Carolyne Prévost Makes Strong Impression in Montreal Stars Debut

Anyone that has followed Carolyne Prévost at the University of Wisconsin knows that she is always capable of a great game.

She joined the NCAA 100-point club in grand fashion, racking up a six point game versus the RPI Engineers—the highest output of any Wisconsin skater during the 2011-12 campaign. A WCHA scholar athlete, and All-Academic Big Ten, the articulate Prévost has been a winner at every level.  A gold medalist at the 2007 Canada Winter Games and with Canada’s Under-22 program at the 2010 MLP Nations Cup, Prévost also boasts two NCAA Frozen Four titles to her credit.

As the 15th pick overall in the 2012 CWHL Draft, Prévost found herself in the unique position of joining the defending Clarkson Cup champion Montreal Stars.

Wearing her red Wisconsin Badgers helmet, Prévost made her debut with the Montreal Stars in the unlikeliest of games. During their goodwill tour of Quebec, the French national women’s team (mentored by Montreal Carabins manager and 2002 Gold-medal-winning coach Danièle Sauvageau) played an exhibition game versus the Stars.

Prévost stole the show as she contributed five points, including a hat trick, in an 11-1 victory over France.

She assisted on two goals scored by Noémie Marin, a onetime Canadian softball player at the Summer Games. Ironically, Prévost's linemate was former WCHA rival, Haley Irwin, also a Frozen Four champion. The former Minnesota-Duluth Bulldogs legend said of Prévost, “Having played against her a couple of years, I can say she is a great player”.

Playing in front of friends and family, Prévost played the game of her life. Her mother Ginette proudly stated, “One can tell that this is a very well structured organization. The Stars are a good team and the veterans are very welcoming.”

It was only appropriate that Prévost would score the first and the final goals of the victory.

Just 2:58 seconds into the first period, Prevost scored on French netminder Caroline Baldin. Prévost would go on to score the final goal in highlight reel fashion: her shot hit the cross bar but bounced very high in the air—Baldin never saw the puck as it bounced off her back and into the net. Regrettably, Baldin had her stick stuck in the net.

Prévost was still not finished, however. With 23.7 seconds left on the clock, she took a slapshot that delivered an accidental body check to French defender Mylene Goncalves, who ran into Prévost and immediately fell to the ground.

Clearly, the French were not accustomed to the speed and physicality of the North American game.

In a long season, and with many things to learn at an elevated level of play, one cannot help but look at Préovst’s debut and see a great future ahead. Her scoring touch and gritty style of play is reminiscent of San Jose Sharks player Logan Couture.

“I was very happy to see her in action. Prévost sees the ice well and has tenacity. She should fit in well and was impressive today” emphasized Meg Hewings, the Stars' general manager. As someone that has always played for teams with winning traditions and a great culture, Prévost stands to be a cornerstone for the next generation of Stars players.

"All quotes were obtained first-hand unless otherwise noted."