Catherine Dubois has made a remarkable transition from the stands to the starting lineup of La Victoire de Montréal in just a few weeks. Following an unfortunate injury to teammate Marie-Philip Poulin, Dubois was given the opportunity to join the top trio, partnering with Laura Stacey and Abby Roque.
Catherine Dubois’ Rise to Stardom
Dubois faced a challenging situation at the beginning of March when she was kept out of the lineup for two matches. Just weeks later, she found herself stepping up at a crucial moment. “It hurt to find out I wouldn’t play despite being healthy,” noted Dubois after a team practice at the Verdun Auditorium. However, she used this setback as motivation to improve her game.
Key Performances
- Catherine Dubois had not scored in her first 13 games.
- Since her promotion, she scored four goals in four games.
- On March 28, against the New York Sirens, she scored twice in just over ten minutes of play.
After her success, Dubois remained humble, stating she was grateful for the opportunities rather than changing her playing style. “I have had chances to showcase my skills, and I am really thankful for that,” she explained.
Support from Teammates
Laura Stacey, a veteran player, expressed pride in Dubois’ achievements. “It’s tough to transition from the stands to the top trio. All you want is to help your team. I’m happy with how she has handled the situation,” said Stacey.
Catherine Dubois’ playing style has stayed consistent, characterized by aggressive net drives and strategic puck handling. Coach Kori Cheverie praised her current performance, describing it as a “professional version” of Dubois, emphasizing her growing confidence.
Upcoming Challenges
The future remains uncertain for Dubois’ position in the lineup. Cheverie mentioned that the line combinations are likely to change as the season progresses. This dynamic environment keeps the team on their toes, creating opportunities for players to step up.
Nadia Mattivi Joins the Team
In addition to Dubois’ story, the recent addition of Nadia Mattivi has also drawn attention. The 25-year-old defender, who captained the Italian national team at the last Olympics, is adjusting to her role with the team. Although Mattivi has seen limited playtime, she is optimistic about her integration.
- Mattivi previously played in the Swedish league before joining Montréal.
- She expressed excitement about being part of a team with a rich history.
With her ongoing adaptation, Mattivi aims to learn quickly and contribute effectively to La Victoire. Her local debut at the Place Bell is eagerly awaited.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Dubois and Mattivi as they strive to showcase their talents and help lead their team to victory. El-Balad will continue to follow their journeys closely.
