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Marie-Philip Poulin, captain of the Montréal Victoire, is facing uncertainty about her future in the Professional Women’s Hockey League after leading her team to the Walter Cup. At 35, Poulin, who may need knee surgery, acknowledges she has fewer years left to play than she already has dedicated to women’s hockey.
“I have some decisions to make in the coming weeks,” Poulin said during the team’s end-of-season press availability at Montreal’s Verdun Auditorium. “I’m focusing on coming back and rehabilitating properly. I don’t know exactly what the future holds, but I’ll take it one day at a time. I’m still waiting on all the test results.”
Poulin’s challenges began at the February Milano-Cortina Olympics when she injured her right knee. She worsened the injury in a March 15 game against the Boston Fleet, forcing her to miss 10 games. She returned on April 25 for the last regular-season game in Seattle and played in all nine playoff games.
Throughout the playoffs, Poulin wore a knee brace that limited her mobility, especially during the semifinals against the Minnesota Frost. She said she felt more comfortable in the finals against the Ottawa Charge. “It’s tough wearing a brace before every game. It’s heavy, like carrying a piano on your back. But you push it aside and play with your heart and your head.”
Despite her injury, Poulin’s determination earned her playoff MVP honors after tallying eight points in nine games. Yet, the condition of her knee remains a concern. “I’m waiting on results that will determine if surgery is necessary, probably this summer,” she said.
When asked about retirement, Poulin laughed but admitted retirement is a real possibility. “It’s something I’m thinking about. I’m trying to stay in the moment and enjoy right now, but important conversations and decisions will come.”
Poulin’s personal life is intertwined with her wife and teammate Laura Stacey, who has expressed a desire to start a family. Stacey said they have yet to have serious talks about the future. “Right now, we just want to enjoy this championship. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience,” she said.
The outlook for the 2026-27 season remains unclear. “We both need to see how our bodies recover after such a tough playoff, then figure out our next steps physically, mentally, and as a family,” Stacey explained.
Stacey herself suffered a severe knee injury in the first game of the final, visibly in pain during the final moments while the Victoire trailed 2-1. “It was one of the worst pains I’ve ever felt. I was scared and screaming,” she said. Poulin initially panicked and suggested calling an ambulance, but Stacey refused.
After a last-second equalizer, Stacey returned for overtime and assisted on Abby Roque’s winning goal. “I honestly don’t know how I managed to get back out there. The medical staff was incredible. Without their support, I wouldn’t have been able to play, and they played a huge role in our Walter Cup victory.”
