Hockey star Marie-Philip Poulin picks up 2nd major award, named Canada's top female athlete by Canadian Press

Dubbed "one of the greatest clutch performers this country has ever produced," Canadian women's hockey team captain Marie-Philip Poulin has been voted The Canadian Press female athlete of the year for 2022.

"It sure tops up the year. I think 2022, when I take a little time to myself and rethink it, it's quite amazing, not only personally, but as a group," Poulin told CP.

"A big thank you to people that voted, but this goes to the people around me, my teammates."

The honour is the second such acknowledgement for Poulin this month. Poulin was also named winner of the Northern Star Award (formerly the Lou Marsh Trophy) as Canada's top athlete of the year.

The 31-year-old forward from Beauceville, Que., this year became the only hockey player in the world, male or female, to score goals in four consecutive Olympic hockey finals.

Her two goals, including the eventual game-winner, drove Canada to a 3-2 win over archrival United States for gold Feb. 17 in Beijing's Wukesong Arena.

With quick passing and shooting hands, peerless hockey sense and a sense of occasion, Poulin has produced seven goals in her four Olympic finals, including a late equalizer and an overtime winner in Sochi, Russia in 2014.

WATCH | Poulin named Canada's top athlete, 'I still love playing the game':

She's captained Canada to back-to-back world championships in 2021 and 2022 after a run of five straight titles by the U.S.

After scoring the OT winner in the 2021 world final in Calgary, Poulin had five goals and five assists in seven games in September when Canada defended its crown in Herning, Denmark.

"Poulin played a massive role on one of the most successful team performances in a long time," said Victoria Times-Colonist sports editor Brian Drewry. "She