The Montreal Victoire has announced contract extensions with three of the team’s stars, including captain Marie-Philip Poulin, as the team continues its quest for its first Walter Cup championship.
Poulin, forward Laura Stacey and goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens were the team’s first three signings back in 2023, and were all on contracts due to expire after this upcoming season. All three have signed deals that will keep them in Montreal through the 2027-28 season.
“These three players have been the heart and soul of our team since day one, and we wanted to make it absolutely clear that they will remain integral members of the Victoire for a long time to come,” Victoire general manager Danièle Sauvageau said on Thursday. “Their work ethic, determination, and attitude embody everything we want to see in our players, and their leadership in the locker room brings us immeasurable value.”
The Victoire finished atop the league’s standings last season, buoyed by an MVP season from Poulin and stellar goaltending from Desbiens.
By finishing first, the team earned the right to select its playoff opponent. Montreal picked the Ottawa Charge. But it was the Charge that moved on to the championship round, handing Montreal its second straight first-round playoff exit.
Playoff performance aside, with these three players in the fold, combined with a solid offseason from Sauvageau and her staff, the Victoire should be competitive with the rest of the league over the next couple of seasons.
It all starts with Poulin, the best player in the world and the Victoire’s leader. With Poulin in the lineup, anything is possible for Montreal. It’s hard to imagine the maroon and cream team without its captain.
In addition to league MVP, Poulin was also the PWHL’s top forward last season and led the league with 19 goals in 30 games. Still, it wasn’t good enough for Poulin, who’d no doubt trade both of those trophies to hoist her first Walter Cup.
“I am so proud to remain with the Victoire for the long run,” Poulin said on Thursday. “It’s an honour and a privilege to wear this jersey and represent our city alongside my teammates. I am thrilled for this upcoming season to get started and look forward to reconnecting with our great fans.”
‘Building something special in Montreal’
Like Poulin, Desbiens has the ability to steal a game. She was the best goaltender in the PWHL last season, and is the team’s no-question starter for the years to come.
“We are in the process of building something special in Montréal, and it’s great news to see that the three original players will continue the journey and work together for the next three seasons,” Desbiens said.
Stacey may be a more underrated piece of the Montreal lineup. Her speed and size has made her one of the top power forwards in the league, and a consistent breakaway threat.
The Montreal Victoire forward has brought her charity road hockey tournament to the city she now plays in.
She led the PWHL in shots last season and finished second on the Victoire in goals, behind only Poulin.
Per PWHL Insights, she also posted the best Corsi for rating in the league. The statistic measures shot attempts and paints a picture of puck possession, showing which players are driving play on the ice.
Stacey also wears a letter for Montreal, and expanded her Sticks In fundraiser to Montreal this past summer.
“I could not be more excited to be extending here in Montréal especially beside these two incredible players and even better people,” Stacey said. “When I first signed here in Montréal, I had no idea what to expect, but the last two years have blown me away and there is absolutely nowhere else that I want to be.”
The league doesn’t publicize financial details of contracts.
Adding depth
Sauvageau spent the summer adding depth behind her stars, starting on the blue line. The team used its first-round pick to add Nicole Gosling, a smart defender who can fill in some of what was lost when Cayla Barnes went to Seattle in the expansion draft.
Gosling is signed with Montreal for three seasons, and gives the team a second high-IQ defender who could be a big part of the power play, in addition to Erin Ambrose.
The Victoire also added Jessica DiGirolamo and two-time Walter Cup champion Maggie Flaherty via free agency to shore up the team’s defensive depth.
Trade acquisition Abby Roque and free agent signings Jade Downie-Landry and Shiann Darkangelo give Montreal more options down the middle behind Poulin, while winger Hayley Scamurra adds another strong power forward into the mix.
Montreal opens its season on the road against the Boston Fleet on Nov. 23. The New York Sirens will visit Place Bell in Laval for Montreal’s home opener on Nov. 25.
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