Roster Review: Montreal Force

The Montreal Force used their first full offseason to make major roster improvements heading into year two for the team in the PHF.

Last offseason the addition of the Montreal Force was announced late, hindering the ability of staff to target existing free agents in the league. This year, the Force set out to shape their roster with a mix of returning players, elite free agent signings from within the PHF, and university additions. 

The result is a much improved roster compared to last season. Did they keep pace with the teams ahead of them in the standings from last year? That's yet to be seen. Montreal will enter 2023-2024 deeper, more skilled, and with impact additions ready to challenge for a playoff spot.

When your offseason additions include the reigning PHF Goalie of the Year and a former Patty Kazmaier winner in Corinne Schroeder and Elizabeth Giguere respectively, the impact is evident. After announcing the signings of this pair from the Boston Pride, Montreal also bolstered their blueline grabbing Emma Keenan from the Connecticut Whale. Most people probably thought the Force would add even more big names, but their next biggest impact additions came in the form of college signees. While their roster appears complete, there's an abundance of professional talent in Montreal should the PWHPA go in a different direction. Montreal also added Lauren Bench to spell off Schroeder in net.

Up front Ann-Sophie Bettez and Jade Downie Landry return to power the offense. By adding Giguere to the mix, teams won't be able to focus exclusively on this returning pair. Giguere is one of the best playmakers in the league, which should benefit other returning forwards including Alexandra Labelle and Samantha Isbell, who both have the potential to produce more than they did in their first PHF campaigns. The same goes for Sarah Lefort who is also back. On the blueline, Montreal returns a foursome of veterans in Christine Deaudelin, Catherine Daoust, Brigitte Laganière, and Taylor Baker. It's a solid core.

No insult to those not returning to Montreal, but the Force only improved at each position. The biggest name departures for the team include both goaltenders, with Tricia Deguire and Marie-Soleil Deschênes both gone. Kaity Howarth was a blueliner some thought would return, but she remains a free agent.

Theresa Schafzahl and Audrey-Anne Veillette will both challenge for top six roles heading into training camp. Coming from differing paths, Schafzahl out of Vermont in the NCAA and Veillette a USports All-Canadian from Montreal, each bring offensive upside that will be the biggest boosts to Montreal's roster outside Schroeder and Giguere. In terms of impact, Emily Rickwood might not light up the scoresheet, but she will definitely drive play. Rickwood is a solid skater and transition players, who will help the Force clean up in their own zone. The New Hampshire grad was one of the top shot blockers in the NCAA.