Key Takeaways
- Canada’s 23-player roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan has been announced
- The team is looking to defend their gold medal title from the 2022 Beijing Games
- Captain Marie-Philip Poulin will be competing in her fifth Olympics, having won gold three times and silver once
- 16 players from the 2022 squad are returning, while 7 players will be making their Olympic debuts
- The women’s tournament will take place from February 5 to February 19, with Canada competing in Group A alongside the United States, Finland, Czechia, and Switzerland
Introduction to Team Canada
Canada has announced its 23-player roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, and the team is looking to defend their gold medal title from the 2022 Beijing Games. As the defending champions, Canada will be one of the top contenders for the gold medal, and with a strong roster of experienced players, they have a good chance of repeating their success. The team is led by captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who will be competing in her fifth Olympics and has already won gold three times (2010, 2014, 2022) and silver once (2018).
The Roster
The Canadian roster includes 16 players who are returning from the 2022 squad, including forwards Poulin, Laura Stacey, Sarah Fillier, Blayre Turnbull, Emily Clark, Emma Maltais, Brianne Jenner, Natalie Spooner, and Sarah Nurse, and defenders Renata Fast, Erin Ambrose, Jocelyne Larocque, Claire Thompson, and Ella Shelton, and goaltenders Ann-Renée Desbiens and Emerance Maschmeyer. These players have a wealth of experience and will provide a strong foundation for the team. In addition to the returning players, 7 players will be making their Olympic debuts in Milan: forwards Daryl Watts, Jenn Gardiner, Julia Gosling, and Kristin O’Neill, defenders Sophie Jaques and Kati Tabin, and goaltender Kayle Osborne. These new players will bring fresh energy and talent to the team and will be looking to make a strong impression in their first Olympics.
Coaching Staff
The Canadian team will be led by head coach Troy Ryan, who was at the helm when Canada won gold in 2022. Ryan will be joined behind the bench by assistant coaches Kori Cheverie, Caroline Ouellette, Britni Smith, and goaltending consultant Brad Kirkwood. This experienced coaching staff will provide guidance and support to the players as they navigate the tournament. With their expertise and knowledge, they will help the team to prepare and perform at their best, and will be crucial in making strategic decisions during the games.
The Tournament
The women’s tournament will kick off on February 5, with the gold-medal game taking place on February 19. Canada will be competing in Group A alongside the United States, Finland, Czechia, and Switzerland. This will be a challenging group, with all teams having a strong chance of advancing to the knockout stage. The other group, Group B, consists of Germany, Sweden, Japan, France, and host Italy. The tournament will be highly competitive, with all teams looking to make a strong impression and win a medal. Canada will need to be at the top of their game if they want to defend their title and bring home the gold medal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Canada’s 23-player roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan is a strong and experienced team that is looking to defend their gold medal title from the 2022 Beijing Games. With a good mix of returning players and new talent, the team has a good chance of repeating their success. The coaching staff, led by head coach Troy Ryan, will provide guidance and support to the players as they navigate the tournament. The women’s tournament will be highly competitive, but with their skills and determination, Canada has a good chance of bringing home the gold medal.
