Montreal Victoire Capture First PWHL Walter Cup with Dominant 4-0 Victory Over Ottawa Charge
The Montreal Victoire etched their name into hockey history on May 20, 2026, by securing the first-ever PWHL Walter Cup championship for a Canadian team. In a commanding performance, the Victoire defeated the Ottawa Charge 4-0 in Game 4 of the finals, capping off a series victory with a shutout to claim the title.
Game 4: A Masterclass in Defense and Precision
The decisive Game 4 saw the Victoire showcase their depth and resilience, with goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens recording a clean sheet to seal the win. Abby Roque was the star of the game, scoring twice, including the overtime winner in Game 1, to cement her role as a clutch performer. The team’s defensive structure and timely scoring proved insurmountable for the Charge, who fell short in their bid to clinch the championship.
“This is a testament to our team’s grit and the belief we’ve had all season,” said Victoire captain Marie-Philip Poulin, who was named the 2026 Ilana Kloss Playoff Most Valuable Player. “We came into this series focused on playing our game and we did exactly that.”
Series Breakdown: A Show of Strength
The Victoire’s dominance was evident throughout the series, which concluded with a 3-1 victory over the Charge. Key moments included Maggie Flaherty’s overtime goal in Game 3 and the team’s ability to lean on role players like Hayley Scamurra and Abby Roque in critical situations. The victory marked the first time the Walter Cup, the league’s premier trophy, was awarded to a team north of the U.S. Border.
“We’ve been preparing for this moment since the start of the season,” said general manager Danièle Sauvageau. “The depth of this roster and the coaching staff’s strategic approach have been instrumental in our success.”
Historic Achievement for a Rising Team
The Montreal Victoire, founded in 2023 as one of the PWHL’s six charter franchises, has rapidly established itself as a powerhouse. The team, based in Laval, Quebec, won back-to-back regular season titles in 2024–25 and 2025–26 before clinching the Walter Cup. Their journey to the championship was highlighted by a roster featuring household names like Poulin, Laura Stacey, and Desbiens, alongside emerging stars who rose to the occasion in the playoffs.
“This victory is for the fans, the city, and the future of women’s hockey in Canada,” said head coach Kori Cheverie. “We’re not just winning titles—we’re building a legacy.”
Looking Ahead: A New Era for PWHL
The Victoire’s triumph signals a new chapter for the PWHL, as the league continues to grow its footprint across North America. With the Walter Cup now residing in Montreal, the team’s success is expected to inspire a new generation of players and fans. The 2026 championship will be remembered as a landmark moment in the history of women’s professional hockey.
As the league looks to the future, the Victoire’s legacy is already secured. Their story is one of perseverance, teamwork, and the relentless pursuit of excellence—a narrative that will resonate for years to come.