Excitement, excitement, but above all pride: there were many fans already Saturday noon in downtown Montreal in preparation for the LPHF match at the Bell Center. Everyone was moved to encourage in person the female athletes who finally received the deserved recognition, according to testimonies collected by The Press.
Dozens of supporters were already there around 11:30 a.m., gathered in front of the Bell Center. Group of friends and families fight their way past security guards and ticket scalpers.
A woman dressed in a tricolor “Poulin Ouellette” sweater took a selfie before disappearing into the building. The few people dressed in the Toronto team’s colors managed to blend into the background as they headed towards an already well-filled amphitheater.
The Montreal team faces the Toronto team on Saturday in front of more than 21,000 people, setting an attendance record for women’s hockey.
Olivia Smithers and Kloé Riopelle are among the young fans delighted to attend the game. It’s more than a game, it’s an inspiring moment for this duo of hockey players aged 10 and 11.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Olivia Smeesters and Kloé Riopelle
“It’s important because it’s girls playing and it’s a big match,” Olivia explains shyly.
“We have a hockey league at school and it’s inspiring,” the young girl quickly adds.
Female athletes in the spotlight… finally!
Jennifer Desormeaux has a lot to say about women’s hockey, the salary disparities and the lack of recognition of these athletes for many years. This early fan, who has been following the prowess of her favorite sportswomen for a long time, does not hesitate to recall these injustices despite the joy that reigns on Saturday.
“I know that from the Montreal Stars! It’s magnificent to see that they are able to do their sport, get paid and move up,” she exclaims with a smile on her lips.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
From left to right: Jennifer Desormaux, Christina Terriault and Caroline Terriault were eager to attend the match.
“Sport isn’t just for guys,” adds her friend Caroline Thériault. She has a daughter herself and is delighted that women’s hockey now has more visibility since the Olympic Games.
Same story with Marie-Pier Caron and Julie Desputea, met at the entrance to the Bell Center. Both women are happy to see that their interest in the LPHF is shared.
PHOTO JOSIE DESMARAIS, THE PRESS
Marie-Pier Caron and Julie Desputea
“It’s good that there are people. The industry will understand that the supporters are there. The Bell Center is the pinnacle, it’s the fight of a lifetime to get there! », summarizes Mme Caron, adding that female players deserve as much as their male peers.