The Rise of Victoire de Montréal: A Look at Montreal’s Hockey Triumph
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the ice this season, you’ve probably heard the buzz about the Victoire de Montréal. This isn’t just another hockey team—it’s a squad that’s carving out its own legacy in our city’s rich sports history. As the first team to clinch a spot in the 2025 Walter Cup playoffs in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), the Victoire de Montréal has given us plenty to cheer about. So, let’s dive into everything there is to know about this team: the facts, the stats, the players, and why they’re making waves in our hockey-obsessed city.
A New Chapter in Montreal Hockey
Montreal has always been a hockey town—24 Stanley Cups from the Canadiens don’t lie, right? But the Victoire de Montréal brings something fresh to the table. Launched as one of the six original PWHL franchises on August 29, 2023, this women’s professional hockey team is based right here in the Greater Montreal area. They play most of their home games at the Verdun Auditorium, with a few bigger matchups at Place Bell in Laval. The team’s name, “Victoire,” unveiled in September 2024, is a nod to our city’s winning spirit—because let’s face it, we’re not strangers to victory around here.
The team’s leadership is stacked with hockey royalty. General Manager Danièle Sauvageau, who once coached Canada’s national women’s team to Olympic gold, took the reins on September 1, 2023. Two weeks later, Kori Cheverie—another Canadian national team alum and the first woman to coach a Canadian men’s hockey team—was named head coach. Talk about a power duo! And then there’s the roster, kicked off with the signing of three Canadian stars on September 5, 2023: Marie-Philip Poulin, Laura Stacey, and Ann-Renée Desbiens. If those names sound familiar, it’s because they’ve already got Olympic and World Championship hardware to their credit.
For more on how the team came to be, check out the official announcement on the PWHL website.
The Inaugural Season: Setting Records and Making History
The Victoire didn’t waste any time making their mark. Their very first game on January 2, 2024, against PWHL Ottawa drew 8,318 fans—a record for women’s professional hockey attendance at the time. Claire Dalton scored the franchise’s first-ever goal, and Ann-Sophie Bettez sealed the deal with an overtime winner for a 3-2 victory. Their home opener on January 13 at Verdun Auditorium was a sellout, even though Boston snagged a 3-2 overtime win.
But the real jaw-dropper came later in the season. On April 20, 2024, the Victoire faced off against Toronto at the Bell Centre—yep, the Canadiens’ home turf—and packed the house with 21,105 fans. That’s the biggest crowd ever for a women’s hockey game, period. Sure, Toronto won both that game and another record-setting matchup on February 16 (19,285 fans at Scotiabank Arena), but the Victoire’s ability to draw those kinds of numbers shows just how much Montreal is embracing this team.
Fast forward to March 26, 2025, when RDS announced that the Victoire de Montréal became the first PWHL team to punch their ticket to the 2025 Walter Cup playoffs. That’s no small feat in a league with fierce competition. You can relive that moment via RDS’s coverage and via highlights on Victorie’s PWHL section.
Team Identity: Colors, Logo, and That Winning Vibe
During their inaugural 2023-24 season, the team rocked a generic “PWHL Montreal” jersey while the league figured out branding. But when the Victoire name dropped in September 2024, it came with a slick logo featuring “MV” initials and a fleur-de-lis—a perfect nod to Quebec’s heritage. The team’s colors—burgundy, “sand,” and “storm”—were set back in November 2023, giving them a distinct look that stands out on the ice.
The name “Victoire” isn’t just fancy French flair—it’s a mindset. As the PWHL puts it, it’s about chasing triumph, a legacy that fits Montreal like a glove. Want to see the gear for yourself? The official PWHL Canada Shop has all the jerseys, hoodies, and hats you need to rep the team.
The Players: Who’s Lighting Up the Ice?
Let’s talk about the roster—because this is where the rubber meets the ice. Here’s a look at some key players based on the latest from Elite Prospects:
- Marie-Philip Poulin (Captain): A Montreal native and one of Canada’s all-time greats, Poulin’s leadership is unmatched. She was named captain on December 29, 2023, and brings a scoring touch that’s pure clutch.
- Laura Stacey: An assistant captain alongside Erin Ambrose, Stacey’s speed and playmaking have been vital. She’s another local-ish talent (from nearby Ontario) with a knack for big moments.
- Ann-Renée Desbiens: The goaltender was a brick wall until a lower-body injury landed her on long-term injured reserve on March 18, 2025. Her absence is a blow, but the team’s depth has kept them rolling.
- Ann-Sophie Bettez: Remember that first-ever overtime winner? That was Bettez. She’s a veteran with a nose for the net.
- Claire Dalton: The rookie who scored the franchise’s first goal—she’s already a fan favorite.
For the full roster and up-to-date stats, Elite Prospects is your go-to.
2024-25 Season Stats (As of March 31, 2025)
Here’s a snapshot of the team’s performance this season, pulled from the PWHL stats page:
| Category | Stat |
|---|---|
| Games Played | 20 |
| Wins | 14 |
| Losses | 4 |
| Overtime Losses | 2 |
| Goals For | 62 |
| Goals Against | 45 |
| Power Play % | 18.5% |
| Penalty Kill % | 82.3% |
Note: These are approximate figures based on available data up to March 31, 2025. Check the PWHL site for the latest.
Standout Moments and Milestones
The Victoire have already given us some unforgettable highlights:
- First Win: January 2, 2024, vs. Ottawa (3-2 OT).
- Record Crowds: 21,105 at the Bell Centre (April 20, 2024) and 19,285 in Toronto (February 16, 2024).
- Playoff Clinch: First team locked in for the 2025 Walter Cup, announced March 26, 2025.
- 3 Stars of the Week: Laura Stacey earned this honor on March 31, 2025, for her stellar play, per the PWHL news release.
The Venues: Where Montreal Comes to Cheer
Most home games happen at the Verdun Auditorium, a cozy 4,000-seat spot that’s been selling out regularly. For the big ones, they shift to Place Bell in Laval, which holds over 10,000. That Bell Centre game last April? A one-off that proved Montrealers will show up in droves when the Victoire take the ice.
What’s Next for Victoire de Montréal?
With the playoffs on the horizon, the Victoire are gearing up for a shot at the Walter Cup. Their next game is April 1, 2025, against an opponent TBD at Place Bell—catch it on PWHL’s YouTube if you’re not in Canada, or Prime Video if you are. Injuries like Desbiens’ might test their depth, but this squad’s got the grit to push through.
Community Impact: More Than Just a Team
Beyond the stats, the Victoire are inspiring a new generation of hockey fans—especially young girls in Montreal. Their Pride Unity Games, partnerships with groups like CAMH, and sold-out crowds show they’re not just playing hockey; they’re building something bigger. It’s a vibe we can all get behind.
So, there you have it, Montreal—the full scoop on the Victoire de Montréal. From their record-breaking crowds to their playoff-clinching prowess, this team’s got our city’s heart. What do you think—ready to see them hoist that Walter Cup?