Catherine Dubois scored her second goal of the season late in the second period and contributed to Montreal’s 2-1 victory over the Ottawa Charge in front of a packed house of 18,259 spectators.
If the decisive goal went to defender Kati Tabin with a little more than six minutes remaining in the third period, it was that of Dubois who sowed the greatest happiness in the stands, she who grew up some five minutes of the amphitheater.
This goal crowned a perfect day for the friendly Quebecer, who was part of the starting lineup alongside, among others, Marie-Philip Poulin, goalkeeper Ann-Renée Desbiens and Alexandra Labelle, her great friend.
Aligned on the blue line before the start of the match, the four Quebecers were entitled to a warm ovation which even impressed the Charge goalkeeper, Emerance Maschmeyer.
The ovation also moved head coach Kori Cheverie.
“It was an important decision for us, as a team, to start with our Quebec players who were going to be in the lineup,” Cheverie said.
“I wasn’t surprised at all (by the ovation). I know the importance that these players have in this province, and it was really ‘cool’,” she added while admitting that she almost shed a few tears.
“Contrary to popular belief, I am somewhat emotional.”
– Kori Cheverie, head coach of the Victoire de Montréal
Named first star of the game, Dubois was so much the center of attraction of the day that she was placed between Desbiens and Poulin during the post-match press conference.
“Even in my wildest dreams, I didn’t think it could happen like this, the scenario I had today. I’m really lucky. There were a lot of positive vibes in the stands, my family and my friends. It was just really special and I’m really lucky to be here right now with these two, besides, next to me,” said Dubois, pointing at the same time in the direction of Desbiens, sitting at her desk. right, and Poulin.
Last Wednesday, Dubois expressed his eagerness to take to the ice at the Videotron Center, even if the Montreal team first had to prepare for a preliminary match. When she finally put her skates on the ice on Sunday, emotions took over, she admitted.
“I tried to block my emotions a little bit because I’m still quite an emotional person,” she first mentioned, referring to the hours which preceded the meeting.
“It was when I arrived at the arena that I started to feel my legs a little heavier. My heart was beating hard. Of course I was really excited for the match. When I jumped on the ice, my eyes were a little watery. I was trying to see where I was going and I couldn’t see anything!” she added, laughing.
-During her press conference, which followed the one attended by the three players, Cheverie said she had spent time with Dubois on Saturday to review some video footage.
“The message was that she brings an element to this sport that few players have in this league, if any, and to have fun. “It’s not an opportunity that everyone gets in life,” said Cheverie, before launching into some heartfelt praise for Dubois.
“She plays very well and she contributes with the puck and without the puck. I love the growth in his game from last year to this year. She had a great college career and professional hockey is another level. She continues to find a way to adapt her style a little and have a little more success,” added the Victoire head coach.
Dubois’ goal, the first of the match, spiced up a duel that took time to get going.
“We had just played a game on Friday, we arrived yesterday, everything was a little quick,” noted Desbiens, who blocked 26 pucks and only gave in to Shiann Darkangelo, on a deflection of a shot by Zoe Boyd midway through the third period.
“But as we mentioned in the locker room, not every match will be perfect. We showed a lot of character,” added Desbiens.
“Sometimes you can’t find an explanation, sometimes it’s a combination of several things,” added Cheverie on this subject.
“I didn’t like our start, but we have an agenda, we’re on a mission and good teams find a way (to win).”
Beyond this triumph, Dubois, Desbiens and Poulin were overjoyed by the response of the population of the greater Quebec region, in a context where the Old Capital and Quebecor are interested in welcoming a team as part of a possible expansion of the LPHF.
“To see what happened here at the Videotron Center, the love we received, the three (Quebecers) yes, but the entire team, to see what is happening with the Montreal Victory, no only here in Quebec but in Canada, it’s something special,” Poulin said.
With this victory, the Victoire (6-2-1-2 – 23 points) holds a three-point lead in first place in the standings, ahead of the Minnesota Frost, at a time when the Montreal team begins a period of rest which will will extend until January 27, inclusive.
La Victoire will face La Charge again on January 29 at Place Bell.
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