Ann-Renée Desbiens showcased a stellar performance, making 21 crucial saves, with 11 coming in the final period, leading the Montreal Victoire to a 3-1 victory over the Toronto Sceptres in Professional Women’s Hockey League action held at Place Bell in Laval, Quebec. Kati Tabin, Hayley Scamurra, and Laura Stacey found the back of the net for the Victoire (2-0-0-1), securing their second consecutive win. Toronto (2-0-0-2) had Raygan Kirk making 27 saves, while Emma Gentry scored her inaugural PWHL goal in the defeat.
Tabin initiated the scoring at 8:38 of the opening period, registering her first goal of the season as her shot navigated through traffic and past Kirk. Despite dominating play early, Montreal was denied a second goal in the first period when Marie-Philip Poulin’s apparent goal was disallowed following a review for a kicking motion. The Victoire sustained their momentum into the second period, going up 2-0 with Scamurra’s shot deflecting off Toronto’s Kali Flanagan into the net.
Scamurra, who joined Montreal in the offseason, secured her first goal of the season and faced her former team, Toronto, for the first time since playing 19 games with them last season. Gentry got Toronto on the scoreboard early in the third period, but Stacey swiftly responded to restore Montreal’s two-goal advantage. Despite facing a full two-minute five-on-three penalty kill, Montreal’s defense held firm, with Desbiens making key saves to maintain their lead.
This matchup marked the first of three games between Montreal and Toronto, set in different arenas. The teams are scheduled to clash again on Dec. 17 in Halifax as part of the PWHL’s Takeover Tour and once more on Dec. 27 at the Bell Centre.
