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Montreal Victoire Mark First Canadian Walter Cup With Massive Downtown Parade

The turnout highlighted rising public support for professional women’s hockey and comes as the PWHL moves into an offseason that will reshape rosters.

Montreal Victoire goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens hoists the Walter Cup while surrounded by teammates during the team's victory celebration in Montreal, on Saturday, May 30, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christopher Katsarov
Montreal Victoire players and staff pose for a team photo after defeating the Ottawa Charge to win the PWHL Walter Cup final in Ottawa.
Montreal Victoire's Abby Roque carries the Walter Cup on May 21, the morning after the team's big win.
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Overview

  • The Victoire held a downtown parade on May 30 that drew thousands of fans to the Quartier des Spectacles after the team’s championship run.
  • Montreal clinched the PWHL title with a 4-0 Game 4 win over the Ottawa Charge on May 20, driven by Abby Roque’s two goals and a 23‑save shutout from Ann‑Renée Desbiens while Marie‑Philip Poulin was named playoff MVP.
  • Players and staff spent the week making public appearances at Montreal city hall, the Verdun Auditorium, a Canadiens playoff game and a Montreal Alliance basketball game before the parade.
  • Celebrations mixed formal honours and informal revelry as fans and players sang, toasted with beer and the Walter Cup, and shared moments officials said could inspire a new generation of female hockey players.
  • The PWHL has begun its offseason protection window and will hold an entry draft on June 17, a process expected to produce significant roster changes across the league.