Overview

• Top-seeded Montreal Victoire chose the Ottawa Charge for their semifinal matchup, citing proximity and Ottawa’s playoff inexperience as factors.
• Montreal will rely on league-leading scorer Marie-Philip Poulin and standout goaltender Ann-Renée Desbiens to secure a spot in the Walter Cup finals.
• Ottawa enters its first postseason without starting goalie Emerance Maschmeyer, leaning on rookie Gwyneth Philips, who has performed strongly under pressure.
• Toronto seeks redemption against Minnesota after last year’s collapse, with key players Natalie Spooner and Sarah Nurse returning from injuries.
• Defending champion Minnesota Frost, led by captain Kendall Coyne Schofield, is determined to build on their momentum after clinching the final playoff spot.