The Birth of La Victoire: Montreal’s New Hockey Era
Ah, hockey season! That magical time of year when the smell of ice and the sound of skates slice through it knows no bounds! This time, however, we’re diving into the glitzy world of women’s hockey, specifically the gallant new squad emerging from Montreal: La Victoire. A name that evokes triumph, glory, and perhaps the occasional impromptu dance party in the locker room.
As the inaugural training camp kicked off at the Auditorium de Verdun, players and officials were practically buzzing with excitement—like children on Christmas morning or, dare I say, like me discovering there’s actually a chocolate fountain at a wedding. General Director Danièle Sauvageau, sporting a smile wider than the St. Lawrence River, gushed about the club’s newfound identity. Remember last year? It was like a hockey team without a name, a bit of an existential crisis in skates.
“It’s a name, but we represent Montreal, we represent greater Montreal.”
Danièle Sauvageau, General Director of Victoire de Montréal
You’ve got to give Sauvageau credit—she’s drenched in passion and has the kind of enthusiasm you’d expect from someone who just discovered their favorite band is reuniting. The squad wore their new jerseys emblazoned with “La Victoire” like proud lions flaunting their freshly sewn lion manes, ready to roar onto the ice. Captain Marie-Philip Poulin practically danced her way into the locker room, reminiscing about the childlike joy of new gear as if it was the best thing since sliced baguette. Who knew hockey could fuel such poetic musings?
“We like our colors, we like our name, we like our logo,” Poulin explained, laying it on thicker than a Montreal bagel. Well, isn’t that just lovely? And just to keep the festivities rolling, the team isn’t stopping at a shiny new identity. They’re expanding their schedule and moving into a bigger arena because let’s face it, of course, we need more people to appreciate this gloriousness. They’re going from 24 matches to 30! The more, the merrier, am I right?
And talking about venues, the enchanted Land of Laval is snatching up 13 out of those 15 local games at the stunning Place Bell. Now, if you’re someone who enjoys watching hockey in a space that can hold more than 10,000 spectators, then get ready to pop your popcorn! Meanwhile, a little sprinkle of Quebec magic will also be happening at the Videotron Center in mid-January. Doesn’t it all just sound deliciously promising?
But here’s where it gets juicy: Last year, the competition level took some unexpected turns. It was like an episode of a reality show—competitors popping up from under every rock, ready to put on a show. Now, Stacey noted that the game was going to be more cutthroat this year, as drafting new players—including some dazzling Europeans—was going to elevate the game to heights previously looked down upon by nets and pucks. Naturally, the players are all clamoring to go toe-to-toe with the best of the best. After all, who wouldn’t want to emulate the spirit of an elite showdown?
For those who survived the inaugural chaos of the previous season, this year feels more like an open book than a jigsaw puzzle with stolen pieces. “It’s certain that this year, it’s a change to know a little bit of what to expect,” lamented Ann-Renée Desbiens. Finally, a roadmap, ladies and gentlemen! They’re ready to plan ahead, with fewer moments spent wondering if they’ll crash into the boards or crash into their feelings.
As we stare down the barrel of this thrilling second year starting November 30, and with an identity that has finally found its footing, this team is gearing up to not only represent Montreal but to put women’s hockey firmly on the world stage. So grab your foam fingers and your shiny new jersey because La Victoire is ready for action. And if all goes well, maybe throwing in a few cheeky dance moves as they skate won’t go amiss either!
The excitement surrounding the birth of the league in January 2024 was palpable once again as Danièle Sauvageau, the general director, and star players including captain Marie-Philip Poulin, forward Laura Stacey, and goalkeeper Ann-Renée Desbiens wrapped up the inaugural day of the Montreal team’s training camp, held at the spacious Auditorium de Verdun on Thursday.
“It’s a 2nd year, but it’s as if it was the first of the Victory, because this year, we have a name unlike last year. So, this excitement has not diminished at all, on the contrary. I think it’s one more check mark,” said the general director, who emphasized the significance of their new branding as she stood before an impressive backdrop showcasing the vibrant new logo.
“It’s a name, but we represent Montreal, we represent greater Montreal. Yes, we have a name, we have an identity, we continue to build on the culture that started last year.”
Danièle Sauvageau, general director of Victoire de Montréal.
On the first day of camp, every player donned a jersey adorned with the name “La Victoire,” proudly displaying the new logo prominently on their uniforms, a source of immense joy for the entire team.
“Today we were like children at Christmas when we entered the locker room. New jerseys, new equipment. Victory. We like our colors, we like our name, we like our logo. I think it’s just going to be the start of something very special here in Montreal,” said Poulin, highlighting her unwavering passion for hockey as a driving force behind their enthusiasm.
