The Minnesota Frost players reminded the Victoire de Montréal that they were the reigning champions of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (LPHF).
On Sunday, the Frost won 4 to 2 over the Belle Province team and thus regained first place in the ranking.
The winners of the Walter Cup in 2023-2024 now have 19 points, two more than Victory. The Montreal team, however, played one game less.
In today’s clash, Maggie Flaherty scored the winning goal in the third period. Her wrist shot beat Elaine Chuli. It was the American defender’s first goal this season. Michela Cava put an end to Montreal’s hopes by moving the strings with a good backhand shot in the final minutes of the match.
Victoire striker Catherine Dubois also scored her first goal of the season during this duel. In the first period, the former Université de Montréal Carabins opened the scoring with a powerful one-timer. Britta Curl-Salemme, however, tied the score before the end of the first period.
The two clubs of the hour in the LPHF then exchanged power play goals during the middle period. Sophie Jaques put Frost ahead while Mikyla Grant-Mentis was in the penalty box, while Jennifer Gardiner took advantage of Claire Butorac’s presence in the penalty box to bring everyone back to square one.
Chuli made 25 saves in the loss, while Maddie Rooney stopped 21 pucks for her fifth win in six outings.
Furthermore, Victoire striker Laura Stacey was injured and was unable to finish the game. Her organization clarified on X that she was kept aside for preventive measures.
La Victoire will be back in action next Friday evening, again against the Frost. The two teams will meet at Place Bell this time. This will be Montreal’s first game in front of their fans since December 30.
The Montreal club will then visit the Videotron Center in Quebec. This duel against the Ottawa Charge presented on neutral ground will take place next Sunday.
