At the conclusion of the previous season, Marie-Philip Poulin exited the awards ceremony of the PWHL in Ottawa with a collection of accolades. Among them were the Billie Jean King Most Valuable Player award, the Forward of the Year title, and recognition as the top goal scorer with 19 goals in 30 regular-season matches.
Despite her impressive individual achievements, Poulin found herself without two coveted trophies. Her team, Montreal Victoire, was eliminated in the first round of the PWHL playoffs for the second consecutive year. This setback came shortly after Canada’s loss to the United States in the world championship final.
Reflecting on her performance, Poulin expressed a sense of incompleteness, stating that the year had been good but not good enough. As she embarked on the national team’s training block, she shared her excitement about a new partnership with the Canadian Olympic Committee and Nulo, a premium pet food company. The partnership featured a photoshoot with her loyal golden retriever, Arlo, who remains a source of unwavering support.
Looking ahead, Poulin eyes the opportunity to secure her fourth Olympic gold medal at the upcoming Games, a feat accomplished only by esteemed hockey legends in the Hockey Hall of Fame. Despite her remarkable achievements, Poulin remains grounded, emphasizing the importance of staying focused on the present and not becoming complacent.
As she anticipates her fifth Olympic appearance, Poulin remains humble, acknowledging the fleeting nature of time and the significance of each Olympic journey. Additionally, she is gearing up for her third season in the PWHL, aiming for success in the Walter Cup competition against an expanded field of eight teams.
Poulin’s enduring passion for the sport is evident as she embraces the upcoming challenges, including facing off against her longtime rival, American player Hilary Knight. While Knight plans for Milan-Cortina to be her final Olympics, Poulin’s post-Olympic plans remain open-ended, driven by her deep love for the game.
The upcoming Olympic season brings a new training structure for Poulin and her teammates, with multiple training blocks leading up to the Games. The team will engage in competitive Rivalry Series matchups against the United States, providing valuable preparation for the pinnacle event.
Throughout the demanding season, Poulin maintains a steadfast focus on her goals, appreciating the progress and evolution of women’s hockey. She cherishes the opportunity to contribute to the team’s growth and looks forward to the journey ahead, one step at a time.