Marie-Philip Poulin Sidelined, but Team Canada Staying the Course at Milan-Cortina 2026
MILAN - Team Canada hit the ice Tuesday without their heartbeat and captain, Marie-Philip Poulin, for their highly anticipated Olympic clash against the United States. But there’s good news on the horizon: head coach Troy Ryan says the team expects Poulin back at some point during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Games.
Poulin suffered a lower-body injury in Canada’s 5-1 win over Czechia on Monday. The injury occurred early in the first period - she attempted a brief return to the ice but didn’t finish the game. Since then, she’s been evaluated daily, with the team opting to play it safe in the short term.
“We’re very optimistic she’ll be back at some point in these Games,” Ryan said before puck drop Tuesday. “For now, it’s just best not to have her in this game.”
That’s a clear signal Canada is prioritizing the long haul. With Poulin’s value to the team - as both a leader and a clutch performer - there’s no sense rushing her back before she’s ready. And while her absence is felt, the team isn’t panicking.
“Obviously it’s difficult,” Ryan admitted. “She’s someone who is irreplaceable.”
And he’s not wrong. Poulin’s presence on the ice is as steadying as it is electric.
She’s been the face of Canadian women’s hockey for over a decade, delivering in the biggest moments time and again. But if there’s a silver lining, it’s that this Canadian squad is built to withstand adversity.
They’ve been here before, and they know what it takes to rally.
“The message [to the team] is our group is so experienced. They’ve been in this situation before,” Ryan said. “For us, it’s just about each individual trying to find a percentage or two they can pick up in their game in the absence of such a great leader like Poulin.”
That’s the mentality of a veteran group - not looking for someone to fill Poulin’s skates entirely, but for everyone to elevate just a bit. Add those small margins together, and you’ve got a team that can still compete with anyone, even the tournament favorites from the U.S.
While Tuesday’s game marked the first of what could be multiple showdowns between the two North American powerhouses, Canada is clearly thinking beyond one game. With Poulin’s return still on the table, the bigger picture remains intact - and with it, their shot at gold.