MILAN, Italy – A promising start to the Olympic women’s hockey tournament for Canada was tempered by a significant blow on Thursday, February 7, 2026. While Team Canada secured a 10-3 victory over Czechia, captain Marie-Philip Poulin exited the game with an apparent injury, casting a shadow over the win.
The game, played at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena, saw a dominant offensive performance from the Canadians, fueled by a four-goal first period. However, the celebratory mood was dampened by Poulin’s departure. Details surrounding the injury remain limited, but the fact that she didn’t return to the game is a cause for concern.
Poulin, a veteran of four previous Olympic Games, is a cornerstone of the Canadian team and widely regarded as “Captain Clutch” for her ability to deliver in crucial moments. She holds the distinction of being the only player, male or female, to have scored goals in four Olympic hockey finals. Her presence on the ice is not only vital for her scoring prowess but also for her leadership, and experience.
The 34-year-old forward from Beauceville, Quebec, is within reach of surpassing Hayley Wickenheiser’s record of 18 career Olympic goals, currently standing at 17. However, Poulin has repeatedly stated that individual accolades are secondary to the team’s pursuit of gold. “I don’t care about individual (records) at all,” she has said. “I really don’t care.”
The injury occurred during the game against Czechia, though specific details of the incident haven’t been widely released. Canada managed to maintain its momentum despite Poulin’s absence, with several players stepping up to contribute to the decisive victory. The team’s ability to perform effectively without their captain will be a key factor as the tournament progresses.
Canada’s win over Czechia followed a previous 3-0 shutout victory over Switzerland on February 5th, demonstrating their strong start to the Olympic tournament. The team has been showcasing a potent offense and solid defensive play, establishing themselves as a strong contender for the gold medal.
Sarah Nurse, a teammate of Poulin’s, recently highlighted the captain’s continued growth and adaptation even after years of success. “She’s still adapting and growing and learning, even after she’s been to four Olympic Games,” Nurse said. “And accomplished so much within the sport.” This speaks to Poulin’s dedication and commitment to continuous improvement, even at the highest level of competition.
The injury to Poulin echoes a past setback. She previously reinjured her left knee in April 2019 during a world championship game against Russia. That injury sidelined her for a period, and the current situation raises concerns about a similar outcome.
Canada’s next game is against Finland. The team will undoubtedly be hoping for positive news regarding Poulin’s condition before that match. Her absence would be a significant loss, both in terms of on-ice performance and team morale. The team’s ability to navigate this challenge will be a crucial test of their depth and resilience.
The Canadian team demonstrated their offensive firepower against Czechia, with multiple players contributing to the scoreline. While the specific goalscorers weren’t detailed in available reports, the 10-3 victory underscores Canada’s offensive capabilities. The team’s ability to generate scoring opportunities will be essential as they face tougher opponents later in the tournament.
The IIHF reported that Canada experienced a scare during the win against Czechia, alluding to the Poulin injury as a potential disruption to their Olympic campaign. The team will need to assess the severity of the injury and adjust their strategy accordingly.
As Canada continues its Olympic journey, the health of Marie-Philip Poulin will be a central focus. Her leadership and scoring ability are invaluable assets, and her absence would undoubtedly impact the team’s chances of defending their gold medal. The coming days will be critical in determining her status and the team’s ability to overcome this adversity.
