The Montreal Victoire held a downtown parade Saturday morning to celebrate winning the Walter Cup championship [1].
The event marks a historic milestone for Canadian sports, as the Victoire are the first Canadian team to hoist the trophy in the league's three-year history [2].
Thousands of supporters filled the streets of downtown Montreal, centering on the Quartier des Spectacles [1]. An estimated 20,000 fans attended the celebration to honor the team's achievement [3]. The atmosphere remained festive as players and staff paraded the championship trophy through the city center [1].
The victory follows a rigorous season that culminated in the team securing the title. The championship run has been highlighted by standout individual performances, and a cohesive team effort.
Montreal Victoire goalie Ann-Renee Desbiens previously praised the team's leadership during the season. "She is a legend. She's 'Captain Clutch'…" Desbiens said [4].
The city had prepared for the influx of crowds with specific road closures throughout the weekend to accommodate the parade and other local events [5]. The celebration served as a public coronation for a team that has quickly become a symbol of athletic excellence in the region [1].
“The first Canadian team to hoist the trophy in the league’s three-year history.”
The Montreal Victoire's championship represents a shift in the league's competitive landscape, breaking a multi-year streak of non-Canadian winners. By securing the Walter Cup, the team has established a blueprint for Canadian franchises in the league and solidified Montreal as a primary hub for women's professional hockey.
