18 Canadian hockey women from Olympic championship team return for upcoming worlds

Led by captain and golden-goal scorer Marie-Philip Poulin, Canada's roster for the women's world hockey championship resembles the lineup that won an Olympic gold medal in Beijing in February.

Canada opens the first women's world championship held in the same calendar year as an Olympic Games on Aug. 25 against Finland in Herning, Denmark.

The Canadians are also the defending world champions having beaten the United States 3-2 in overtime in last year's final in Calgary. Poulin scored the overtime winner there and twice in the Olympic final.

Canada will attempt to win world titles in back-to-back years for the first time since a run of three straight gold from 1999 to 2001.

Poulin scored the overtime winner last year in Calgary and also scored twice in the Olympic final in Beijing.

WATCH | Poulin seals 2021 world gold medal win for Canada:

"We had a great year, we had the world championship, we had the Olympics, we had a moment where we celebrated, but now we're back to work," Poulin said.

Eighteen of the 23 players named to the world championship roster Monday won Olympic gold six months ago in Beijing.

"I think what we had in Beijing was really special," forward Blayre Turnbull said.

"We want to keep building on that and see how far we can push ourselves and push our team.

"Although it was a pretty quick turnaround, I think don't think there was much hesitation with the older girls on the team to get back here and to get back to this environment."

Forward Brianne Jenner, who was named the Olympic tournament's most valuable player, as well as starting goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens were among the returnees named to the lineup by Hockey Canada.

"I love my teammates and I love what we're doing here," Jenner said.

"I love the culture we've created and the direction we have for this season and the years moving forward. I just want to be a part of it."