Marie-Philip Poulin and her Montréal Victoire teammates were still basking in the afterglow of their recent Walter Cup victory. Despite the celebrations, Poulin faces uncertainty regarding her future in the Professional Women’s Hockey League, prompting her to contemplate upcoming decisions and focus on her rehabilitation process. The team’s captain expressed her intention to take each day as it comes, awaiting further information about her condition before making definitive plans.
Poulin encountered challenges during the last three months of the season, starting with a right knee injury sustained at the Milano-Cortina Olympics in February. She exacerbated the injury in a game against the Boston Fleet on March 15, leading to her absence from ten subsequent matches. Despite returning for the final regular-season game on April 25 and participating in all nine playoff games, Poulin faced difficulties due to her knee brace, which affected her mobility, particularly during the semifinal series against the Minnesota Frost.
Despite these obstacles, Poulin’s determination shone through as she was named the playoffs’ most valuable player, amassing eight points in nine games. However, the status of her right knee remains uncertain, with the possibility of surgery looming. Poulin acknowledged the need for further evaluation and mentioned the potential for decisions to be made in the upcoming weeks.
While retirement rumors have surfaced, Poulin, at 35 years old, is contemplating her future in the sport she has dedicated years to. Acknowledging the importance of staying present and enjoying the moment, she emphasized the impending conversations and decisions that lie ahead. The prospect of starting a family with her wife and teammate, Laura Stacey, adds another layer of consideration to Poulin’s future plans.
Time to start a family?
Stacey, too, emphasized the need to relish the team’s recent victory before delving into discussions about their personal and professional futures. Both athletes are evaluating their physical well-being after enduring a demanding playoff series, with Stacey highlighting the importance of understanding their bodies before making any decisions about the upcoming season and family planning.
Stacey’s own injury scare during the final game and her subsequent return with the support of the team’s medical staff underscored the challenges and triumphs experienced by the Victoire during their championship run.