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.
Posted at 12:56 p.m.
The 31-year-old Beauceronne cemented her reputation as a gold scorer by scoring twice, including the eventual winner, in the final of the Beijing Games last February, when Canada defeated the United States 3-2.
Poulin will lead the Canadian delegation to the World Championships which kick off Thursday in Herning and Frederikshavn, Denmark. Canada will begin its tournament against Finland in Herning.
The Quebecer has scored seven goals in four Olympic finals, including the tying goal late in the third and the winning goal in overtime in the 2014 final in Sochi, another 3-2 triumph over the Americans. In 2010, in Vancouver, she scored both goals in a 2-0 victory over the United States.
She also scored in regulation time in Canada’s shootout loss to the Americans in PyeongChang 2018.
His exploits are not limited to the Olympics. Her overtime goal in the final against the United States at last year’s World Cup in Calgary gave the Canadians their first success in almost 10 years.
Poulin is the top scorer among still active Canadians with 88 goals and 96 assists in 153 games. She ranks fifth all-time, behind Hayley Wickenheiser, Jayna Hefford, Caroline Ouellette and Danielle Goyette.
Wickenheiser, Hefford and Goyette are Hall of Famers.
When Pope Francis spoke about teamwork to a crowd in Iqaluit, Nunavut, during his visit to Canada, he referred to Poulin and teammate Sarah Nurse by name.
“I heard that,” Poulin said. My grandmother sent me a message. I think she is very happy about it. »
The Canadian Press had a few questions for Poulin on the eve of the World Cup. The interview has been edited and condensed to save space.
The Canadian Press (PC): The Olympics took place six months ago. This is the third major championship in a year. You have suffered a few knee injuries during your career and have participated in many international meetings. What motivated you to participate in this tournament instead of enjoying a little rest?
Marie-Philip Poulin (MPP): “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 anything 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. »
pc: What would it be like to lead Canada to a third major captain’s title in a year?
MPI: “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. To win 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. »
pc: What are your duties with the Montreal Canadiens and how do you combine that with your career on the ice?
MPI: “They 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 department. 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. »
pc: There are several reports that a league involving the Professional Women Hockey Association (PWHPA) will 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?
MPI: ” It’s coming. I believe we now have an investor, but the process is slower than we anticipated. 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. »
pc: How much longer do you want to play for the national team?
MPI: “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. »