Danièle Sauvageau, a key figure in Canadian women’s hockey, played a pivotal role in the Canadian women’s hockey team’s historic Olympic gold win in 2002, reshaping the landscape of women’s hockey in the country. A significant moment she envisions is the Montreal Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin lifting the Walter Cup, the PWHL’s championship trophy, in front of passionate Montreal fans.
The core players of the Montreal team, including Poulin, Laura Stacey, and Ann-Renée Desbiens, have extended their contracts through the 2027-28 season, ensuring continuity and stability for the franchise. These three players were foundational signings when the league was established in 2023, and they are considered the heart and soul of the Victoire team.
Despite finishing first in the league standings last season, the Victoire faced a disappointing early playoff exit. However, with Poulin’s leadership and stellar performances from Desbiens, the team is poised to be competitive in the upcoming seasons. Poulin, recognized as the league’s top forward and MVP, continues to be a driving force for Montreal.
Desbiens, the standout goaltender for the Victoire, and Stacey, a key power forward with underrated skills, are instrumental in the team’s success. Desbiens expressed excitement about continuing the journey with the original trio of players in Montreal, highlighting the team’s commitment to building something special.
The extension of contracts for Poulin, Stacey, and Desbiens signifies their dedication to the team’s success and their willingness to contribute beyond financial terms. The players’ decision to prioritize team success over individual gain underscores their commitment to bringing a championship to Montreal.
Montreal bolstered its roster in the offseason, adding talent such as defenseman Nicole Gosling, along with free agent acquisitions Jessica DiGirolamo and Maggie Flaherty to enhance the team’s defensive depth. The team also secured trade acquisition Abby Roque and free agent signings to strengthen its center position, providing more options behind Poulin.
The Montreal Victoire will kick off their season against the Boston Fleet on Nov. 23, followed by their home opener against the New York Sirens at Place Bell in Laval on Nov. 25. The team is poised for an exciting season ahead, with a solid roster and a strong foundation laid by its core players.