[EN PHOTOS] A charged atmosphere for women's hockey

Little Éloïse Rodriguez, an 11-year-old ice hockey player, arrived very early on Saturday afternoon at the Verdun Auditorium for the Montreal team's opening game in the Professional Hockey League (Women).

More than an hour before the start of the game against Boston, she was dancing to the music in the stands, already proudly holding her placard in hopes of getting a certain player's attention.

Photo Martin Chevalier

“Please MPP29, can you score a goal in the first half? “I have a game at 5 p.m.,” the colorful sign read, shouting to captain Marie-Philip Poulin.

Create dreams

Like many other young girls who came to watch all or part of the game, young Éloïse can now dream of one day playing professional ice hockey.

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“I hope to be in this league when I'm older and playing center,” said the hockey player, who wears the colors of the Westmount Wings at the U13 level. I would also really like to take part in the Olympic Games.

Photo Martin Chevalier

If she considers Marie-Philip Poulin her favorite player, it's because little Éloïse had the opportunity to meet her last summer during a hockey camp on the Loyola campus.

Photo Martin Chevalier

“She’s a really good player and also very nice,” said Éloïse.

Jerseys and towels

In the Verdun auditorium there were numerous posters similar to those of Eloïse. One spectator was even willing to trade her sister for a puck. Hockey jerseys hang in the stands, either those of the new Montreal team or several with the image of the Canadian team. Also hoods with league logo.

Photo Martin Chevalier

Even in the warm-up phase, we could feel the loud applause from the crowd and see the white towels turning.

Photo Martin Chevalier