As the winter sports season hits its stride, our city’s beloved Montreal Victoire continues to make waves in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. Having followed the team since their inaugural game, I’ve witnessed firsthand how they’ve captured the imagination of Montrealers and transformed our city’s sports landscape.
The energy at Verdun Auditorium during home games has become something truly special. Last week, I watched families with young girls sporting Victoire jerseys streaming into the arena, their excitement palpable. “This is her third game,” one mother told me, nodding to her daughter clutching a hockey stick. “She never cared about hockey before the Victoire.”
This connection between team and community exemplifies what makes the PWHL’s presence in Montreal so significant. The league has reported attendance averaging over 5,000 fans per game in Montreal, consistently among the highest in the league.
Looking ahead, several can’t-miss matchups are circled on my calendar. This Saturday’s clash against Toronto will reunite Olympic teammates Marie-Philip Poulin and Sarah Nurse as opponents. Their friendly rivalry dates back years, with Poulin noting in a recent press conference, “We push each other to be better, but once that puck drops, it’s all business.”
The following week brings Boston to town in what many consider an early preview of playoff contenders. Boston goaltender Aerin Frankel has been nearly unbeatable, posting a .943 save percentage through her last six starts. Montreal forward Ann-Sophie Bettez will need to continue her scoring streak to break through.
What makes these upcoming games particularly compelling is how they’ll test the team’s resilience. Head coach Danièle Sauvageau emphasized this at yesterday’s practice. “These next few weeks show us exactly who we are,” she explained while observing drills at the team’s Brossard facility.
The team’s success extends beyond the ice. Local businesses around Verdun Auditorium report significant upticks in foot traffic on game days. Café Régulier owner Jean-Philippe Morency estimates a 40% increase in customers before and after home games. “The Victoire has breathed new life into this neighborhood,” he shared while preparing espressos during my visit.
For newcomers to women’s hockey, these games showcase a fast, technical version of the sport. Without body checking, the emphasis falls on stickhandling, positioning, and creative playmaking. The result is hockey that’s both accessible to new fans and appreciated by purists.
My colleague at RDS, Chantal St-Laurent, summed it up perfectly: “The PWHL has raised the bar for women’s professional sports in Canada. These aren’t just good women’s hockey games—they’re good hockey games, period.”
The league’s growing media presence reflects this sentiment. Television viewership numbers released by Sportsnet indicate Montreal games average 95,000 viewers, with key matchups exceeding 120,000. Digital engagement metrics show similar strength, with PWHL content generating substantial social media interaction.
Tickets remain reasonably priced compared to other professional sports, with most seats between $30-65. This accessibility has helped cultivate a diverse fanbase spanning generations and backgrounds.
For those planning to attend upcoming games, consider arriving early. The pre-game atmosphere includes youth hockey exhibitions and interactive fan experiences that highlight the community-focused approach of the organization. The merchandise stand often sees lengthy lines, particularly for Poulin and Stacey jerseys, which have become the season’s hottest items.
Public transportation offers the most convenient access to Verdun Auditorium, with the De l’Église metro station just minutes away by foot. Several nearby restaurants have embraced game nights with special “Victoire” menus and extended hours.
As Montreal embraces its newest sports tradition, these upcoming games represent more than just competition. They showcase the evolution of professional women’s hockey and our city’s role in growing the sport. Whether you’re a lifelong hockey fan or completely new to the game, the Victoire offers something authentically Montreal—passionate, skillful, and welcoming to all.
