Italy's Strategic Recruitment of Canadian Hockey Talent for Olympic Ambitions
Twelve years after celebrating an Olympic gold medal in Canadian colors, Laura Fortino now proudly wears Italian blue as she prepares for a remarkable return to the Winter Games. The veteran defenseman, who famously assisted Marie-Philip Poulin's golden goal in Sochi, represents a fascinating story of international hockey recruitment and heritage.
From Canadian Champion to Italian Leader
At 35 years old, the Hamilton native serves as an alternate captain for Italy's women's hockey team, bringing extensive Olympic experience to a program seeking to transcend typical host-nation expectations. Fortino's connection runs deeper than mere convenience—her grandparents immigrated from Italy, making this opportunity profoundly personal.
"I grew up in a very traditional Italian family, and it's very humbling to play for Italy," Fortino explained following practice at Milan's Rho Ice Hockey Arena. "To represent my family is everything to me. My grandparents were immigrants from Italy, and they are the foundation of my family. And to be able to put on this jersey and represent them ... I get emotional thinking about it."
Building a Canadian-Influenced Coaching Staff
The Italian program extends beyond player recruitment to include significant Canadian coaching expertise. Eric Bouchard, currently an assistant with the Shawinigan Cataractes of the QMJHL, will serve as head coach, bringing a philosophy focused on grinding, enthusiastic hockey.
"We know that obviously people are doubting us, but we don't care about that," Bouchard stated. "We want to focus on our game, dominating the details, playing our style. And we want to shock the world. That's my motto. We've had very good preparation and that is giving us confidence."
The management structure features equally impressive credentials. Danièle Sauvageau, a 2025 Hockey Hall of Fame inductee who coached Canada's 2002 gold-medal team, serves as general manager. The coaching staff also includes Pier-Alexandre Poulin—sister of Canadian superstar Marie-Philip—as an assistant, creating a contemporary bloodline connection between the programs.
Intensive Preparation in Montreal
The team's preparation has been thorough and strategic. After Bouchard received Sauvageau's approach in September and secured permission from the Cataractes, he quickly assembled his staff and players. The group spent three months training in Montreal, where they focused on:
- Team bonding and chemistry development
- Progressive skill improvement
- Facing increasingly competitive opposition
- Implementing Bouchard's detailed playing style
Bouchard's recruitment of Pier-Alexandre Poulin demonstrates how professional relationships evolve. "We didn't like each other back then, but we've worked together training PWHL players in the summer (including Marie-Philip) and we've been friends ever since," Bouchard recalled of their earlier rivalry in Quebec's junior leagues. "When this opportunity came up, it was a no brainer to approach him."
Aiming Beyond Host-Nation Expectations
This Italian team represents more than just a token qualifier benefiting from host-nation status. With Fortino's leadership, Bouchard's coaching philosophy, and Sauvageau's managerial experience, they aim to compete meaningfully at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. The combination of Canadian hockey expertise with Italian heritage creates a unique narrative that extends beyond typical international roster construction.
As Fortino prepares to honor her family's legacy while pursuing renewed Olympic glory, she embodies the complex identities and opportunities that define modern international sports. Her journey from Canadian champion to Italian leader illustrates how athletic careers can evolve while maintaining deep connections to personal history and cultural roots.
