Emma Maltais is ready to do Milan right
By Jolene Latimer
Photography by Nicole De Khors
Emma Maltais says the call confirming her place on Canada’s Olympic roster for Milan landed differently the second time. Four years ago, the moment overwhelmed her; this one came with a clearer sense of responsibility, perspective, and control.
Headed to her second Olympics, Maltais is preparing for a Games that will look nothing like her first, which unfolded under strict COVID restrictions and without family in the stands. This time, her parents will be there, and the experience beyond the rink will be part of the picture.
A self-described big traveller with an off-ice interest in fashion and ritual, Maltais is already thinking about all the sights she’ll see in Milan when she isn’t on the ice defending her Olympic gold. From custom suiting and bag-shopping plans to postcard traditions, she’s approaching these Olympics with the intention of soaking it all in.
IW: What was it like getting the call for Milan this time?
Maltais: I was actually really anxious all day. The call came later this time, and the reaction was definitely different. The first time, I kind of blacked out. I don’t remember anything. I was overwhelmed, jumping up and down, running around my room. This time, I could really take it all in. I could see the emotion of the coaches, feel my own emotion, and really understand that in that moment I became a second-time Olympian. It was an overwhelming sense of responsibility and pride. It definitely doesn’t get old hearing that news.
IW: Does being a returning Olympian change how you’re going into these Games?
Maltais: I don’t think you ever feel solidified on this team until you hear your name. You’re always earning that spot. But my role has changed. I’m not new anymore, and with that comes responsibility to have an impact and to help win a gold medal. I know what it feels like to win, and I don’t want to know what it feels like to not win.
IW: Who was the first person you called after you got the call?
Maltais: My mom and dad. They couldn’t come to the first Olympics, so being able to share this experience with them is the biggest emotional piece for me. They’ve supported me my entire career, and honestly, it feels like they’re making the Olympics too. I’m just really grateful they get to be there this time. That’s been my motivation the last four years – to make it again so I could share it with them.
“For me, it’s being relentless, chasing pucks, winning faceoffs, stick lifts, being hard to play against. Those little intangibles are what elevate my game and why I’m on the national team. I’ve also had to learn how to balance that and be relentless without the puck, but calm with it.”
IW: Team Canada has had some tough results recently against the U.S. How do those games factor into Olympic preparation?
Maltais: When you play the U.S., any team can win on any given night. We’re not stressed about it. We didn’t play to our potential, and that was a big learning moment for our group. We’re looking at it positively heading into the Olympics.
IW: How has preparation changed with the PWHL in the mix?
Maltais: It’s different, but in a good way. We miss being together all season, but we’re so familiar with each other now and we’re playing each other all the time. The competition in the PWHL actually makes preparation easier. We’ve all been paying closer attention to recovery, travel, and load management. Our load is higher, but we’re ready, and I think you’ll see that in the level of play.
IW: From a national-team perspective, how much has full-time professional hockey elevated the women’s game?
Maltais: You can see it at World Championships: the game is faster, more intense, more competitive. You’re seeing players’ games get better later in their careers, which is something we haven’t really seen before. Our game needed this for so long, and now it’s thriving. You can feel it on the ice.
IW: When people talk about “compete,” what does that mean to you personally?
Maltais: For me, it’s being relentless, chasing pucks, winning faceoffs, stick lifts, being hard to play against. Those little intangibles are what elevate my game and why I’m on the national team. I’ve also had to learn how to balance that and be relentless without the puck, but calm with it.
IW: You mentioned sending postcards being one of your Olympic traditions. How did that start?
Maltais: I actually forgot that I even did it until the night I found out I made the team. I went to dinner with a friend, and she told me she remembered getting my postcard in her college dorm, and how her friends were asking, “Who sent you that?” She said she told them all about it. It really reminded me how meaningful those little touches are, sending a piece of the Olympics around the world. It’s so magical. I realized right away that I have to do it again.
IW: How do you decide who makes the postcard list?
Maltais: It’s kind of by house, honestly. There are a few pockets of people who really love them. For example, Sophie [Jaques], Jen Gardiner and Gabby Rosenthal all live together, so I’ll send one there. Ashton Bell, Claire Thompson and Izzy Daniel all live together, so they get one too. I send one to my best friends from high school who still live together, and to my two best friends in New York. If someone tells me they loved my Christmas card, I make sure to keep them on the list.
“I was actually really anxious all day. The call came later this time, and the reaction was definitely different. The first time, I kind of blacked out. I don’t remember anything. I was overwhelmed, jumping up and down, running around my room. This time, I could really take it all in. I could see the emotion of the coaches, feel my own emotion, and really understand that in that moment I became a second-time Olympian.”
Q: Do you do Christmas cards every year, too?
Maltais: Yeah, I send Christmas cards every year. That’s very on brand for me. Last year, my roommate Maggie Connors and I made one together. We put together some cute photos, wrote a little blurb about us, and sent it out. It’s not a big update letter or anything, just something fun and personal.
Q: When do you actually find time to do all of this during a tournament like the Olympics?
Maltais: You honestly have more spare time than people think. You practice, you come back, and you do have downtime. I like doing it in my room on a normal day. It’s a nice way to remind yourself that yes, this is a performance environment, but you’re also at the Olympics. Once you’ve done what you need to do at the rink and for recovery, it’s important to enjoy it too.
Q: When do you start packing for the Olympics?
Maltais: I definitely waited until I got the call. I cleaned out my closet and I’m planning to do some shopping for game-day fits. Lululemon takes care of us for a lot of it, which helps – especially because I’m an over-packer – but I still like to plan a few looks myself.
IW: You’re known as a fashion girlie. What kind of fit inspiration are you thinking about for Milan?
Maltais: I ordered a custom suit from Glorius, which I’m really excited about. It’s a burgundy-red colour, so there are splashes of red, but it still feels very much like my personal style. There are also a couple of fits I’ve really loved throughout the season that I might repeat, and I’ll probably add a few new pieces, too. I like mixing trends with things that already feel like me.
IW: Glorius is known for personal details – did you add anything special to the suit?
Maltais: Yeah, I worked with Patrick and embroidered “2026 Olympic Games” on the inside of the jacket. It’s definitely more of a fashion piece, but it’s also something really meaningful to me.
IW: Outside of the rink, what are you most excited to experience in Milan?
Maltais: Fashion, for sure. I’ve been to Milan before, and I texted Pou right away asking if she was going to go bag shopping, or what her plan was. I’m definitely excited to go into some of the designer stores. Maybe I’ll force myself to pack one less outfit so I have an excuse. I also love the history there – the cathedral, walking around, doing some touristy things if I have time. I’m a big traveller, so that part really excites me.
IW: You’re heading into your second Olympics with a lot more perspective. What’s different this time around mentally?
Maltais: The first time, everything happens so fast that you don’t even realize what’s going on. This time, I understand how important it is to enjoy the whole process. I’ve really tried to take everything in this year and use it as a growth opportunity. Hopefully, that mindset carries through to the Games.
