Montreal Victoire defeats Ottawa Charge in home opener through hard-fought shootout win

After an incredible inaugural season, the Professional Women’s Hockey League, the PWHL, is back.

Fans were ready on Saturday evening for Montreal Victoire to hit the ice against the Ottawa Charge at Place Bell in Laval for their home opener. 

Marie-Philip Poulin lived up to her Captain Clutch nickname, scoring the winning goal in a hard-fought 4-3 shootout win.

“It’s really fun,” said fan and aspiring hockey player, Lily Kazamias. “For all of us to be watching the girls play.”

“I love to see them play,” added Eva Rodrigues. “Just fun to be here with all my friends.”

Over 10,000 filled the arena as the two teams went head-to-head, opening the second PWHL season.

“I’m very proud of Montreal,” said fan, Julie Fornaciari. “I’m happy to be here because I bought season tickets for the Montreal Victoire.”

“I think this year is going to be the year.”

“I’m happy to be here because it shows that women like you know we made it far,” said fan, Rosemarie Romano. “To have like a big opening night like this is crazy.”

“I’ve seen the lines we got here early,” she added. “I’m just super excited to be here.”

The last Victoire game at Place Bell was the longest in PWHL history at 111:44 in a 3OT loss to Boston on May 11.

Montreal also leads the PWHL with 10 new players on their active roster including Quebecer Alexandra Labelle who played last season in New York.

Montreal Victoire Head Coach Kori Cheverie said in a release after the game that “the fans didn’t disappoint. It was loud in there. I couldn’t talk on the bench sometimes, but we want them to keep that up.” 

“I’m so excited because it’s a great time to be a woman,” said fan, Alyson Lapointe. “Hockey is amazing.”

“I think the fans are in it,” added Fornaciari. “There’s a lot of people here.”

“I think they’re very supportive of the Montreal Victoire.”