Danièle Sauvageau, a prominent figure in women’s hockey, has experienced numerous remarkable moments throughout her illustrious career, notably the Canadian women’s hockey team’s historic Olympic gold win in 2002. This victory played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of women’s hockey in Canada.
Looking ahead, Sauvageau envisions a future where Marie-Philip Poulin, the captain of the Victoire team, lifts the Walter Cup, the championship trophy of the PWHL, in front of the passionate Montreal fans. The core players, including Poulin, Laura Stacey, and Ann-Renée Desbiens, have committed to the team by signing contract extensions through the 2027-28 season.
These three players were instrumental in establishing the Montreal team when the league was established in 2023. Their recent contract extensions solidify their roles as the foundation and driving force of the Victoire team, according to Sauvageau.
Despite finishing as the top team in the league standings last season, Montreal faced a disappointing first-round playoff exit. However, with the trio of Poulin, Desbiens, and Stacey leading the team and strategic offseason acquisitions, the Victoire is poised to remain competitive in the league in the coming seasons.
Poulin, hailed as the world’s best player and the team’s leader, continues to be a significant asset for Montreal, with her exceptional skills and leadership on and off the ice. Desbiens, the top goaltender in the league, and Stacey, a dynamic power forward, also play crucial roles in the team’s success.
The trio’s commitment to the team’s long-term vision and their willingness to contribute beyond their contracts highlight their dedication to building a championship-caliber team in Montreal. The recent additions to the roster, including Nicole Gosling, Jessica DiGirolamo, and Maggie Flaherty, further strengthen the team’s depth and competitiveness.
Montreal’s upcoming season opener against the Boston Fleet marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Victoire team, as they aim to make a strong impact in the league under the leadership of Poulin, Desbiens, and Stacey.
