Goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens delivered a clutch third-period performance, stopping all 11 shots she faced to secure a hard-fought 3-2 victory for the Montreal Victoire over the visiting Toronto Sceptres. The Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) matchup took place on Sunday, December 7, 2025, at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec.
Victoire Builds Early Lead With First-Period Strike
The home side opened the scoring in the first period, with defender Kati Tabin finding the back of the net. The goal was celebrated with teammates Shiann Darkangelo, Maggie Flaherty, and Natalie Mlynkova, as captured in a photo by Graham Hughes of The Canadian Press. This early marker set the tone for a competitive, back-and-forth contest between the two franchises.
Desbiens Slams the Door in the Final Frame
After two periods of play, the Victoire held a narrow lead. The final twenty minutes belonged to Desbiens, however, as the Toronto Sceptres pressed relentlessly for the equalizer. Facing a barrage of 11 shots in the third period alone, Desbiens stood tall, turning aside every opportunity to preserve Montreal's advantage. Her composure under pressure was the definitive factor in closing out the win.
Victoire Continues Push in PWHL Standings
The victory provides crucial points for Montreal as the PWHL season progresses. Games between these founding franchises are always highly anticipated, and this contest lived up to the billing with its tight checking and dramatic finish. The win, sealed by Desbiens' stellar late-game heroics, underscores the importance of elite goaltending in the league's competitive landscape.
The teams are scheduled to meet again later in the season as they continue to battle for playoff positioning in the burgeoning professional women's hockey league.
