Université Laval is set to make a historic entry into the Canadian university sports landscape with the launch of its first women's hockey team, the Rouge et Or, which will compete in the RSEQ league. The program will begin with an exhibition match on September 11, followed by a regular‑season opener on October 16 against the defending national champions from Montreal.
A roster built for immediate impact
The inaugural squad blends home‑grown talent with players who have tasted international competition. Isabella Llewellyn Jollie, a former member of France’s U‑18 national team, headlines the forward lines, while Ericka Gagnon, who helped Bishop's University capture a national title in 2024‑25, will guard the net alongside Léa‑Maude Durand. The forward group also features Andréanne St‑Pierre, Daphnée Bélair‑Teasdale, Magalie Harpin, Talia Jones, Sandrine Larouche, Victoria Veilleux, Annabelle Fontaine, Quinn Carswell and Marie‑Pier Cossette, giving the team depth and versatility.
Defensive stability will be anchored by Élaine Michaud, a three‑year veteran of Bishop's who contributed to another national championship in 2024‑25, and a blue‑line corps that includes Geneviève Bisson, Lorie Van Winden, Naomie Piché, Magali Bordeleau, Élodie Gervais, Marilou Boilard and Amélia Léonard. Together, these players bring a mix of championship experience and fresh energy to the program.
The coaching staff and administration view the launch as more than a sporting venture; it is a statement about the growth of women's hockey in Quebec. By joining a league that already boasts recent national champions such as Montreal, Bishop's and Concordia, the Rouge et Or hope to raise the competitive standard and inspire the next generation of female athletes in the province.
Fans can expect a fast‑paced, physical style of play as the team prepares for its first competitive season, with tickets for the September 11 exhibition game already in high demand.