New city. New language. New league. New team. For many, that’s a daunting list of changes. For Montréal Victoire forward Laura Stacey, it was just the beginning.
Not only did the 31-year-old forward embrace these transitions, she added another layer of her own: giving back to her new community.
Since 2018, Stacey has hosted LS7 Sticks In For Charity, a street hockey fundraiser in her hometown of Etobicoke, Ontario. The concept is simple—participants sign up for a day of ball hockey or raise money to secure their spot. Over the years, the event has grown into a community staple, raising more than $200,000 for various causes.
Now a permanent resident of Greater Montreal and a cornerstone of the Montréal Victoire, Stacey expanded the initiative this summer with a Montreal edition aimed at supporting young girls in Quebec.
“Sports have given me so much,” Stacey said. “If I can give a child that same opportunity to chase a dream, that’s success. Everyone deserves that chance to play, and if I can make it happen, that’s what matters.”
Her commitment didn’t go unnoticed. In June, Stacey received the PWHL’s “Hockey For All” Award, presented by Scotiabank, recognizing the player with the greatest community impact during the 2024–25 season. Along with the honour Scotiabank would make a $10,000 donation to a Canadian charity of her choice.
Last month, at Henri-Bourassa High School in Montréal-Nord, Stacey delivered one of those famous oversized checks to Fillactive, an organization dedicated to helping teenage girls adopt active lifestyles. Fillactive provides schools with tools and resources for girls aged 12 to 17, encouraging them to stay engaged and healthy.
“I discovered Fillactive at one of our last home games,” Stacey recalled. “There was a group of about 12 to 15 girls in the stands, and I learned more about what the organization does to help girls get involved and stay active. It struck me immediately—I wanted to support them.”
The donation will fund safe, empowering physical activities for students, regardless of skill level. Stacey didn’t just present a check—she joined the girls for a workout session and shared a heartfelt message:
“It’s amazing to see you all together in the gym today, spending time, being healthy and active. This is where it all started for me,” she told them.