Danièle Sauvageau, a notable figure in hockey and a member of the Hall of Fame, has been part of numerous significant moments throughout her career. Among these moments was the Canadian women’s hockey team’s first Olympic gold win in 2002, marking a pivotal moment for women’s hockey in Canada.
Despite her illustrious career, Sauvageau envisions an even greater scene for the Victoire team, where captain Marie-Philip Poulin raises the Walter Cup, the championship trophy of the PWHL, in front of Montreal’s passionate fans. This dream scenario may soon become a reality as Poulin, along with forward Laura Stacey and goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens, have all extended their contracts with the Victoire until the 2027-28 season.
These three players were instrumental in establishing the Montreal team in 2023 when the league was founded. Their recent contract extensions solidify their roles as the core of the team, described by Sauvageau as the Victoire’s “heart and soul.” The team’s success in the past season, where they topped the league standings, can be attributed to Poulin’s MVP performance and Desbiens’ outstanding goaltending. Head coach Kori Cheverie also received recognition as the league’s coach of the year.
Despite a disappointing playoff exit, the Victoire remains optimistic about their future prospects with Poulin, Stacey, and Desbiens leading the team. The trio’s commitment, along with strategic offseason moves by Sauvageau and her team, positions the Victoire as strong contenders in the league for the upcoming seasons.
Poulin, recognized as the league’s top forward and MVP last season, continues to be a pivotal force for Montreal. Her exceptional skills on the ice, coupled with her leadership, make her an indispensable asset to the team. Desbiens, the league’s standout goaltender, and Stacey, a dynamic power forward, also play crucial roles in the team’s lineup.
The trio’s decision to extend their contracts reflects their dedication to building a championship-caliber team in Montreal. Additionally, the team’s offseason acquisitions, including defenseman Nicole Gosling, further bolster their roster depth and enhance their competitiveness for the upcoming season.
As Montreal prepares to kick off their season, the team’s focus remains on achieving their ultimate goal – winning the Walter Cup. With a solid core of players, strategic additions, and unwavering determination, the Victoire aim to make their mark in the league and bring glory to Montreal.