The Montreal Victoire have officially advanced to the 2026 Walter Cup Finals after defeating the Minnesota Frost 2–1 in a dramatic playoff victory.
Montreal will now face the Ottawa Charge in an all-Canadian championship series, marking a major milestone for professional women’s hockey in Canada.
Game 1 of the best-of-five final takes place at Place Bell in Laval, just north of Montreal, where fans are expected to fill the arena for one of the biggest women’s hockey events in Canadian sports this year.
The Walter Cup Final guarantees that the PWHL championship trophy will remain in Canada this season. Following Montreal’s victory, Mark Carney congratulated the Victoire for securing their place in the final, noting that “whatever happens, the Walter Cup is coming home.”
Montreal’s playoff run has showcased strong defensive structure, disciplined puck movement, and clutch performances in key moments. Their victory over Minnesota was especially significant, as the Frost entered the series as two-time defending champions.
The Victoire managed to slow Minnesota’s offensive pressure while capitalizing on scoring opportunities, demonstrating the maturity and balance that have defined their season.
Several players have played major roles in Montreal’s playoff success:
Meanwhile, Ottawa enters the final with momentum and physical play, making this matchup one of the most anticipated in PWHL history.
The series is expected to generate significant attention across Quebec and Ontario, with fans traveling between Montreal, Laval, Ottawa, and Hamilton to follow the games.
At the same time as Montreal’s playoff success, the Professional Women's Hockey League announced major expansion plans for next season.
Two new franchises will join the league:
League officials selected Hamilton partly because of its exceptionally strong female hockey participation rates. More than 16,000 fans attended the PWHL Takeover Tour event at TD Coliseum earlier this year, making it one of the league’s largest showcase crowds.
The Hamilton franchise will feature team colors of gold, maroon, and cream, with additional details expected during upcoming announcements.
The expansion reflects the rapid growth of women’s hockey and the increasing demand for professional teams across North America.
Fans unable to attend games at Place Bell can still enjoy the series throughout Montreal and Laval:
The atmosphere around Place Bell and downtown Laval is expected to intensify as the final progresses.
Major playoff events create heavy traffic around Place Bell and nearby areas, especially during evening games. Organized transportation can help groups avoid parking challenges and simplify travel logistics.
Layman Transport has long supported Canadian women’s hockey and maintains a long-standing partnership with the PWHL, providing charter bus rental services with driver for both corporate and individual groups traveling to games and league events.
With coach buses, minibuses, Sprinter vans, and executive transportation options, Layman Transport supports group travel throughout Montreal, Laval, Ottawa, Toronto, and Hamilton during major sporting events.
— Layman
