Ann-Renée Desbiens has established herself as one of the premier goaltenders in women’s hockey, combining exceptional athleticism, consistency and composure on the sport’s biggest stages. Born April 10, 1994, in Clermont, Quebec, Desbiens rose to national prominence during an extraordinary collegiate career with the University of Wisconsin. She finished as the NCAA’s all-time leader in shutouts and captured the prestigious Patty Kazmaier Award in 2017 as the top player in NCAA Division I women’s hockey. Her remarkable dominance at Wisconsin helped establish her as one of the most accomplished goaltending prospects of her generation.

Desbiens has since become a cornerstone of Canada’s National Women’s Team and one of the most decorated goaltenders in Canadian hockey. She is a three-time Olympic medallist, winning silver in 2018, Olympic gold in 2022 and another silver medal at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Her international résumé also includes six IIHF Women’s World Championship medals, highlighted by gold-medal performances in 2021, 2022 and 2024. Known for her ability to deliver under pressure, Desbiens was named Top Goaltender at the 2023 IIHF Women’s World Championship and has consistently been among Canada’s most trusted players in international competition.

At the professional level, Desbiens has been a central figure in the continued growth of women’s hockey. After competing in the CWHL and PWHPA, she became one of the first three foundational players signed by the Montréal Victoire ahead of the inaugural PWHL season in 2023. She has since emerged as one of the league’s elite netminders, earning the 2024–25 PWHL Goaltender of the Year award and a First Team All-Star selection. With an Olympic gold medal, multiple World Championship titles and a record-setting collegiate career, Ann-Renée Desbiens continues to build a legacy as one of the greatest goaltenders ever produced by Canadian women’s hockey.