PWHL Montreal coach 'happy with the progression' following league-wide camp in New York

 

Organizations leave Utica, N.Y., turning attention to final cuts as rosters due Monday

PWHL Montreal players celebrate on the ice during a game against Minnesota in Utica, N.Y.

PWHL Montreal didn't look like the skilled, offensive team many were expecting to see in its first pre-season game.

The team came out flat against a faster New York squad on Monday, failing to score a regulation goal in the loss.

Montreal finished with one win in three pre-season games in Utica, N.Y., this week, completing its exhibition schedule with a 4-3 loss to Minnesota on Thursday. But progress was the key word among Montreal's leadership, as the team prepares for the games that count in the standings in January.

"We've learned a lot as a group and we're happy with the progression that we've seen over the week," head coach Kori Cheverie said. "Our D core definitely started moving pucks a little bit quicker and getting it into the forwards' hands."

Forward Laura Stacey said the team looked "a little all over the place" in its first game. But she was impressed by their ability to bounce back in the next two games.