Canada’s Olympic hopes received a significant boost Saturday with the return of captain Marie-Philip Poulin to the lineup for their quarterfinal matchup against Germany.
Poulin had been sidelined due to a lower-body injury sustained during Canada’s 5-1 victory over Czechia in round-robin play, where she was checked by Kristyna Kaltounkova. She subsequently missed the games against the United States and Finland.
Head coach Troy Ryan indicated that Poulin’s ice time will be managed carefully as she returns to the ice. “It’s not that we have to be overly cautious, but just easing her back in is really important. I gotta take the feedback that she provides me. She’s agreed to be open and just have discussions on the bench when need be,” he said, per CBC Olympics’ Claire Hanna.
The 34-year-old Poulin, a five-time Olympian, participated fully in Friday’s practice, skating on a line with Daryl Watts and Sarah Fillier. She confirmed to reporters that her knee still hurts, but she’s pleased with her progress. “It did hurt, still hurts, but it’s part of it,” Poulin said Friday. “Happy with where I’m at today. Obviously, skated yesterday, skated today. … To get back on the ice with that team is truly special.”
Poulin’s return is a major lift for the Canadians, who are aiming for back-to-back Olympic gold medals in women’s hockey. She has already secured three gold medals and one silver throughout her decorated Olympic career, famously scoring the winning goal in all three gold-medal games.
Canada will face Germany at 10:40 a.m. ET / 7:40 a.m. PT, with the game broadcast on CBC Gem or Sportsnet+.
