The Canadian women’s ice hockey team has advanced to the semi-finals of the Olympics, thanks to the return of its captain, Marie-Philip Poulin. The team secured a decisive 5-1 victory over Germany in the quarter-finals held at the Milano Rho ice arena. This event took place on Saturday.
Remarkable Milestone Achieved by Poulin
Poulin, who missed two previous matches due to a right knee injury, made history by scoring her 18th Olympic goal. This achievement ties her with former teammate Hayley Wickenheiser for the all-time Olympic goal record. Poulin expressed gratitude towards her teammates and emphasized her focus on winning.
Game Highlights
- First Goal: Brianne Jenner scored the opening goal just 1:40 into the match.
- Strong Performance: The team dominated with 27 shots on goal compared to Germany’s 6.
- Poulin’s Return: Made a significant impact by scoring the fifth goal in the third period.
Canada led throughout the match, holding a commanding 3-0 lead at one point. Emerance Maschmeyer, the Canadian goalkeeper, made 10 crucial saves to secure her second tournament victory. Meanwhile, Franziska Feldmeier scored Germany’s first-ever goal against Canada in Olympic history.
Impact of Poulin’s Injury
Poulin’s absence was felt during earlier matches, including a 5-0 loss to the United States. Her teammate, Claire Thompson, highlighted Poulin’s leadership and presence on and off the ice. After a tough start, Poulin quickly adapted to the fast-paced game, showcasing her exceptional skills.
Looking Ahead to the Semi-Finals
The semi-final match is set to take place soon, with Canada now ready to face stronger competition. Other teams, including the United States and Sweden, have also reached this stage after their quarter-final victories. Coaches stress the importance of quick decision-making and efficient puck management, especially against elite opponents.
Excitement builds as the tournament progresses, and fans look forward to more remarkable performances from Poulin and her team at the 2026 Olympics.
