No sooner have they won their world title than Marie-Philip Poulin, Ann-Renée Desbiens, Erin Ambrose, Laura Stacey and Kristin O’Neill must think about their next goal: the playoffs of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (LPHF) .
The champions did not have much time to celebrate their victory on Sunday against the Americans in the final of the Women’s World Cup. They landed Monday evening in Montreal. On Tuesday, they took advantage of their day off to do laundry and grocery shopping. Wednesday morning, they were back training at the Verdun Auditorium.
This Thursday, they will play at home. And on Saturday, they will face the Toronto team at the Bell Centre.
For rest, we will come back.
Obviously, the emotions they experienced in this fast-paced final still haunted them, some 65 hours after their triumph. The Canadians had the upper hand 6-5 in overtime, at the end of an epic encounter during which the two teams exchanged leads again and again.
“It was surreal,” Poulin said. It’s definitely one of the biggest matches I’ve ever been a part of against the United States. »
“It was such a team effort. I listened to it again Monday evening at home and I was still stressed listening to it. It was incredible,” added the captain, author of two goals in this final match.
“The way we handled it was pretty cool,” Ambrose said. We really rode the wave, which is not easy to do. That says a lot about this group. We wanted to win the gold medal more than anything in the world. »
They must now put this moment in the memory drawer to make room for what is to come, five games and a fight for the playoffs. Montreal is in a good position with 31 points in 3e rank in the general classification, closely followed by Ottawa (27 points). Remember that only four of the six teams will participate in the first spring dance of the LPHF.
Poulin will be there
PHOTO ADRIAN KRAUS, ASSOCIATED PRESS ARCHIVES
Marie-Philip Poulin hugs Hilary Knight after Sunday’s victory in the final against the Americans.
One of the good news is that the team will be able to count on the presence of Poulin for the end of the season. The Beauceronne, who had missed the last three matches of the Montreal team before the World Cup, seems almost entirely recovered from his knee injury. At least that’s what she implied when asked how her body was doing.
“He’s going, he’s going!” she exclaimed with a smile. One day at a time. With all the emotions of Sunday, it puts the injuries a little aside. It feels good, but everything is fine. »
Montreal lost its last four games before the international break in March. Obviously, Poulin’s absence alone does not explain these setbacks, but his return can only be beneficial.
“Any team that can have Marie-Philip Poulin back in its lineup will feel the benefits,” Ambrose rightly noted. She’s the best player in the world. To me, it’s not just what she does on the ice. It’s a lot about the voice she has in the locker room. You feel bigger when you have Pou around you. »
“That’s what we wanted”
PHOTO CHRISTINNE MUSCHI, CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
The Canadians had the upper hand 6-5 in overtime, at the end of an epic encounter during which the two teams exchanged leads again and again.
With the creation of the LPHF, it is the first time that players, especially those who participated in the Women’s World Cup, have played so many games in such a short time. Asked if she was starting to feel tired, Erin Ambrose exclaimed, “I’m as fit as I can be!” »
“We have the best fitness coach in Vicki Bendus,” continued the friendly defender. Honestly, I think if I were the player I was three years ago, I would feel a lot worse than I feel right now. »
“It’s always a challenge,” admitted Kristin O’Neill. We’re not used to playing that many games, but I think our coaching staff and Team Canada made sure we peaked at the right time. We are all very strong and fit. »
Poulin spoke of a “mental and physical adjustment”. But you won’t hear him complain. That’s for sure.
“At the end of the day, yes, it’s tiring. Yes, usually we’ve finished our season and we’re on a trip somewhere. But that’s what we wanted: to have a league, to pursue a championship. We’re here and I couldn’t be happier to be back. »
Desbiens, the most victorious
PHOTO CHRISTINNE MUSCHI, CANADIAN PRESS ARCHIVES
Ann-Renée Desbiens
Ann-Renée Desbiens became the winningest goalkeeper in the history of the Canadian team at the Women’s World Cup on Sunday, with 20 career wins. A not trivial feat for the one who drew a line under her career after the PyeongChang Olympic Games, in 2018… “I only had two victories [à ce moment-là]I think, said the Quebecer. […] I never thought I’d reach this, I’m happy, I’m proud and I hope I have some left… maybe not as much, but I hope I still have quite a bit left! » Her captain, teammate and friend, Marie-Philip Poulin, was delighted with this success: “I am so proud. We are super lucky to have her here in Montreal. »