The Montreal Victoire won the 2026 PWHL Walter Cup by defeating the Ottawa Charge 4-0 [1] in Game 4 [1] of the finals.
This victory marks a historic milestone for the league, as the Victoire are the first Canadian PWHL franchise to lift the trophy [3]. The win solidifies Montreal's position as a powerhouse in women's professional hockey and brings a major championship to the city.
The team celebrated their achievement with a homecoming event on Thursday morning, May 21, 2026 [4]. Fans gathered in the Verdun neighbourhood of Montreal to welcome the players and the trophy back to Quebec [5].
The championship series concluded with a dominant performance in the final game. The 4-0 [1] victory over Ottawa ensured the title remained in Canada, capping off a season of high expectations for the Montreal squad.
Teammates expressed deep emotion following the win. "I would be so lucky as a teammate to have this opportunity to share this moment with her," Ann-Renée Desbiens said [6].
The celebration in Verdun served as a public recognition of the team's effort throughout the season. The event allowed the community to engage directly with the athletes who secured the franchise's first championship title [5].
“The Montreal Victoire are the first Canadian PWHL franchise to lift the trophy.”
The Montreal Victoire's victory represents a shift in the PWHL's competitive landscape, establishing the first Canadian-based champion in the league's history. By securing the Walter Cup, Montreal not only validates its professional infrastructure but also leverages the city's deep hockey culture to increase the visibility and commercial viability of women's sports in North America.
