Université Laval is set to field its first ever women's hockey squad, the Rouge et Or, as part of a broader push to expand varsity athletics in Quebec.
The team will compete in the RSEQ league and open its schedule with an exhibition game on September 11 before launching its regular season on October 16 against the defending U SPORTS national champions from Montreal.
Most of the roster has already been announced, spotlighting veteran net‑minder Ericka Gagnon, who spent the past three seasons backstopping Bishop's University, and forward Isabella Llewellyn Jollie, a former member of France's U‑18 national team.
Both athletes bring international experience that promises to raise the competitive bar for the new program.
A milestone for women's sport in the region
The addition of a fully funded women's hockey team reflects growing investment in female athletics across Canadian universities, and it aligns with national efforts to broaden participation pathways.
The program draws on a deep pool of skilled players that includes Léa‑Maude Durand, Andréanne St‑Pierre, Daphnée Bélair‑Teasdale, Magalie Harpin, Talia Jones, Sandrine Larouche, Victoria Veilleux, Annabelle Fontaine, Quinn Carswell, Marie‑Pier Cossette, Élaine Michaud, Geneviève Bisson, Lorie Van Winden, Naomie Piché, Magali Bordeleau, Élodie Gervais, Marilou Boilard and Amélia Léonard.
The upcoming exhibition will serve as a litmus test for chemistry and strategy, while the regular‑season opener against Montreal's champions will test the Rouge et Or against a proven powerhouse.
With the university's support and a growing fan base, the Rouge et Or aim to carve out a lasting legacy in Canadian university hockey.