Marie-Philip Poulin falls victim of an unacceptable act during the Olympic medal ceremony
|
Hunter Bowman
Feb 20, 2026 (1:47 PM)
|
|
Photo credit: X.com @Sportsnet
Team Canada captain Marie-Philip Poulin was the target of a disgraceful act following a heart-wrenching 2-1 overtime loss to the United States in the gold medal game.
The legendary forward, who was just two minutes away from her fourth career gold medal before Hilary Knight tied the game, had to settle for silver after Megan Keller sealed the deal in the extra frame.
However, the real drama unfolded during the post-game ceremony in Milan. As Poulin prepared to address the fans, Olympic staff reportedly prohibited her from speaking in French, her native language.
The snub was first reported by Luc Gélinas, who detailed the interaction on CIHO-FM. According to reports, Poulin wanted to thank the Canadian supporters in French, but was shut down by officials managing the podium.
"She was refused the right to speak French by the Olympic staff in charge of the podium. No, this isn't a joke: Luc Gélinas spoke about it this morning on the radio (CIHO-FM) and explained it clearly, saying that it's the ultimate insult for Poulin." - via DansLesCoulisses/q>
For a player who has carried the torch for Canadian hockey for nearly two decades, being silenced in her own tongue is the ultimate insult. Poulin handled the situation with her trademark class, but the frustration within the locker room and across Quebec is palpable.
The Canadians were held scoreless in the final minutes of regulation, which allowed the Americans to capitalize. While the silver medal is a testament to their grit, the ceremony controversy has overshadowed the on-ice effort.
It is a bizarre and unnecessary restriction. The Olympic charter prides itself on inclusion, yet here we have a global icon being restricted by sterile, mid-level bureaucracy.
Poulin has 103 points in her international career, and she deserves better than to be muzzled during her moment of recognition.
As the team prepares to leave Milan, the focus shouldn't be on the loss, but on the lack of respect shown to a living legend. Hopefully, this isn't the final chapter for Poulin, who may aim for 2030 to erase this bitter taste.
-
For a player who has carried the torch for Canadian hockey for nearly two decades, being silenced in her own tongue is the ultimate insult. Poulin handled the situation with her trademark class, but the frustration within the locker room and across Quebec is palpable.
Marie-Philip Poulin disrespected on the International Stage
The Canadians were held scoreless in the final minutes of regulation, which allowed the Americans to capitalize. While the silver medal is a testament to their grit, the ceremony controversy has overshadowed the on-ice effort.
It is a bizarre and unnecessary restriction. The Olympic charter prides itself on inclusion, yet here we have a global icon being restricted by sterile, mid-level bureaucracy.
Poulin has 103 points in her international career, and she deserves better than to be muzzled during her moment of recognition.
As the team prepares to leave Milan, the focus shouldn't be on the loss, but on the lack of respect shown to a living legend. Hopefully, this isn't the final chapter for Poulin, who may aim for 2030 to erase this bitter taste.
Also read on Puck Reporter :
Finland's Ristolainen flattens Canada's Tom Wilson with massive reverse hit
Finland's Ristolainen flattens Canada's Tom Wilson with massive reverse hit
PUCK REPORTER
COPYRIGHT @2026 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS OF SERVICE - PRIVACY POLICY - COOKIE POLICY
COPYRIGHT @2026 - ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
TERMS OF SERVICE - PRIVACY POLICY - COOKIE POLICY