Team Canada received a major update ahead of its showdown with the United States women’s team in the 2026 Winter Olympics. Star forward Marie-Philip Poulin will not play due to a lower-body injury. Hockey Canada ruled her out Tuesday morning and listed her as day-to-day.
Team Canada will face the United States on Tuesday, Feb. 10, and the puck drop is at 2:10 pm ET. The decision removes one of Canada’s most important leaders from a key Group A matchup.
“Marie-Philip Poulin (Beauceville, Que./Montréal, PWHL) has been ruled out of Tuesday night’s game against the United States at Milano Cortina 2026.” The Canadian Olympic Committee and Hockey Canada wrote in their statement.
The injury occurred in the first period of Canada’s win over Czechia. Poulin was checked into the boards by Kristyna Kaltounkova and landed awkwardly. She struggled to put weight on her right leg and briefly returned to the ice. Poulin later rejoined the bench but did not take another shift. Canada still earned a 5-1 win to move to 2-0 in the tournament.
Poulin’s absence carries weight beyond the lineup. She owns 17 Olympic goals and sits one behind Hayley Wickenheiser’s all-time record. Her scoring touch and calm presence often shape games against the Americans. Losing that influence changes Canada’s look in a rivalry game that rarely allows mistakes.
Despite the setback, Poulin has delivered a steady 2025–26 season. With Montréal Victoire, she posted 14 points in 15 games. At the Olympics, she has one assist through two contests. Her leadership has remained clear even when not filling the scoresheet.
Canada enters the game second in Group A at the 2026 Winter Olympics. The team has scored nine goals and allowed one through two games. The Americans lead the group with three straight wins and a 15–1 goal difference. Canada remains strong, but the U.S. has controlled the pace so far.
Canada will lean on depth and structure, while Poulin’s status changes as the tournament moves forward.
Canada Won Over Czechia 5-1, Despite Poulin’s Early Injury
Poulin got injured in the first period, but the Canada women’s national ice hockey team still rolled past the Czechia team 5–1. Canada opened the scoring at 5:44 when Kristin O’Neill finished a clean rush. At 13:12, Sarah Fillier doubled the lead with a quick strike. Just 39 seconds later, Laura Stacey made it 3–0.
Julia Gosling scored late in the first, then added her second goal 17 seconds into the second period. Czechia spoiled the shutout late, with Natalie Mlynkova scoring at 48:38. But, Canada outshot Czechia 34–19 and controlled the game throughout.
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