Marie-Philip Poulin, Ann-Renée Desbiens and company return to the Bell Center

The Victoire de Montréal confirmed what everyone had anticipated: the women’s hockey team will return to the Bell Center this season.

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The location of the Saturday 1 match^is March had not been determined until Thursday morning, but many had noticed that the Canadian’s home was available.

And with the success experienced last April, when a record 21,105 spectators attended a women’s hockey game between Montreal and Toronto, it is not surprising that the LPHF wanted to return.

This time, Kori Cheverie’s squad will face the Boston Fleet, led by one of the best players in the world and great opponent of Marie-Philip Poulin, Hilary Knight.

“We had the privilege of playing in front of a record crowd at the Bell Center last season, creating unforgettable moments for the fans and players,” Victoire general director Danièle Sauvageau said in a press release. We are delighted to return to this iconic place and experience this incredible energy again.”

The charged atmosphere and the emotions experienced during this historic meeting will remain forever marked in the memory of the players.

“It was so noisy last season at the Bell Center and I think it will be just as noisy this time,” hoped goalkeeper Ann-Renée Desbiens. Plus, those in attendance will be treated to quite a spectacle, since the team is playing at a high level and we will be hosting our great rivals from Boston.”

A habit

The girls of Victory are starting to get used to big crowds. Last year, they also played in front of Scotiabank Arena, home of the NHL’s Toronto Maple Leafs, filled to capacity with 19,285 fans.

Recently, the Rogers Arena of the Vancouver Canucks had a full house of 19,038 fans for part of the Montreal women’s team.

And last Sunday, there were 18,259 people at the Videotron Center in Quebec who saw the Victory win 2 to 1 against the Ottawa Charge and thus take sole first place in the LPHF.

On sale next week

Victoire season ticket holders will have until Monday to select their seats for the match on 1^is March at 2 p.m. at the Bell Centre, followed by those who have half-season subscriptions.

The other tickets should sell out quickly from January 30.

▶ La Victoire will return to action next Wednesday and Thursday by hosting Ottawa and the Toronto Scepters at Place Bell in Laval.