“Every time I get a chance to start a new year, it reminds me why I do it, it reminds me why I continue to do it. Because I love it so much. I am still passionate. We have girls from all over the world, we have five languages in the locker room, it’s incredible. It’s fun to experience that. Second year, it’s only going to be better and we’re excited to get started.”
Beyond the name and logo, the players of the Montreal team will engage in 30 matches—up from 24 last season—and are set to play 13 of their 15 home games at Place Bell in Laval, a venue capable of accommodating over 10,000 enthusiastic spectators. Furthermore, they will venture to the Videotron Center in Quebec for a local match in mid-January, enhancing their exposure and reach.
“It’s a lot of new stuff. I guess we had too many spectators so we needed a bigger arena. It’s a nice problem to have,” Desbiens said, expressing her excitement about the increased capacity.
Sauvageau and the players are optimistic that the second year of the LPHF will showcase an elevated caliber of play compared to last year’s inaugural season. “We saw the level of competition last year and it was higher than we all expected. Game after game, if you showed up, you were going to win. If you didn’t show up, unfortunately it was going to be a tough match no matter who the opponent was. And I think (the caliber) will be higher this year,” Stacey explained, underscoring the competitive spirit of the league.
“The draft picks, the new players, the Europeans who will play in the league; It’s crazy what this league brings and the level of competition we’re going to have this season,” Stacey continued. “We want the best to compete against the best. We want to play with and against the best. And that’s exactly what the LPHF does for us.”
Beyond all these new features, the Victory players who experienced the inaugural campaign have the impression of knowing what awaits them from November 30.
“Last year, it was a little chaotic, we learned as the days came a little each time. This year, it’s easier to make a plan,” Desbiens remarked, reflecting on the progress made from the previous season.
What inspired the choice of the name “La Victoire” for the team, and how does it reflect your goals in women’s hockey?
**Interview with Danièle Sauvageau, General Director of La Victoire**
**Editor:** Welcome, Danièle! It’s great to have you with us today. First off, congratulations on the launch of La Victoire! How does it feel to finally have a name and identity for the team?
**Danièle Sauvageau:** Thank you! It feels absolutely incredible. Last year was a bit of a trial run without a name, but now we truly have our identity. ”La Victoire” means victory, and it represents the heart and soul of our team and what we’re aspiring to achieve in women’s hockey. We feel more connected to the city and to our fans.
**Editor:** I can imagine the excitement within the team during the inaugural training camp! Can you describe the atmosphere at the Auditorium de Verdun?
**Danièle Sauvageau:** It was electric! You could feel the buzz in the air. The players were like children on Christmas morning when they stepped into the locker room and saw their new jerseys. They are proud to represent La Victoire, and that joy is infectious—it motivates everyone to work hard and be part of something special.
**Editor:** Captain Marie-Philip Poulin mentioned that the new gear feels like the best thing since sliced baguette. Has the new identity inspired the team in more ways than just their uniforms?
**Danièle Sauvageau:** Absolutely! The new name and colors have brought a fresh spirit and energy to the locker room. Each player feels a sense of pride and ownership. They know they are part of a team that is aiming for something significant in women’s hockey. We want to change perceptions and showcase the incredible talent in our sport.
**Editor:** That’s fantastic to hear! With plans to expand the schedule from 24 to 30 matches this season, and 13 home games in Laval, what can fans expect from this upcoming season?
**Danièle Sauvageau:** Fans can expect an exhilarating season filled with competitive games. The league has become more cutthroat, which will only elevate the quality of play. We’re bringing in top talent, including some exceptional European players. We are committed to putting women’s hockey on the map, and our fans will be right there with us.
**Editor:** The anticipation is certainly building! You mentioned a mixed locker room with players from all over the world. How does this diversity impact team dynamics?
**Danièle Sauvageau:** It enriches the experience for everyone. We have players who speak five different languages. This cultural diversity creates a unique camaraderie and strength within the team. It’s not just about hockey; it’s about sharing experiences and learning from each other. This season, we want to show that unity on and off the ice.
**Editor:** Such an inspiring vision! As we approach the season opener on November 30, what message do you want to convey to potential fans of La Victoire?
**Danièle Sauvageau:** We want people to come out and experience women’s hockey in a whole new way. La Victoire is more than just a hockey team; it’s a celebration of talent, passion, and community. Being part of this journey means you’re supporting the growth of women’s sports. So grab your jerseys and foam fingers, because we are ready to bring the excitement!
**Editor:** Thank you so much, Danièle! We’re excited to see what La Victoire has in store for us this season.
**Danièle Sauvageau:** Thank you for having me! Let’s make this season unforgettable!
