Laura Stacey stands as one of the most compelling figures in contemporary women’s ice hockey – a dynamic forward, a national team stalwart, a champion of community engagement, and a leader for her peers. Born on May 5, 1994 in Kleinburg, Ontario, Stacey’s evolution from a young hockey enthusiast to an international star mirrors the broader growth of women’s hockey itself.
Early Beginnings: Passion Ignited on Skates
Stacey’s introduction to hockey began almost as a rebellion: enrolled initially in figure skating, she quickly abandoned it to join the kids playing hockey on the adjacent rink. From age four, she was drawn not just to the mechanics of skating, but to the competitive, gritty joy of hockey – an early indication of the fierce competitor she would become.
Her family’s hockey roots run deep; her great-grandfather was legendary Hall of Famer King Clancy, and her great-uncle Terry Clancy represented Canada at the 1964 Winter Olympics. This heritage provided both inspiration and grounding, planting early in her an awareness of hockey’s cultural resonance in Canada and a belief that she too could represent her country at the sport’s highest levels.
Collegiate Growth and Early Challenges
Stacey’s post-secondary journey took her to Dartmouth College, where she played NCAA hockey with the Big Green. There, she developed into a key offensive contributor over four seasons, finishing with 87 points in 108 games, leading her team in points multiple times and commanding respect as a captain and leader.
Her time at Dartmouth was not without setbacks. In her final collegiate game, she broke both wrists – a devastating injury that posed both physical and psychological challenges. Yet this moment of adversity would become formative in her growth; Stacey herself has spoken about how setbacks shaped her approach to competition and leadership, teaching her resilience, humility, and perspective on the drive required to succeed.
While her collegiate performances were strong, the transition to the national team was slow. Despite her elite play in NCAA, she was overlooked for Canada’s senior team for multiple years – a frustration for an athlete who had dreamed since childhood of donning the maple leaf at the Olympics. Yet her response was not bitterness but persistent effort to refine her game, embrace whatever role she was given, and prove her readiness when opportunity arose.
Emerging on the International Stage
Stacey’s first big break came in 2017, when she made her senior debut for Team Canada. From there, she became a consistent presence with the national team, participating in numerous IIHF Women’s World Championships, earning medals in every tournament she played—from gold in 2021, 2022, and 2024 to silver in 2017, 2023, and 2025, and bronze in 2019.
Her international journey included representing Canada at the Olympic Winter Games in 2018 and 2022. At PyeongChang 2018, she contributed one assist in five games as Canada secured silver. In Beijing 2022, she played a much more significant role, recording four goals and two assists in seven games to help Canada win Olympic gold. This progression underscored her evolution from role player to impact performer on the biggest stage in sport.
Professional Career and the PWHL Era
In 2023, the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) was founded—a new era for women’s professional hockey in North America. Stacey was one of the first three foundational players signed by Montréal Victoire, immediately positioning her as a central figure in the league’s launch.
Over the course of the 2024–25 season, Stacey solidified her status as a top PWHL forward. She finished among the league’s leaders in scoring, demonstrated by one standout performance where she recorded four points (two goals, two assists) in a single game—an achievement that earned her “PWHL 3 Stars of the Week” honors and highlighted her offensive versatility.
Her physical play, keen hockey IQ, and ability to drive tempo made her an integral piece of Montréal’s attack. Analytics and observers alike noted her effectiveness not just as a goal scorer but as a complete player who elevated the offensive play of her linemates and thrived in high-pressure situations.
Leadership and Influence Beyond the Ice
Stacey’s leadership extends beyond her role as a forward. In December 2025, she was elected President of the PWHL Players’ Association (PWHLPA) – a significant milestone in her career and a testament to her peers’ respect for her advocacy and vision. Taking over from the league’s first president, Stacey’s leadership reflects a shift toward player-driven governance and the increasing professionalization of women’s hockey.
Her contributions off the ice are equally notable. The “LS7 Sticks For Charity” road hockey event she founded has grown into a major fundraiser, raising over $200,000 for youth charities dedicated to increasing access to sport and active lifestyles for children – especially girls. This initiative was recognized with the PWHL’s “Hockey For All” Award during the 2024–25 season, underscoring her impact beyond competition.
2025: A Year of Rising Influence and On-Ice Impact
The year 2025 proved pivotal for Stacey’s career. In the PWHL, she continued to assert herself as an offensive threat and a team leader. Her consistent play, commitment to community engagement, and expanding influence in league affairs cemented her reputation as one of the sport’s most complete figures.
Internationally, she played a prominent role in the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship, where Canada earned a silver medal. Stacey logged significant minutes, scored multiple goals, and posted several assists, showcasing her versatility and preparedness to contribute in all situations—a stark contrast to earlier years when her national team role had been more marginal.
With every game, she demonstrated the blend of physical commitment, positional awareness, and offensive creativity that had defined her development from an overlooked young player to a core contributor—a transformation that resonated powerfully with teammates, coaches, and fans alike.
2026 Winter Olympics: Silver, Heartbreak, and Legacy
In early 2026, Stacey was named to Canada’s roster for her third Olympic Games at the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics – a testament to her sustained excellence and importance to the team’s long-running international aspirations.
At the Olympics, Canada advanced to the gold medal game against arch-rival Team USA, culminating in a dramatic 2-1 overtime loss. Despite the heartbreak of finishing with silver, Stacey played a significant role throughout the tournament, recording one goal and three assists and bringing veteran flair and experience to a squad navigating the pressures of Olympic competition.
Her assist on a key goal in the final underscored her ability to perform in high-stakes situations, while her presence throughout the event reinforced her status as a respected leader and clutch performer on the Olympic stage.
Personal Life and Cultural Impact
Beyond her athletic achievements, Stacey’s personal journey resonates with fans and athletes alike. Her relationship with teammate and Team Canada captain Marie-Philip Poulin – one of hockey’s most celebrated players – has been followed passionately by the hockey community. The couple’s marriage in September 2024 symbolized not just a union of two elite athletes, but a powerful representation of LGBTQ+ presence and visibility in elite sport.
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