Marie-Philip Poulin: Canada Captain Breaks Women’s Hockey Olympic Goal Record
- MILAN (AP) — Marie-Philip Poulin of Canada etched her name into Olympic history Monday, breaking the record for most goals scored in women’s Olympic hockey.
- Poulin surpassed former teammate and Hockey Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser, who previously held the record with 18 goals.
- The Canadian team ultimately defeated Switzerland 2-1, securing their place in the gold medal game against the United States, scheduled for Thursday.
Canada’s Poulin Sets Olympic Record, Advances to Gold Medal Game
MILAN (AP) — Marie-Philip Poulin of Canada etched her name into Olympic history Monday, breaking the record for most goals scored in women’s Olympic hockey. The 34-year-old captain netted two goals in a semifinal matchup against Switzerland at the Milan Cortina Games, bringing her career total to 20.
Poulin surpassed former teammate and Hockey Hall of Famer Hayley Wickenheiser, who previously held the record with 18 goals. The milestone goal came in the second period, giving Canada a 1-0 lead. Just over six minutes later, Poulin added another, extending the advantage to 2-0.
The Canadian team ultimately defeated Switzerland 2-1, securing their place in the gold medal game against the United States, scheduled for Thursday. This will be a rematch of a familiar rivalry in women’s hockey.
The first goal of the game and the record-breaker, was a display of resilience, and skill. Set up by a pass from Sophie Jaques, Poulin initially appeared to miss the one-timer, but managed to lift the puck high enough to skip off the stick of Swiss goalie Andrea Braendli and into the net. The arena erupted as Poulin was immediately surrounded by celebrating teammates, aware of the significance of the moment.
Poulin had tied Wickenheiser’s record with her 18th career goal in a 5-1 quarterfinal win over Germany on Saturday, setting the stage for Monday’s historic achievement. Her second goal against Switzerland demonstrated her continued offensive prowess, driving to the net and roofing the puck over Braendli after an initial save on a shot by Daryl Watts.
This isn’t the first time Poulin has delivered in crucial moments. She has scored gold medal-clinching goals for Canada at the 2010, 2014, and 2022 Winter Games, earning her the nickname “Captain Clutch.”
Monday’s game marked Poulin’s second appearance since returning from a right knee injury sustained in a 5-1 victory over Czechia. The injury had sidelined her for two games, but she clearly hasn’t lost a step.
With 26 Olympic games played, Poulin now shares the Canada record for most Olympic games played with Hayley Wickenheiser and Jayna Hefford. Her continued success and leadership are a testament to her dedication and skill, solidifying her legacy as one of the greatest players in women’s hockey history.
Canada will now prepare to face the United States in a highly anticipated gold medal game, seeking to add another chapter to their storied rivalry and claim the Olympic title.