Who is Emerance Maschmeyer?
Emerance Maschmeyer was born on October 5, 1994, in Bruderheim, Alberta, Canada. Standing at 5-foot-6, Maschmeyer has established herself as one of the premier goaltenders in women’s hockey. Known for her quick reflexes, excellent positioning, and composure under pressure, she has made significant contributions to both her club teams and the Canadian national team. As of 2023, she signed with the Ottawa franchise of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).
Junior Career
Emerance Maschmeyer’s passion for hockey began at a young age in her hometown of Bruderheim. Growing up on a large grain farm with her four siblings, she developed a strong work ethic that would propel her career. She spent countless hours practicing on a homemade rink, with her father designing training programs for her and her siblings. Maschmeyer’s drive and talent quickly became evident, and she excelled in competitive hockey, eventually playing for the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers.
Collegiate Career
Maschmeyer’s impressive performances in junior hockey earned her a scholarship to Harvard University, where she played for the Crimson women’s hockey team from 2012 to 2016. At Harvard, she was a standout goaltender, earning numerous accolades for her play. She was named to the NCAA Second Team All-American in 2014 and was a Patty Kazmaier Award Finalist.
International Career
Emerance Maschmeyer’s international career with Team Canada has been marked by several key achievements. She debuted for the national team at the 2014 4 Nations Cup and quickly established herself as a reliable goaltender for Canada. Her accolades with Team Canada include:
- 2014-2015: World Championship (W) Silver Medal
- 2015-2016: World Championship (W) Best Goaltender, World Championship (W) Silver Medal
- 2016-2017: World Championship (W) Silver Medal
- 2018-2019: World Championship (W) Bronze Medal
- 2020-2021: World Championship (W) Gold Medal
- 2021-2022: Olympic (W) Gold Medal, World Championship (W) Gold Medal
- 2022-2023: World Championship (W) Silver Medal
- 2023-2024: World Championship (W) Gold Medal
Maschmeyer’s calm demeanour and exceptional skills have made her a mainstay on the Canadian roster for years.
Professional Career
Emerance Maschmeyer has also enjoyed a successful professional career. She played in the Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) for the Calgary Inferno during the 2016-27 season. She then moved to the Montreal Canadiennes where she played two seasons. Following the CWHL’s dissolution, she joined the Montreal chapter of the Professional Women’s Hockey Players Association (PWHPA), continuing to compete at a high level and advocate for the growth of women’s professional hockey.
Maschmeyer now plays for the Ottawa franchise of the newly formed Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL). Her addition to the team brings experience, leadership, and top-tier goaltending to the squad. She has quickly become a fan favorite in Ottawa and is signed for the next two years.
Personal Life
Maschmeyer’s journey is not just about her on-ice achievements. In June 2024, she shared her personal story in a heartfelt article. She spoke about her life with her partner, fellow goaltender Geneviève Lacasse, their marriage, and their decision to start a family. Maschmeyer and Lacasse decided to share their relationship publicly by posting wedding photos, which was a significant moment for both of them. They wanted to use their platform to inspire others and show the importance of being one’s true self.
The couple’s relationship has had its challenges, especially with both being elite goaltenders competing for spots on Team Canada. They have learned to support each other, even when one was selected over the other for major tournaments like the Olympics. In early 2024, Maschmeyer and Lacasse announced they were expecting their first child, a milestone that filled them with joy.
Legacy and Impact
Emerance Maschmeyer’s journey from a small town in Alberta to the international stage is a testament to her dedication, skill, and passion for the game of hockey. She has inspired many young players with her performances and has been a strong advocate for the advancement of women’s hockey. As she embarks on this new chapter with PWHL Ottawa, Maschmeyer’s legacy as one of the top goaltenders in the world is firmly established. Her contributions to the sport both on and off the ice continue to make a significant impact.
Maschmeyer’s story is also one of personal courage and advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights. She encourages others to be their true selves and use their platforms for positive change. As she continues her career, she remains a role model and trailblazer, paving the way for future generations of hockey players.
