The inaugural Walter Cup final of the Premier Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) will showcase an all-Canadian matchup. The Montreal Victoire, having recently defeated the Minnesota Frost in a thrilling Game 5, will face off against the Ottawa Charge, who triumphed over the Boston Fleet in their own semifinal series. This exciting best-of-five series will begin on Thursday in Laval, Quebec.
PWHL Walter Cup Final Details
The much-anticipated series kicks off on May 14, 2023, with the opening game taking place at Place Bell. Here is the schedule for the Walter Cup final:
- Game 1: May 14, Ottawa at Montreal, 7 p.m. ET
- Game 2: May 16, Ottawa at Montreal, 2 p.m. ET
- Game 3: May 18, Montreal at Ottawa, 6 p.m. ET
- Game 4: May 20, Montreal at Ottawa, 7 p.m. ET (if necessary)
- Game 5: TBD (if necessary)
Montreal leads their previous encounters with Ottawa, having won three of their four regular-season matchups. However, the playoffs present a different challenge, and the Victoire aim to avenge last season’s semifinal loss to the Charge.
Key Players to Watch
Montreal Victoire
The Victoire’s captain, Marie-Philip Poulin, has been pivotal in their success. Known for her performance in clutch situations, she scored critical goals during the semifinals against Minnesota, helping secure the team’s spot in the finals. Poulin not only drives offense but also contributes defensively, blocking shots when needed.
In goal, Ann-Renée Desbiens has been stellar, leading all goaltenders with a 1.56 goals-against average in the playoffs. Her ability to perform under pressure has been crucial for Montreal’s playoff run.
Ottawa Charge
On the other side, the Ottawa Charge are riding high on resilience. They progressed to the finals after a grueling series against the Boston Fleet, showcasing their relentless gameplay. Ottawa’s captain, Brianne Jenner, has been a standout player, recording a career-high 26 points during the regular season.
Backed by offensive talent such as Rebecca Leslie and rookie standout Sarah Wozniewicz, the Charge have demonstrated their capability to score consistently. Additionally, Fanuza Kadirova is tied with Poulin for the lead in playoff points, highlighting Ottawa’s scoring depth.
A Game of Strategy and Strength
Both teams have distinct strategies that will be pivotal in the series. For Montreal, maintaining strong defensive play will be essential, while Ottawa’s challenge lies in capitalizing on the physicality of the game.
As the teams prepare for this historic final, fans can expect a fast-paced and competitive series. With both teams eager to secure their first Walter Cup title, the inaugural PWHL championship promises to be a thrilling spectacle.
