Canada’s Poulin Set for Return in Quarterfinal Clash with Germany
Canada is gearing up for a significant match in the women’s tournament at the 2026 Winter Olympics. Captain Marie-Philip Poulin is poised to return for the quarterfinal showdown against Germany.
Upcoming Quarterfinals: Canada vs. Germany
Poulin, a seasoned player and team leader, had to sit out the last two games due to a lower-body injury. This injury occurred during the early moments of Canada’s match against Czechia, where she was struck by Czech forward Kristýna Kaltounková. Poulin fell awkwardly and left the ice visibly in pain.
Poulin’s Injury Journey
The 34-year-old missed an important game against the United States, which Canada lost 5-0. She also did not participate in the team’s latter game against Finland, where they secured a 5-0 victory. After practice on Friday, Poulin shared details about her recovery, describing a minor tweak to her knee from the Kaltounková hit. Despite ongoing discomfort, she expressed determination to play, noting, “It did hurt. Still hurts, but it’s part of it.”
- Poulin has not missed a game for 23 consecutive Winter Olympics matches.
- This absence marked her first since an injury during the inaugural season of the PWHL.
- She recorded one assist in her appearances in Milan, contributing to Natalie Spooner’s goal against Switzerland.
Poulin’s Olympic Legacy
In the context of Olympic history, Poulin ranks second in scoring, following Hockey Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser. She has amassed 36 points in 24 games throughout her impressive career.
The highly anticipated match between Canada and Germany is scheduled to start at 10:40 a.m. ET. Fans and teammates alike are eager to see Poulin lead her team in this critical competition.