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Nothing like the bond between a nurse and some alien

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https://www.rds.ca/hockey/lphf/conjointes-et-coequipieres-l-equilibre-de-poulin-et-stacey-1.19485912 the content just keeps coming

“Four months later, I haven't stopped smiling.”

This is how Marie-Philip Poulin highlighted her four months of marriage with Laura Stacey, in a post on Instagram on January 28. This simple but emotional sentence accompanied a carousel of photos of this day when they united their destinies.

The memories of that sunny September Saturday in the countryside on the border of Quebec and Ontario are still fresh in the minds of the two women. 

“When we watch videos and photos, it quickly takes us back to that moment. A weekend with all our favorite people in the same place. We couldn’t ask for better,” Marie-Philip told me before the start of the second season of the LPHF. 

Beyond the flowers, the white dresses and the bucolic decor, the presence of around 200 of their loved ones is also what marked Laura. 

"Everyone who means a lot to us came to our wedding. There are very few times in life where you get to do that." Even the couple's Golden Retriever, Arlo, was involved in the ceremony!

In the public eye, Poulin never breaks down in important moments. "Captain Clutch" is, however, the one who cried the most of the two spouses, Stacey reveals with a laugh. 

"I don't like to show my emotions. Neither does Marie, but inside she is very sensitive. We both ended up crying during the ceremony." Marie-Philip has no choice but to agree. "Yes, I am a little sensitive, but it was a very special moment," she sums up, recalling that it is rare for the couple to display themselves in such an intimate way. 

“We celebrated our love, this connection that we often put aside because we are teammates. Getting out of this comfort zone and showing ourselves as we are, it was magical” adds Laura. 

Teammates and lovers: two distinct spheres

It is true that the two women are better known to the general public for their exploits on the ice with Team Canada and, more recently, with the Montreal Victory. Even among their teammates, they do everything they can to be considered two hockey players in their own right. They do not sit next to each other in the locker room or on the bus and do not share a room on the road. 

"Let's get things straight. We are two people who are here for the right reasons and to play hockey," Marie-Philip explains bluntly. 

At the forefront of their relationship, Ann-Renée Desbiens is categorical: “If Laura misses a pass, you can be sure that Pou will tell her!” exclaims the goalie. Stacey confirms that at work, her wife is first and foremost her captain. “She’s clearly not embarrassed to tell me when I make a mistake on the ice! But it’s good for us and that’s what makes us improve.” 

Contrary to their usual habits, the two accomplices did not hesitate to publicly share their engagement in May 2023 on a beach in Hawaii, as well as numerous photos and videos of the wedding. This rare window into their world has caused a lot of reaction.

“At first, we were like, ‘Okay, that’s a lot,’ but people who came to see us, connected with us, brought us bracelets. ‘Hey, I can be myself, thank you!��� It really opened our eyes to being okay with being yourself,” says Marie-Philip. “We’re so focused on hockey and not letting anything show. But it’s also important to own who we are. We take advantage of the wedding to show off, but when hockey starts again, our couple goes back into their bubble and their own little world,” adds Laura. 

Their relationship pushed the Ontarian to learn French, which she is increasingly fluent in. She wanted to communicate with her in-laws from Beauce, but also with the fans in Montreal, her adopted city. 

“I play in Quebec, in Montreal. French is the first language in this province and this city. Everyone in Montreal welcomed me. I think it’s very important to try to find the right word and say thank you to the fans.”

Competitive Arena at Home

Ann-Renée Desbiens smiles as she talks about the progress of her two friends. 

“These are two women who have become better by being together. You see them every day supporting each other, encouraging each other, but also challenging each other! Whether it’s on the ice, off the ice or at home, they always want to win. Each is the other’s biggest supporter.”

This friendly rivalry even involves Arlo, now 4 years old. Marie-Philip reluctantly admits that he is more her partner's dog, even though she chose him. Laura offers an explanation with a laugh: "I think he likes Marie more for the food. She gives him maple syrup, bacon, etc. But he prefers to cuddle and lie on me. It bothers her a little!"

One of the couple's biggest challenges remains getting away from work since hockey is also their passion. According to Marie-Philip, they try not to bring up the subject once the door of the house closes. 

“We take the car to come back from the arena and sometimes we take a lot of detours to talk about it because when we get home it’s over… until we watch RDS and see the highlights and I tell her, ‘Did you miss that pass?!’”

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Ma’am. I legit laughed my ass off

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Not to be dramatic but this is a massive fucking deal and I legitimately hope every single politician dies.

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“Do you think seahorses write fpreg” and the many other riveting things my friend texts me right before I go to work

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POV: two bisexuals give you relationship advice