PWHL set to make debut at Montreal’s Bell Centre with record breaking attendance

A lot of firsts for the Professional Women’s Hockey League – the PWHL – in its inaugural season. Montrealers witnessed our team’s home opener together back in January, and celebrated first wins and incredible goals. On Saturday, we’re seeing another first with Montreal taking on Toronto as the PWHL makes its debut at the Bell Centre – Duel at the Top presented by Rogers – and it’s expected to be the most attended women’s hockey game in the history of the sport.

“A lot of history in this building,” said Ann-Renée Desbiens, PWHL Montreal’s goalie. “There’s been a lot of successful players, successful coaches.”

“Then for me, it’s like passing the flame to the next group.”

The home of the Canadiens – with a capacity of just over 21,000 – will be the sixth NHL venue to host a PWHL game this season.

“It’s very important but feeling that crowd, having that seventh player with us,” said Marie-Philip Poulin, PWHL Montreal’s captain. “Knowing that they’re behind us, it’s going to be very exciting.”

“It’s a dream for us,” added Poulin. “We take it a lot of pride in to be role models for these young ones and it’s such an honor.”

PWHL Montreal plays its home games at Verdun Auditorium, though the team has played four games at the larger Place Bell arena in Laval this year.

The attendance record for a women’s hockey match was set Feb. 16 when Toronto hosted Montreal at Scotiabank Arena. There were 19,285 fans in the stands.

The PWHL is in the home stretch of its inaugural season. The playoffs start the week of May 6 –- all shooting to win the Walter Cup.

Note: Rogers is CityNews Montreal’s parent company