Montreal Victoire Return Refreshed After Bye Week, Face Busy Schedule Ahead

The Montreal Victoire returned to Verdun Auditorium for practice following a league mandated week off. The team experienced a lengthy roadtrip weeks prior, and used the open calendar for rest and recovery ahead of their three games this week.

Here is an inside look at Victoire practice:

A week off

In the span of two weeks, stretching from Jan. 5 to Jan. 19, the Victoire travelled from Seattle to Quebec City as part of the Takeover Tour, with stops in Vancouver, Denver, and a game at home in Montreal.

Each PWHL team is thankfully granted a week off of practice and media availability during the season, and Montreal deservedly had theirs last week. Many players took the time to recuperate, while others spent time with friends and family.

“All the fans of the Victoire have been showing up with puzzles at games, so I’ve had a couple to do,” said defender Erin Ambrose when asked how she spent her time. She noted that one puzzle in particular has caused trouble. “It’s of flowers and it’s a crazy design, and it’s kicking my butt right now.”

“[It’s] a good reset, sort of a third of the way through the season,” said forward Claire Dalton. “We have a few breaks here and there, but having one mandated by the league was nice.”

Injury updates

Laura Stacey and Dominika Lásková have missed time dealing with injuries this season. Stacey sustained a lower body injury against Minnesota on Jan. 12 while Lásková has not played since January 2024. Both players have practiced, however, dawning red non-contact jerseys. The positive sign is that both players were seen engaging in special teams drills this week.

Another spot of worry from Monday’s ice time was seeing forward Claire Dalton practice in a red non-contact jersey. Yet, when Tuesday’s practice rolled around, she was back in black and taking up her role on special teams.

Dalton stated that it was for precautionary, stemming from a minor injury she sustained against Ottawa on Jan. 19, but that it is no longer an issue.

There is still no clear timeline for Stacey and Lásková’s returns, but head coach Kori Cheverie did speak on the plan for the two players' rehabilitation.

“Having three jerseys at practice in red is obviously something that you don’t want to see,” said Cheverie. “But we try to put our players in the best scenario to keep them engaged by making sure that they’re not receiving the contact that they’re not ready for.”

Cheverie also spoke on how relieving it is that Dalton was back at full speed.

“She’s been a big part of our team,” she said. “She’s been crucial for us. She’s on the power play, the PK, she plays five-on-five. She’s an unsung hero.”

Three games this week and Rivalry Series

The Victoire must now transition from resting to racing, enduring a marathon of three games; today against the Ottawa Charge, tomorrow against the Toronto Sceptres and on Saturday in New York against the Sirens.

Cheverie was asked about playing back-to-back games and any issues that may arise with having to do so after a week away from the rink.

“I think that anytime there’s time off, we run the risk of a slow start,” said Cheverie. “But, you know, that hasn’t been an issue for us all year. I’m really looking forward to getting on the [Place Bell] ice and so are the players.”

An additional topic of conversation was the upcoming Rivalry Series starting on Feb. 6. Ambrose was asked about representing Canada alongside players she faces throughout the PWHL season, such as Ottawa goaltender Emerance Maschmeyer, who the Victoire will face tonight.

“I think the best part about it is that we all understand and we respect each other,” said Ambrose. “We’ve been through everything together on the National Team… But, at the same time, we understand that we’re professionals, and we have to go out there and make sure that we’re competing to put our [PWHL] team in the best position.”

Stacey was named to the Team Canada roster, but as Cheverie detailed, the Victoire have first say on whether or not the veteran forward will compete given her injury.

“There’s a big collaboration piece that has to happen there, and it depends on what the club team would want,” said Cheverie. “It’s prescribed by us, but there’s collaboration. The national teams are great in terms of following that prescribed formula for each player.”

The Victoire take to Place Bell tonight to face the Ottawa Charge. The puck will drop at 7 p.m. EST.