Sandra Abstreiter’s persistence paid off as she achieved her first shutout in the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Friday night. In a 3-0 victory over the Ottawa Charge, Abstreiter, earning the game’s top star recognition, made 39 saves, propelling her Montreal Victoire team to the top position.
Abstreiter’s journey to this success was not without challenges. Initially drafted by Ottawa in the 2023 PWHL draft, she signed a one-year contract with the team’s inaugural season. Despite limited playing time, Abstreiter decided to join Victoire as a reserve goaltender in the following season, focusing on honing her skills with dedication.
The hard work eventually paid off, leading to a contract extension with Montreal, where she now serves as the backup goalie. Victoire head coach Kory Cheverie praised Abstreiter’s development over the past two years, emphasizing her exceptional performance in the recent game.
The game took place at the Canadian Tire Centre in front of a crowd of 17,114 fans, providing an electrifying atmosphere. Abstreiter appreciated the energy of the crowd, even though they weren’t cheering for her team, highlighting the thrill of scoring the first goal and silencing the opposing fans.
Facing her former team added an extra layer of significance to Abstreiter’s shutout achievement. Despite parting ways amicably, she expressed gratitude for her time in Ottawa while acknowledging her desire for a new challenge and role in her career.
Cheverie commended Abstreiter’s professionalism and dedication, emphasizing the tough competition in the league and the perseverance required to excel in a backup role. For the Ottawa Charge, the loss dealt a blow to their playoff aspirations, with the team now needing to secure points in their remaining games to stay in contention.
Looking ahead, Victoire will host Seattle on Tuesday, while the Charge will face Seattle on Wednesday. Both teams are gearing up for crucial matchups as the season progresses.