The Montreal Victoire organized a four-day youth hockey training session at the Dollard-des-Ormeaux Civic Centre, located to the west of Montreal. Almost 90 girls aged between eight and 15 took to the ice to enhance their skills and gain insights from professional players.
Several young participants shared their hockey dreams with CBC and expressed their excitement about being coached by their idols.
For the players from Victoire, this camp represented a significant moment of reflection. They reminisced about their own experiences at that age, wishing they had access to similar opportunities growing up, and emphasized their desire for the sport to flourish at the grassroots level.
Here are some of the young girls and Victoire players who attended the event.
Navarana Gadbois, 11
Navarana participated in a four-day training camp hosted by the Montreal professional women’s hockey team. (Chloë Ranaldi/CBC)
“It’s just enjoyable to have a training camp to improve,” stated 11-year-old Navarana Gadbois, who began skating at four in Kuujjuaq after watching her father play hockey.
“It’s actually pretty awesome because as you grow up, you can go to university and play at Concordia, and maybe even play for the Victoire. But I would just be thrilled to play in the PWHL.”
Currently, the 11-year-old plays in Vaudreuil-Dorion, located west of Montreal.
Elizabeth Tousignante, 10
Elizabeth expresses her passion for hockey and her dream to play for the Montreal Victoire. (Chloë Ranaldi/CBC)
“It’s really, really exciting. I felt amazing this morning because I knew I would meet [the] players. I was so thrilled that I couldn’t stop jumping,” said 10-year-old Elizabeth Tousignante.
“I would love to play for the Montreal Victoire. I also want to continue playing hockey for my entire life, until I can’t anymore.”
Alexandra Labelle, Victoire forward
Alexandra Labelle grew up in Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague, a town southwest of Montreal in the Montérégie region. (Chloë Ranaldi/CBC)
“It’s essential to share this enthusiasm,” remarked Alexandra Labelle.
“Being a role model means being present for them and spending time together, not just as a hockey player, but as a human being.
“I played with boys until I was 15, so now it’s impressive that we have hockey camps exclusively for girls during the summer. We’ve made significant progress.”
Kori Cheverie, Victoire head coach
Kori Cheverie has served as the Victoire’s head coach since the team’s first season. (Chloë Ranaldi/CBC)
Kori Cheverie, the head coach of the Victoire, grew up in Nova Scotia, where girls’ hockey was nonexistent until the age of 15, and there were no professional women’s teams.
“I believe the game has progressed. The culture has shifted. It’s essential that it continues to evolve and creates space for both men’s and women’s hockey, as well as for boys and girls,” she stated.
She emphasized the need for more ice time and for the sport to remain inclusive for all genders.
“I think we are making progress, but there is still more to accomplish.”
Danièle Sauvageau was barred from playing hockey as a child because she was a girl. Today, her influence on the game spans a generation and her Olympic contribution continues in Italy.