Kjellbin, Abstreiter, Labelle Among Final Players To Make Montreal Victoire's Roster

The Montreal Victoire held their exit meetings Monday, and The Hockey News has learned who will crack the Victoire's opening day roster, pending changes in the waiver period or injured reserve lists.

With only four spots available in the 23-player roster, the Montreal Victoire held their exit meetings on Monday and The Hockey News was able to get the names of those who will stay with the team, as long as both parties can agree to terms.

And there’s no real surprise. GM Daniele Sauvageau and head coach Kori Cheverie seem to have picked players with experience, both at the league level and internationally.

On the forward front, Alexandra Labelle and Clair DeGeorge are staying in Montreal. Both played in the PWHL last season, as DeGeorge won the Walter Cup in Minnesota.

Labelle, 28, played all 24 games with New York, having a goal and two assists. She had a very good camp, scoring the insurance goal against Ottawa last Friday. Labelle will also be one of the four French-Canadian players having a standard contract in Montreal.

DeGeorge, 25, played 23 regular-season games, with 10 more in the playoffs. She only had one assist. That said, she brings size to the team, which was lacking last season.

At the blue line, Team Sweden’s captain Anna Kjellbin is staying in North America. She was used a lot and in different situations during the two games last week, including power plays and penalty kill situations. Kjellbin, 30, was named on Sweden’s all-star team last season and won three consecutive SDHL championships.

And finally, the third goalie spot will go to Sandra Abstreiter. Of the four goalies that were used in Montreal (Tricia Deguire wasn’t in uniform for any of the preseason games), Abstreiter, 26, is the only one who hasn’t allowed a goal. She played the third period against Boston and stopped all seven shots directed at her. She played three games with Ottawa last season, and has been playing for Germany’s national team since 2020, being voted the best goalie at the 2024 World championships. 

Depending on the status of Dominika Laskova and Kennedy Marchment, other players could be offered a chance to start the season with the team. 

More will be decided when the waiver period ends on Wednesday.