The captain of the Canadian women’s hockey team, Marie-Philip Poulin, is the only player in the world, for both men and women, to have scored a goal in four consecutive Olympic finals. The 31-year-old Beauceronne cemented her reputation as a golden goalscorer by scoring twice, including the winning goal, in the final of the Beijing Games last February, in a 3-2 victory for Canada against the United States. She will lead the Canadian delegation to the World Championships which kick off Thursday in Herning and Frederikshavn, Denmark. Interview at the dawn of the World Cup.
The Olympics took place six months ago. This is the third major championship in a year. You have had a few knee injuries during your career and have played in several international matches. What motivated you to participate in this tournament instead of enjoying a little rest?
The team. The last two years have been so special. We have this culture within Hockey Canada that carries over to the women’s team, and it’s really good. So it’s hard for me to walk away from this team. We’ve had a lot of success over the past year, but we don’t
take nothing for granted. We take so much pride in wearing the Canadian uniform. It’s an honor every time and it’s fun. But it’s been a short summer, I’m not going to lie to you.
What would it be like to lead Canada to a third major title in a year as captain?
I didn’t think that far, but the group we have is special. There is a lot of talent among the next generation as well and, of course, it would be an honor. Winning these two major tournaments in one year has been very good for our confidence. But that is now in the past, and we are looking to the future.
What are your duties with the Montreal Canadiens, and how do you combine them with your career on the ice?
They [les dirigeants de la formation] knew when I sat down with them that my priority was always to play. This is therefore a part-time role within the player development team. With rookie camp in July, I was able to get involved for three days and see what was going on there. It was really interesting for the player that I am. You see the sport in a different way when you’re on the coaching staff. I tried to see what there was to learn for the players so that I could apply it to my game. I look forward to being able to invest myself more in this role.
Several reports indicate that a league involving the Professional Female Hockey Association (PWHPA) would emerge, supported by Billie Jean King Enterprises and the Mark Walter Group. How close are you to having the professional women’s league you want?
It’s coming. I believe we now have an investor, but the process is slower than we thought. We all want a league tomorrow, we all know that. I think we have the right people in place. We trust them. We have had this association for several years now, and we will continue to hope and believe in those working behind the scenes that it will happen soon.
How much longer do you want to play for the national team?
As long as I can follow the young people. They have a lot of talent. I still like that. When I’m no longer smiling, when I’m no longer having fun going to the arena, I’ll know it’s over. But this is not the case.