The Montreal Victoire showcased their home dominance in the Professional Women’s Hockey League with a 4-1 victory over the Seattle Torrent at Place Bell, marking their 10th win at the venue this season. This achievement made Montreal the first PWHL team to achieve 10 wins in a single venue within a season. The Victoire maintained an impressive 10-1-0 home record, with just one win coming outside of regulation play. Sitting atop the eight-team standings, Montreal is in a tight race with the Boston Fleet for the top spot.
Meanwhile, Boston secured a 5-1 win over the Vancouver Goldeneyes in a neutral-site game in Edmonton, trailing Montreal by just one point in the standings. Both Montreal, Boston, and the Minnesota Frost have secured playoff berths, while the final playoff spot remains up for grabs.
The Victoire are focused on securing home-ice advantage for the playoffs, which Montreal head coach Kori Cheverie emphasized as crucial for their experienced team. Place Bell, known for its lively atmosphere with DJ sets resembling a club vibe, has been a significant factor in Montreal’s success, with players feeding off the energy during games.
Despite the loud environment at Place Bell, opposing players have praised the unique atmosphere created by the fans and music. Seattle forward Mikyla Grant-Mentis, who previously played in Montreal, expressed her admiration for the vibrant atmosphere at the arena. The Victoire aim to clinch their first Walter Cup championship, with a current streak of 14 games earning at least one point.
In another game, the Boston Fleet defeated the Vancouver Goldeneyes 5-1, extending their win streak to five games. Boston is in close contention with Montreal and has already secured a playoff spot alongside Minnesota. The PWHL brought a neutral-site game to Edmonton, sparking rumors of potential league expansion in the city for the upcoming season.