The moment was great for Ann-Renée Desbiens, Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey. It was also for the parents of Charlevoix’s guardian.
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Claire and Raynald Desbiens wanted to be there for the official announcement of their daughter’s first professional contract on Thursday in Montreal. They set off early in the morning at 5:30 a.m. to cover the 400 kilometers between Saint-Aimé-des-Lacs and the metropolis of Quebec.
“It will bring us a little closer to see her, 400 km, it’s well done!” assured Mrs. Desbiens, very proud to surprise her daughter.
“I didn’t know my parents would be there,” surprised Ann-Renée, who immediately jumped into their arms in front of the journalists on Thursday. It shows that they won’t miss a game since it’s only 400km from home!
There was emotion in the air. General manager Danièle Sauvageau had organized a surprise for her players and invited their parents to attend the event. Marie-Philip Poulin’s mother Danye Nadeau and Laura Stacey’s father John congratulated the players via Zoom.
Ann-Renée Desbiens in action against the Americans in the Rivalry Series at Place Bell in Laval in February. Photo Martin Chevalier / JdeM
Long travels
The one who will be one of the stars of the new professional team in Montreal has been developing away from the family home for a long time. She played primarily in Quebec before traveling to Europe and North America with the national teams, the University of Wisconsin and other elite teams.
“We were often told we were a bit crazy to travel so much to see her play,” the father said. We took time off and drove many hours. We never did this for the money; She loved playing hockey.”
Claire and Raynald Desbiens have learned to be comfortable in front of the media. MARTIN ALARIE / LE JOURNAL DE MONTRÉAL
Retirements postponed
For the first time on Canadian-American territory, there will be a single professional women’s hockey league with strong investors and a collective bargaining agreement that reflects the reality, especially for female hockey players who have or want to have children.
“When all the best players come together the caliber will increase. The girls will play full-time and continue to improve, Ann-Renée predicted. The payment means the girls can play longer.”
A situation that makes his parents very happy.
“We have always told her that if she tells us to stop, we will respect her decision, even if it will harm us,” Ms. Desbiens said.