It doesn't matter the result or the defeat. What matters is the victory of women's hockey.

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• Also read: [EN VIDÉO] See Marie-Philip Poulin's entry

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Never has a women's team in Quebec generated as much excitement as that of Marie-Philip Poulin's gang in this new Professional Women's Hockey League (LPHF).

“It's hard to put a moment like that into words, walking on the ice, seeing the people in the stands, the girls around the circle in the middle of the ice, it was special,” Poulin said of the opening ceremony, during which, not surprisingly, she was the most celebrated player. I am very grateful to the people who came to support us and we felt it. […] It was bigger than we thought.”

What's impressive isn't just the fact that a packed house of 3,245 was in attendance at the Verdun Auditorium on Saturday afternoon to witness the 3-2 overtime loss to Boston. But most of all, it was noticeable that this crowd consisted of several enthusiastic children, energetic women's teams with their jerseys, parents with their little boys and women who played or are still playing hockey in adult leagues.

The win also means that many fans will pay to attend a women's event. A few days ago, more than 13,000 spectators were at the NHL's Wild Arena to watch Minnesota vs. Montreal. Poulin took the opportunity to score a hat-trick.

“Since the adventure began in January, it has been a great victory for women's hockey, but also for women's sports in general. “What we saw in Montreal was a 100 percent win,” confirmed Laura Stacey, who scored on one of her nine shots, a single-game high for a player this season.

“This moment is so much bigger than a goal or a loss. “It’s moving to see the young girls and boys and all the fans in the stands who have waited so long,” the adopted Montrealer continued, with goosebumps. The celebrations, the ovations, the support – it exceeded our expectations. I hope we can keep this momentum going throughout the season, not just in Montreal but around the world.”

Poulin was denied a goal

“Pou” almost wrote another page of history, but was denied a goal in extra time. The scenario was perfect. However, video recording requested by Boston head coach Courtney Kessel showed that there was contact between Stacey and outstanding American goalkeeper Aerin Frankel.

“It's difficult because a player like Laura rushes to the net, the puck was in the semicircle and she was trying to finish the play,” explained Montreal coach Kori Cheverie, who took the time to weigh his words with a smile on her face carefully before responding to journalists. I thought it was a good goal, as did everyone in our dressing room. But it’s Boston that leaves with the two points.”

“We are professionals and we have to learn to live with this adversity,” she added.

The name of the captain with four Olympic medals was on everyone's lips on Saturday.

“I came to see Marie-Philip Poulin because she is the best player in the world,” said Justine Forcier, 5, who proudly wore her team’s sweater, the Sphinx du Richelieu M7.

The young girl from Beloeil dreams of becoming a doctor or a professional ice hockey player. She hesitates… but she still has many years ahead of her before she makes her choice!

Photo credit: Photo Mylène Richard

Reasons to celebrate

Little Justine sat in the front row and applauded Montreal's first two goals, which came early in the second period. Accomplishments signed by defender Erin Ambrose, the club's first pick in the LPHF draft, and Stacey, to match the song That's life by Khaled.

By contributing to the second goal, Czech Tereza Vanisova now has four assists and dominates the field in this regard.

But Boston responded quickly and increased the score to 2-2, notably by defeating Ann-Renée Desbiens despite being outnumbered. This means that the perpetrator was able to leave the penalty box earlier, taking into account the regulations in force in the LPHF. A turning point in the game.

This temporarily dampened the crowd's enthusiasm, and as soon as a local player touched the puck in the opponent's territory, shouts of encouragement could quickly be heard.

And despite Amanda Pelkey's winning goal, who “relished in the energy of the crowd” despite wearing a Boston uniform, the crowd once again gave their favorites an ovation after the game.

“It says a lot about our fans. It's one thing to have fans cheering you on when you win, but having fans cheering you on when you lose is very special,” Poulin said.

Desbiens finished the game with 18 saves, compared to 31 for Frankel.

▶ Before the game, Caroline Ouellette also received warm applause. “Caro, Caro, Caro” was chanted in the crowd as she was introduced to spectators in the company of other pioneers of women's hockey in Quebec: Danielle Goyette, France St-Louis, Kim St-Pierre and Danièle Sauvageau, the general director of the Montreal- Team, which was accompanied by Ouellette's daughters Liv and Tessa.

Photo credit: Photo Martin Chevalier

▶ The Canadian was well represented as CEO Kent Hughes, head of hockey operations Jeff Gorton, owner Geoff Molson and president of sports and entertainment France Margaret Bélanger were in attendance. And as is often the case, they saw Boston win. In NHL history, the Bruins have had the upper hand over CH 364 times in 759 games.

Photo credit: Photo Martin Chevalier

▶ Montreal's next game, a fifth in five different cities, is against New York on Tuesday at Place Bell in Laval.