Looking At Canada's Goaltending Options If Desbiens And Maschmeyer Are Injured

Emerance Maschmeyer was put on long-term injured reserve March 14. Following her injury, few showed significant concern for the hopes of Team Canada at the 2025 World Championships because Canada, after all, still had perennial starter Ann-Renee Desbiens.

That was however, until Desbiens was forced from the game on Tuesday evening. Following an awkward fall, Desbiens left the game at 13:10 of the second period, needing support from a pair of teammates. While no confirmation came, it looked as though it could have been Desbiens' knee that was injured.

Depending on the severity of Desbiens' injury, Canada would be without the only goaltenders who have appeared in an international game for Canada since Shannon Szabados and Genevieve Lacasse played games in 2019. 

The most obvious replacement at the moment for Team Canada would be New York Sirens netminder Corinne Schroeder. Schroeder was Canada's third goaltender behind Desbiens and Maschmeyer at the most recent Rivalry Series.

Alongside Schroeder, Kristen Campbell, who plays for the PWHL's Toronto Sceptres, is another logical choice. Campbell has been Canada's third goalie at recent World Championship and Olympic competition. She hasn't played well in the Rivalry Series nor Canadian camps, but is the reigning PWHL Goaltender of the Year.

Beyond this duo, Canada's next best option may actually come from outside the PWHL. The only other Canadian goaltenders in the PWHL are rookies Raygan Kirk (Toronto) and Kayle Osborne (New York), and Montreal Victoire backup Elaine Chuli. 

Canada's next in line could be Minnesota-Duluth goaltender Eve Gascon. Gascon was spectacular this season, being named one of the NCAA's three finalists for Goaltender of the Year.

Gascon was the WCHA Goaltender of the Year posting a 1.83 GAA and .942 save percentage in 30 games. She played for Canada's national development team at the Six Nations Tournament this winter.