Professional hockey player Alexandra Labelle received a warm welcome during the Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague family festival on August 1.
Labelle, who plays for the Montreal Victoire in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), was introduced to the crowd in her hometown just prior to a performance by Rhapsody, a Queen tribute band, as part of the community’s annual celebration. She spoke with The Gleaner about last season’s memorable championship run while reflecting on her career on the ice.
Labelle signed a one-year contract extension with the Victoire in June. At 30 years old, she hopes to continue playing for several more seasons. “As long as my body allows it, I’d like to keep playing hockey – another two or three years, or longer, if possible,” she said.
The 2025-2026 season will remain forever etched in her memory. Along with her teammates, she hoisted her first Walter Cup as a PWHL champion. “It was a dream I couldn’t even imagine achieving just a few years ago. Playing at the highest level of women’s hockey and winning the Walter Cup is incredible. I hope to have the chance to win one or two more,” she admitted.
The recent announcement that Danièle Sauvageau, the Victoire’s general manager, will step down following the upcoming season will be felt by the team. Sauvageau will take over at Hockey Canada in preparation for the 2030 Winter Olympic Games, set to take place in the French Alps. “This is great news for her. We all want to reach the highest level possible, and I think she will get there,” she said Labelle. “I’m definitely going to miss her. She is the one who recruited me in college, and she has played an important role in my career. At the same time, I am happy she will be able to fulfill her dream,” added Labelle.
When asked about a possible appearance at the Olympic Games, Labelle was realistic about her chances. “If I were called up, I would definitely accept. When I was younger, it was a goal, but it is no longer something I think about constantly today. The pool of players is very competitive. If the opportunity comes, I’ll be ready, but it is not a long-term goal,” she explained.
Labelle is also cautious when it comes to the possibility of winning a consecutive Walter Cup. “It is always harder to win a consecutive championship, but I think we have a team that can do it. We now have the experience of having won. The Minnesota Frost did it twice in a row, so why not us?”.
The Victoire players have been passing the Walter Cup around to each other, just as the Stanley Cup winning teams do in the NHL. “I haven’t had it yet. The process has just begun. I should get it in September,” she said, noting she might bring it to her parent’s house or to the cottage.
The forward, who grew up on a dairy farm in Saint-Louis-de-Gonzague, has big ambitions for her future. “I’d like to open a café and have my own business. I also want to stay in the sports world. I love coaching young people and passing on what I have learned. Maybe one day, I’ll work for a hockey organization,” she mused.
One thing is certain; she can always count on the unwavering support of her family and her partner. “They are always there to support me. They attend all the home games, and whenever they can, they also travel with me to away games,” she said.
Now, as the start of the new season looms, Labelle’s goal is to keep improving. “Above all, I want to stay healthy, stay in shape, and continue to develop my game so I can deliver the best performances possible.”