France has officially announced its women's ice hockey roster for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. This marks a historic moment as it is the first time the women's team will compete at the top tier of a major international tournament. France secured the final spot in the 10-team pool for the women's hockey tournament.
The team, comprised of players from various leagues across the globe, including Switzerland, Germany, Canada, and the United States, will compete in Group B against Germany, Japan, Italy, and Sweden. Their Olympic journey begins on February 5th against host nation Italy. They will then face Japan on February 6th and conclude the group stage against Germany on February 9th. Should they advance, the quarterfinals are scheduled for February 13th or 14th, with the semifinals on February 16th, and the bronze and gold medal games on February 19th.
The roster includes a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars. According to head coach Grégory Tarlé, the team has been building towards this Olympic goal since 2022. Tarlé expressed confidence that the assembled team is the best possible, both on and off the ice, to achieve their goal of reaching the quarterfinals.
The French team's roster is as follows:
Forwards:
- Chloe Aurard-Bushee (ZSC Lions Frauen, SWHL)
- Jade Barbirati (Quinnipiac University, NCAA)
- Lore Baudrit (Ingolstadt, EWHL)
- Clemence Boudin (Saint-Gervais, FFHG)
- Estelle Duvin (SC Bern, SWHL)
- Sehana Galbrun (HIFK, Auroraliiga)
- Margot Huot-Marchand (Rogle BK, HockeyAllsvenskan)
- Manon Le Scodan (Clarkson University, NCAA)
- Julia Mespede (University of Vermont, NCAA)
- Emma Nonnenmacher (Concordia University, USports)
- Anais Peyne-Dingival (John Abbot College, QCHL)
- Clara Rozier (SC Bern, SWHL)
- Anae Simon (Lyon, France2)
Defenders:
- Lea Berger (University of Montreal, USports)
- Gabrielle De Serres (Sudbury Lady Wolves, SDGHA)
- Sophie Leclerc (Grenoble, France W)
- Marie-Pierre Pelissou (Davos, SWHL)
- Lucie Quarto (Lindenwood University, NCAA)
- Lea Villot (Ingolstadt, EWHL)
- Elina Zilliox (Lindenwood University, NCAA)
Goaltenders:
- Margaux Mameri (Meudon, France U20)
- Alice Philbert (EV Bozen Eagles, EWHL)
- Violette Pianel-Couriaut (Villard-de-Lans, France U20)
France's participation in the 2026 Winter Olympics marks a significant step for the nation's women's hockey program. The team's performance will be closely watched as they compete against some of the world's best teams.
