The Montreal Canadiens have added one of the most clutch goal-scorers of all time. Marie-Philip Poulin, arguably the brightest star in women’s hockey today, has taken a position as a player development consultant. The part-time position will be in addition to her role as captain of the Canadian national team, as her playing career is not yet complete.
In a statement, Canadiens president Geoff Molson explained why the team is bringing Poulin aboard:
It is a privilege to add someone as competent as Marie-Philip Poulin in our ranks. She is the best in her field, and her accomplishments will help us build a winning culture within the Canadiens. Her arrival is another step towards achieving the diversity that we want to establish within our organization.
Poulin, 31, has already had one of the most historic careers imaginable, being named captain of Boston University, winning three Olympic gold medals (and one silver), two World Championship gold medals (and six silvers), and two CWHL championships (and multiple MVPs). It isn’t just being lucky enough to play on good teams either–Poulin has an uncanny knack for showing up at the biggest moments. Whether it is a late-period tying goal or overtime winner, it’s usually her.
In the release, the Canadiens indicate that Poulin will be joining players “on the ice and in video sessions to work on their individual and collective skills” and will work under the direction of Rob Ramage and Adam Nicholas. While this isn’t a full-time position, one is likely waiting for her when she eventually hangs up her skates.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images
Well yeah, she does speak French…….
Don’t these women know that they are just being patronized by these teams? And don’t they have a woman’s league somewhere?
Actually a number of Leafs players mentioned how Hayley Wickenheiser helped them with aspects of their skating.
Sure some will tune her out and assume she can’t possibly contribute anything (similar to you for example) but it’s a chance they figured as a part time consultant role, it’s worth giving her a shot.
Patronized? How about hired to a nice job with a nice paycheck? Hint: It is okay to stop being scared of girls.
She can teach them a heckuva lot about winning. She’s such a great player and leader. Good hire!
Would it be against the rules for her to actually play for the Canadiens?
No. But she turned down the offer to play for the Habs ECHL affiliate earlier this year, explaining that she feels that she hasn’t finished contributing to the growth of women’s hockey. And that’s also, I am assuming, why the Habs were only able to sign her part-time.
I hope that this is a step toward a fulltime job in two or three years maybe in player development but preferably on a coaching staff within the Habs organization.
Certainly the dumpster fire that the Canadiens currently are this Is certainly not a priority, I really believe the Habs and Leafs organizations are run similarly to governments to big, and to many made up positions, to much pork, To many picassos and not enough house painters.
Wilf, I was really struggling to figure out what you were trying to say here, but finally realized what you meant to say was “too” rather than “to” – 4 times over. If you want anyone to value your opinion as more than Grade 3 level, you have to show up with better than Grade 3 caliber grammar. If we can’t understand you, it’s tough to give you any cred. All the best, bud
It’s probably not against the rules for her to play In the NHL but It would be a side show circus and she would fail miserably.
Tell us you havent heard of Manon Rhéaume without telling us you havent heard of Manon Rhéaume.