Marie-Philip Poulin headlines Montreal PWHL team's initial 3 signings

Marie-Philip Poulin is coming home.

The Canadian women's national team captain was announced as one of the Professional Women's Hockey League Montreal team's first signings on Thursday, along with forward Laura Stacey and goalie Ann-Renée Desbiens.

General manager Danièle Sauvageau called the trio an "exceptional" group of individuals.

"We are creating an environment that fosters both athletic and personal growth, ensuring that our athletes are drawn to it as a place where they can thrive. These three players exemplify a winning spirit and are committed to a culture of continuous success," she said.

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Salary figures were not disclosed. The PWHL has said salaries will '$35,000 to $80,000 US and six players on each team will make no less than $80,000.

Poulin, who won the Northern Star Award as Canada's athlete of the year in 2022, is the only player to score in three Olympic gold-medal games, winning the championship twice.

The 32-year-old from Beauceville, Que., previously played for Montreal's franchise in the Canadian Women's Hockey League.

Desbiens, the 29-year-old from Clermont, Que., backstopped Canada to Olympic gold in Beijing and was named top goaltender at this year's world championship in Brampton, Ont., where Canada took silver.

"It's an honour and a privilege to be part of this historic moment for women's hockey in Montreal," Desbiens said.

Stacey, the 29-year-old Kleinburg, Ont., native who is engaged to Poulin, is also a two-time Olympic medallist. She was the fourth-leading scorer in PWHPA action last season.

"This has been something we all have been dreaming about and collectively working towards for over four years now, and to be a part of