The Montreal Victoire continued their winning momentum with a solid 3-1 victory over the Toronto Sceptres in Professional Women's Hockey League action on Sunday, December 7, 2025. The game took place at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec.
Desbiens Stands Tall in Net
Goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens was a cornerstone of the win, turning aside 21 shots to backstop the Victoire to their second consecutive victory. Her performance was particularly crucial during a late-game, two-minute five-on-three advantage for Toronto, where she made five saves, including a key stop on Ella Shelton.
For the visiting Sceptres, netminder Raygan Kirk made 27 saves in a losing effort.
Scoring Summary and Key Moments
Kati Tabin opened the scoring for Montreal at the 8:38 mark of the first period. Her shot from the point found its way through traffic and past Kirk, giving the Victoire an early lead they would not relinquish. Montreal dominated the opening frame, outshooting Toronto 12-3.
The Victoire thought they had doubled their lead later in the period when Marie-Philip Poulin found the net, but the goal was disallowed after a video review ruled she had used a distinct kicking motion.
Montreal did extend their lead to 2-0 early in the second period. Hayley Scamurra, playing against her former team, saw her centring pass deflect off Toronto defender Kali Flanagan and into the net. Scamurra had played 19 games for the Sceptres during the previous season.
Toronto cut the deficit early in the third period when Emma Gentry fired a shot over Desbiens's shoulder for her first career PWHL goal at 1:36.
Any hope of a Sceptres comeback was short-lived. Laura Stacey responded for Montreal just a few minutes later, scoring to restore the two-goal cushion and effectively seal the 3-1 win.
Looking Ahead in the Series
This contest was the first of three consecutive meetings between these two PWHL rivals. The teams are set to face off again on December 17 in Halifax as part of the league's Takeover Tour. They will then conclude this stretch of games at the Bell Centre in Montreal on December 27.
The victory strengthens Montreal's position as they build consistency mid-season, while Toronto will look to bounce back and find more offensive finish in the upcoming rematches.
