The Ottawa Charge are on the cusp of a historic achievement, needing just three more wins to transform their remarkable underdog journey into a Walter Cup championship. After a stunning upset of the Boston Fleet in the semifinals, the Charge now face their toughest test yet: the Montreal Victoire in an all-Canadian final.
Game 1 Details
The best-of-five series begins Thursday, May 14, at 7 p.m. at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec. Game 2 follows on Saturday, May 16, at 2 p.m., before the action shifts to Ottawa's Canadian Tire Centre for Game 3 on May 18 at 6 p.m. If necessary, Game 4 will be played on May 20 at 7 p.m., and a decisive Game 5 would return to Laval.
Underdog Spirit
Ottawa finished the regular season 18 points behind Montreal, with 17 wins (nine in regulation, eight in overtime) while scoring 71 goals and allowing 73. In contrast, Montreal dominated with 22 wins in 30 games, scoring 78 goals and conceding just 41—the fewest in the league. Despite the gap, the Charge have embraced their underdog role, as captain Brianne Jenner noted: "It's not easy to get to this point. We know there's one step left, and it's going to be the hardest step, but I'm super proud of this group."
Key Challenges
The Charge struggled against Montreal this season, losing three of four meetings. Their only victory came on March 22, a 2-1 overtime win thanks to Rebecca Leslie's game-winner. Ottawa must find a way to solve Montreal's goaltending, which has been a formidable barrier. Star goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens has been tough, and backup Sandra Abstreiter recorded a 39-save shutout on April 3. Additionally, Montreal has a perfect record at the Canadian Tire Centre, winning both previous matchups there.
Momentum and Confidence
Ottawa enters the final with significant momentum after eliminating the Boston Fleet in four games, capped by a thrilling double-overtime victory on Sunday. Montreal also carries momentum, having defeated the two-time defending champion Minnesota Frost in the other semifinal. The Charge will need to rely on their resilience and the "Michela Cava Factor"—Cava scored the double-overtime winner against Boston—to overcome the odds.
Series Outlook
This all-Canadian final promises intense competition. Ottawa's path to the Walter Cup requires solving Montreal's stingy defense, maintaining their own defensive discipline, and continuing to thrive as underdogs. The Charge have already proven they can defy expectations; now they aim to capture the ultimate prize.
