Abby Roque, Enemy No More

The Montreal home opener was nothing short of incredible. The new Victoire players had an impact on the win and have already secured their place in fans’ hearts.

Montreal started the season against their rivals in Boston, a team they’re used to playing physical against. But this time, that physicality hurt them. Six penalties, all of them costly, and they lose the game 0–2. Afterward, Cheverie and the players said they couldn’t wait to get back home and start fresh in front of their fans.

Abby Roque, who has always been loudly booed when she visited Montreal with New York, said she was genuinely excited to see what the crowd would be like now that she’s wearing the home jersey.

“I’m looking forward to the fans. I’m excited to see their reaction. Most of the time I’m here I get booed, and I love it. I think it’s awesome!”

She’s the player you rather have on your team, than have to face.

A big response at home

Montreal embraced the energy of Place Bell and earned their first win of the season, a 4–0 shutout against the New York Sirens.

Rookie Natálie Mlýnková scored Montreal’s first goal of the year. She laughed afterward, saying, “I had no idea… I kind of blacked out.” In just her second game, she’s already on the first power play. “Whatever they tell me to do, I’m gonna do it,” she said. “It’s a privilege to even be out there.”

The second goal came from the usual duo of Laura Stacey setting up Marie-Philip Poulin, who recorded her 50th career PWHL point, the first player in the league to hit that mark. Another milestone for the Beauce native.

And of course, Place Bell went wild again when Abby Roque scored her first goal with Montreal… against her former team… and with a between-the-legs finish. “I’ve never tried that in a game or in practice,” she said. “I have no idea why I decided that was the moment. Honestly I was doing it and thought, ‘This is stupid.’” Roque has already been showing signs that she will be a Montreal favorite, very early.

Looking ahead

Montreal, despite being one of the top teams in the league over the last two seasons, still hasn’t been able to make it past the first round. But with this summer’s expansion draft, the Victoire are coming into the season with new names and a very different look.

GM Danielle Sauvageau, now officially a Hall of Famer, pulled off many important trades and signings that have built a lineup with real potential to go all the way. When I spoke with head coach Kori Cheverie, she was crystal clear about the identity she wants for this group: “relentless, physical, mean and gritty,” but also “professional, leaders.” For her, that combination is what wins championships.

When asked what sets this year’s team apart, Assistant Captain Erin Ambrose was clear:

“Honestly, just our depth. I think you’re gonna hear that a lot from this group… it’s gonna come through for us this year.”

Coming up

Montreal faces the Toronto Sceptres on December 7 at Place Bell.