Three Canadian Olympians have become the first members of the Montreal team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (LPHF), the circuit announced Thursday morning.
The organization awarded three-year contracts to forwards Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey, as well as goalkeeper Ann-Renée Desbiens.
The general manager of the team Danièle Sauvageau made it official at noon at the Center 21.02, in Verdun.
The LPHF announced last week the start of its activities starting in January, with three teams in Canada and as many in the United States.
” I wished [depuis si longtemps] see that happen,” said Sauvageau, who has been involved in women’s hockey for nearly 40 years. When we created the NHL with the six original clubs, I dare to believe that people felt what I feel today. »
“You have no idea for how many years I dreamed of reaching this stage,” she continued.
“The ingredients are there. First, the product is excellent. [Ensuite], the women’s sports movement. We got there. And owners who believe in it. They are involved in professional sports and women’s sports. All that put together, I had never seen that. »
The hockey players also highlighted the impact they could have on young people.
“It starts with ‘if you see it, you can be it,’” Poulin said.
“It’s much more feasible than before for a young girl to go see women’s hockey and say, ‘This is what I want to do someday,'” Stacey added. It gives so many more opportunities to create sparks for young people. »
An “exceptional” group
All three players won gold at the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, among many other accolades.
A 32-year-old Beauceronne and three-time Olympic medalist, Poulin has been the captain of the Canadian team since 2015.
With the University of Wisconsin Badgers, Desbiens set the NCAA record with 55 shutouts.
“I can’t imagine a more exceptional group of women and athletes to represent the Montreal team,” said Sauvageau. The three embody the winning spirit, ethics and commitment that will define our identity. They will play a key role in establishing a winning, healthy and participatory culture. »
A 29-year-old Ontario native, Stacey helped the Markham Thunder win the Clarkson Cup in 2018.
“It’s a dream come true,” Stacey said. We have worked hard collectively and we can’t wait to see how far we can go. We are very lucky to have a leader like Danièle to guide us. »
Their salaries have not been revealed, but the LPHF has already indicated that they will range between US$35,000 and US$80,000 per season. The duration of the agreements will vary from one year to three years.
Desbiens’ parents were present at the press conference, from the Charlevoix region. “We are very happy that she is here in Montreal. She is well settled and it will not be too far to come and see her play. 400 km is done well, ”said her mother Claire, quite simply.
“I’m proud of you guys,” added his father, Raynald. That’s wonderful. Couldn’t ask for better. »
A 29-year-old athlete from La Malbaie, Desbiens won the Patty Kazmaier Trophy in 2017, awarded to the best university player on American soil.
“It is truly an honor and a privilege [de faire partie de cette équipe], said Desbiens. We have been working on the project for several years. Several teams and several leagues have existed for us to get to this point. »
“There are no players I would rather start the adventure with, both for who they are on the ice and off it, she added, about Poulin and Stacey. . We want to inspire the next generation, and have an impact in the community. »
Poulin agreed. “Being a role model for young girls and boys is super important to us,” commented the one who also works for the Habs. We are going to surpass ourselves on the ice, but we also want to encourage young people to dream big. »
The organization has not really commented on the idea of using the population to find the name of the Montreal team. “The league has taken several approaches,” said Sauvageau. Some markets may have a little more history than others, including Montreal and Toronto. Having the participation of the public to develop a certain identity can be interesting. That remains to be seen in the coming weeks and months. »
The LPHF’s inaugural season will begin in January with clubs in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, New York, Boston and the Minneapolis-St. Paul.
On Wednesday, Canadians Sarah Nurse, Blayre Turnbull and Renata Fast accepted offers from the Toronto team.
On Thursday, the Boston squad announced the hiring of Hilary Knight, Aerin Frankel and Megan Keller.
There will be 24 regular season matches. Training camps will begin in November.
The LPHF draft will be held on September 18. The Montreal clan will choose sixth in the first round.
