Marie-Philip Poulin and Arlo

Marie-Philip Poulin and Arlo

marie-philip poulin and arlo

Nulo partner, Marie-Philip Poulin, is a four-time Olympic medalist and captain of both Team Canada and the Montreal Victoire of the PWHL. Known as "Captain Clutch," Poulin has scored game-winning goals in three Olympic finals and was named IIHF Female Player of the Year for 2025. She has competed in four Olympics, won four world championships, and served as Canada's opening ceremonies flag bearer at the 2022 Games. Poulin is widely considered one of the greatest women's ice hockey players of all time.

The drive that made her one of ice hockey's greatest players extends to her role as dog mom to Arlo, her five-year-old lovable golden retriever. Marie-Philip is preparing for her fifth Olympics in Milan while balancing elite performance with the joy Arlo brings to her home. She sat down with our team to share how Arlo has transformed her perspective both on and off the ice.

Who is Arlo, and what does he mean to you?

During COVID, my partner and I drove seven hours to find a puppy and when we saw him, honestly, we fell in love with him. Arlo is a Golden Retriever, and I can say deciding to get him four years ago was probably the best decision ever.

When I get home after a loss, after a bad game, after good games, it’s always the same reaction – that big goofball coming at us at the door and just being happy. That’s been very special for me.

What are some of Arlo's favorite things to do?

Arlo loves to play outside! He loves the water – when we see a body of water, you have to hold him tight because he wants to jump right in! He loves humans as well. He loves getting pet, giving love, playing with his toys, and adapting to the environment around him. When we’re tired, he sees it, and he makes us feel better. 

What has Arlo taught you about love and support as a professional athlete?

I never grew up with a dog – I didn’t know what that was like, and I would hear people talk about how much they love their dog and how much they meant to them. But now I understand, the love from a pet is the most unconditional love you can get. You get home and there’s no judgment. They just love you for who you are.

And that’s the thing, when you’re a professional athlete, you don’t want to disappoint people, and you don’t want to lose. But even in the toughest times, Arlo reminds me why I do what I do and keeps a big smile on my face.

How did you discover your passion for ice hockey and build your path to the Olympics?

Growing up, I started with figure skating at the age of four, but I was a little bit of a tomboy as a kid, so that didn’t last too long! My love for hockey started when I’d watch my brother during his games and decided that I wanted to try the sport. And since the age of five, I’ve been playing hockey – playing against the boys until I was 15 – and I’ve been in love with it ever since.

At the age of 15, I moved to Montreal, where I began learning English and aspired to join the Canadian National Team one day. Fast forward to now, I’ve had the chance to go to four Olympics, attend Boston University, and play in the PWHL for Montreal. Hockey has brought a lot to my life. It’s where I belong. It’s where I am myself.

Tell us about your mindset as a competitor and why nutrition matters for peak performance.

Competition, it’s the best part. That’s why I do what I do. I love winning. I love pushing myself. It’s not only me, but I’m pushing other people around me. When you get to the hockey rink, there are 23 of us in the dressing room pushing towards the same goal, and I’m very thankful for that.

I’ve learned over the years that when you fuel your body properly, it can bring you to something even better. I’ve pushed my body to the limit both physically and mentally, eating well, and making sure I’m always ready to go. I’m also a big believer in balance and discipline, so after a big competition, and I know I’ve achieved something, it’s okay to have a treat as well.

And Arlo, he loves his treats, too! Feeding Nulo has positively supported his activity levels – he’s fired up, he wants to go for walks, he wants to get up and move, he wants to get the day started. You can tell he’s a happy boy when premium nutrition is fueling him day in and day out. 

What are your proudest career moments, and how has Arlo helped you through the more challenging times?

The Olympics and Championships throughout the years are all moments that I’m very proud of. It’s been very amazing to be part of. But I will say that 2018 was probably one of my hardest years, when we didn’t win the Olympic gold medal. You put a lot of pressure on yourself to never disappoint, and that was a disappointing moment for me.

During COVID, my partner and I decided to get Arlo, and he helps keep everything in perspective. When I’m doing my daily workouts and pushing myself, and I’m like, “Should I be doing this? Should I keep going?”

Then Arlo runs up, super happy, and gives me kisses. He helps me to enjoy the moment and stay in the present. It’s so easy to look ahead or think about what I could have done, and he's taught me that staying present is more important.

Try Marie-Philip and Arlo's Picks

Each day, Marie-Philip feeds Arlo a mix of these great Nulo foods to fuel his incredible journey with him. Mixing and matching the products keeps things fun and exciting for Arlo, and can for your pet as well.

SEE MORE ABOUT MARIE-PHILIP AND ARLO ON INSTAGRAM  @POU29
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