Game 5 of the semifinal series between the Montreal Victoire and the Minnesota Frost has been rescheduled to Tuesday due to health concerns affecting several players. The announcement came from the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) just two hours before the originally scheduled game at Place Bell in Laval.
Postponement Details
The match, set for 7 p.m. Tuesday, was initially slated for Monday. The league cited player safety and illness as the primary reasons for the change. A statement released by the league indicated that medical assessments ruled out hantavirus as the cause of the symptoms affecting Victoire players.
Impact on Fans
- All tickets purchased for Monday’s game will be honored for the rescheduled event.
- Fans will be contacted directly by the Victoire or Ticketmaster regarding their tickets.
Visitors Yessica Ghysens and Seppe Dejonckheere, who had come from Belgium for the game, were disappointed to learn of the postponement upon arrival at Place Bell. Ghysens expressed her disappointment, emphasizing the rarity of such events in women’s hockey.
Series Context
The playoff series is currently tied at 2-2, with the winner of Game 5 advancing to face the Ottawa Charge in the Walter Cup final. The Charge recently triumphed over the Boston Fleet in double overtime.
Game Progression
- Game 1: Minnesota Frost won 5-4 in overtime.
- Game 2: Montreal Victoire evened the series with a win in the third overtime.
- Game 3: Victoire took a narrow 2-1 victory.
- Game 4: Frost responded with a 3-1 win to tie the series.
Fans Chantal Dion and Martine Gouin, who were en route from the South Shore, expressed their understanding despite disappointment over the last-minute cancellation. The atmosphere surrounding the series remains tense as both teams vie for a place in the finals.
