijing in 2022. Leading the squad is captain Marie-Philip Poulin, renowned for her remarkable ability to score crucial Olympic goals.
Key Players and Leadership
Marie-Philip Poulin, often referred to as “Captain Clutch,” aims to secure her fifth Olympic medal. This achievement would place her among only two other Canadian players, Hayley Wickenheiser and Jayna Hefford, who have reached this milestone. A potential fourth gold medal would elevate Poulin’s status alongside legends like Wickenheiser, Hefford, and Caroline Ouellette.
Returning Forwards
- Sarah Fillier (New York Sirens)
- Laura Stacey (Montreal Victoire)
- Emma Maltais (Toronto Sceptres)
- Sarah Nurse (Vancouver Goldeneyes)
- Blayre Turnbull (Toronto Sceptres)
- Emily Clark (Ottawa Charge)
- Natalie Spooner (Sceptres)
- Brianne Jenner (Charge)
Defensive Lineup
The blue line boasts several familiar faces from the previous Olympic campaign:
- Renata Fast (Sceptres)
- Erin Ambrose (Victoire)
- Jocelyne Larocque (Charge)
- Ella Shelton (Sceptres)
- Claire Thompson (Goldeneyes)
Goaltending Prospects
In net, Ann-Renée Desbiens (Victoire) is anticipated to take on the starting role. She comes into the Olympics with an impressive record of never having lost a game at this level. Emerance Maschmeyer (Goldeneyes), who also contributed to the team’s success in 2022 as a backup, will support her.
As the 2026 Milano-Cortina Olympics approach, the Canadian women’s hockey team’s blend of experience and talent promises a formidable presence on the ice. With a roster rich in veteran players, they aim for continued dominance in international women’s hockey.
