Time to get Behind the Victoire

The big announcement this week was the addition of Vancouver to the PWHL. Once that happened, everyone knew it was only a matter of time before Seattle would be announced as the second expansion team. That also meant that everyone knew that Quebec City would NOT be the next team…if one at all. Now that Seattle’s announcement has been made, Quebec’s fate on the national or continental scene appears to be sealed. 

I wanted to see a team in Quebec. I wanted to see Quebec and Montreal battling it out in front of the most passionate fans in the sport, and I wanted to see which team would earn my support. Now that the option is gone, I won't be siding with team that better represents my heritage, I'll be siding with the only one. The PWHL teased the option and I waited. Now it’s Montreal/Victoire/Laval/Place Bell- here I come.

Let’s be clear on heritage; The Victoire, like their cross-island NHL counterparts, represent the province, but are not representative OF the province. Sports are a multi-cultural business and the Victoire are not an exception. Like the Canadiens of today, they’re not a team of Francophone Quebecers taking on the Anglophone World. They do have a French name, they do call the Province of Quebec and City of Montreal home, and they do have French Language streaming options. It helps that they do have some high profile Quebecoise on the roster, including the best player in the game. That’s enough; option or not.

During the announcement about Seattle, various reports cited “anonymous sources” saying that more expansion would be coming in 2026-27. The report did drop the names of 4 cites that drew over 14,000 fans to their games, and that list did include Quebec. I’m not holding my breath. It’s business, and Quebec doesn’t fit the model. I can cast aside my preference enough to see that. 

It's also irrelevant now anyway. I’ve waited and I’m not doing it again. The Victoire have a great product both on and off the ice. Good enough, in fact, that I feel better about them than the Canadiens. I’m not passing on that level of talent and entertainment anymore. In the coming days I'll have my Victoire merchandise and a streaming package ordered in hopes that they will be ready for the playoffs. The playoffs when I’ll be behind my team.  Let's Go Victoire!