From league template to Walter Cup champions: the rise of Montreal Victoire

Cultures · Published 11 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: Founded as one of six charter franchises, Montreal Victoire has rapidly transformed from a generic league brand into a powerhouse. After navigating an inaugural season without a formal name, the team has secured multiple regular season titles and a 2026 championship, cementing its place in professional women's hockey history.

The Montreal Victoire's journey began in the inaugural 2023–24 Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) season. During this first year, the franchise operated without a unique name, instead competing as PWHL Montreal while wearing a league-wide jersey template. While names like the Lumieres and Metro were considered, the team eventually adopted 'Victoire' in September 2024—a tribute to Montreal's storied history of ice hockey success. The team's identity is further tied to Quebec through its logo, which incorporates a fleur-de-lis.

The franchise's early years were marked by significant milestones in attendance and talent. In January 2024, the team's first game against PWHL Ottawa saw 8,318 fans, setting a new professional women's hockey attendance record. This was later eclipsed by 'The Battle on Bay Street' in February 2024, which drew 19,285 spectators, and 'The Duel at the Top' in April 2024, which saw a sell-out crowd of 21,105 at the Bell Centre. In September 2023, the initial roster included stars such as Ann-Renée Desbiens, Laura Stacey, and Marie-Philip Poulin.

The Victoire has achieved remarkable competitive success in a short period. After finishing first in the regular season during the 2024–25 season, the team faced a roster shift during the 2025 expansion draft, losing four players to new teams like the Seattle Torrent. Despite this, the team remained dominant, particularly on home ice at Place Bell and the Bell Centre. This momentum culminated in the 2025–26 season, where the Victoire became the first Canadian team to win the Walter Cup, defeating the Ottawa Charge in a four-game series to claim the championship.

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