After a dominant performance, the Montreal Victoire clinched their first league championship by defeating the Ottawa Charge 4-0 in Game 4 of the Walter Cup Final. Following this victory, Marie-Philip Poulin was honored as the 2026 PWHL Ilana Kloss Playoff MVP.
Marie-Philip Poulin’s Remarkable Playoff Performance
Poulin stood out during the postseason, leading the league with six assists. She also tied for the highest points total in the playoffs, amassing eight points overall. In the decisive Game 4, she assisted on Abby Roque’s game-winning goal, further solidifying her impact on the series.
Season Overview
Despite facing challenges, including missing 11 regular-season games due to injury, Poulin finished strong with nine goals and nine assists. This performance earned her a total of 18 points, making her the leading scorer for Montreal. Over her three seasons in the PWHL, she has achieved:
- 38 goals
- 29 assists
- 67 points in 70 regular-season games
- 4 goals
- 8 assists
- 12 points in 16 playoff games
Montreal’s Historic Championship
With this victory, Montreal made history by becoming the first Canadian team to win the Walter Cup. Their exceptional postseason run included a decisive win over the Minnesota Frost in the first playoff round.
Previous Ilana Kloss Award Winners
Last year, Ottawa’s Gwyneth Philips earned the Ilana Kloss Award while leading the Charge to the finals, where they lost to the Frost. Philips boasted impressive stats with a .952 save percentage and a 1.23 goals against average during the playoffs. The inaugural Ilana Kloss Award was awarded to Minnesota’s Taylor Heise in 2024.
Poulin’s achievement not only highlights her talent but also marks a significant milestone in PWHL history. Her leadership and performance were crucial in securing the championship for Montreal, establishing her as a key player in the league.
