Montreal of the PWHL landed the world's best player in Team Canada captain Marie-Philip Poulin, along with Canadian national team stars Ann-Renee Debsiens and Laura Stacey.
Montreal of the PWHL landed the world's best player in Team Canada captain Marie-Philip Poulin, along with Canadian national team stars Ann-Renee Debsiens and Laura Stacey.
Three of Canada's key national team members have signed to play in the PWHL with Montreal, including the best player on the planet, Marie-Philip Poulin.
Poulin headlines the trio alongside longtime Team Canada starter Ann-Renee Desbiens, and power forward Laura Stacey.
“I couldn't envision a more exceptional group of individuals and athletes to represent Montreal,” said Danièle Sauvageau, General Manager of PWHL Montreal. “We are creating an environment that fosters both athletic and personal growth, ensuring that our athletes are drawn to it as a place where they can thrive. These three players exemplify a winning spirit and are committed to a culture of continuous success. We’re excited to play in front of fans who have always shown unwavering support for the teams in Montreal.”
Poulin was the leading scorer and named Forward of the Year in the PWHPA last season scoring 27 points in 20 games while leading Team Harvey's to a Secret Cup. The 32-year-old captain of Team Canada has won three Olympic gold medals, three World Championship golds, as well as seven silvers and a bronze representing Canada.
“This professional women’s hockey league is the outcome of years of work from key players in the hockey community,” said Poulin. “We have achieved a very important milestone, not only for our generation of players but for all the girls who aspire to play in our professional league one day. We now have the opportunity to make a living playing the game we love. I am proud of what we have accomplished and especially grateful to be part of the history of women’s hockey as a member of the Montreal team. This city lives for hockey, just like me. This is where I wanted to live my dream.”
“Marie-Philip is always a true leader of every group she encounters,” said Sauvageau. “Her work ethic stands unparalleled. She possesses a multitude of facets to her game that elevate her to the status of the ultimate competitor, both on and off the ice.”
Poulin is a four-time CWHL MVP, two-time Olympic all-star, and former World Championship MVP. Her resume will instantaneously send her to the Hall of Fame when she retires, but for now, she's ready to become Montreal on- and off-ice leader as well.
Desbiens, 29, played 13 games with the PWHPA's Team Harvey's last season posting a 2.07 GAA and .935 save percentage. She also played five games for Canada in a silver medal effort at the World Championships.
“It's an honour and a privilege to be part of this historic moment for women's hockey in Montreal,” said Desbiens. “I'm proud to be able to play the sport I love in my home province and the city I've called home for the past few years. I can't wait to begin this adventure with Laura and Marie-Philip and to make this franchise an example of excellence both on the ice and in the community.”
Representing Canada, Desbiens has won two World Championship gold medals and an Olympic gold medal. Desbiens won a Patty Kazmaier Award backstopping Wisconsin in the NCAA.
“Ann is a fierce competitor who maintains her composure when it matters most,” said Sauvageau. “She is a dedicated student of the game, driven to become the best in the world, and this relentless pursuit is a key factor in her success.”
Laura Stacey is a 5-foot-10 forward who alongside Poulin, will be the focus of Montreal's offensive attack. Stacey finished fourth this season in PWHPA scoring with 21 points in 20 games, and has also won Olympic and World Championship gold with Canada.
“It is an absolute honour to sign with Montreal and officially be a part of the PWHL,” said Stacey. “This has been something we all have been dreaming about and collectively working towards for over four years now, and to be a part of the beginning of this new chapter is truly something I will remember forever. Allez Montreal!”
“Laura has become an offensive powerhouse in the women’s game, consistently expanding and developing her craft,” said Sauvageau. “Her speed remains the X-factor, consistently making her hard to play against.”