Milan, Italy
News Desk | Sports
MILAN — Canada hockey teams strengthened their positions at the Winter Olympics this week, with the women’s squad securing a quarterfinal victory following Marie-Philip Poulin’s return from injury and the men’s team earning key group-stage wins behind veteran leadership, according to tournament officials and team representatives during competition in Milan.
Poulin scored in her first game back as Canada Hockey defeated Germany 5–1 in the women’s tournament, marking a significant boost after she had missed earlier matches with a knee issue. Head coach Troy Ryan said her return provided stability and experience as Canada continues its pursuit of another Olympic gold medal.
The result followed an earlier round-robin loss to the United States, underscoring the competitive balance at the top of international women’s hockey. Canada remains among the tournament favorites, with officials noting the roster’s blend of experienced Olympians and emerging players developed through the national program.
In the men’s competition, Canada hockey captain Sidney Crosby set a national Olympic scoring record during a group-stage victory, surpassing previous Canadian totals while contributing both goals and assists. Team staff said Crosby’s performance and defensive reliability have helped establish early momentum as Canada targets a deep playoff run.
Connor McDavid and other top forwards have also produced consistently, reflecting the return of NHL-caliber participation to Olympic play for the first time in more than a decade. Hockey Canada officials described the roster as one of the most balanced in recent international tournaments, combining veteran leadership with speed and scoring depth.
Canada’s broader international results in 2026 have included a bronze-medal finish at the world junior championship, signaling continued strength in the country’s development pipeline. Analysts say those junior-level performances often translate into future Olympic and world championship success for the senior program.
Women’s Olympic hockey competition in Milan runs through February 19, while the men’s medal rounds are scheduled to follow later in the Games. Upcoming knockout-stage matchups will determine whether Canada hockey can convert early success into podium finishes in both tournaments.
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