Quebec City is rallying to revive professional women’s hockey, hoping for a team to call its own and inspire future generations of players.
The folks behind this push are excited. They hope this game is just the start. Quebec City is making a strong case to the PWHL for a new team. They’ve got the right location, a passionate fan base, and a great arena ready to host.
Martin Tremblay, who runs the Videotron Centre, mentioned they’re in talks with the league. He feels good about the relationship they’re building. As of now, there are less than 1,000 tickets left for the game, which is impressive since the arena holds over 18,000.
This game is part of the PWHL’s Takeover Tour, which is showcasing women’s hockey across North America. So far, they’ve had great turnouts in cities like Seattle and Denver. Players like Marie-Philip Poulin are feeling the love from fans everywhere, and it’s inspiring them to dream big for the future of women’s hockey.
The idea to bring a team to Quebec City started last Christmas. Councillor Jackie Smith heard about the new league and quickly thought it would be a perfect fit. She believes Quebec City is a true hockey town, especially after losing the Nordiques. The arena is just waiting for a pro team to call it home.
A new PWHL team wouldn’t have to compete with many others in the winter. They’d likely share the Videotron Centre with the Quebec Remparts, who are already drawing big crowds.
Economically, Smith thinks Quebec City is ready too. With a strong job market and a mix of industries, the city can support a professional team.
Quebec has a rich history in women’s hockey, but it’s been over 15 years since a pro team was here. The Quebec Phenix played for just one season before folding in 2008. This time, a new team would have better resources and support.
Laurence Beaulieu, a former pro player, sees growth in girls’ hockey in the area. She’s proud of the programs aimed at getting more girls involved in the sport.
A PWHL team could also attract fans from nearby regions, which could be a double-edged sword for existing teams.
Tremblay reached out to the Victoire last year, leading to discussions about hosting a game. The league visited the arena in August, and the game was announced in October.
The Videotron Centre was built with hopes of bringing an NHL team back, but it’s also ready for a PWHL team. There’s no set timeline for league expansion, but they’re still in talks.
Victoire goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens is excited to play in front of Quebec City fans. She hopes for a franchise here but knows many cities are vying for teams.
The Takeover Tour will continue in Edmonton next, with more stops planned. It’s an exciting time for women’s hockey, and Quebec City is ready to be part of it.
