MONTREAL – Lots of fun, lots of excitement, but also more washing and less sleep, without forgetting a teammate who keeps her helmet on until she goes to the bathroom. Marie-Philip Poulin, Ann-Renée Desbiens and Laura Stacey reviewed this first half of the Montreal team's season at the LPHF on various topics.
On Saturday afternoon, Kori Cheverie's team will play the 13th game of their 24-day schedule in the Verdun Auditorium. We had a little chat with these three inspiring players from the club.
Most testimonials or messages received since launch:
Marie-Philip Poulin (MPP) : “It’s always the little girls, it’s wonderful to see their big eyes watching us play.” But I also think of the previous generation. The oldest who would have liked to have been there. Their support touches my heart, they buy season tickets to encourage us. I would also say that the signs, which are always funny, make me smile. Messages like “If I had known, I would have worked harder.” »
Ann-Renée Desbiens (ARD) : “On my mask are Manon Rhéaume, Kim St-Pierre and Caroline Ouellette. I received a message from the three saying they were touched by this gesture. They too would have liked to have had a league like ours in their time. »
Laura Stacey (LS) : “I would say when our four great Quebec hockey players (Danielle Goyette, France St-Louis, Caroline Ouellette and Kim St-Pierre) arrived for the ceremonial puck drop. These are the players I admired and who inspired me. They didn't have the opportunity to witness what we were going through, and their faces lit up at the crowd's reaction. Without forgetting all the messages like “I’ll be drafted in 2036” or “I want to play for Montreal”. It is of great importance to us, it is the reason why we fought for the creation of this league and why we enjoy what we are currently experiencing. »
What has changed most in your life since the LPHF was founded:
MPP: “We experience adjustments everywhere and travel a lot. I think the pile of laundry is bigger than before! It's hard to catch up. But it's so pleasant, that's exactly what we wanted: professional conditions. »
ARD : “Less sleep routine than before, the routine has changed!” But I love it, it's a dream. If you get up in the morning and enjoy going to work, even if you're a little tired, that's great. »
L.S : “I would say wash it! We always have to fill our suitcase with new laundry. Rest and sleep is an aspect we need to focus on. You don't realize what it means until it starts. »
An amazing or unexpected thing:
MPP : “I knew we would get support, but it exceeded my expectations. It's incredible to see the enthusiasm for women's hockey, we see it across all six teams and it's super cool. Not that it's surprising, but people energetically jumped on board. I don't know why we are surprised, we worked so hard for this stage. »
ARD : “What surprises me is that the enthusiasm continues to grow with every game. When a new league comes into being, people really want to go there for the first time, but people come back and tell their friends about it. The amount continues to grow and that is very positive. »
L.S : “To plan resources for the care of our dog. It's a little more difficult because it's more common. Also, make sure you get a good night's sleep while you're on the go. When traveling you often arrive late and have to get up early. »
A teammate doing something strange:
ARD : “There are several of them! But I'm going to go with Jillian Dempsey. She absolutely must remove her blade guard before stepping on the ice. She also always goes to the toilet at the same time with her helmet on. I don't remember seeing this before. »
MPP : “Dempsey is very special in the way she prepares. But it's nice, you get to know different players and their habits. »
L.S : “Dempsey definitely has some strange habits. Every break she goes to the bathroom, we wonder where she is, and she comes out with her headphones on. It makes us laugh. Otherwise our team isn't that strange except for the goalkeepers, but that's normal. »
Funniest Teammate:
ARD : “There are several that make me laugh, but Gabrielle David is always in a good mood and I would say Mariah Keopple too.” »
A little-known aspect about head coach Kori Cheverie:
ARD : “I learned today that she was as demanding of her mother as she was of us!” Her mother knitted a pair of mittens for each of us, which she finished in a month to make sure Kori was happy. She doesn't just do this with the players! »
MPP : “She talks a lot, she’s very competitive. I still remember how much time she puts into each session and how she is very detail-oriented, such as how she approaches the videos. That's what sets them apart. »
L.S : “She loves videos and statistics, she finds interesting elements from the previous game, the past week or since the beginning of the season.” She will use this to motivate us to improve on certain points. We had a meeting about our expected goals and it was very interesting. Her vision of the game and everything she puts into helping our team is exceptional. »
A special or emotional moment in the locker room:
MPP : “At the first home game the presentation was so beautiful. It was special to see my teammates' faces. We also see girls developing a sense of belonging. We play for Montreal and the fans are there. »
L.S : “After our first loss, I really noticed how frustrated and angry all the players were. Little did we know that it was a 24-game season and that we would suffer defeats. I think it was very positive and the most important thing was the way we got back on our feet. »
To change something:
ARD : “There isn’t much space left for tickets in Verdun. On the logistics side, we are working on adjustments for travel. Sometimes you have to take available flights and that's not always easy. But I find that the LPHF can adapt well when something is asked. It starts very well. »