The Montréal Victoire secured the inaugural Walter Cup, defeating the Ottawa Charge 3‑1 in the championship series. The victory capped a season that saw the team dominate the regular standings and rewrite attendance records for the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
Finishing first in the regular season, the Victoire posted a 22‑2 record, the best win total in league history. Playoff crowds swelled to 113,087 fans across 13 games, a 35 % jump from the previous year, underscoring the growing appetite for women’s elite hockey.
Team captain Marie‑Philip Poulin was named Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP, adding another accolade to a career that already includes three Olympic gold medals. Her leadership was evident throughout the series, where she combined offensive spark with clutch play.
Abby Roque contributed two goals in the final, including the decisive game‑winner, while goaltender Ann‑Renée Desbiens posted two shutouts and maintained a 1.40 goals‑against average, anchoring a defense that allowed just four goals in the entire series.
Milestones and Legacy
Veteran Maggie Flaherty became the league’s first three‑time Walter Cup champion, and Hayley Scamurra made history as the first player to win both the Walter Cup and an Olympic gold medal in the same season. Their achievements highlighted the depth of talent on the roster.
The championship also celebrated regional pride, with six players hailing from Québec and the team’s success echoing across international borders. The roster featured representatives from Germany, Sweden, Italy and the United States, reflecting the league’s growing global footprint.
Beyond the ice, the victory marks a cultural milestone for the sport, signaling increased visibility and investment in women’s professional hockey. As the league looks ahead, the Victoire’s historic run sets a new benchmark for excellence and ambition.