Blayre Turnbull Leads Canada’s Gold Medal Charge at 2026 Olympics

blayre turnbull

As of 15 February 2026, Blayre Turnbull is currently representing Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan-Cortina, Italy. The veteran forward and captain of the PWHL’s Toronto Sceptres remains a cornerstone of the national team’s quest for consecutive gold medals.

Olympic Performance & Recent Form

Turnbull has been instrumental in Canada’s progression through the Olympic tournament. On 14 February 2026, she scored a critical goal just 38 seconds into the third period during Canada’s 5-1 quarterfinal victory over Germany. This goal, her first of the tournament, was a signature “five-hole” finish on a 2-on-1 rush that helped secure Canada’s spot in the semifinals.

Her performance in Milan has been characterized by her physical presence and leadership, often skating alongside long-time teammates Brianne Jenner and Sarah Nurse. In the preliminary rounds, she recorded two shots on net during a high-stakes matchup against the United States on 10 February.

Professional Career: Toronto Sceptres

Prior to the Olympic break, Turnbull has been serving as the inaugural captain of the Toronto Sceptres in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). She was one of the first three players signed by the Toronto franchise in September 2023, alongside Renata Fast and Sarah Nurse. Her leadership has been a defining factor for the Sceptres, where she is known for her elite two-way play and penalty-killing expertise.

Career Highlights & Background

  • Olympic Pedigree: A three-time Olympian (2018, 2022, 2026), Turnbull previously won a silver medal in PyeongChang and a gold medal in Beijing, where she served as an assistant captain.
  • International Success: She is a multi-time IIHF World Championship medallist and a former CWHL champion (2019).
  • Collegiate Roots: A graduate of the University of Wisconsin (2011–2015), she recorded 98 points in 143 games for the Badgers.
  • Hometown Pride: Hailing from Stellarton, Nova Scotia, Turnbull remains a celebrated figure in her community, with local fans frequently gathering to cheer her on during international competitions.

Current Status

Turnbull and Team Canada are now preparing for the Olympic semifinals. Following the conclusion of the Winter Games, she is expected to return to Toronto to lead the Sceptres through the remainder of the 2025–26 PWHL season.