There was a big celebration in New Glasgow, N.S., Friday as head coach of the Montréal Victoire brought the Walter Cup home to celebrate with her community.
“I’m just so happy that we could bring the cup to Pictou County and bring it to New Glasgow and just share it with all the families, the community that supported me growing up and playing here. It’s just such a special moment,” said Kori Cheverie.
Cheverie is the first female coach to win the Walter Cup. She guided the Montréal Victoire to victory as the first Canadian team to win the PWHL championship.
“This is where we want the biggest trophy in hockey on the women’s side. We want it in Canada and for us, we get it here for the next 365 days until there is another winner and for us, we are always looking to win,” said Cheverie.
Cheverie said it was a team effort, and no one wins championships alone.
“It was years in the making. Three years of putting a team together and going back to the drawing board and just trying to get as many pieces to the puzzle as we needed to push us over the top to win games in the playoffs when it matters,” said Cheverie.
‘It’s a huge deal’
It’s not only a big moment for Canadians but an even bigger moment for Cheverie’s hometown. Her mother Janice Rehill said she couldn’t be prouder of her daughter and is so grateful for the turnout to not only celebrate her but the success of the team and country.
“It’s a huge deal. It’s been her goal since she started with the PWHL and, you know, if you work hard, you just have to keep working and it will pay off. The players are amazing, the staff is amazing, they become like your family,” said Rehill.
Rehill worked with the town to plan Friday’s parade and meet and greet with Cheverie. It was important to Rehill as she wanted to not only recognize the moment but also celebrate her daughter. Hundreds of people of all ages came out to the Pictou County Wellness Centre for the celebration.
“I was walking through the crowd, it’s amazing, there are hundreds and hundreds if not more people here today to support women’s hockey. It’s not just about Kori but women’s hockey in general and it’s really taken off,” said Rehill.
The crowd brought jerseys, sticks, photos and cards to get signed. Cheverie took photos, shook hands and greeted people all afternoon. She couldn’t believe the turnout and said it all means so much to her.
“I was so surprised coming up here at the wellness centre. The warm welcome we had when we pulled up but then the amount of people who were also inside waiting in line, I mean it’s incredible. I am just trying to give as much of myself and the people that support us every day and make time for them because they’re the reason why our league is having success. So a big thank you to everybody,” said Cheverie.
Fans show their support
One mother and daughter duo travelled 16 hours from Quebec to meet Cheverie.
They went to four Montréal Victoire games this past season and after the championship win, they bought season tickets for next year.
“We just love Kori,” said Laurie Lacroix, who was visiting from Montréal.
Having the opportunity to meet Cheverie was everything to them.
“We want to meet Kori and see the Walter Cup. It’s good for Montréal and good for us,” said Veronique Branchaud, who was visiting from Montréal.
They aren’t the only ones; this was a day many fans marked in their calendars.
“It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity to have the Walter Cup here. You never know when it could happen again,” said Olivia MacLaughlin.
“I was excited to meet Kori and I remember watching the game after they won so I was really hoping she would come here so we could see the cup,” said Nieva Mackay.
“I am glad that the stuff we do have here involves the women’s league. It’s really good to have more awareness about it here,” said Lily Purcell.
Getting involved in sports
As the first female head coach to win a PWHL championship, Cheverie encourages more women to get involved in sports, whether it’s coaching, officiating or behind the scenes with teams.
“I just want to get more women involved in these organizations. I think it’s really important to have that diversity. To be the person who will forever in history be the first woman to do it and to be from New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, it’s really special,” said Cheverie.
For Cheverie, these wins on and off the ice are moments she will always cherish.
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