Catherine Dubois returned to the ice just two days before the Montreal Victory’s first regular-season game, highlighting her emotional journey after overcoming health challenges. Sharing her struggles with the media, she expressed gratitude for the support from teammates and loved ones. Alongside her, teammate Alexandra Labelle reflected on her successful transition to the Victory, aiming for a championship. The roster includes forwards, defenders, and goalkeepers, with some players recently returning from injuries.
Just two days ahead of the Montreal Victory’s inaugural match in the regular season, Catherine Dubois was back on the ice, fully engaged with her teammates. After facing significant challenges throughout training camp, this moment was incredibly important to her.
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“I feel so fortunate to be back on the ice. It could have taken much longer,” Dubois expressed on Thursday at the Verdun Auditorium.
Speaking to the media, Dubois showed her emotions. “Health issues can strike anyone, regardless of who they are. This is just another hurdle I need to overcome. Thankfully, I have great support,” she emphasized.
While she kept details about her medical condition private, Dubois acknowledged the difficulty of her journey. “Life can feel unforgiving at times. I’m human—yes, I’m an athlete—but it’s been tough,” she shared, appreciating the crucial support from her family, friends, and the Victory team.
“I can’t imagine how anyone manages to get through this alone. It has impacted me deeply,” said the 29-year-old forward.
Emotional Journey
The start of the LPHF season hasn’t been smooth for Dubois. Initially a reserve while working as a mason in her family business, she signed two short-term contracts before finally securing a regular spot on the team.
“This year has been an emotional rollercoaster for me, and it’s up to me to emerge from it stronger. If I’m facing this challenge, it’s because someone believes in my ability to overcome it,” she said, with tears in her eyes, as she continues to prove herself under a contract that isn’t guaranteed.
She expressed her readiness to embrace the future and return to doing what she loves: “I’m ready to move on and play the sport that brings me joy.”
“Catherine is resilient, and she will come through this with a positive attitude and a smile. I have no doubts,” said Alexandra Labelle, her teammate from their time with the University of Montreal Carabins.
A Winning Decision
Labelle chose to join Montreal over New York, where she played last season, and it turned out to be a wise choice. The 28-year-old Quebec native took her chance and secured one of the last six contracts available.
“All the hard work I put in during the summer has paid off. I had two solid matches and a great camp, so I couldn’t ask for anything more. However, my journey is far from over; my ultimate goal is to win the championship with this team,” she stated.
Renowned for her defensive skills, Labelle has also showcased her offensive potential, adding a gritty edge to her play.
“I’m so proud of her. I never doubted her ability to carve out a place for herself. She is an outstanding player and person, and she deserves this opportunity,” Dubois remarked, though her participation against the Ottawa Charge on Saturday at Place Bell in Laval remains uncertain.
Defender Cayla Barnes also faced challenges, as she didn’t complete her first non-contact training session on Thursday.
Meet the 2024-2025 Montreal Victory Roster
Forwards
Lina Ljungblom
Marie-Philip Poulin
Laura Stacey
Jennifer Gardiner
Kristin O’Neill
Abigail Boreen
Mikyla Grant-Mentis
Alexandra Labelle
Maureen Murphy
Dara Greig
Clair DeGeorge
Claire Dalton
Catherine Dubois*
Defenders
Erin Ambrose
Kati Tabin
Mariah Keopple
Amanda Boulier
Anna Wilgren
Anna Kjellbin
Cayla Barnes*
Goalkeepers
Ann-Renée Desbiens
Elaine Chuli
Sandra Abstreiter
Long-term Injured
Kennedy Marchment (A)
Dominika Laskova (D)
Reserves
Gabrielle David (A)
Catherine Daoust (D)
Kelly-Ann Nadeau (D)
*Recently returned to training