A puck from the pros

The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) has been an inspiration for many of Kahnawake’s youngest hockey players since their first game was played in 2024, not least nine-year-old Iako’tarakehte Dailleboust, who has been at as many games as she possibly can.

The young superfan often brings her homemade sign that reads “Future PWHL Goalie,” and she’s had the honour of interacting with some of her favourite players - including last Sunday, when she watched the Montreal Victoire take a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Sceptres.

She was even spotted by her role models on the ice, nabbing a puck from the Sceptres’ goalie Raygan Kirk, and getting a photo with the Victoire’s Ann-Renée Desbiens, her favourite goaltender.

“I’ve been working so hard being a goalie, and seeing my favourite goalie was awesome,” said Dailleboust.

She said she was especially excited to take home the puck, and watching both goaltenders shine on the ice.

“My highlight was watching the goalies’ amazing saves, especially Desbiens,” she said.

Dailleboust’s mother, Konwatharani Jacobs, has been dedicated to her daughter’s hockey dreams, and said it’s been monumental to have something like the PWHL for young girls in the sport to aspire to.

Jacobs has been touched by how much players and staff at the PWHL have supported young fans.

“In the last three years I have taken Iako’tarakehte to as many events as possible,” Jacobs said. “She’s been lucky enough to be brought into the Victoire locker room, given a game stick signed from Marlene Boissennault, puck from Raygan Kirk, and goalie training with Kim St-Pierre,” Jacobs said. “The list will continue as long as I can get her the opportunity.”

Dailleboust said the experiences she’s had make her more determined than ever to one day be a part of the PWHL herself.

“My ista helped me become a goalie, and is always helping me get better,” she said. “Watching these professional girl goalies shows I can do anything if I work hard.”

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