Dubois’ goal in 4th OT ends longest game in PWHL history as Victoire level series with Charge
After nearly seven periods and six hours of intense hockey, Montreal Victoire forward Catherine Dubois made history with a winning goal that she can barely recall. In a thrilling Game 2 of the Professional Women’s Hockey League semifinal, Dubois received a pass from Kristin O’Neill at the left circle and unleashed a wrist shot that beat Ottawa goaltender Gwyneth Philips, securing a 3-2 victory for the Montreal Victoire. The goal, scored at 15:33 of the fourth overtime period, marked the end of the longest professional women’s hockey game in North America, surpassing the previous record set in a Canadian Women’s Hockey League semifinal on March 18, 2018. This epic showdown also surpassed the longest PWHL game played exactly a year ago between Montreal and Boston.
“I blacked out,” Dubois admitted. “I don’t really remember what happened, I just remember the girls coming towards me. We dealt with the opposite last year and it hurt so I’m really happy we came away with the win.”
The victory leveled the best-of-five PWHL series at 1-1 and marked the first playoff win in the Victoire’s history. Head coach Kori Cheverie emphasized the importance of the win, stating, “With a win, it does give us a little bit of momentum. I think Ottawa came into playoffs believing in their group, and belief is a powerful tool. I think that tonight, we took a little bit of that belief in our room.”
The grueling length of the game led to some unconventional practices to keep the players going. Both teams resorted to consuming pickles, pickle juice, and even packets of mustard taped to the bench to prevent cramping. The Victoire’s team nutritionist rushed to provide peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and smoothies as the game extended far beyond what was initially anticipated.
In addition to Dubois’ heroics, O’Neill contributed a goal to accompany her game-winning assist, while Laura Stacey also found the back of the net for Montreal. Defender Anna Wilgren chipped in with two crucial assists, and goaltender Ann-Renee Desbiens stood tall with an impressive 63 saves.
Ottawa clawed back from a 2-0 deficit with two late goals in regulation, with Brianne Jenner scoring the tying goal and an assist. Aneta Tejralova also found the back of the net for the Charge, while goaltender Gwyneth Philips turned aside 53 shots.
The series now heads to Ottawa for Game 3, where both teams will look to gain the upper hand in front of their home fans. Despite the physical and mental toll of the marathon game, the players are ready to battle it out once again in pursuit of a spot in the PWHL final.
