Victoire Add Defenders as Poulin, Ambrose Recover from Olympic Injuries
MONTREAL, February 27, 2026 – The Montréal Victoire have signed defenders Tamara Giaquinto to a standard PWHL agreement and Kelly‑Ann Nadeau to a 10‑day contract following injuries to captain Marie-Philip Poulin and alternate captain Erin Ambrose sustained during the Olympic Winter Games. Poulin is day-to-day with a lower-body injury and will miss tonight’s game against the New York Sirens, while Ambrose has been placed on long-term injured reserve. General Manager Danièle Sauvageau expressed pride in the players’ Olympic performances and confidence in their return to the lineup. Giaquinto was drafted by the PWHL in 2025, and Nadeau has played 10 career games for the Victoire.
Montréal Victoire Navigate Olympic Aftermath with Roster Moves
The Montréal Victoire are adjusting their lineup in the wake of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026, announcing Thursday the signing of Tamara Giaquinto to a Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) Standard Player Agreement and Kelly‑Ann Nadeau to a 10‑day contract.
Key Players Sidelined Following Olympic Competition
These roster additions come as a direct response to injuries sustained by captain Marie-Philip Poulin and alternate captain Erin Ambrose during their participation with Canada at the Olympics.
Poulin is currently dealing with a lower‑body injury and will miss tonight’s game against the New York Sirens, with her status being assessed on a day-to-day basis.
Ambrose has been placed on long-term injured reserve, effective February 19th, after suffering a lower-body injury during the gold medal game against the United States.
Victoire GM Highlights Athlete Support and League Collaboration
“We are extremely proud of what our athletes accomplished at the Olympic Winter Games,” stated Victoire general manager Danièle Sauvageau. “They represented their country and our league brilliantly.”
Sauvageau emphasized the importance of ongoing communication between the national teams and the organization to facilitate the players’ return to action, expressing confidence in their swift recovery and reintegration into the lineup.
Giaquinto and Nadeau Step Up
Tamara Giaquinto, a sixth-round selection in the 2025 PWHL Draft and a former Boston University Terrier, has appeared in one game this season, making her debut on January 4th against the Minnesota Frost.
Kelly‑Ann Nadeau brings experience to the team, having played 10 career games for the Victoire over two seasons, including six during the current 2025-26 campaign.
Did you know? The PWHL was established to provide a sustainable professional league for elite women’s hockey players, offering competitive salaries and resources.
Upcoming Schedule
Following tonight’s contest at Prudential Center, the Victoire will return home to face Minnesota on Sunday afternoon at 1 p.m. ET at Place Bell.
The Growing Trend of Olympic Impact on PWHL Rosters
The Montréal Victoire’s current situation exemplifies a growing trend within the PWHL: the direct impact of international competitions, particularly the Olympics, on team rosters.
Similar scenarios have unfolded in other professional sports leagues, such as the NHL, where players returning from international tournaments often require adjustment periods and sometimes sustain injuries that affect team performance.
The PWHL’s proactive approach to managing these situations, as demonstrated by Sauvageau’s emphasis on communication and support, is crucial for maintaining competitive balance and player well-being.
FAQ
Q: What is the significance of placing a player on long-term injured reserve?
A: Placement on LTIR allows the team to temporarily free up a roster spot and salary cap space even as the player recovers.
Q: How does the PWHL handle player contracts during Olympic participation?
A: PWHL contracts typically remain in effect during Olympic participation, with the league and teams working to support players’ recovery from any injuries sustained.
Q: What is a Standard Player Agreement in the PWHL?
A: A Standard Player Agreement is the league’s standard contract offered to players, outlining terms of employment, salary, and other benefits.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on PWHL injury reports, especially following major international tournaments, to gain insights into potential roster changes and team strategies.
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