[EN PHOTOS] A supercharged atmosphere for women’s hockey

The roof of the Verdun Auditorium almost rose on Saturday afternoon when captain Marie-Philip Poulin was presented to the crowd during the Montreal team’s local opening match in the Professional Women’s Hockey League. .

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A heated atmosphere reigned in the amphitheater and the match had not even started yet.

Little Éloïse Rodriguez, an 11-year-old hockey player, made sure to arrive very early. More than an hour before the start of the game against Boston, she was dancing in the stands to the music and already proudly holding her poster in the hope of attracting the attention of a particular player.

“Please MPP29, can you score a goal in the first half? I have a match at 5 p.m.,” we could read on the multicolored sign, thus calling out to captain Marie-Philip Poulin.

Create dreams

Like several other young girls who came to watch the game, in part or in full, young Éloïse can now dream of one day playing professional hockey.

“I hope to be in this league when I’m older and play center,” said the hockey player, who wears the colors of the Westmount Wings at the U13 level. I would also really like to participate in the Olympic Games.

If she considers Marie-Philip Poulin her favorite player, it is because little Éloïse had the opportunity to meet her last summer during a hockey camp held at the Loyola Campus.

“She’s a really good player and what’s more, she’s very nice,” said Éloïse.

His sister against a puck

Posters similar to those of Eloïse were numerous in the Verdun Auditorium. One spectator was even ready to trade her sister to get a puck.

In the stands, hockey jerseys, whether those of the new Montreal team or several bearing the image of the Canadian team. Also toques with the league logo.

From the warm-up period, we could feel the loud applause from the crowd and see the white towels spinning.

After the presentation of the players, former hockey player Caroline Ouellette and the general director of the Montreal team, Danièle Sauvageau, also received a standing ovation during the pre-match ceremony.

The crowd was estimated at 4,000 spectators, but we believe that some fans stayed at home due to the inclement weather.