Quebecor Sports and Entertainment Group’s COO, Martin Tremblay, emphasized that the fan turnout at the upcoming January 19 game between the Montreal Victory and Ottawa Charge in Quebec City could influence the city’s potential bid for a new LPHF team. The league is considering expansion, and several cities, including Quebec City, are being evaluated. Quebecor aims for a sold-out crowd to demonstrate local interest, which is crucial for the decision-making process regarding the franchise.
The excitement is building as Quebec City prepares to host a significant event in women’s professional hockey. Scheduled for January 19, the matchup between the Montreal Victory and the Ottawa Charge at Centre Vidéotron is poised to influence the potential expansion of the league into Quebec City.
– Also read: Marie-Philip Poulin and the Montreal Victory at Centre Vidéotron on January 19
On Tuesday, the Women’s Professional Hockey League (WPHL) expressed interest in the possibility of introducing up to two new teams for the next season.
Exploring Expansion Options
As discussions heat up, cities such as Detroit, Pittsburgh, Calgary, and Quebec City have come back into the spotlight. The WPHL has shown a strong interest in the Quebec City market, which is well-equipped to support a professional hockey franchise.
League officials, including vice-president of operations Amy Scheer, have conducted site visits at the Centre Vidéotron recently. This announcement also coincided with rumors that Quebec City would host an LPHF regular-season game on January 19.
Quebecor, the parent company overseeing the event, was informed about the league’s interest last Friday. However, COO Martin Tremblay remained tight-lipped on whether Quebec City will pursue an expansion.
“We still lack clarity on the process and the costs involved with a franchise, including league regulations and operational budgets. We must evaluate whether we can support a viable business model. This will be a lengthy inquiry before any decisions are made,” Tremblay stated.
Aiming for a Full House
The turnout on January 19 will be a pivotal factor, with Quebecor setting an ambitious goal of filling all 18,259 seats in the arena. The game is slated to kick off at 1 p.m., with pre-sale tickets available starting Thursday, followed by general sales on Friday.
Ticket prices are expected to range from approximately $35 to $60, with premium seating near the ice priced around $100.
“I won’t label this a test, but the crucial questions remain: Will fans show up? Can we achieve a sellout? What will the atmosphere be like? The outcome will guide our future decisions. Building a devoted fan base is essential for long-term success,” Tremblay added.
Cautious Steps Forward
The league’s expansion announcement has taken many by surprise, especially since there had been discussions about focusing on strengthening current operations before considering new additions.
Concerns arise regarding the potential risks of rushing into expansion after just one successful year. “We must proceed carefully,” remarked Victoire operations manager Marie-Christine Boucher. “We’re essentially ‘building a plane in mid-air,’ and everything thus far has been executed well. If the January 19 game’s announcement has been made, it signifies our readiness. I trust the league’s leadership, and they believe now is the right moment for expansion.”