Abby Roque scored her second goal of the game 2:29 into overtime, securing a 3-2 victory for the Montreal Victoire over the Ottawa Charge in Game 1 of the Walter Cup Finals. The Professional Women’s Hockey League contest took place on Thursday night in Laval, Quebec. The decisive goal occurred when Maggie Flaherty’s point shot deflected off Roque before entering the net.
Montreal forced the game into overtime with only 2.1 seconds remaining in regulation. This tying goal was scored by Nicole Gosling, following a sequence where Marie-Philip Poulin threw the puck on net and Maureen Murphy’s subsequent attempt was blocked. Gosling made a sprawling effort to push the puck past Ottawa's goaltender, Gwyneth Philips. The Victoire had an extra attacker on the ice during this critical play.
Key Game Developments
Earlier in the third period, Montreal had a 5-on-3 power play opportunity lasting 1:12. Despite the two-player advantage, the Victoire managed only one shot on goal. Their most significant chance during this power play came when Erin Ambrose’s shot struck the post, failing to convert the opportunity into a score.
Ottawa had taken a late lead in the third period when Rebecca Leslie scored her second goal of the game with 4:04 remaining. Leslie entered the zone with the puck, moved laterally, and beat Montreal’s goaltender, Ann-Renee Desbiens, through the five-hole. Desbiens made 23 saves throughout the game for Montreal.
Player Performances and Close Calls
Rebecca Leslie was responsible for both goals scored by the Ottawa Charge. Gwyneth Philips, the Charge’s goaltender, also made 23 saves during the contest. Ottawa nearly sealed the game in regulation, with less than two minutes remaining in the third period, when Brianne Jenner hit the outside of the post while Desbiens was off the ice for an extra attacker.
Victoire forward Laura Stacey briefly left the game after a collision with Ottawa forward Gabbie Hughes. This incident resulted in a faceoff outside the Charge zone with 18 seconds left in regulation. Stacey returned to the game for overtime and contributed an assist on the winning goal, highlighting her resilience in the high-stakes match.
Upcoming Match
Game 2 of the Walter Cup Finals is scheduled for Saturday afternoon in Montreal. The series continues with Montreal holding a one-game lead after their overtime victory.