Team Canada’s Olympic Roster: A PWHL Powerhouse
On January 9, 2026, Hockey Canada revealed its roster for the women’s ice hockey team for the upcoming Milano Cortina Olympics. All 23 players come from the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). This is a significant milestone for the league, showcasing the talent and potential of these athletes.
Team Composition
The roster includes players from six PWHL teams:
- Toronto: 6 players
- Montréal: 5 players
- Vancouver: 5 players
- Ottawa: 3 players
- New York: 3 players
- Seattle: 1 player
Among the goaltenders are Ann-Renée Desbiens from Montréal, Emerance Maschmeyer from Vancouver, and Kayle Osborne from New York.
The defenders include notable players like Erin Ambrose and Jocelyne Larocque, while the forward line features stars such as Marie-Philip Poulin and Sarah Nurse.
Experience on the Ice
Marie-Philip Poulin is a standout, heading to her fifth Olympics, holding four medals—three gold and one silver. Other veterans like Brianne Jenner and Natalie Spooner will also make their fourth Olympic appearance. For several others, this will be their Olympic debut, highlighting the fresh talent on the team.
Many of the coaching staff come from the PWHL. Gina Kingsbury serves as General Manager, while Troy Ryan is the Head Coach. This blend of experience and emerging talent sets up a promising team for the competition.
The Olympic Journey Begins
Canada’s team kicks off the Olympic tournament against Finland on February 5 at the Milano Rho Ice Hockey Arena. The Finnish squad also features four PWHL players, hinting at a competitive match.
The Impact of the PWHL
The PWHL, established in January 2024, aims to elevate women’s hockey in North America. With eight teams—Boston, Minnesota, Montréal, New York, Ottawa, Seattle, Toronto, and Vancouver—the league has quickly gained traction. Recent statistics show that it broke several attendance records and was named the Sports Breakthrough of the Year by the Sports Business Journal.
This growing visibility emphasizes the evolution of women’s hockey. With talented players now heading to the Olympics, the PWHL’s role is crucial in shaping the future of women’s sports.
The story of this Olympic roster illustrates not just a team, but a movement. As these women step onto the ice next month, they represent not only their teams but also a new era for women’s hockey.
