The Montreal Victoire recently organized a youth hockey training clinic at the Dollard-des-Ormeaux Civic Centre in the western part of Montreal. Around 90 girls aged between eight and 15 participated in the program to enhance their skills and gain insights from professional players.

During interviews with CBC, some of the young athletes shared their hockey ambitions and the significance of being coached by their idols. For the Victoire team members, the clinic was a nostalgic experience, reminiscing about their own beginnings in the sport and expressing a desire for more opportunities like this for aspiring players.

Among the attendees was 11-year-old Navarana Gadbois, who started skating at the age of four in Kuujjuaq after being inspired by her father’s hockey games. She expressed enthusiasm for the training camp and her dreams of playing at higher levels in the future.

Another participant, 10-year-old Elizabeth Tousignante, eagerly anticipated meeting the players and aspires to join the Montreal Victoire team. She revealed her passion for hockey and her determination to continue playing the sport indefinitely.

Alexandra Labelle, a forward for the Victoire team, emphasized the importance of inspiring young players and serving as a role model for them. She highlighted the progress in providing specialized hockey camps for girls, reflecting on her own experiences transitioning from playing with boys to participating in girls-only camps.

Kori Cheverie, the head coach of Victoire, underscored the evolution of the game and emphasized the need for inclusivity across genders in hockey. Growing up in Nova Scotia without access to girls’ hockey until the age of 15, Cheverie advocates for continued growth and accessibility in the sport for all players.

Overall, the event showcased the dedication of both young aspiring players and professional athletes towards advancing women’s hockey and fostering a supportive and inclusive environment for future generations.