Big crowds on PWHL tour ‘a privilege’ for Montreal Victoire star Marie-Philip Poulin

Marie-Philip Poulin, the hockey legend, still feels a rush of emotions as she stands at centre ice in a packed arena, listening to O Canada. As her Montreal Victoire team prepares to face off against the Toronto Sceptres in Vancouver, Poulin can’t help but feel a little sentimental.

“I think I’m getting old. I think I’m getting a little softer,” Poulin said with a smile. “But it’s always such an incredible experience. It’s a privilege to be in these big arenas with large crowds. I never take it for granted.”

Rogers Arena holds a special place in Poulin’s heart, as it was where she played her first Olympic hockey game back in 2010, helping Canada secure a gold medal on home ice. Now, the arena will be the backdrop for another historic moment as her Victoire team (3-2-1-1) takes on the Sceptres (2-0-1-4) in the first Canadian stop of the PWHL’s “Takeover Tour.”

The tour kicked off at Climate Pledge Arena in Seattle, where the Victoire faced off against the Boston Fleet and unfortunately fell short with a 3-2 shootout loss. The game drew in over 12,000 fans, with merchandise flying off the shelves so quickly that mannequins had to be stripped before a “sold out” sign was put up.

“The demand is real,” said Jayna Hefford, the league’s senior vice president of hockey operations. “We always knew there was interest, but now we can see it and feel it.”

Fans sporting both Victoire and Sceptres jerseys gathered outside Rogers Arena, eagerly awaiting the matchup between the two teams. Poulin noted that seeing fans from all over, even those living far from Montreal, proudly wearing PWHL gear is a testament to the league’s growing popularity.

“It’s truly special to see kids wearing our jerseys with our names on them,” Poulin said. “We want to expand the league, and by showcasing our best on the ice, we’re making that happen. The support has been incredible.”

The “Takeover Tour” will make stops in cities like Quebec City, Edmonton, Denver, Detroit, St. Louis, Buffalo, and Raleigh, showcasing the talent and excitement of PWHL hockey. Each game promises to be a thrilling experience for fans and players alike, as the league continues to make its mark in the world of women’s hockey.