Marie-Philip Poulin Named Team Canada Captain

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Montreal Canadiennes forward Marie-Philip Poulin has been named captain of Team Canada at the 2016 IIHF World Championship, which kicks off Monday, March 28 in a gold medal rematch against Team USA.

Poulin, 25, first wore the C for her country last year. She captained the team at the Four Nations Cup in Sundsvall, Sweden and at the 2015 IIHF Women’s World Championship in Malmö, Sweden, where Canada grabbed a silver medal.

She’s been a part of two Olympic gold medal teams and won a Clarkson Cup with the Montreal Stars back in 2008. She returned to the CWHL this season and helped the Canadiennes reach the Clarkson Cup again, where they were upset by the Calgary Inferno.

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“Being named captain is an honour and a privilege,” Poulin said in Hockey Canada’s announcement. “I remember watching the world championship and the Olympics and knowing that I’m wearing the ‘C’ like Cassie Campbell and Hayley Wickenheiser and all the players before me, I think it’s quite amazing. There are so many pioneers that have worn it, so I’m trying to follow in their footsteps.”

Meghan Agosta and Meaghan Mikkelson have been named alternate captains for the tournament.

“We have so much depth and leadership on this team and it’s important for us to continue to build and develop our players by giving them the opportunity to guide our squad,” said Laura Schuler, head coach of Canada’s National Women’s Team, via the Hockey Canada release. “Our team is confident that this group of players models the leadership qualities that come with wearing the Maple Leaf.”

Canada is hosting the 2016 tournament in Kamloops, British Columbia.