Laura Stacey, the alternate captain for the Montreal Victoire, has drawn widespread praise from fans for conducting a French-language interview ahead of Game 3 in the Walter Cup final against the Ottawa Charge.
The interview took place at the Canadian Tire Centre on Monday as players prepared for the matchup. Speaking with RDS’s Catherine Savoie, Stacey emphasized the team’s approach, saying it was important to “focus on ourselves” and to “play our game.”
At one point during the conversation, Stacey briefly switched to English before returning to French. “Of course they are against us. Mais encore une fois, c’est très important pour nous de focus sur nous-mêmes et profitez-en,” she said, according to the report.
The star forward, originally from Kleinburg in southern Ontario, has been learning French with assistance from her wife and teammate, Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin. Fans on social media quickly highlighted her effort, with many expressing appreciation for the attempt despite her Franglais accent rooted in her Ontario background.
One user on X wrote, “As a Québécois, I have nothing but respect for her. She’s making a huge effort and I, for one, appreciate it!” Another commented, “How can you not love her for that effort.”
Others noted personal connections, including a man who grew up in Montreal and observed that Stacey “speaks better Franglais than me.” A separate reply described her French as reminiscent of “Toronto high school franglais,” adding that the observation was meant lovingly.
Stacey, a three-time Olympic medallist, has previously shared her positive experience playing in Montreal. Last month she told The Gazette she was “really, really happy” to play and enjoy her time in the city over the last few years, describing Montreal as her “home now.”
Her language progress has been documented in videos posted by Radio-Canada this season, where she learns Quebec expressions and plays games in French alongside Poulin. These efforts appear to have resonated with supporters during the ongoing playoff series.
The Victoire are currently competing in the Walter Cup final, with Game 3 marking a key moment in the matchup against the Ottawa Charge. Stacey’s interview at the 11-minute mark of the RDS broadcast quickly circulated online, prompting an outpouring of supportive messages.
Team officials have not commented directly on the fan reaction, but the positive response underscores the connection between the Victoire and their Montreal audience. Stacey’s willingness to communicate in French has been viewed by many as a sign of respect for the local culture.
According to reports from montrealgazette.com, the alternate captain’s performance on the ice and off it continues to draw attention as the series progresses. Fans have pointed to her background and marriage to Poulin as context for her growing comfort with the language.
The series remains tightly contested, with both teams focused on advancing in the postseason. Stacey’s comments about concentrating on the team’s own game reflect the standard playoff mindset expressed by players on both sides.
Observers note that such moments of cultural engagement can strengthen ties between athletes and the communities they represent. For Stacey, who has made Montreal her home, the interview appears to have added another layer to her reception among Victoire supporters.