On Thursday the Montréal Victoire held a media availability regarding a medical update for captain Marie-Philip Poulin.
It was announced that Poulin will be out due to surgery on her ACL and meniscus following injuries stemming from the Olympics and the PWHL season.
“I played as best I could with a torn ACL and meniscus because I wanted to be part of this journey that led us to hoist the Walter Cup,” said Poulin. “It was with this goal in mind that I worked tirelessly to return to the game this season. It has become clear that if I want to continue playing at a high level, surgery is necessary. In the short term, it’s a difficult choice, but if I take a step back and think about the years ahead, the decision is obvious. I’m going to focus all my energy on my recovery once the surgery is done so that I can return to the game in the best physical form possible.”
She was injured during the Olympics, and then re-injured in March but returned both times. Poulin had 18 points in 19 games, including 8 points in 9 playoff games. Poulin would also earn Playoff MVP as she led the Victoire to becoming Walter Cup champions.
“Champions are not defined solely by the trophies they lift or the victories they achieve, but by the adversity they face and the courage they show in overcoming it,” said Victoire General Manager Danièle Sauvageau. “I had the privilege of witnessing Marie’s daily determination and resilience on the way to lifting the Walter Cup on May 20. Her jersey may hang in our locker room a little longer, but our medical team, performance staff, and entire organization will be with Marie every step of the way. And when the time is right, that jersey will be exactly where it belongs—ready for her return.”
The operation will be completed in July. The Victoire will provide updates throughout her recovery.
*Quotes provided by the Montréal Victoire.
*Feature Graphic courtesy of the PWHL.