Victoire Goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens Delivers Shutout Performance for Canada
In a commanding display of defensive prowess, Montreal Victoire goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens led Team Canada to a decisive 5-0 victory over Finland during the preliminary round of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. The La Malbaie native turned aside all 17 shots she faced, earning a clean sheet and solidifying Canada's position in Group A.
Canada Secures Quarterfinal Berth Against Germany
With this win, Canada improved their preliminary round record to 3-1, clinching a spot in the quarterfinals. The team is scheduled to face Germany on Saturday at 10:40 a.m. local time. This advancement comes despite the continued absence of captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who remains sidelined with a lower-body injury sustained during a previous match against Czechia.
Notably, Canada's only loss in the preliminary round occurred against the United States, where they suffered a 5-0 defeat. However, the team has demonstrated resilience and depth in Poulin's absence, with multiple players stepping up to contribute.
Key Contributions from Victoire Teammates
Beyond Desbiens' stellar performance in net, other Montreal Victoire players made significant impacts on the scoresheet:
- Forward Laura Stacey recorded two assists, showcasing her playmaking abilities.
- Defender Erin Ambrose finished the game with an impressive +3 rating.
- Kati Tabin contributed with a +1 rating, adding to the team's defensive stability.
These performances highlight the depth of talent within the Canadian roster and the strong representation from the Professional Women's Hockey League.
Desbiens' Outstanding Season Form
Ann-Renée Desbiens' Olympic shutout continues what has been an exceptional season for the goaltender. In PWHL competition this year, she has compiled a 9-4 record with remarkable statistics:
- A goals against average of 1.15
- A save percentage of .954
These numbers underscore her status as one of the premier goaltenders in women's hockey and explain her crucial role in Canada's Olympic campaign.
Optimism Surrounding Captain Poulin's Return
While Marie-Philip Poulin remains listed as day-to-day with her lower-body injury, Canadian coach Troy Ryan has expressed optimism about her potential return before the tournament concludes. "We're hopeful she'll be back with us soon," Ryan commented, acknowledging the importance of the captain's leadership as Canada progresses through the knockout stages.
The team's ability to secure a convincing victory without their star captain demonstrates the collective strength and adaptability that will be essential as they pursue Olympic gold in Milano Cortina.
