The Montreal Victoire are a professional women's ice hockey team based in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. Founded on August 29, 2023, they are one of the six original franchises of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL). [1] Montreal plays its home games at Place Bell in Laval. As of the conclusion of the 2024–25 PWHL season, 38 players have appeared in at least one game for the franchise, including 2 goaltenders and 36 skaters.
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The Victoire played their inaugural game on January 2, 2024, defeating PWHL Ottawa 3–2 in overtime. [2] The first goal in franchise history was scored by Laura Stacey in that same game. Montreal’s first home win came later that week in front of a sold-out crowd, with goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens making 32 saves in a 4–1 win over PWHL Minnesota.
Several players from the inaugural roster played key roles in establishing the team’s competitive identity. Desbiens recorded the franchise’s first shutout on February 18, 2024, stopping all 28 shots faced in a 2–0 victory over PWHL Boston. [3] On March 12, 2024, forward Marie-Philip Poulin became the first player in PWHL history to record a natural hat trick, leading Montreal to a comeback win over PWHL Toronto.
Montreal has quickly developed heated rivalries with other Canadian PWHL franchises, particularly Toronto and Ottawa, helping to boost fan enthusiasm and solidify its place in the city’s crowded sports scene. The Victoire’s passionate fanbase and deep roster have made them one of the early powerhouses of the league.
