France is heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo with a women's ice hockey team eager to make their mark. France was the first nation to formally announce their 2026 Olympic women's hockey roster. This will be the first time the women's team has competed at the top tier of a major international tournament. While the team is making its debut at this level, several players bring a wealth of experience from leagues around the globe. Here are three players to keep a close eye on as they compete in Group B against Germany, Japan, Italy, and Sweden.

Chloé Aurard-Bushee (Forward)

Chloé Aurard-Bushee is a veteran presence on the French national team, having been a part of the program since she was 16. The former New York Sirens forward currently plays for ZSC Lions Frauen in Switzerland's top women's league. Her experience and skill will be crucial for France as they face tough competition. If France were to have any success, Chloe Aurard-Bushee has to step up.

Alice Philbert (Goaltender)

France will rely on Canadian import Alice Philbert between the pipes. Philbert currently plays in the EWHL with Italy's EV Bozen. She is an alumni of Concordia University, where she won a U Sports national championship in 2022. Philbert's goaltending prowess will be essential for France to remain competitive in their games. Margaux Mameri and Violette Pianel-Couriaut will also be joining as goaltenders.

Gabrielle De Serres (Defender)

Gabrielle De Serres, a 27-year-old defender, brings a unique background to the French team. De Serres, whose mother is Chinese, took home the Canada U Sports' Ontario University Athletics Player of the Year and Defender of the Year honors in 2021-22 while playing for the University of Toronto. She has experience in the Premier Hockey Federation (PHF) with Montreal and in the FFHG Feminin Elite with Cergy-Pontoise. She currently plays with a senior team in the Sudbury (Ontario) and Districts Girls Hockey Association.

France earned the final spot in the 10-team pool for the women's hockey tournament. According to head coach Grégory Tarlé, the team has been building itself up since 2022 with the Olympic Games objective in mind. Tarlé believes that the team assembled is the best possible team, both on and off the ice, to achieve their goal of reaching the quarterfinals. The team opens up Group B play on February 5 against host Italy. Their final group-play game is on February 9 against Germany.