Marie-Philip Poulin is a name that resonates deeply within the world of women’s ice hockey. Born on March 28, 1991, in Beauceville, Quebec, Poulin has become a legend in the sport, known for her incredible skill, leadership, and clutch performances
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. She currently plays as the captain for the Montreal Victoire in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and continues to be a vital part of the Canadian national team
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Poulin’s journey to hockey stardom began at a young age. She started figure skating at four but quickly switched to hockey, inspired by her older brother
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. Her passion for the game grew, and by the age of 16, she was already making waves in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) with the Montreal Stars, leading rookies in scoring with 22 goals and 21 assists in just 16 games
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Her rise to prominence continued as she joined the Canadian national team in 2007 and has been a cornerstone of the team ever since
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. Poulin is best known for her game-winning goals in the gold medal matches at the 2010, 2014, and 2022 Winter Olympics, earning her the nickname “Captain Clutch”
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. Her ability to perform under pressure has solidified her status as one of the greatest women’s hockey players of all time.
Off the ice, Poulin has been a vocal advocate for the growth and professionalization of women’s hockey
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. She played a significant role in the formation of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA) in 2019, which aims to create a sustainable professional league for women
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. In 2023, she signed with the newly established PWHL, continuing her mission to elevate the sport.
Poulin’s accolades are numerous, including three Olympic gold medals, four World Championship titles, and multiple Clarkson Cup victories
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. She has also been recognized with several awards, such as the Northern Star Award as Canada’s top athlete of the year and the Bobbie Rosenfeld Award as The Canadian Press’ female athlete of the year
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Her impact on the sport extends beyond her on-ice achievements. Poulin has inspired countless young girls to pursue hockey and has been a role model for athletes around the world. Her dedication to the game and her unwavering commitment to excellence have made her a beloved figure in the hockey community.