Although not among the present investors, the owner of the Montreal Canadiens, Geoff Molson, is one of the new supporters of the Montreal team in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (LPHF).
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Mr. Molson was thus at the heart of the 3,245 spectators present, Saturday afternoon, at the Verdun Auditorium. He was also accompanied by the entire Canadiens staff, including general manager Kent Hughes, executive vice-president Jeff Gorton and president, sports and entertainment France Margaret Bélanger.
What if the Canadian were to join the LPHF one day?
“We’re not there yet,” said Geoff Molson, well aware that there is currently a single owner for the different teams and the league. This is the beginning and I hope that as the years go by, we will see more and more support from the National League.
Photo Martin Chevalier
For the moment, it is the group of Mark Walter, already co-owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Chelsea FC, which is at the helm of the LPHF. However, the model could eventually change as the teams have neither name nor logo in this first season.
The return of the Canadians?
The question seems legitimate: could we see the return of the Canadians? Remember that the Montreal women’s team was renamed before the 2015-2016 season, following a partnership between the defunct Canadian Women’s Hockey League and the NHL.
“We have been encouraging women’s hockey for a very long time,” agreed France Margaret Bélanger, when met by The newspaper in Verdun. In the Canadian era, previously, we were behind them, obviously. (…) We are happy to see that it is coming to fruition with a single league now. We will try to come to as many matches as possible.”
Photo Martin Chevalier
“Women’s hockey is very important to us, hockey in general in this province is important and we are here to support it,” added Mr. Molson. It’s an excellent show and I think everyone here is happy to see a women’s team in Montreal.”
Atmosphere and emotion
Even though the Canadian had an evening meeting with the Edmonton Oilers, Kent Hughes wanted to be present. He nevertheless had to leave Verdun during the second intermission.
“It’s important to demonstrate our support for women’s hockey,” he said, highlighting the atmosphere and energy of the crowd.
“I think there’s a really nice atmosphere,” corroborated France Margaret Bélanger. There was also emotion, at the start, to see these pioneers on the ice. The game is tough, there are good players on both teams.”
The show was marked by the presentation of Montreal players, including the famous captain Marie-Philip Poulin, also a consultant in player development for the Canadian. Then, Danielle Goyette, France St-Louis, Kim St-Pierre, Caroline Ouellette and Danièle Sauvageau, general manager of the Montreal team, were presented during the pre-match ceremony.