In a dream scenario, Catherine Dubois highlighted her return home by scoring the first goal of the game in a 2-1 Montreal Victory win over the Ottawa Charge in a hard-fought LPHF game on Sunday , in a Videotron Center which was sold out, with 18,259 fans.
Dubois broke the ice in the second period by throwing the Victoire early. It was Kati Tabin who settled the debate on the power play with less than seven minutes remaining in the game.
Photo DIDIER DEBUSSCHERE
“In my wildest dreams, I could never have imagined such a scenario,” summarized Dubois, who grew up five minutes from the Colisée and who played his minor hockey in Quebec. It’s a really special match, and I’m really lucky to experience these moments.”
Photo DIDIER DEBUSSCHERE
“When I jumped on the ice, I couldn’t see anything because my eyes were full of water,” continued Dubois. I tried to calm down a little. My legs felt heavier, and my heart was beating harder than usual.”
Four Quebecers on the starting lineup
Head coach Kori Cheverie had the kindness to insert the four Quebecers on the team into her starting lineup. Dubois, Marie-Philip Poulin, Ann-Renée Desbiens and Alexandra Labelle were treated to a whole ovation from the fans.
“I know the importance these girls have in the province,” she said to explain her decision. I’m an emotional girl, contrary to what some people may think, and I practically cried when our starting lineup was introduced.”
An ovation worthy of Gretzky
-The ovation reserved for Poulin gave many people chills. “Poulin is the Gretzky of women’s hockey,” said Charge head coach Carla MacLeod.
“When we were younger, we saw such ovations for a player of Gretzky’s caliber. It’s very inspiring to see the welcome that Marie-Philip has received. The whole experience was incredible. Thank you to the fans of Quebec, which is a real hockey city. There are more and more role models among women.”
Her 91-year-old grandmother presents
Always modest when she receives such praise, Poulin fully appreciated the experience of playing a match in Quebec, while her 91-year-old grandmother was present in the stands.
“She hadn’t seen me play there for a very long time, and it was a very special moment,” said the captain of the Victoire and the Canadian team. She’s one of my fan favorites, and I’m blessed to have seen her. It’s crazy, all the love we’ve received. I thank Carla for her comments.”
“It’s crazy to see so many young girls in the stands who can dream of a professional career, when there was practically nothing for girls not so long ago, and to see how far we’ve come , to pursue the native of Sainte-Marie de Beauce. It’s our motivation every day to train and play for these young people.”
Goalie Emerance Maschmeyer agreed with MacLeod. “On the blue line, when the starting lineups were announced, I had chills when Marie-Philip was presented. It was incredible, the energy. It was a dream to play here.”
Moments she won’t soon forget
Ann-Renée Desbiens will treasure the moments she experienced for her return to Quebec, where she played the last five years of her minor hockey.
“The atmosphere was incredible, and I will remember it for a long time,” said the Charlevoix native goalkeeper, who blocked 26 of the 27 shots directed in her direction. My heart rates shouldn’t be higher than that. It was fun to see all the young girls wearing their team jerseys in the stands. My 4 and a half year old goddaughter was at the game, and she started playing hockey when she saw us on television.”
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