Blitzing momentum

IWFL:  Blitz look to carry momentum into home opener

As one of the most accomplished female football teams in Canada, the Montreal Blitz are looking towards the 2014 campaign with another championship in sight. Competing as the only international team in the IWFL, the Blitz have already started their 2014 season on a winning note.

On April 4, the Blitz opened their season with a convincing road win against the New England Nightmare in Windsor, Connecticut. Prevailing by a 40-8 tally, the Blitz are hoping to duplicate their winning ways for their home opener on April 26 versus the Danbury Wreckers. Contested at the Ecole Secondaire Dalbe-Viau in the Montreal suburb of Lachine, the squad will be led by quarterback and team president Saadia Ashraf, who has twice donned the Canadian jersey at the IFAF Worlds.

Before the Blitz hope to continue their winning ways, a party was held to celebrate their upcoming home opener. An April 18 gathering at La Queue Leu-Leu Brau Haus was an opportunity to connect with fans, establish camaraderie with some of the newer faces on the squad and celebrate the game that these remarkable women are helping to grow.

Such an event is part of another example of how the Blitz are not only emerging as part of a remarkable new chapter for female sport in Montreal but are proud to be part of the community. Prior to the season launching, the Blitz proudly marched in Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Of note, several Blitz players were also in attendance for the Montreal Stars women’s hockey fundraiser for breast cancer. In addition, the Blitz continued to establish themselves as responsible charitable citizens by participating in an event organized by L’Oeuvre Soupe Maison. Based in the Montreal suburb of Lachine, Quebec, the cause helps assists families in need.

The growing impact of the Blitz is also evident by its April 22 appearance on Breakfast Television, which was broadcast on City-TV Montreal. With several players earning well-deserved air time, discussing their love of the game, the event also helped to promote the upcoming home opener against Danbury.

Following the Danbury contest, other home games include a May 17 match during Victoria Day weekend against the Maine Rebels. The New York Knockout visit on May 31 while the New England Nightmare close out the regular season on June 14.