Team Canada closed out their preliminary round at the Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina with a statement win, blanking Finland 5-0 behind a rock-solid performance from Montreal Victoire netminder Ann-Renée Desbiens. The La Malbaie native turned aside all 17 shots she faced, locking down her crease with the kind of poise and positioning we’ve come to expect from one of the game’s most dependable goaltenders.
With the win, Canada moves to 3-1 in Group A play and now sets its sights on the quarterfinals, where they’ll face Germany on Saturday at 10:40 a.m. ET. It’s a favorable matchup on paper, but as always in Olympic hockey, nothing is guaranteed-especially with the stakes this high.
Canada’s only blemish in group play came at the hands of their longtime rivals, the United States, in a 5-0 loss. That result stung, no doubt, but this bounce-back effort against Finland showed a team that’s still very much in sync, even without its heartbeat on the ice.
Once again, the Canadians were without captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who’s sidelined with a lower-body injury suffered against Czechia. Her absence is significant-Poulin is not just a leader but a clutch performer with a knack for delivering in the biggest moments. Still, this group has depth, experience, and a strong supporting cast that stepped up in her stead.
Among those who made an impact Thursday was forward Laura Stacey, another Montreal Victoire standout, who chipped in with two assists. Her speed and vision created space and scoring chances throughout the game, and she continues to be a key piece in Canada’s offensive puzzle.
On the blue line, Victoire defenders Erin Ambrose and Kati Tabin also made their presence felt. Ambrose finished the game with a +3 rating, showcasing her two-way game and ability to control the pace from the back end. Tabin added a +1, contributing solid minutes in a game where Canada dictated much of the play.
This win wasn’t just about the scoreline-it was about how Canada responded. They tightened up defensively, got timely saves from Desbiens, and executed with purpose in the offensive zone. It’s the kind of performance that builds confidence heading into the knockout stage, where every shift matters and every mistake is magnified.
Germany is next, and while Canada will be favored, the path to gold only gets tougher from here. The good news? If Thursday’s effort is any indication, this team is finding its stride at just the right time.