The Montreal Victoire secured their spot in the Walter Cup final by defeating the two-time defending champion Minnesota Frost 2-1 at Place Bell. Marie-Philip Poulin netted the game-winning goal on a power play in the third period. This victory paves the way for a best-of-five final against the Ottawa Charge, marking the league’s first Canadian champion. Erin Ambrose set up Poulin’s crucial goal, which came at 3:06 of the third period.
The Frost, who had a 6-1 record when facing elimination, suffered their first loss in such a scenario. Despite their efforts post-Poulin’s goal, the Victoire’s goaltender, Ann-Renee Desbiens, stood firm against Minnesota’s attacks. Sam Cogan scored for the Frost, with Maddie Rooney making 15 saves. Catherine Dubois also found the net for the Victoire, while Desbiens made 25 saves, including eight in the final period.
The game’s first goal, credited to Dubois, came after a shot deflected off Elizabeth Giguere’s stick and deceived Rooney. Dubois, moved to the top line for this game, capitalized on the opportunity, scoring her first goal of the playoffs. Minnesota leveled the score at 1-1 in the second period when Cogan redirected an Abby Hustler pass past Desbiens.
Both teams’ goalkeepers made critical saves throughout the game, with Desbiens denying a close call after a deflected shot threatened to cross the line. The Walter Cup final will kick off on Thursday at Place Bell following this intense semifinal clash.