After the Montreal Victoire clinched their first Walter Cup victory, Marie-Philip Poulin celebrated by tossing her gloves and stick before looking up at the rafters of the Canadian Tire Centre.
The franchise secured the trophy in Game 4 with a 4-0 win over Ottawa, marking their success after nine playoff games. Poulin, who was named the Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP, contributed eight points throughout the playoff journey.
However, the statistics alone do not capture the entire narrative of how the Walter Cup found its way to Canada for the first time, and the fulfilling moment when the Victoire’s captain lifted the prestigious 35-pound sterling silver trophy.
Defender Erin Ambrose praised Poulin, describing her as the team’s leader throughout the year and hailing her as an exceptional player who truly deserved the victory.
It was a journey that spanned nine years, marked by league changes and uncertainties, before Poulin reached this pinnacle moment in Montreal.
There were periods of doubt when Poulin, hailed as the best player in the world, struggled to find a consistent place to showcase her skills.
Years ago, a trip to the Victoire’s practice rink in Verdun with GM Danièle Sauvageau, showcased the vision for professional hockey in Montreal. The journey to the PWHL and the formation of this team was led by Sauvageau, who brought the team together at the opportune time.
Disappointing playoff exits in previous years fueled the team’s determination. The memory of defeat in Boston 2024 haunted head coach Kori Cheverie, who used that disappointment as motivation to push the team towards achieving the ultimate goal.
Collaborative efforts last summer, including contract renegotiations by Poulin, Laura Stacey, and goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens, allowed the GM to strengthen the team with necessary additions for success.
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