The PWHPA Showcase is a good reminder of what's possible, particularly in Montreal.
Les Canadiennes games were fun, affordable, and the epitome of free-flowing hockey. The crowds were filled with young children, cheering on teams that were bursting at the seam with golden talent.
Forwards such as Marie-Philip Poulin, Ouellette, Bettez, Kim Deschênes, Mélodie Daoust, Hilary Knight, Noémie Marin, Meghan Agosta, and Jill Saulnier consistently graced the ice with their awe-inspiring talent. As for the defensive side of things, fans were treated to a show by such players as Erin Ambrose, Julie Chu, Lauriane Rougeau, Charline Labonté, and Kim St-Pierre, to name a few.
The games were among the best value in sports entertainment, and though Les Canadiennes attracted a significant fanbase to every game, it was certainly an ongoing event that flew under the radar for most.
"Eventually, things have to change," said Bettez. "I'm getting sick of how comfortable some were saying we played for the passion of the game. Obviously, we're passionate. But we're really in an era where we need an organization, salaries, and a women's hockey team in Montreal."
Beyond the need for legitimate salaries, salaries that will allow them to focus on improving their own skills, and therefore grow the sport simultaneously, the fact remains, the games that took place in Montreal were, for the most part, untelevised.
Simply put, sports events have little to no chance of growing at a sustainable rate without significant support from the media, an issue Bettez, and many other players, have pointed to regularly.
"We really hope the hockey will be supported in the media. That entails regular coverage on television, on the radio, in the newspapers, etc. There must be support for the development of women's hockey."
Those that did take advantage of the chance to watch these excellent hockey players in action weren't just treated to a great show, they had the opportunity to skate with Olympians regularly, not to mention the long lines that formed to secure autographs from the aforementioned players.
It was a wholesome movement that put an onus on the most important aspect of growing a sport; grassroots support.
For the most part, the women who powered the league grew up with very few, if any, role models for success in the industry, at least not very many they could relate to on a personal level.
Through a lot of hard work and dedication, they managed to establish a bevy of role models for the next generation of hockey players.
They created a link, an important bond with the young women in the crowd, a bond that gave those young women an opportunity to dream about being the next Ouellette, Bettez, or Poulin.
And the foundation is still there. It's as strong as ever.
It just needs support.
"Give yourself a chance to enjoy it," said Bettez. "It's great hockey."
The PWHPA Showcase is the perfect place to fall in love with hockey all over again.
(You can purchase weekend or day passes for the PWHPA Showcase, presented by Quartexx, by clicking here.)
