'Heart and soul of our team': Montreal Victoire extend 3 key players

The Montreal Victoire has announced contract extensions with three of the team’s stars, including captain Marie-Philip Poulin, as the team continues its quest for its first Walter Cup championship.

Poulin, forward Laura Stacey and goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens were the team’s first three signings back in 2023, and were all on contracts due to expire after this upcoming season. All three have signed deals that will keep them in Montreal through the 2027-28 season.

“These three players have been the heart and soul of our team since day one, and we wanted to make it absolutely clear that they will remain integral members of the Victoire for a long time to come,” Victoire general manager Danièle Sauvageau said on Thursday. “Their work ethic, determination, and attitude embody everything we want to see in our players, and their leadership in the locker room brings us immeasurable value.”

The Victoire finished atop the league’s standings last season, buoyed by an MVP season from Poulin and stellar goaltending from Desbiens.

By finishing first, the team earned the right to select its playoff opponent. Montreal picked the Ottawa Charge. But it was the Charge that moved on to the championship round, handing Montreal its second straight first-round playoff exit.

Playoff performance aside, with these three players in the fold, combined with a solid offseason from Sauvageau and her staff, the Victoire should be competitive with the rest of the league over the next couple of seasons.

It all starts with Poulin, the best player in the world and the Victoire’s leader. With Poulin in the lineup, anything is possible for Montreal. It’s hard to imagine the maroon and cream team without its captain.

In addition to league MVP, Poulin was