All good things have an end. This is the case for the course of Équipe Québec Étoiles Féminin, this year, at the pee-wee tournament.
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By virtue of a 2-0 defeat last night against the Gladiators of Aosta, an Italian team, the only all-female formation of the tournament is eliminated.
In a tight match, goalkeeper Alyssa-Rose Collin brilliantly held the fort, but the attack was lacking.
“It’s one of the greatest moments the girls have had to date, so it’s disappointing to end like this. It’s not so much to lose that hurts, but not to have played as we were capable of,” noted the assistant coach and club manager since her debut in 2016, Caroline Ouellette.
Towards a women’s division?
In all likelihood, the next step for the tournament will be to eventually offer an all-female division.
“Women’s hockey has developed in recent years and there are sure to be teams from all over who would be interested in coming.
“All the girls who have made our team, it’s amazing how much it has been a stepping stone in their careers. There are several who have made it with Team Quebec, at the college or university level. It is very important to offer this visibility,” pleaded Ouellette.
The former star player believes that the file could progress quickly.
“There are talks and I believe in them. Patrick Dom (the general manager of the tournament) has always supported us, so we want to take this turn very soon. There will be discussions at the conclusion of the tournament.
“For the organizers, there is a question of logistics to let in 12 or 16 more teams knowing that we are already refusing a lot. I think there are ways to fix this. »
Heartbreak for Saint-Laurent
Ouellette also stressed how much the decision of Cégep Saint-Laurent to pause its women’s hockey program hurt her. It was with this team that she played before her international career.
“I feel that we have abandoned the girls,” she hammered.
“Most of Saint-Laurent’s successes have been achieved with female coaches. This is not a male versus female war and I want the most qualified coach for the position. Except that when they say it’s better to have a man, it’s inconceivable in 2022. That’s what I find most annoying, ”she added.