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The Montreal Victoire were met with chants and cheers from fans awaiting the team’s return on Thursday, following a victorious night in Ottawa, where they became the first Canadian team to win the PWHL championship.
After a night of celebrating, the women’s hockey team arrived at the Verdun Auditorium just before noon. The last player to get off the bus was Marie-Philip Poulin, carrying the Walter Cup.
Nora Powell was among the fans who’d come out to show her support. She’s been following the team since it started; and as a coach of girls hockey and soccer, she said she’s seen first-hand the effect the team has had on female sports.
“When I started coaching girls,” she said, “the recreation department told me girls don’t like soccer, they don’t play soccer … I started with six kids and ended up with over 100. So I saw the interest and the growth.
“I think it’s the beginning of an explosion in women’s sport, and I’m happy to see that.”
Kim Stone, who was also in Verdun to greet the team, also believes this is just the start.
“We’re only going to keep going. This team is terrific. The sport is growing,” Stone said.
“It’s fantastic for the city and the sport.”
Right after the team’s 4-0 win over the Ottawa Charge in Game 4 Wednesday, Victoire forward Laura Stacey said getting to hoist the Walter Cup was a “dream come true” that she was happy to share with her parents.
“When I was a kid, I never saw it. I never thought it was possible. To have them here with me now — and when this is a thing, and women’s hockey is thriving, and the Walter Cup is something that kids are dreaming of winning — it’s pretty damn special,” Stacey said.
Poulin also spoke about the impact this will have at the grassroots level. As a child, she watched the NHL and dreamed about playing but in reality, knew it would never be a possibility. Now the PWHL provides young girls an opportunity that’s within reach.
“When you see little girls in the stands, we see parents seeing that there’s possibilities, there’s dreams there. It’s unbelievable. So, to see what this league is all about, it’s really special to be part of.”
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