The Victoire's Decision Is In

The PWHL Walter Cup Playoff Semi-Final matchups are set, after the Montreal Victoire selected the back-to-back champions, Minnesota Frost. 

So far this season the Victoire have shown they aren’t scared of the Frost, becoming the first team to take a season sweep against Minnesota, winning all four matchups. This is most likely what played into their decision, however, Minnesota has proven time-and-time again they aren’t a team to mess with. 

In the first two seasons Minnesota barely made the playoffs, sliding into the last spot on the final day of the regular season, however this season was different with the Frost clinching earlier this month, so when they hit their annual end of season slump, they kept the focus on playoff preparation. And though they may have fallen in all four matchups against the Victoire this season, the Frost have shown they are a playoff team and their offence is one to watch for, ending the regular season with the most goals for with 91. 

The Frost also lead in all three offensive categories, with Kelly Pannek leading the league in goals and points and Britta Curl-Salemme leading in assists. Joining them at the top of the rankings is Taylor Heise who is third in goals and second in points and assists; rookie Kendall Cooper who is tied for second in assists; and Grace Zumwinkle who is tied for third in goals this season. 

While for the Victoire Ann-Renée Desbiens leads all of the goalie categories with 19 wins this season, a 0.995 save percentage, and a 1.11 goals against average. Desbiens has been a consistent force for the Victoire all season, through several injuries to key players like Marie-Philip Poulin and Erin Ambrose. Who are both back in the lineup ahead of the Victoire's 2026 playoff run, where they’ll look to advance past the opening round for the first time against an experienced Minnesota team. 

Stay tuned for more on the playoffs, be sure to follow @beckpointmedia on all platforms to get the latest news.