It’s very sad to hear the stories surrounding ice hockey over the past year, said Canada Ice Hockey Team captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who hopes the culture will change.
• Also read: Brawls in the QMJHL: “I don’t want my guy to go through that,” says Dave Morissette
• Also read: Abolishing Fighting In The QMJHL: More Heavy Blows?
• Also read: End of fighting in QMJHL: Minister Isabelle Charest wants more
“For my part, I had no problem with the women. I’ve only had good experiences in ice hockey,” she said on Tuesday at the microphone of Philippe-Vincent Foisy on QUB Radio.
If she were the mother of a child who wanted to play in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), Ms Poulin would admit there would be many conversations to be had.
“You really have to be aware of everything and direct the right people. I will never end my child’s dream, but I hope that the whole hockey culture becomes more positive. Young people need to grow up in a healthy environment,” she said.
acknowledgment requested
On the other hand, Sidney Crosby of women’s hockey, which is part of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), wants a new league to see the light of day next year.
“Good things take time. We try to put things in place so they get them right. We don’t charge millions, but we want to be paid to be able to do this as a job and have the resources to to advance women’s hockey,” she explained.
When asked if she was frustrated at having to keep fighting this cause, Ms Poulin said yes.
“Tomorrow is International Women’s Day and there is a lot of talk about proposing it. I hope that the vision will change not only on the sporting side, but also in business and in the arts. Every woman in her place and I hope people will recognize that,” said the woman, who racked up her 200th point last February.
The hockey player is still employed by the Montreal Canadiens as a part-time player development consultant.
“My priority is still to play. Earlier this year I was less busy and was able to ride the Rocket to Laval. It’s a learning year to get to know the players,” said Marie-Philip Poulin.
Note that Marie-Philip Poulin has partnered with Turo, allowing people to rent the SK8 resurfacer to upgrade their ice rink for the modest sum of $29. The Zamboni will be available in the greater Montreal area through the end of March. For every booking of the SK8, Turo will double the amount and donate all proceeds to Sport Jeunesse, a charity that helps underprivileged children pay for sports entrance fees and equipment costs.